Tumor microenvironment participates in metastasis of pancreatic cancer

M6A-mediated molecular patterns and tumor microenvironment infiltration characterization in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most predominant RNA epigenetic regulation in eukaryotic cells. Numerous evidence revealed that m6A modification exerts a crucial role in the regulation of tumor microenvironment (TME) cell infiltration in several tumors. Nevertheless, the potential role and mechanism of m6A modification in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unknown. mRNA expression data and clinical information from GSE102349, and GSE53819 datasets obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used for differential gene expression and subsequent analysis. Consensus clustering was used to identify m6A-related molecular patterns of 88 NPC samples based on prognostic m6A regulators using Univariate Cox analysis. The TME cell-infiltrating characteristics of each m6A-related subclass were explored using single-sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) algorithm and CIBERSORT algotithm. DEGs between two m6A-related subclasses were screened using edgeR package. The prognostic signature and predicated nomogram were constructed based on the m6A-related DEGs. The cell infiltration and expression of prognostic signature in NPC was determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Chi-square test was used to analysis the significance of difference of the categorical variables. And survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests. The NPC samples were divided into two m6A-related subclasses. The TME cell-infiltrating characteristics analyses indicated that cluster 1 is characterized by immune-related and metabolism pathways activation, better response to anit-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 treatment and chemotherapy. And cluster 2 is characterized by stromal activation, low expression of HLA family and immune checkpoints, and a worse response to anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 treatment and chemotherapy. Furthermore, we identified 1558 DEGs between two m6A-related subclasses and constructed prognostic signatures to predicate the progression-free survival (PFS) for NPC patients. Compared to non-tumor samples, REEP2, TMSB15A, DSEL, and ID4 were upregulated in NPC samples. High expression of REEP2 and TMSB15A showed poor survival in NPC patients. The interaction between REEP2, TMSB15A, DSEL, ID4, and m6A regulators was detected. Our finding indicated that m6A modification plays an important role in the regulation of TME heterogeneity and complexity.

Neutrophils as promising therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer liver metastasis

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by an extremely poor prognosis and presents significant treatment challenges. Liver metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with pancreatic cancer. Recent studies have highlighted the significant impact of neutrophils on tumor occurrence and progression, as well as their crucial role in the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment. Neutrophil infiltration plays a critical role in the progression and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Neutrophils contribute to pancreatic cancer liver metastasis through various mechanisms, including angiogenesis, immune suppression, immune evasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Therefore, targeting neutrophils holds promise as an important therapeutic strategy for inhibiting pancreatic cancer liver metastasis. This article provides a summary of research findings on the involvement of neutrophils in pancreatic cancer liver metastasis and analyzes their potential as therapeutic targets. This research may provide new insights for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and improve the prognosis of patients with this disease.

Design and synthesis of 6,20-epoxy A-ring modified oridonin derivatives with antitumor activity through extrinsic and mitochondrial pathways

Oridonin is an antitumor ent-kaurane diterpenoid that medicinal chemists have been paying close attention to in recent years. Herein, a novel 6,20-epoxy A-ring modified oridonin derivative 2 was obtained by a 6-step synthesis. A series of 14-O derivatives of 2 (EpskA1-EpskA24) were synthesized to further enhance the activity. Based on their cytotoxicity against MCF-7, A549 and L-02 cells, EpskA9, EpskA10 and EpskA21 were chosen for further screening to obtain a wider antitumor spectrum. Collectively, EpskA21 showed the most potent antiproliferative activity, inhibiting proliferation and migration, and inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 and MIA-PaCa-2 cells. With the help of network pharmacology analysis, apoptosis-related proteins were selected and further tested by western blot assay. The inhibition of PI3K/AKT and an increase in the levels of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, Cyt-C, cleaved-Caspase-9, cleaved-Caspase-3 and cleaved-PARP was observed, indicating that EpskA21 induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Given that an increase in DR5 expression and activated Caspase-8 were also observed, the extrinsic apoptosis pathway might also be related to the antitumor effect.

Pancreatic Epithelial IL17/IL17RA Signaling Drives B7-H4 Expression to Promote Tumorigenesis

IL17 is required for the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer, particularly in the context of inflammation, as previously shown by genetic and pharmacological approaches. However, the cellular compartment and downstream molecular mediators of IL17-mediated pancreatic tumorigenesis have not been fully identified. This study examined the cellular compartment required by generating transgenic animals with IL17 receptor A (IL17RA), which was genetically deleted from either the pancreatic epithelial compartment or the hematopoietic compartment via generation of IL17RA-deficient (IL17-RA-/-) bone marrow chimeras, in the context of embryonically activated or inducible Kras. Deletion of IL17RA from the pancreatic epithelial compartment, but not from hematopoietic compartment, resulted in delayed initiation and progression of premalignant lesions and increased infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells to the tumor microenvironment. Absence of IL17RA in the pancreatic compartment affected transcriptional profiles of epithelial cells, modulating stemness, and immunological pathways. B7-H4, a known inhibitor of T-cell activation encoded by the gene Vtcn1, was the checkpoint molecule most upregulated via IL17 early during pancreatic tumorigenesis, and its genetic deletion delayed the development of pancreatic premalignant lesions and reduced immunosuppression. Thus, our data reveal that pancreatic epithelial IL17RA promotes pancreatic tumorigenesis by reprogramming the immune pancreatic landscape, which is partially orchestrated by regulation of B7-H4. Our findings provide the foundation of the mechanisms triggered by IL17 to mediate pancreatic tumorigenesis and reveal the avenues for early pancreatic cancer immune interception. See related Spotlight by Lee and Pasca di Magliano, p. 1130.

Role of LMO7 in cancer (Review)

Cancer constitutes a multifaceted ailment characterized by the dysregulation of numerous genes and pathways. Among these, LIM domain only 7 (LMO7) has emerged as a significant player in various cancer types, garnering substantial attention for its involvement in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. This review endeavors to furnish a comprehensive discourse on the functional intricacies and mechanisms of LMO7 in cancer, with a particular emphasis on its potential as both a therapeutic target and prognostic indicator. It delves into the molecular attributes of LMO7, its implications in cancer etiology and the underlying mechanisms propelling its oncogenic properties. Furthermore, it underscores the extant challenges and forthcoming prospects in targeting LMO7 for combating cancer.

Microfluidic Device with an Oxygen Gradient Generator for Investigating Effects of Specific Hypoxia Conditions on Responses of Tumor Cells

The oxygen level in the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in regulating cell fates such as proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and so forth. To better elucidate how hypoxia affects tumor cell behaviors, a series of microfluidic strategies have been utilized to generate an oxygen gradient covering both hypoxia and normoxia conditions. However, in most studies, some chemicals are introduced into microfluidic chips, causing the potential of their poor biocompatibility. The common oxygen gradient with linear variation does not allow the effects of specific oxygen concentrations on tumor cells to be analyzed accurately. In this paper, based on the physical method of gas diffusion, a microfluidic device integrated with an oxygen gradient generator is proposed for investigating effects of different hypoxia levels on responses of tumor cells. This device consists of three layers, i.e., upper layer, thin film layer, and bottom layer. The upper layer is used for introducing the initial gas and generating an oxygen gradient in the form of gas. The bottom layer is used for introducing cells and culture medium. The thin film layer separates the former two layers, allowing the gas to diffuse from the top to the bottom through it. The oxygen gradient in the bottom layer is finally generated in the form of dissolved oxygen. The device is fabricated using microfabrication technology. The effects of structural and working parameters of the device on the oxygen gradient are evaluated by finite element simulation. The oxygen gradient in cell culture channels is characterized by using oxygen-sensitive fluorescence materials. The proliferation and morphology of HeLa cells under specific oxygen levels are compared after culturing for 48 h. The oxygen gradient with a ladder-like distribution demonstrates that this microfluidic device can provide a prospective experimental platform for in vitro cell studies and revelation of the mechanism of tumor metastasis associated with a specific hypoxic microenvironment.

Medical textile implants: hybrid fibrous constructions towards improved performances

OBJECTIVES

One main challenge for textile implants is to limit the foreign body reaction (FBR) and in particular the fibrosis development once the device is implanted. Fibrotic tissue in-growth depends on the fiber size, the pore size, and the organization of the fibrous construction. Basically, non-woven fibrous assemblies present a more favorable interface to biological tissues than do woven structures. However, they are mechanically less strong. In order to combine both strength and appropriate topography properties, the design of a hybrid fibrous construct was considered and discussed in this work.

METHODS

Two polyethylene terephthalate (PET) weaves (satin and plain) were assembled with a non-woven PET mat, using an ultrasound welding process.

RESULTS

The physical and mechanical properties of the construction as well as its ability to interact with the biological environment were then evaluated. In particular, the wettability of the obtained substrate as well as its ability to interact with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) at 24 h (adhesion) and 72 h (proliferation) in vitro were studied.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the non-woven layer helps limiting cell proliferation in the plain weave construction and promotes conversely proliferation in the satin construction.

Precision Targeting Strategies in Pancreatic Cancer: The Role of Tumor Microenvironment

Pancreatic cancer demonstrates an ever-increasing incidence over the last years and represents one of the top causes of cancer-associated mortality. Cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME) interact with cancer cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors to preserve cancer cells' metabolism, inhibit drug delivery, enhance immune suppression mechanisms and finally develop resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. New strategies target TME genetic alterations and specific pathways in cell populations of the TME. Complex molecular interactions develop between PDAC cells and TME cell populations including cancer-associated fibroblasts, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, pancreatic stellate cells, tumor-associated macrophages, tumor-associated neutrophils, and regulatory T cells. In the present review, we aim to fully explore the molecular landscape of the pancreatic cancer TME cell populations and discuss current TME targeting strategies to provide thoughts for further research and preclinical testing.

Pancreatic head carcinoma derived from the dorsal pancreas is more likely to metastasize early than from the ventral pancreas through microvascular invasion

The development of the pancreatic head originates from the fusion of the ventral and dorsal pancreatic primordia during embryonic development. Theoretically, the origin of pancreatic head cancer also exists from the ventral pancreas and the dorsal pancreas. Among 49 patients with pancreatic head cancer, pancreatic head cancer was divided into pancreatic head cancer originating from the ventral (PHCv) or dorsal pancreas (PHCd) through imaging and pathological classification. The clinical data was collected and compared between the PHCv group and the PHCd group. The results showed that the patients from the PHCd group had worse long-term survival than those from the PHCv group (10 months vs 14.5 months). Similarly, the progression-free survival (PFS) results also indicate that patients from the PHCd group had a shorter time than those from the PHCv group (5 months vs 9.5 months). Further stratified analysis of potentially related factors showed that microvascular invasion is related to poor prognosis, and patients with pancreatic head cancer derived from the dorsal pancreas are more likely to develop microvascular invasion.

Investigation of the relationship between COVID-19 and pancreatic cancer using bioinformatics and systems biology approaches

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, poses a huge threat to human health. Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant tumor with high mortality. Research suggests that infection with SARS-CoV-2 may increase disease severity and risk of death in patients with pancreatic cancer, while pancreatic cancer may also increase the likelihood of contracting SARS-CoV-2, but the link is unclear.

METHODS

This study investigated the transcriptional profiles of COVID-19 and PC patients, along with their respective healthy controls, using bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to uncover the molecular mechanisms linking the 2 diseases. Specifically, gene expression data for COVID-19 and PC patients were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, and common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the common DEGs to elucidate the regulatory relationships between the diseases. Additionally, hub genes were identified by constructing a protein-protein interaction network from the shared DEGs. Using these hub genes, we conducted regulatory network analyses of microRNA/transcription factors-genes relationships, and predicted potential drugs for treating COVID-19 and PC.

RESULTS

A total of 1722 and 2979 DEGs were identified from the transcriptome data of PC (GSE119794) and COVID-19 (GSE196822), respectively. Among these, 236 common DEGs were found between COVID-19 and PC based on protein-protein interaction analysis. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these shared DEGs were involved in pathways related to viral genome replication and tumorigenesis. Additionally, 10 hub genes, including extra spindle pole bodies like 1, holliday junction recognition protein, marker of proliferation Ki-67, kinesin family member 4A, cyclin-dependent kinase 1, topoisomerase II alpha, cyclin B2, ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 C, aurora kinase B, and targeting protein for Xklp2, were identified. Regulatory network analysis revealed 42 transcription factors and 23 microRNAs as transcriptional regulatory signals. Importantly, lucanthone, etoposide, troglitazone, resveratrol, calcitriol, ciclopirox, dasatinib, enterolactone, methotrexate, and irinotecan emerged as potential therapeutic agents against both COVID-19 and PC.

CONCLUSION

This study unveils potential shared pathogenic mechanisms between PC and COVID-19, offering novel insights for future research and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of PC and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

ZFHX3 methylation in peripheral blood monocytes as a potential biomarker for pancreatic cancer detection

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the digestive malignancy with poor prognosis, and there is still a lack of effective diagnostic biomarkers.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the diagnostic efficiency of DNA methylation in peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) in PDAC.

METHODS

850K BeadChips were used to detect genome-wide methylation of PBMCs. For the selected sites, MethylTarget assays was used for further verification. The support vector machine was used to establish the combined panel.

RESULTS

A total of 167 PDAC patients and 113 healthy controls were included in this study and were divided into three sets. In the discovery set, we found 4625 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) between cancer group and healthy controls. ZFHX3 (0.16 ± 0.04 vs. 0.18 ± 0.04, P = 0.001), cg01904886 (0.84 ± 0.05 vs. 0.81 ± 0.04, P = 0.02) and NUMBL (0.96 ± 0.005 vs. 0.957 ± 0.005, P = 0.04) were found to be significantly different in training set. The locus with more significant differences, namely ZFHX3, was used for further validation and to establish a combined diagnostic panel with CA19-9. In the validation set, the ROC curve indicated that the AUC value of ZFHX3 was 0.75. The AUC value of the combined model (AUC = 0.92) was higher than that of CA19-9 alone (AUC = 0.88). In patients with normal CA19-9 levels, the ZFHX3 methylation biomarker still maintained good diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.71).

CONCLUSION

Our study preliminarily suggests that ZFHX3 methylation combined with CA19-9 can improve the detection rate of PDAC. Especially in patients with normal CA19-9, ZFHX3 methylation can maintain stable diagnostic efficacy. The diagnostic value of ZFHX3 methylation still needs to be prospectively validated.

Cancer-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Affect Vascular Endothelial Cells and Promote Adhesiveness of Pancreatic Cancer Cells

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies due to the high rate of metastasis. The mechanisms underlying metastasis need to be elucidated. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) mediate cell-to-cell communication, and cancer-derived sEVs contribute to the formation of premetastatic niches. The present study examined changes in adhesiveness by the internalization of PC-derived sEVs into vascular endothelial cells, and investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pancreatic cancer-derived sEVs were internalized into vascular endothelial cells, and changes in adhesiveness were evaluated. We evaluated the effects of sEVs on the formation of liver metastasis in vivo. We also assessed molecular changes in vascular endothelial cells by the internalization of PC-derived sEVs.

RESULTS

The internalization of PC-derived sEVs into vascular endothelial cells promoted the adhesiveness of vascular endothelial cells and PC cells. Pancreatic cancer-derived sEVs contained high levels of transforming growth factor β1 mRNA and acted as its transporter. Once PC-derived sEVs were internalized into vascular endothelial cells, the expression of fibronectin 1 increased on the cell surface, and the adhesiveness of vascular endothelial cells was enhanced.

CONCLUSIONS

We investigated association between PC-derived sEVs and adhesiveness. Regulation of PC-derived sEVs has potential as a therapeutic modality to suppress the metastasis of PC.

SPOP expression is associated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Speckle Type POZ Protein (SPOP), despite its tumor type-dependent role in tumorigenesis, primarily as a tumor suppressor gene is associated with a variety of different cancers. However, its function in pancreatic cancer remains uncertain.

METHODS

SPOP expression and the association between its expression and patient prognosis and immune function were evaluated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2.0 (TIMER2.0) database, cBioportal, and various bioinformatic databases. Enrichment analysis of SPOP and the association between SPOP expression with clinical stage and grade were analyzed using the R software package. Then immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to estimate the correlation between SPOP and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in patients with pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

As part of our study, we assessed that SPOP was anomalously expressed in kinds of cancers, associated with clinical stage and outcomes. Meanwhile, SPOP also played a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The expression level of SPOP was significantly correlated to tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) in pancreatic cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study uncovered the potential corrections in SPOP with TICs, suggesting that SPOP may act as a biomarker for immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer.

A Novel Pancreatic Cancer Hypoxia Status Related Gene Signature for Prognosis and Therapeutic Responses

Pancreatic cancer (PAC) is a highly fatal and aggressive type of cancer. Hypoxia is a common feature of PAC. The aim of this study was to develop a hypoxia status-related prognostic model for predicting the survival outcomes in PAC. The data sets of PAC from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the International Cancer Genome Consortium were used to construct and validate the signature. A 6 hypoxia status-related differential expression genes prognostic model for predicting the survival outcomes was established. The Kaplan-Meier analysis and Received operating characteristic curve indicated the good performance of the signature at predicting overall survival. Univariate and Multivariate Cox regression revealed that the signature was an independent prognostic factor in PAC. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis and immune infiltration analysis indicated that Immune-related pathways and immune cell infiltration was mostly enriched in the low-risk group, which presented a better prognosis. We also evaluated the predictive of the signature for immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. Risk gene LY6D may be a potential prognostic predictor of PAC. This model can be used as an independent prognostic factor for predicting clinical outcomes and a possible classifier for response to chemotherapy.

Brd4::Nutm1 fusion gene initiates NUT carcinoma in vivo

NUT carcinoma (NC) is an aggressive cancer with no effective treatment. About 70% of NUT carcinoma is associated with chromosome translocation events that lead to the formation of a BRD4::NUTM1 fusion gene. Because the BRD4::NUTM1 gene is unequivocally cytotoxic when ectopically expressed in cell lines, questions remain on whether the fusion gene can initiate NC. Here, we report the first genetically engineered mouse model for NUT carcinoma that recapitulates the human t(15;19) chromosome translocation in mice. We demonstrated that the mouse t(2;17) syntenic chromosome translocation, forming the Brd4::Nutm1 fusion gene, could induce aggressive carcinomas in mice. The tumors present histopathological and molecular features similar to human NC, with enrichment of undifferentiated cells. Similar to the reports of human NC incidence, Brd4::Nutm1 can induce NC from a broad range of tissues with a strong phenotypical variability. The consistent induction of poorly differentiated carcinoma demonstrated a strong reprogramming activity of BRD4::NUTM1. The new mouse model provided a critical preclinical model for NC that will lead to better understanding and therapy development for NC.

Cargo-eliminated osteosarcoma-derived small extracellular vesicles mediating competitive cellular uptake for inhibiting pulmonary metastasis of osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) derived small extracellular vesicles (OS-sEVs) have been shown to induce the formation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), characterized by elevated pro-inflammatory factor expression and enhanced migratory and contractile abilities. These CAFs play a crucial role in priming lung metastasis by orchestrating the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) in the lung. Disrupting the communication between OS-sEVs and lung fibroblasts (LFs) emerges as a potent strategy to hinder OS pulmonary metastasis. Our previously established saponin-mediated cargo-elimination strategy effectively reduces the cancer-promoting ability of tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles (TsEVs) while preserving their inherent targeting capability. In this study, we observed that cargo-eliminated OS-sEVs (CE-sEVs) display minimal pro-tumoral and LFs activation potential, yet retain their ability to target LFs. The uptake of OS-sEVs by LFs can be concentration-dependently suppressed by CE-sEVs, preventing the conversion of LFs into CAFs and thus inhibiting PMN formation and pulmonary metastasis of OS. In summary, this study proposes a potential strategy to prevent LFs activation, PMN formation in the lung, and OS pulmonary metastasis through competitive inhibition of OS-sEVs' function by CE-sEVs.

Fine-needle aspiration technique under endoscopic ultrasound guidance: A technical approach for RNA profiling of pancreatic neoplasms

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been a longstanding challenge. The prognosis of patients with PDAC depends on the stage at diagnosis. It is necessary to identify biomarkers for the detection and differentiation of pancreatic tumors and optimize PDAC sample preparation procedures for DNA and RNA analysis. Most molecular studies are done using paraffin-embedded blocks; however, the integrity of DNA and RNA is often compromised in this format. Moreover, RNA isolated from human pancreatic tissue samples is generally of low quality, in part, because of the high concentration of endogenous pancreatic RNAse activity present.

AIM

To assess the potential of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) to obtain specimens from pancreatic neoplasms for subsequent RNA molecular profiling, including next-generation sequencing (NGS).

METHODS

Thirty-four EUS-FNA samples were included in this study: PDAC (n = 15), chronic pancreatitis (n = 5), pancreatic cysts (n = 14), mucinous cysts (mucinous cystic neoplasia/intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia) n = 7, serous cystic neoplasms n = 5, and pseudocysts n = 2. Cyst material consisted of cyst fluid and cyst wall samples obtained by through-the-needle biopsy (TTNB). Samples were stored at -80 °C until analysis. RNA purity (A260/230, A260/280 ratios), concentration, and integrity (RIN) were assessed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted on all samples, and small RNA libraries were prepared from solid mass samples.

RESULTS

RNA was successfully extracted from 29/34 (85%) EUS-FNA samples: 100% pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples, 100% chronic pancreatitis samples, 70% pancreatic fluid cyst samples, and 50% TTNB samples. The relative expression of GAPDH and HPRT were obtained for all successfully extracted RNA samples (n = 29) including low-quality RNA specimens. Low concentration and nonoptimal RIN values (no less than 3) of RNA extracted from EUS-FNA samples did not prevent NGS library preparation. The suitability of cyst fluid samples for RNA profiling varied. The quality of RNA extracted from mucinous cyst fluid had a median RIN of 7.7 (5.0-8.2), which was compatible with that from solid neoplasms [6.2 (0-7.8)], whereas the quality of the RNA extracted from all fluids of serous cystic neoplasms and TTNB samples had a RIN of 0.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate the high potential of EUS-FNA material for RNA profiling of various pancreatic lesions, including low-quality RNA specimens.

In-silico analysis of TMEM2 as a pancreatic adenocarcinoma and cancer-associated fibroblast biomarker, and functional characterization of NSC777201, for targeted drug development

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), known as one of the deadliest cancers, is characterized by a complex tumor microenvironment, primarily comprised of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the extracellular matrix. These CAFs significantly alter the matrix by interacting with hyaluronic acid (HA) and the enzyme hyaluronidase, which degrades HA - an essential process for cancer progression and spread. Despite the critical role of this interaction, the specific functions of CAFs and hyaluronidase in PAAD development are not fully understood. Our study investigates this interaction and assesses NSC777201, a new anti-cancer compound targeting hyaluronidase. This research utilized computational methods to analyze gene expression data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, specifically GSE172096, comparing gene expression profiles of cancer-associated and normal fibroblasts. We conducted in-house sequencing of pancreatic cancer cells treated with NSC777201 to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and performed functional enrichment and pathway analysis. The identified DEGs were further validated using the TCGA-PAAD and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases for their diagnostic, prognostic, and survival implications, accompanied by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and molecular docking of NSC777201, in-vitro, and preclinical in-vivo validations. The result revealed 416 DEGs associated with CAFs and 570 DEGs related to NSC777201 treatment, with nine overlapping DEGs. A key finding was the transmembrane protein TMEM2, which strongly correlated with FAP, a CAF marker, and was associated with higher-risk groups in PAAD. NSC777201 treatment showed inhibition of TMEM2, validated by rescue assay, indicating the importance of targeting TMEM2. Further analyses, including IPA, demonstrated that NSC777201 regulates CAF cell senescence, enhancing its therapeutic potential. Both in-vitro and in-vivo studies confirmed the inhibitory effect of NSC777201 on TMEM2 expression, reinforcing its role in targeting PAAD. Therefore, TMEM2 has been identified as a theragnostic biomarker in PAAD, influenced by CAF activity and HA accumulation. NSC777201 exhibits significant potential in targeting and potentially reversing critical processes in PAAD progression, demonstrating its efficacy as a promising therapeutic agent.

Fine-needle aspiration technique under endoscopic ultrasound guidance: A technical approach for RNA profiling of pancreatic neoplasms

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been a longstanding challenge. The prognosis of patients with PDAC depends on the stage at diagnosis. It is necessary to identify biomarkers for the detection and differentiation of pancreatic tumors and optimize PDAC sample preparation procedures for DNA and RNA analysis. Most molecular studies are done using paraffin-embedded blocks; however, the integrity of DNA and RNA is often compromised in this format. Moreover, RNA isolated from human pancreatic tissue samples is generally of low quality, in part, because of the high concentration of endogenous pancreatic RNAse activity present.

AIM

To assess the potential of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) to obtain specimens from pancreatic neoplasms for subsequent RNA molecular profiling, including next-generation sequencing (NGS).

METHODS

Thirty-four EUS-FNA samples were included in this study: PDAC (n = 15), chronic pancreatitis (n = 5), pancreatic cysts (n = 14), mucinous cysts (mucinous cystic neoplasia/intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia) n = 7, serous cystic neoplasms n = 5, and pseudocysts n = 2. Cyst material consisted of cyst fluid and cyst wall samples obtained by through-the-needle biopsy (TTNB). Samples were stored at -80 °C until analysis. RNA purity (A260/230, A260/280 ratios), concentration, and integrity (RIN) were assessed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted on all samples, and small RNA libraries were prepared from solid mass samples.

RESULTS

RNA was successfully extracted from 29/34 (85%) EUS-FNA samples: 100% pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples, 100% chronic pancreatitis samples, 70% pancreatic fluid cyst samples, and 50% TTNB samples. The relative expression of GAPDH and HPRT were obtained for all successfully extracted RNA samples (n = 29) including low-quality RNA specimens. Low concentration and nonoptimal RIN values (no less than 3) of RNA extracted from EUS-FNA samples did not prevent NGS library preparation. The suitability of cyst fluid samples for RNA profiling varied. The quality of RNA extracted from mucinous cyst fluid had a median RIN of 7.7 (5.0-8.2), which was compatible with that from solid neoplasms [6.2 (0-7.8)], whereas the quality of the RNA extracted from all fluids of serous cystic neoplasms and TTNB samples had a RIN of 0.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate the high potential of EUS-FNA material for RNA profiling of various pancreatic lesions, including low-quality RNA specimens.

SPHK1 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Lymphangiogenesis Through the Activation of ERK in LECs

Lymphatic metastasis is related to an unsatisfactory prognosis in pancreatic cancer. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) is an oncogene in cancer. However, the potential effect of SPHK1 on the lymphangiogenesis of pancreatic cancer is little known. In this study, the expression level and role of SPHK1 in pancreatic cancer were evaluated to explore the underlying mechanism involved. The expression of SPHK1 and the lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in pancreatic cancer patient tissue were investigated by immunohistochemistry. The role of SPHK1 in lymphangiogenesis was verified in vitro. Elevated expression of SPHK1 was strongly related to high LVD in pancreatic cancer patient tissue. Silencing of SPHK1 in pancreatic cancer cells observably inhibited lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, the downregulation of SPHK1 markedly attenuated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in lymphatic endothelial cells. This study revealed that SPHK1 might play a crucial role in pancreatic cancer lymphangiogenesis.

Effects of super-enhancers in cancer metastasis: mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Metastasis remains the principal cause of cancer-related lethality despite advancements in cancer treatment. Dysfunctional epigenetic alterations are crucial in the metastatic cascade. Among these, super-enhancers (SEs), emerging as new epigenetic regulators, consist of large clusters of regulatory elements that drive the high-level expression of genes essential for the oncogenic process, upon which cancer cells develop a profound dependency. These SE-driven oncogenes play an important role in regulating various facets of metastasis, including the promotion of tumor proliferation in primary and distal metastatic organs, facilitating cellular migration and invasion into the vasculature, triggering epithelial-mesenchymal transition, enhancing cancer stem cell-like properties, circumventing immune detection, and adapting to the heterogeneity of metastatic niches. This heavy reliance on SE-mediated transcription delineates a vulnerable target for therapeutic intervention in cancer cells. In this article, we review current insights into the characteristics, identification methodologies, formation, and activation mechanisms of SEs. We also elaborate the oncogenic roles and regulatory functions of SEs in the context of cancer metastasis. Ultimately, we discuss the potential of SEs as novel therapeutic targets and their implications in clinical oncology, offering insights into future directions for innovative cancer treatment strategies.

The Immune Response of Cancer Cells in Breast and Gynecologic Neoplasms

Cancer diseases constitute a major health problem which leads to the death of millions of people annually. They are unique among other diseases because cancer cells can perfectly adapt to the environment that they create themselves. This environment is usually highly hostile and for normal cells it would be hugely difficult to survive, however neoplastic cells not only can survive but also manage to proliferate. One of the reasons is that they can alter immunological pathways which allow them to be flexible and change their phenotype to the one needed in specific conditions. The aim of this paper is to describe some of these immunological pathways that play significant roles in gynecologic neoplasms as well as review recent research in this field. It is of high importance to possess extensive knowledge about these processes, as greater understanding leads to creating more specialized therapies which may prove highly effective in the future.

Unveiling HOXB7 as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker through pan-cancer computer screening

We attempted to investigate the role of HOXB7 in tumor progression and evolution by means of an extensive computer screening analysis of various cancer types. We performed univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses to assess the impact of HOXB7 on overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free interval (PFI) in different types of cancer. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between HOXB7 and several clinical features: tumor microenvironment, immune regulatory genes, immune checkpoints, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). We performed gene set enrichment analysis to gain deeper insights into the potential molecular mechanisms of HOXB7, and validated our findings through functional assays in cells, including methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium cytotoxicity and Transwell invasion assays. HOXB7 expression was associated with different clinical characteristics in numerous malignancies. Higher HOXB7 expression was associated with worse OS, DSS, and PFI in some cancer types. In particular, HOXB7 expression was favorably associated with immune cell infiltration, immune regulatory genes, immunological checkpoints, TMB, and MSI in malignancies. Furthermore, we identified a strong link between copper death-associated gene expression and HOXB7 expression. According to the findings of this study, HOXB7 might serve as an appealing focus for tumor diagnosis and immunotherapy and a prospective indicator of prognosis.

Expression of overall survival-EMT-immune cell infiltration genes predict the prognosis of glioma

This study investigates the crucial role of immune- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated genes and non-coding RNAs in glioma development and diagnosis, given the challenging 5-year survival rates associated with this prevalent CNS malignant tumor. Clinical and RNA data from glioma patients were meticulously gathered from CGGA databases, and EMT-related genes were sourced from dbEMT2.0, while immune-related genes were obtained from MSigDB. Employing consensus clustering, novel molecular subgroups were identified. Subsequent analyses, including ESTIMATE, TIMER, and MCP counter, provided insights into the tumor microenvironment (TIME) and immune status. Functional studies, embracing GO, KEGG, GSVA, and GSEA analyses, unraveled the underlying mechanisms governing these molecular subgroups. Utilizing the LASSO algorithm and multivariate Cox regression, a prognostic risk model was crafted. The study unveiled two distinct molecular subgroups with significantly disparate survival outcomes. A more favorable prognosis was linked to low immune scores, high tumor purity, and an abundance of immune infiltrating cells with differential expression of non-coding RNAs, including miRNAs. Functional analyses illuminated enrichment of immune- and EMT-associated pathways in differentially expressed genes and non-coding RNAs between these subgroups. GSVA and GSEA analyses hinted at abnormal EMT status potentially contributing to glioma-associated immune disorders. The risk model, centered on OS-EMT-ICI genes, exhibited promise in accurately predicting survival in glioma. Additionally, a nomogram integrating the risk model with clinical characteristics demonstrated notable accuracy in prognostic predictions for glioma patients. In conclusion, OS-EMT-ICI gene and non-coding RNA expression emerges as a valuable indicator intricately linked to immune microenvironment dysregulation, offering a robust tool for precise prognosis prediction in glioma patients within the OBMRC framework.

ZKSCAN5 activates LAPTM5 expression by recruiting SETD7 to promote metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Lysosomal-associated transmembrane protein 5 (LAPTM5) has been associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Its role in regulating metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), however, remains vague. The study here aimed to expound the metastasis-promoting properties of LAPTM5 in PDAC and the detailed mechanism. LAPTM5 was overexpressed in metastatic PDAC cells and was related to the dismal prognosis of patients in GEO datasets. By using lentiviral vectors harboring short hairpin RNA, we found that LAPTM5 downregulation reduced PDAC cell viability, proliferation, and aggressiveness in vitro and liver metastasis in vivo. Zinc finger with KRAB and SCAN domains 5 (ZKSCAN5) was predicted and verified to mediate LAPTM5 transcription in PDAC cells. Both ZKSCAN5 and SET domains, containing lysine methyltransferase 7 (SETD7) bound to the LAPTM5 promoter, and ZKSCAN5 recruited SETD7 to form a complex promoting LAPTM5 transcription. LAPTM5 knockdown reversed the promoting effect of ZKSCAN5 on the metastasis of PDAC cells. Thus, our findings on the ZKSCAN5/SETD7/LAPTM5 axis provide insights into the underlying mechanism of liver metastasis dissemination in PDAC.

Experimental Validation and Multi-omics Analysis Identified ARPC1A as a Novel Oncogene and Potential Therapeutic Target in Glioblastoma

Actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 1A (ARPC1A) is implicated in several cancers due to its critical role in regulating actin polymerization. However, the exact mechanism of ARPC1A in cancer remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the biological role of ARPC1A in various cancers and the regulatory role of ARPC1A in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We analyzed the expression differences, prognostic value, mutations, immune infiltration, immune microenvironment, and single-cell level correlations of ARPC1A in various cancers. Furthermore, we employed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and functional experiments to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of ARPC1A on GBM. Importantly, we assessed the role of ARPC1A in temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of GBM. ARPC1A expression was up-regulated in most cancer tissues and was associated with poorer prognosis. Genomic mutation analysis revealed that the predominant type of ARPC1A mutation in tumors was amplification. ARPC1A expression was negatively correlated with B-cell and immune scores in most tumors. Both GSEA and single-cell sequencing have revealed that ARPC1A promotes tumor proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In vitro experiments confirmed that ARPC1A knockdown inhibited the proliferation and metastatic ability of GBM cells. Notably, silencing ARPC1A reduced TMZ resistance in GBM cells. This study highlights the prognostic value of ARPC1A in various tumors and its potential for application in immunotherapy. Meanwhile, the modulation of GBM malignant behavior and TMZ resistance by ARPC1A provides a new approach for personalized and precise treatment of GBM.

Research advancements on the involvement of E3 ubiquitin ligase UBR5 in gastrointestinal cancers

E3 ubiquitin ligases comprise a family of ubiquitination-catalyzing enzymes that have been extensively researched and are considered crucial components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system involved in various diseases. The ubiquitin-protein ligase E3 component n-recognition 5 (UBR5) is an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that has garnered considerable interest of late. Recent studies demonstrate that UBR5 undergoes high-frequency mutations, chromosomal amplification, and/or abnormalities during expression of various malignant tumors. These alterations correlate with the biological behaviors and prognoses of malignancies, such as tumor invasion, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. This study aimed to comprehensively elucidate the biological functions of UBR5, and its role and relevance in the context of gastrointestinal cancers. Furthermore, this article expounds a scientific basis to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal cancers and developing targeted therapeutic strategies for their remediation.

The nanobody targeting PD-L1 and CXCR4 counteracts pancreatic stellate cell-mediated tumour progression by disrupting tumour microenvironment

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal malignancy worldwide owing to its complex tumour microenvironment and dense physical barriers. Stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), which is abundantly secreted by tumour stromal cells, plays a pivotal role in promoting PDAC growth and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the impact and molecular mechanisms of the anti-PD-L1&CXCR4 bispecific nanobody on the TME and their consequent interference with PDAC progression. We found that blocking the SDF-1/CXCR4 signalling pathway delayed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells. Anti-PD-L1&CXCR4 bispecific nanobody effectively suppress the secretion of SDF-1 by pancreatic stellate cells and downregulate the expression of smooth muscle actin alpha(α-SMA), thereby preventing the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts by downregulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This improves the pancreatic tumour microenvironment, favouring the infiltration of T cells into the tumour tissue. In conclusion, our results suggest that the anti-PD-L1&CXCR4 bispecific nanobody exerts an antitumor immune response by changing the pancreatic tumour microenvironment. Hence, the anti-PD-L1&CXCR4 bispecific nanobody is a potential candidate for pancreatic cancer treatment.

IL-6 Accelerates the Proliferation and Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer Cells via the miR-455-5p/IGF-1R Axis

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PaC) is a highly malignant gastrointestinal tumor with invasive and metastatic characteristics. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a negative prognostic marker, contributes to PaC progression. However, the mechanism of IL-6 in PaC is not yet fully understood. Methods: miR-455-5p levels were first tested by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in PaC tissues or cells. Subsequently, PaC cell-related functions were identified through CCK-8, Transwell, and Western blotting. Changes in miR-455-5p and IGF-1R expression were confirmed using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. miR-455-5p methylation was assessed by bisulfite sequencing PCR. Results: The authors discovered that miR-455-5p was expressed at low levels in PaC tissues and cells, and miR-455-5p expression was observably reduced by IL-6 in PaC cells. In addition, IL-6 dramatically induces miR-455-5p methylation in PaC cells. Functionally, the data revealed that IL-6 could facilitate the malignant properties of PaC cells, including proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. The authors found that miR-455-5p could suppress the progression of PaC cells by downregulating IGF-1R in PaC cells. Mechanistically, IL-6 downregulated miR-455-5p and upregulated IGF-1R, and miR-455-5p reduced IGF-1R expression through targeted binding. Conclusions: The authors demonstrated that the miR-455-5p/IGF-1R axis is necessary for the induction of IL-6 in PaC progression. The results here may provide a theoretical basis for the application of the IL-6/miR-455-5p/IGF-1R axis in the clinical therapy of PaC.

Targeting KRAS in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer has a dismal prognosis due to late detection and lack of efficient therapies. The Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) oncogene is mutated in up to 90% of all pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) and constitutes an attractive target for therapy. However, the most common KRAS mutations in PDAC are G12D (44%), G12V (34%) and G12R (20%) that are not amenable to treatment by KRAS G12C-directed cysteine-reactive KRAS inhibitors such as Sotorasib and Adagrasib that exhibit clinical efficacy in lung cancer. KRAS G12C mutant pancreatic cancer has been treated with Sotorasib but this mutation is detected only in 2%-3% of PDAC. Recently, the KRAS G12D-directed MRTX1133 inhibitor has entered clinical trials and more of such inhibitors are in development. The other KRAS mutations may be targeted indirectly via inhibition of the cognate guanosine exchange factor (GEF) Son of Sevenless 1 that drives KRAS. These agents seem to provide the means to target the most frequent KRAS mutations in PDAC and to improve patient outcomes.

Tumor Microenvironment Modulates Invadopodia Activity of Non-Selected and Acid-Selected Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Its Sensitivity to Gemcitabine and C18-Gemcitabine

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly disease with high mortality due to early metastatic dissemination and high chemoresistance. All these factors are favored by its extracellular matrix (ECM)-rich microenvironment, which is also highly hypoxic and acidic. Gemcitabine (GEM) is still the first-line therapy in PDAC. However, it is quickly deaminated to its inactive metabolite. Several GEM prodrugs have emerged to improve its cytotoxicity. Here, we analyzed how the acidic/hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) affects the response of PDAC cell death and invadopodia-mediated ECM proteolysis to both GEM and its C18 prodrug.

METHODS

For this, two PDAC cell lines, PANC-1 and Mia PaCa-2 were adapted to pHe 6.6 or not for 1 month, grown as 3D organotypic cultures and exposed to either GEM or C18 in the presence and absence of acidosis and the hypoxia inducer, deferoxamine.

RESULTS

We found that C18 has higher cytotoxic and anti-invadopodia activity than GEM in all culture conditions and especially in acid and hypoxic environments.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose C18 as a more effective approach to conventional GEM in developing new therapeutic strategies overcoming PDAC chemoresistance.

Single-cell transcriptome analysis profiling lymphatic invasion-related TME in colorectal cancer

Lymphatic invasion (LI) is extremely aggressive and induces worse prognosis among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, it is critical to characterize the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying LI in order to establish novel and efficacious therapeutic targets that enhance the prognosis of CRC patients. RNA-seq data, clinical and survival information of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) patients were obtained from the TCGA database. In addition, three scRNA-seq datasets of CRC patients were acquired from the GEO database. Data analyses were conducted with the R packages. We assessed the tumor microenvironment (TME) differences between LI+ and LI- based scRNA-seq data, LI+ cells exhibited augmented abundance of immunosuppression and invasive subset. Marked extracellular matrix network activation was also observed in LI+ cells within SPP1+ macrophages. We revealed that an immunosuppressive and pro-angiogenic TME strongly enhanced LI, as was evidenced by the CD4+ Tregs, CD8+ GZMK+, SPP1+ macrophages, e-myCAFs, and w-myCAFs subcluster infiltrations. Furthermore, we identified potential LI targets that influenced tumor development, metastasis, and immunotherapeutic response. Finally, a novel LIRS model was established based on the expression of 14 LI-related signatures, and in the two testing cohorts, LIRS was also proved to have accurate prognostic predictive ability. In this report, we provided a valuable resource and extensive insights into the LI of CRC. Our conclusions can potentially benefit the establishment of highly efficacious therapeutic targets as well as diagnostic biomarkers that improve patient outcomes.

Developing a Copper(II) Isopropyl 2-Pyridyl Ketone Thiosemicarbazone Compound Based on the IB Subdomain of Human Serum Albumin-Indomethacin Complex: Inhibiting Tumor Growth by Remodeling the Tumor Microenvironment

To develop a next-generation metal agent and dual-agent multitargeted combination therapy, we developed a copper (Cu) compound based on the properties of the human serum albumin (HSA)-indomethacin (IND) complex to remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME). We optimized a series of Cu(II) isopropyl 2-pyridyl ketone thiosemicarbazone compounds to obtain a Cu(II) compound (C4) with significant cytotoxicity and then constructed an HSA-IND-C4 complex (HSA-IND-C4) delivery system. IND and C4 bind to the hydrophobic cavities of the IB and IIA domains of HSA, respectively. In vivo, the HSA-IND-C4 not only showed enhanced antitumor efficacy relative to C4 and C4 + IND but also improved their targeting ability and decreased their side effects. The antitumor mechanism of C4 + IND involved acting on the different components of the TME. IND inhibited tumor-related inflammation, while C4 not only induced apoptosis and autophagy of cancer cells but also inhibited tumor angiogenesis.

Crosstalk between metabolic remodeling and epigenetic reprogramming: A new perspective on pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant solid tumor with a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. Thus, exploring the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of pancreatic cancer is critical for identifying targets for diagnosis and treatment. Two important hallmarks of cancer-metabolic remodeling and epigenetic reprogramming-are interconnected and closely linked to regulate one another, creating a complex interaction landscape that is implicated in tumorigenesis, invasive metastasis, and immune escape. For example, metabolites can be involved in the regulation of epigenetic enzymes as substrates or cofactors, and alterations in epigenetic modifications can in turn regulate the expression of metabolic enzymes. The crosstalk between metabolic remodeling and epigenetic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer has gained considerable attention. Here, we review the emerging data with a focus on the reciprocal regulation of metabolic remodeling and epigenetic reprogramming. We aim to highlight how these mechanisms could be applied to develop better therapeutic strategies.

Disruption of Super-Enhancers in Activated Pancreatic Stellate Cells Facilitates Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer

One major obstacle in the drug treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is its highly fibrotic tumor microenvironment, which is replete with activated pancreatic stellate cells (a-PSCs). These a-PSCs generate abundant extracellular matrix and secrete various cytokines to form biophysical and biochemical barriers, impeding drug access to tumor tissues. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a strategy for reversing PSC activation and thereby removing the barriers to facilitate PDAC drug treatment. Herein, by integrating chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq, Assays for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin (ATAC)-seq, and RNA-seq techniques, this work reveals that super-enhancers (SEs) promote the expression of various genes involved in PSC activation. Disruption of SE-associated transcription with JQ1 reverses the activated phenotype of a-PSCs and decreases stromal fibrosis in both orthotopic and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. More importantly, disruption of SEs by JQ1 treatments promotes vascularization, facilitates drug delivery, and alters the immune landscape in PDAC, thereby improving the efficacies of both chemotherapy (with gemcitabine) and immunotherapy (with IL-12). In summary, this study not only elucidates the contribution of SEs of a-PSCs in shaping the PDAC tumor microenvironment but also highlights that targeting SEs in a-PSCs may become a gate-opening strategy that benefits PDAC drug therapy by removing stromal barriers.

E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXW11 as a novel inflammatory biomarker is associated with immune infiltration and NF-κB pathway activation in pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, PDAC) is an aggressive disease with an overall poor prognosis. Pancreatitis is a major risk factor for the development of PDAC. Due to the lack of reliable and accurate biomarkers, the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of PDAC face great challenges. It is of great significance to elucidate the pathogenesis of PDAC and explore novel inflammatory biomarkers.

METHODS

We identified E3 ubiquitin ligases associated with pancreatic inflammation by combining multiple GEO datasets and UbiNet 2.0, and integrating the WGCNA algorithm and Limma R package. A risk score model for PDAC patients was established by using LASSO regression. We investigated the correlation between FBXW11 and immune cell infiltration using CIBERSORT, mMCP-counter, ImmuCellAI-mouse, QUANTISEQ, and TIMER algorithms, based on GEO, ArrayExpress, and TCGA datasets. We used Ubibrowser 2.0 to predict potential substrates for FBXW11. WikiPathway, MSigDB Hallmark, and Elsevier pathway analysis of FBXW11 key substrates were also performed using the EnrichR database. We detected protein expression through IHC, immunofluorescence, and western blot in the cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis mouse model.

RESULTS

We first identified that FBXW11 exhibited a clear tendency to gradually increase in normal, pancreatitis, and PDAC patients. The validation analysis revealed that the FBXW11 protein exhibited significantly high expression in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis mice, with its distribution primarily observed in the cytoplasm. Simultaneously, we developed a risk model utilizing the genes associated with FBXW11 to forecast the outcome of patients with PDAC and the likelihood of pancreatitis advancing to pancreatic cancer. Functional analysis showed that FBXW11, as a novel inflammatory biomarker, had a significant positive correlation with macrophage infiltration and the NF-κB signaling pathway. Finally, the western blot assay of the NF-κB signaling pathway in pancreatic tissues demonstrated that high activation of NF-κB was correlated with high expression of FBXW11.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research not only provides evidence for FBXW11 as a novel inflammatory biomarker but also provides new insights into the research and clinical treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Combining bulk and scRNA-seq to explore the molecular mechanisms governing the distinct efferocytosis activities of a macrophage subpopulation in PDAC

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a very aggressive tumour, is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Unfortunately, many patients face the issue of inoperability at the diagnostic phase leading to a quite dismal prognosis. The onset of metastatic processes has a crucial role in the elevated mortality rates linked to PDAC. Individuals with metastatic advances receive only palliative therapy and have a grim prognosis. It is essential to carefully analyse the intricacies of the metastatic process to enhance the prognosis for individuals with PDAC. Malignancy development is greatly impacted by the process of macrophage efferocytosis. Our current knowledge about the complete range of macrophage efferocytosis activities in PDAC and their intricate interactions with tumour cells is still restricted. This work aims to resolve communication gaps and pinpoint the essential transcription factor that is vital in the immunological response of macrophage populations. We analysed eight PDAC tissue samples sourced from the gene expression omnibus. We utilized several software packages such as Seurat, DoubletFinder, Harmony, Pi, GSVA, CellChat and Monocle from R software together with pySCENIC from Python, to analyse the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data collected from the PDAC samples. This study involved the analysis of a comprehensive sample of 22,124 cells, which were classified into distinct cell types. These cell types encompassed endothelial and epithelial cells, PDAC cells, as well as various immune cells, including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, NK cells, B cells, plasma cells, mast cells, monocytes, DC cells and different subtypes of macrophages, namely C0 macrophage TGM2+, C1 macrophage PFN1+, C2 macrophage GAS6+ and C3 macrophage APOC3+. The differentiation between tumour cells and epithelial cells was achieved by the implementation of CopyKat analysis, resulting in the detection and categorization of 1941 PDAC cells. The amplification/deletion patterns observed in PDAC cells on many chromosomes differ significantly from those observed in epithelial cells. The study of Pseudotime Trajectories demonstrated that the C0 macrophage subtype expressing TGM2+ had the lowest level of differentiation. Additionally, the examination of gene set scores related to efferocytosis suggested that this subtype displayed higher activity during the efferocytosis process compared to other subtypes. The most active transcription factors for each macrophage subtype were identified as BACH1, NFE2, TEAD4 and ARID3A. In conclusion, the examination of human PDAC tissue samples using immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated the co-localization of CD68 and CD11b within regions exhibiting the presence of keratin (KRT) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). This observation implies a spatial association between macrophages, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells. There is variation in the expression of efferocytosis-associated genes between C0 macrophage TGM2+ and other macrophage cell types. This observation implies that the diversity of macrophage cells might potentially influence the metastatic advancement of PDAC. Moreover, the central transcription factor of different macrophage subtypes offers a promising opportunity for targeted immunotherapy in the treatment of PDAC.

PELI1: key players in the oncogenic characteristics of pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant gastrointestinal tumor, which is characterized by difficulties in early diagnosis, early metastasis, limited therapeutic response and a grim prognosis. Therefore, it is imperative to explore potential therapeutic targets for PC. Currently, although the involvement of the Pellino E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 1 (PELI1) in the human growth of some malignant tumors has been demonstrated, its association with PC remains uncertain.

METHODS

Bioinformatics, qRT-PCR, Western blot and IHC were used to detect the expression of PELI1 in pancreas or PC tissues and cells at mRNA and protein levels. The effects of PELI1 on the proliferation and metastatic ability of pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo were investigated using CCK8, cloning formation, EdU, flow cytometry, IHC, Transwell assay, wound healing, nude mice subcutaneous tumorigenesis and intrasplenic injection to construct a liver metastasis model. The interactions of PELI1 with proteins as well as the main functions and pathways were investigated by protein profiling, Co-IP, GST-pull down, Immunofluorescence techniques, immunohistochemical co-localization and enrichment analysis. The rescue experiment verified the above experimental results.

RESULTS

The mRNA and protein expression levels of PELI1 in PC tissues were upregulated and were associated with poor prognosis of patients, in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that PELI1 can affect the proliferation and metastatic ability of PC cells. Co-IP, GST-pull down, and other experiments found that PELI1 interacted with Ribosomal Protein S3 (RPS3) through the FHA structural domain and promoted the polyubiquitination of RPS3 in the K48 chain, thereby activates the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway. Moreover, ubiquitinated degradation of RPS3 further reduces Tumor Protein P53 (p53) protein stability and increases p53 degradation by MDM2 Proto-Oncogene (MDM2).

CONCLUSION

PELI1 is overexpressed in PC, which increased ubiquitination of RPS3 proteins and activates the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway, as well as reduces the protective effect of RPS3 on p53 and promotes the degradation of the p53 protein, which facilitates the progression of PC and leads to a poor prognosis for patients. Therefore, PELI1 is a potential target for the treatment of PC.

Unveiling the immunosuppressive landscape of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: implications for innovative immunotherapy strategies

Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), stands as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, marked by challenging treatment and dismal prognoses. As immunotherapy emerges as a promising avenue for mitigating PDAC's malignant progression, a comprehensive understanding of the tumor's immunosuppressive characteristics becomes imperative. This paper systematically delves into the intricate immunosuppressive network within PDAC, spotlighting the significant crosstalk between immunosuppressive cells and factors in the hypoxic acidic pancreatic tumor microenvironment. By elucidating these mechanisms, we aim to provide insights into potential immunotherapy strategies and treatment targets, laying the groundwork for future studies on PDAC immunosuppression. Recognizing the profound impact of immunosuppression on PDAC invasion and metastasis, this discussion aims to catalyze the development of more effective and targeted immunotherapies for PDAC patients.

Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction improves the suppression and magnetic resonance imaging of pancreatic cancer with polyethyleneimine nanogels

The chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer tumors urgently needs to be addressed. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by an abundant stroma, with significant fibrous connective tissue formation that encapsulates the tumor parenchyma and forms an interstitial microenvironment. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a crucial role in this microenvironment and specially secrete periosteal protein (periostin), which can promote tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Therefore, periostin has become a specific target of chemotherapy resistance intervention methods. The proposed polyethyleneimine (PEI) nanogels have multiple modification and efficient drug-loading properties. Additionally, ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) supports the breakdown of the tough interstitial barrier of pancreatic cancer. A small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be used to downregulated the periostin gene, while sustained release of gemcitabine can promote killing of tumor cells. This method achieves a combination of gene silencing and chemotherapy. The imaging effect can be evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The ultimate goal of this work is to support individualized and effective therapeutic methods and help develop new strategies for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Empowering pancreatic tumor homing with augmented anti-tumor potency of CXCR2-tethered CAR-NK cells

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered natural killer (NK) cells are a promising immunotherapy for solid cancers; however, their effectiveness against pancreatic cancer is limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In particular, low NK cell infiltration poses a major obstacle that reduces cytotoxicity. The current study aimed to enhance the tumor-homing capacity of CAR-NK cells by targeting the chemokine-chemokine receptor axis between NK and pancreatic cancer cells. To this end, data from a chemokine array and The Cancer Genome Atlas pan-cancer cohort were analyzed. Pancreatic cancer cells were found to secrete high levels of ligands for C-X-C motif receptor 1 (CXCR1) and CXCR2. Subsequently, we generated anti-mesothelin CAR-NK cells incorporating CXCR1 or CXCR2 and evaluated their tumor-killing abilities in 2D cancer cell co-culture and 3D tumor-mimetic organoid models. CAR-NK cells engineered with CXCR2 demonstrated enhanced tumor killing and strong infiltration of tumor sites. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of CXCR2-augmented CAR-NK cells as a clinically relevant modality for effective pancreatic cancer treatment. By improving their infiltration and tumor-killing capabilities, these CXCR2-augmented CAR-NK cells have the potential to overcome the challenges posed by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, providing improved therapeutic outcomes.

Gaps between needs of patient and public involvement and interests of researchers on pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVE

Identify whether there were gaps between needs of end-users and interests of researchers focusing on pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

A questionnaire for end-users (patients, close family, others) and researchers was developed to measure value from the perspective of different stakeholder groups. Two separate literature analyses were conducted to assess the prevalence and impact of patient and public involvement (PPI).

RESULTS

Significant gaps were found between end-users and researchers in valuing basic research (15 vs 25 points, p = 0.005) and treatment (36 vs. 26 points, p = 0.015), but not in early diagnosis, risk factors, or quality of life. PPI was absent from the top 100 cited publications on pancreatic cancer research and was featured in 0.1% of all studies within the field.

CONCLUSIONS

Gaps existed between needs of end-users and interests of researchers on basic research and treatment. PPI constituted an insignificant part of the overall pancreatic cancer research literature and had negligible impact in terms of citations.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

To help close the gaps, PPI should be incorporated throughout the research process. The impact of PPI can be enhanced by prestigious journals in consideration of journal policies and encouragements and by dissemination at academic conferences.

Leucine rich repeat LGI family member 3: Integrative analyses support its prognostic association with pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Leucine rich repeat LGI family member 3 (LGI3) is a member of the LGI protein family. Previous studies of our group have reported that LGI3 is expressed in adipose tissue, skin and brain, and serves as a multifunctional cytokine. LGI3 may also be involved in cytokine networks in various cancers. This study aimed to analyze differentially expressed genes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) tissues and PAC cohort data in order to evaluate the prognostic role of LGI3. The expression microarray and the PAC cohort data were analyzed by bioinformatic methods for differential expression, protein-protein interactions, functional enrichment and pathway analyses, gene co-expression network analysis, and prognostic association analysis. Results showed that LGI3 expression was significantly reduced in PAC tissues. Nineteen upregulated genes and 31 downregulated genes in PAC tissues were identified as LGI3-regulated genes. Protein-protein interaction network analysis demonstrated that 92% (46/50) of the LGI3-regulated genes that were altered in PACs belonged to a protein-protein interaction network cluster. Functional enrichment and gene co-expression network analyses demonstrated that these genes in the network cluster were associated with various processes including inflammatory and immune responses, metabolic processes, cell differentiation, and angiogenesis. PAC cohort analyses revealed that low expression levels of LGI3 were significantly associated with poor PAC prognosis. Analysis of favorable or unfavorable prognostic gene products in PAC showed that 93 LGI3-regulated genes were differentially associated with PAC prognosis. LGI3 expression was correlated with the tumor-infiltration levels of various immune cells. Taken together, these results suggested that LGI3 may be a potential prognostic marker of PAC.

Overcoming the limitations of immunotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Combining radiotherapy and metabolic targeting therapy

As a novel anticancer therapy, immunotherapy has demonstrated robust efficacy against a few solid tumors but poor efficacy against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This poor outcome is primarily attributable to the intrinsic cancer cell resistance and T-cell exhaustion, which is also the reason for the failure of conventional therapy. The present review summarizes the current PDAC immunotherapy avenues and the underlying resistance mechanisms. Then, the review discusses synergistic combination therapies, such as radiotherapy (RT) and metabolic targeting. Research suggests that RT boosts the antigen of PDAC, which facilitates the anti-tumor immune cell infiltration and exerts function. Metabolic reprogramming contributes to restoring the exhausted T cell function. The current review will help in tailoring combination regimens to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. In addition, it will help provide new approaches to address the limitations of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) by examining the relationship among immunotherapy, RT, and metabolism targeting therapy in PDAC.

Innate and adaptive immune-directed tumour microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

One of the most deadly and aggressive cancers in the world, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), typically manifests at an advanced stage. PDAC is becoming more common, and by the year 2030, it is expected to overtake lung cancer as the second greatest cause of cancer-related death. The poor prognosis can be attributed to a number of factors, including difficulties in early identification, a poor probability of curative radical resection, limited response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and its immunotherapy resistance. Furthermore, an extensive desmoplastic stroma that surrounds PDAC forms a mechanical barrier that prevents vascularization and promotes poor immune cell penetration. Phenotypic heterogeneity, drug resistance, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment are the main causes of PDAC aggressiveness. There is a complex and dynamic interaction between tumor cells in PDAC with stromal cells within the tumour immune microenvironment. The immune suppressive microenvironment that promotes PDAC aggressiveness is contributed by a range of cellular and humoral factors, which itself are modulated by the cancer. In this review, we describe the role of innate and adaptive immune cells, complex tumor microenvironment in PDAC, humoral factors, innate immune-mediated therapeutic advances, and recent clinical trials in PDAC.

Recent advances in drug delivery and targeting for the treatment of pancreatic cancer

Despite significant treatment efforts, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the deadliest solid tumor, is still incurable in the preclinical stages due to multifacet stroma, dense desmoplasia, and immune regression. Additionally, tumor heterogeneity and metabolic changes are linked to low grade clinical translational outcomes, which has prompted the investigation of the mechanisms underlying chemoresistance and the creation of effective treatment approaches by selectively targeting genetic pathways. Since targeting upstream molecules in first-line oncogenic signaling pathways typically has little clinical impact, downstream signaling pathways have instead been targeted in both preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we discuss how the complexity of various tumor microenvironment (TME) components and the oncogenic signaling pathways that they are connected to actively contribute to the development and spread of PDAC, as well as the ways that recent therapeutic approaches have been targeted to restore it. We also illustrate how many endogenous stimuli-responsive linker-based nanocarriers have recently been developed for the specific targeting of distinct oncogenes and their downstream signaling cascades as well as their ongoing clinical trials. We also discuss the present challenges, prospects, and difficulties in the development of first-line oncogene-targeting medicines for the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients.

Roles of exosomes in immunotherapy for solid cancers

Although immunotherapy has made breakthrough progress, its efficacy in solid tumours remains unsatisfactory. Exosomes are the main type of extracellular vesicles that can deliver various intracellular molecules to adjacent or distant cells and organs, mediating various biological functions. Studies have found that exosomes can both activate the immune system and inhibit the immune system. The antigen and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) carried in exosomes make it possible to develop them as anticancer vaccines. Exosomes derived from blood, urine, saliva and cerebrospinal fluid can be used as ideal biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In recent years, exosome-based therapy has made great progress in the fields of drug transportation and immunotherapy. Here, we review the composition and sources of exosomes in the solid cancer immune microenvironment and further elaborate on the potential mechanisms and pathways by which exosomes influence immunotherapy for solid cancers. Moreover, we summarize the potential clinical application prospects of engineered exosomes and exosome vaccines in immunotherapy for solid cancers. Eventually, these findings may open up avenues for determining the potential of exosomes for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in solid cancer immunotherapy.

GABRP Promotes the Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer by Activation of the MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway

Pancreatic cancer remains the common cancer with the worst prognosis because of its late diagnosis and extensive metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GABRP on pancreatic cancer metastasis and the molecular mechanism. The expression of GABRP was measured using the quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. The biological behaviors of cancer cells were assessed using the cell counting kit-8, Transwell assay, and western blot. The regulation of GABRP on the MEK/ERK pathway was detected by western blot. The results indicated that GABRP was overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown of GABRP suppressed cell viability, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas GABRP overexpression facilitated these biological behaviors. Inactivation of the MEK/ERK pathway reversed the effects on cellular processes induced by GABRP. Moreover, silencing of GABRP inhibited tumor growth. In conclusion, GABRP promoted the progression of pancreatic cancer by facilitating cell metastasis and tumor growth via activating the MEK/ERK pathway. The findings suggest that GABRP has the potential to be a therapeutic target for the metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Machine learning identifies SLC6A14 as a novel biomarker promoting the proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic cancer via Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has the poorest prognosis compared to other common cancers because of its aggressive nature, late detection, and resistance to systemic treatment. In this study, we aimed to identify novel biomarkers for PC patients and further explored their function in PC progression. We analyzed GSE62452 and GSE28735 datasets, identifying 35 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PC specimens and non-tumors. Based on 35 DEGs, we performed machine learning and identified eight diagnostic genes involved in PC progression. Then, we further screened three critical genes (CTSE, LAMC2 and SLC6A14) using three GEO datasets. A new diagnostic model was developed based on them and showed a strong predictive ability in screen PC specimens from non-tumor specimens in GEO, TCGA datasets and our cohorts. Then, clinical assays based on TCGA datasets indicated that the expression of LAMC2 and SLC6A14 was associated with advanced clinical stage and poor prognosis. The expressions of LAMC2 and SLC6A14, as well as the abundances of a variety of immune cells, exhibited a significant positive association with one another. Functionally, we confirmed that SLC6A14 was highly expressed in PC and its knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT signal via regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Overall, our findings developed a novel diagnostic model for PC patients. SLC6A14 may promote PC progression via modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This work offered a novel and encouraging new perspective that holds potential for further illuminating the clinicopathological relevance of PC as well as its molecular etiology.

Natural products targeting the MAPK-signaling pathway in cancer: overview

PURPOSE

This article summarizes natural products that target the MAPK-signaling pathway in cancer therapy. The classification, chemical structures, and anti-cancer mechanisms of these natural products are elucidated, and comprehensive information is provided on their potential use in cancer therapy.

METHODS

Using the PubMed database, we searched for keywords, including "tumor", "cancer", "natural product", "phytochemistry", "plant chemical components", and "MAPK-signaling pathway". We also screened for compounds with well-defined structures that targeting the MAPK-signaling pathway and have anti-cancer effects. We used Kingdraw software and Adobe Photoshop software to draw the chemical compound structural diagrams.

RESULTS

A total of 131 papers were searched, from which 85 compounds with well-defined structures were selected. These compounds have clear mechanisms for targeting cancer treatment and are mainly related to the MAPK-signaling pathway. Examples include eupatilin, carvacrol, oridonin, sophoridine, diosgenin, and juglone. These chemical components are classified as flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroidal saponins, and quinones.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain MAPK pathway inhibitors have been used for clinical treatment. However, the clinical feedback has not been promising because of genomic instability, drug resistance, and side effects. Natural products have few side effects, good medicinal efficacy, a wide range of sources, individual heterogeneity of biological activity, and are capable of treating disease from multiple targets. These characteristics make natural products promising drugs for cancer treatment.