Noncoding RNAs in gastric cancer: implications for drug resistance

Ferroptosis in cancer (Review)

Ferroptosis is a type of programmed cell death depending on iron and reactive oxygen species. This unique cell death process has attracted a great deal of attention in the field of cancer research over the past decade. Research on the association of ferroptosis signal pathways and cancer development indicated that targeting ferroptosis has great potential for cancer therapy. In the present study, the latest research progress of ferroptosis was reviewed, focusing on the relationship between ferroptosis and the development of cancer, in order to further promote the clinical application of ferroptosis in cancer.

Important role and underlying mechanism of non‑SMC condensin I complex subunit G in tumours (Review)

At present, the incidence of tumours is increasing on a yearly basis, and tumourigenesis is usually associated with chromosomal instability and cell cycle dysregulation. Moreover, abnormalities in the chromosomal structure often lead to DNA damage, further exacerbating gene mutations and chromosomal rearrangements. However, the non‑SMC condensin I complex subunit G (NCAPG) of the structural maintenance of chromosomes family is known to exert a key role in tumour development. It has been shown that high expression of NCAPG is closely associated with tumour development and progression. Overexpression of NCAPG variously affects chromosome condensation and segregation during cell mitosis, influences cell cycle regulation, promotes tumour cell proliferation and invasion, and inhibits apoptosis. In addition, NCAPG has been associated with tumour cell stemness, tumour resistance and recurrence. The aim of the present review was to explore the underlying mechanisms of NCAPG during tumour development, with a view towards providing novel targets and strategies for tumour therapy, and through the elucidation of the mechanisms involved, to lay the foundation for future developments in health.

Proteomics analysis of histone deacetylase inhibitor-resistant solid tumors reveals resistant signatures and potential drug combinations

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are important drugs for cancer therapy, but the indistinct resistant mechanisms of solid tumor therapy greatly limit their clinical application. In this study we conducted HDACi-perturbated proteomics and phosphoproteomics analyses in HDACi-sensitive and -resistant cell lines using a tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomic strategy. We found that the ribosome biogenesis proteins MRTO4, PES1, WDR74 and NOP16 vital to tumorigenesis might regulate the tumor sensitivity to HDACi. By integrating HDACi-perturbated protein signature with previously reported proteomics and drug sensitivity data, we predicted and validated a series of drug combination pairs potentially to enhance the sensitivity of HDACi in diverse solid tumor. Functional phosphoproteomic analysis further identified the kinase PDK1 and ROCK as potential HDACi-resistant signatures. Overall, this study reveals the potential HDACi-resistant signatures and may provide promising drug combination strategies to attenuate the resistance of solid tumor to HDACi.

siRNA-based therapy for gastric adenocarcinoma: what's next step?

Gastric cancer continues to have a high death rate despite advancements in their diagnosis and treatment. Novel treatment techniques are thus desperately needed. This is where double-stranded RNA molecules known as small interfering RNA (siRNA), which may selectively target the mRNA of disease-causing genes, may find use in medicine. For siRNAs to function properly in the human body, they must be shielded from deterioration. Furthermore, in order to maintain organ function, they must only target the tumor and spare normal tissue. siRNAs have been designed using clever delivery mechanisms including polymers and lipids to achieve these objectives. Although siRNA protection is not hard to acquire, it is still challenging to target cancer cells with them. Here, we first discuss the basic characteristics of gastric cancer before describing the properties of siRNA and typical delivery methods created specifically for gastric tumors. Lastly, we provide a succinct overview of research using siRNAs to treat gastric tumors.

PANoptosis subtypes predict prognosis and immune efficacy in gastric cancer

PANoptosis is a form of inflammatory programmed cell death that is regulated by the PANoptosome. This PANoptosis possesses key characteristics of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, yet cannot be fully explained by any of these cell death modes. The unique nature of this cell death mechanism has garnered significant interest. However, the specific role of PANoptosis-associated features in gastric cancer (GC) is still uncertain. Patients were categorized into different PAN subtypes based on the expression of genes related to the PANoptosome. We conducted a systematic analysis to investigate the variations in prognosis and tumor microenvironment (TME) among these subtypes. Furthermore, we developed a risk score, called PANoptosis-related risk score (PANS), which is constructed from genes associated with the PANoptosis. We comprehensively analyzed the correlation between PANS and GC prognosis, TME, immunotherapy efficacy and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. Additionally, we performed in vitro experiments to validate the impact of Keratin 7 (KRT7) on GC. We identified two PAN subtypes (PANcluster A and B). PANoptosome genes were highly expressed in PANcluster A. PANcluster A has the characteristics of favorable prognosis, abundant infiltration of anti-tumor lymphocytes, and sensitivity to immunotherapy, thus it was categorized as an immune-inflammatory type. Meanwhile, our constructed PANS can effectively predict the prognosis and immune efficacy of GC. Patients with low PANS have a good prognosis, and have the characteristics of high tumor mutation load (TMB), high microsatellite instability (MSI), low tumor purity and sensitivity to immunotherapy. In addition, PANS can also identify suitable populations for different chemotherapy drugs. Finally, we confirmed that KRT7 is highly expressed in GC. Knocking down the expression of KRT7 significantly weakens the proliferation and migration abilities of GC cells. The models based on PANoptosis signature help to identify the TME features of GC and can effectively predict the prognosis and immune efficacy of GC. Furthermore, the experimental verification results of KRT7 provide theoretical support for anti-tumor treatment.

Helicobacter pylori infection induces gastric cancer cell malignancy by targeting HOXA-AS2/miR-509-3p/MMD2 axis

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is considered to be the strongest risk factor for gastric cancer (GC). Long non-coding RNA HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXA-AS2) has been indicated to be significantly related to Hp infection in GC patients.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the detailed role and molecular mechanism of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 in Hp-induced GC.

METHODS

GC cells were treated with Hp filtrate for cell infection. Bioinformatics tools were utilized for survival analysis and prediction of HOXA-AS2 downstream molecules. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were utilized for assessing protein and RNA levels, respectively. Flow cytometry, colony formation and CCK-8 assays were implemented for testing HOXA-AS2 functions in Hp-infected GC cells. HOXA-AS2 localization in cells was determined by subcellular fractionation assay. The relationship between RNAs were measured by luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Hp infection induced HOXA-AS2 upregulation in GC cells. Knocking down HOXA-AS2 restrained cell proliferation but promoted cell apoptosis with Hp infection. HOXA-AS2 bound to miR-509-3p, and miR-509-3p targeted monocyte to macrophage differentiation associated 2 (MMD2). Overexpressing MMD2 reversed HOXA-AS2 depletion-mediated suppression on cell aggressiveness with Hp infection.

CONCLUSION

Hp infection induces the aggressiveness of GC cells by regulating HOXA-AS2/miR-509-3p/MMD2 axis.

Relationship between lncRNA MALAT1 and Chemo-radiotherapy Resistance of Cancer Cells: Uncovered Truths

The advancement of novel technologies, coupled with bioinformatics, has led to the discovery of additional genes, such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), that are associated with drug resistance. LncRNAs are composed of over 200 nucleotides and do not possess any protein coding function. These lncRNAs exhibit lower conservation across species, are typically expressed at low levels, and often display high specificity towards specific tissues and developmental stages. The LncRNA MALAT1 plays crucial regulatory roles in various aspects of genome function, encompassing gene transcription, splicing, and epigenetics. Additionally, it is involved in biological processes related to the cell cycle, cell differentiation, development, and pluripotency. Recently, MALAT1 has emerged as a novel mechanism contributing to drug resistance or sensitivity, attracting significant attention in the field of cancer research. This review aims to explore the mechanisms through which MALAT1 confers resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer cells.

A novel protein FNDC3B-267aa encoded by circ0003692 inhibits gastric cancer metastasis via promoting proteasomal degradation of c-Myc

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks fifth in global cancer incidence and third in mortality rate among all cancer types. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been extensively demonstrated to regulate multiple malignant biological behaviors in GC. Emerging evidence suggests that several circRNAs derived from FNDC3B play pivotal roles in cancer. However, the role of circFNDC3B in GC remains elusive.

METHODS

We initially screened circFNDC3B with translation potential via bioinformatics algorithm prediction. Subsequently, Sanger sequencing, qRT-PCR, RNase R, RNA-FISH and nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation assays were explored to assess the identification and localization of circ0003692, a circRNA derived from FNDC3B. qRT-PCR and ISH were performed to quantify expression of circ0003692 in human GC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. The protein-encoding ability of circ0003692 was investigated through dual-luciferase reporter assay and LC/MS. The biological behavior of circ0003692 in GC was confirmed via in vivo and in vitro experiments. Additionally, Co-IP and rescue experiments were performed to elucidate the interaction between the encoded protein and c-Myc.

RESULTS

We found that circ0003692 was significantly downregulated in GC tissues. Circ0003692 had the potential to encode a novel protein FNDC3B-267aa, which was downregulated in GC cells. We verified that FNDC3B-267aa, rather than circ0003692, inhibited GC migration in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FNDC3B-267aa directly interacted with c-Myc and promoted proteasomal degradation of c-Myc, resulting in the downregulation of c-Myc-Snail/Slug axis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that the novel protein FNDC3B-267aa encoded by circ0003692 suppressed GC metastasis through binding to c-Myc and enhancing proteasome-mediated degradation of c-Myc. The study offers the potential applications of circ0003692 or FNDC3B-267aa as therapeutic targets for GC.

Long non-coding RNA RP11-197K6.1 as ceRNA promotes colorectal cancer progression via miR-135a-5p/DLX5 axis

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health challenge, with high incidence and mortality rates. The role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer progression has received considerable attention. The present study aimed to investigate the function and mechanisms underlying the role of lncRNA RP11-197K6.1, microRNA-135a-5p (hsa-miR-135a-5p), and DLX5 in CRC development.

METHODS

We analyzed RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Colorectal Cancer dataset to identify the association between lncRNA RP11-197K6.1 and CRC progression. The expression levels of lncRNA RP11-197K6.1 and DLX5 in CRC samples and cell lines were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting assays. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to confirm the cellular localization of lncRNA RP11-197K6.1. Cell migration capabilities were assessed by Transwell and wound healing assays, and flow cytometry was performed to analyze apoptosis. The interaction between lncRNA RP11-197K6.1 and miR-135a-5p and its effect on DLX5 expression were investigated by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model was used to study the in vivo effects of lncRNA RP11-197K6.1 on tumor growth, and an immunohistochemical assay was performed to assess DLX5 expression in tumor tissues.

RESULTS

lncRNA RP11-197K6.1 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines as compared to that in normal tissues, and its expression was inversely correlated with patient survival. It promoted the migration and metastasis of CRC cells by interacting with miR-135a-5p, alleviated suppression of DLX5 expression, and facilitated tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the regulatory network and mechanism of action of the lncRNA RP11-197K6.1/miR-135a-5p/DLX5 axis in CRC development. These findings provided insights into the molecular pathology of CRC and suggested potential therapeutic targets for more effective treatment of patients with CRC.

A humanized trivalent Nectin-4-targeting nanobody drug conjugate displays potent antitumor activity in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer represents a highly lethal malignancy with an elevated mortality rate among cancer patients, coupled with a suboptimal postoperative survival prognosis. Nectin-4, an overexpressed oncological target for various cancers, has been exploited to create antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to treat solid tumors. However, there is limited research on Nectin-4 ADCs specifically for gastric cancer, and conventional immunoglobulin G (IgG)-based ADCs frequently encounter binding site barriers. Based on the excellent tumor penetration capabilities inherent in nanobodies (Nbs), we developed Nectin-4-targeting Nb drug conjugates (NDCs) for the treatment of gastric cancer.

RESULTS

An immunized phage display library was established and employed for the selection of Nectin-4-specific Nbs using phage display technology. Subsequently, these Nbs were engineered into homodimers to enhance Nb affinity. To prolong in vivo half-life and reduce immunogenicity, we fused an Nb targeting human serum albumin (HSA), resulting in the development of trivalent humanized Nbs. Further, we site-specifically conjugated a monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) at the C-terminus of the trivalent Nbs, creating Nectin-4 NDC (huNb26/Nb26-Nbh-MMAE) with a drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of 1. Nectin-4 NDC demonstrated excellent in vitro cell-binding activities and cytotoxic efficacy against cells with high Nectin-4 expression. Subsequent administration of Nectin-4 NDC to mice bearing NCI-N87 human gastric cancer xenografts demonstrated rapid tissue penetration and high tumor uptake through in vivo imaging. Moreover, Nectin-4 NDC exhibited noteworthy dose-dependent anti-tumor efficacy in in vivo studies.

CONCLUSION

We have engineered a Nectin-4 NDC with elevated affinity and effective tumor uptake, further establishing its potential as a therapeutic agent for gastric cancer.

MiRNA polymorphisms affect the prognosis of gastric cancer: insights from Xianyou, Fujian

Introduction

Gastric cancer, characterized by high incidence and substantial disease burden, has drawn continuous attention regarding its occurrence and prognosis. Genetics plays a crucial role in influencing the prognosis of gastric cancer, and single nucleotide polymorphisms are closely associated with the occurrence, development, and prognosis of this malignant tumor. Our study aims to conduct survival analysis on patients carrying different single nucleotide polymorphisms, exploring the relationship between miRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms and the prognosis of gastric cancer.

Methods

Genetic data from 344 patients in Xianyou, Fujian, formed the basis of our study. We delineated the survival rate and median survival time, utilizing the log-rank test and COX regression analysis as statistical tools.

Results

Upon stratifying the data by sex or operation, it was discerned that the GG genotype at MSH2 rs17502941 independently posed a heightened risk for gastric cancer. Other stratification analyses suggested that the subsequent single nucleotide polymorphisms were correlated with patient prognosis: rs17502941, rs884225, rs1468063, rs7143252, and rs2271738.

Discussion

The outcomes of this study strongly suggest that miRNA polymorphisms significantly influence the survival time of gastric cancer patients and can serve as effective predictors for the prognosis of gastric cancer.

ALKBH5-mediated m6A modification of circFOXP1 promotes gastric cancer progression by regulating SOX4 expression and sponging miR-338-3p

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently been suggested as potential functional modulators of cellular physiology processes in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we demonstrated that circFOXP1 was more highly expressed in GC tissues. High circFOXP1 expression was positively associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and poor prognosis in patients with GC. Cox multivariate analysis revealed that higher circFOXP1 expression was an independent risk factor for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in GC patients. Functional studies showed that increased circFOXP1 expression promoted cell proliferation, cell invasion, and cell cycle progression in GC in vitro. In vivo, the knockdown of circFOXP1 inhibited tumor growth. Mechanistically, we observed ALKBH5-mediated m6A modification of circFOXP1 and circFOXP1 promoted GC progression by regulating SOX4 expression and sponging miR-338-3p in GC cells. Thus, our findings highlight that circFOXP1 could serve as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for GC.

Bibliometric and visualized analysis of global research on microRNAs in gastric cancer: from 2013 to 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) imposes a heavy burden on global public health, and microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of GC. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the hotspots and frontiers in the field of miRNAs in GC to guide future research. A total of 2,051 publications related to miRNAs in GC from January 2013 to December 2023 were searched from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace was used to identify research hotspots and delineate developmental trends. In the past decade, China, Nanjing Medical University, and Ba Yi were the most contributing research country, institute, and author in this field, respectively. The role of miRNAs as biomarkers in GC, the mechanism of miRNAs in the progression of GC, and the impact of the mutual effects between miRNAs and Helicobacter pylori on GC have been regarded as the research hotspots. The mechanisms of miRNAs on glucose metabolism and the application of the roles of circular RNAs as miRNA sponges in GC treatment will likely be frontiers. Overall, this study called for strengthened cooperation to identify targets and therapeutic regimes for local specificity and high-risk GC types, and to promote the translation of research results into clinical practice.

Baicalin enhances the chemotherapy sensitivity of oxaliplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells by activating p53-mediated ferroptosis

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, and chemotherapy is the main treatment for advanced gastric cancer. However, chemotherapy resistance leads to treatment failure and poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major challenge that needs to be overcome in chemotherapy. According to recent research, ferroptosis activation is crucial for tumor therapeutic strategies. In this work, we explored the solution to chemoresistance in gastric cancer by investigating the effects of the Chinese medicine monomer baicalin on ferroptosis. Baicalin with different concentrations was used to treat the parent HGC27 and drug-resistant HGC27/L cells of gastric cancer. Cell viability was measured by CCK8, and synergistic effects of baicalin combined with oxaliplatin were evaluated using Synergy Finder software. The effects of baicalin on organelles and cell morphology were investigated using projective electron microscopy. Iron concentration, MDA production and GSH inhibition rate were measured by colorimetry. ROS accumulation was detected by flow cytometry. The ferroptosis-related genes (IREB2, TfR, GPX4, FTH1), P53, and SLC7A11 were analysed by Western blot, and the expression differences of the above proteins between pretreatment and pretreatment of different concentrations of baicalin, were assayed in both parental HGC27 cells and Oxaliplatin-resistant HGC27/L cells. Mechanically, Baicalin disrupted iron homeostasis and inhibits antioxidant defense, resulting in iron accumulation, lipid peroxide aggregation, and specifically targeted and activated ferroptosis by upregulating the expression of tumor suppressor gene p53, thereby activating the SLC7A11/GPX4/ROS pathway mediated by it. Baicalin activates ferroptosis through multiple pathways and targets, thereby inhibiting the viability of oxaliplatin-resistant gastric cancer HGC27/L cells and enhancing the sensitivity to oxaliplatin chemotherapy.

Evaluation of expression level of BANCR, MALAT1 and FER1L4 and their target genes in coumarin-treated AGS cell line

Because long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can affect several interconnected processes, its value as a predictive marker for gastric cancer has been demonstrated. Coumarin - a natural compound known to contain some beneficial antitumor qualities - was tested for its effects on AGS gastric cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the expression level of selected cellular lncRNAs (BANCR, MALAT1 and FER1L4) and their target genes (PTEN, p-PI3K and p-AKT) in coumarin-treated AGS cell line. The expressions of the three lncRNAs: BANCR, MALAT1 and FER1L4, as well as their specified targets, PTEN, PI3K and AKT, were measured by qRT-PCR. To gauge the impact of coumarin on the AGS cells, a MTT assay was utilized. A Western blot has been employed to assess variations in PTEN, p-PI3K, and p-AKT expression. The experiment's results showed that AGS viability diminished with increasing doses of coumarin. Compared to the control cells, the cells exposed to coumarin had showed reduced levels of mRNAs which are known targets of the lncRNA BANCR. At the same time, levels of lncRNAs MALAT1 and FER1L4 within coumarin group have been higher comparing to those within control group. Additionally, the Western blot analysis revealed that the coumarin-treated cells expressed lower levels of p-PI3K, PTEN as well as p-AKT compared to control group. This information points to coumarin being a possible option in a treatment regimen for gastric cancer due to its ability to affect lncRNAs and the molecules they target.

LncRNA GAS6-AS1 contributes to 5-fluorouracil resistance in colorectal cancer by facilitating the binding of PCBP1 with MCM3

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance has always been a formidable obstacle in the adjuvant treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). In recent years, long non-coding RNAs have emerged as key regulators in various pathophysiological processes including 5-FU resistance. TRG is a postoperative pathological score of the chemotherapy effectiveness for CRC, of which TRG 0-1 is classified as chemotherapy sensitivity and TRG 3 as chemotherapy resistance. Here, RNA-seq combined with weighted gene correlation network analysis confirmed the close association of GAS6-AS1 with TRG. GAS6-AS1 expression was positively correlated with advanced clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in CRC. GAS6-AS1 increased the 50% inhibiting concentration of 5-FU, enhanced cell proliferation and accelerated G1/S transition, both with and without 5-FU, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, GAS6-AS1 enhanced the stability of MCM3 mRNA by recruiting PCBP1, consequently increasing MCM3 expression. Furthermore, PCBP1 and MCM3 counteracted the effects of GAS6-AS1 on 5-FU resistance. Notably, the PDX model indicated that combining chemotherapeutic drugs with GAS6-AS1 knockdown yielded superior outcomes in vivo. Together, our findings elucidate that GAS6-AS1 directly binds to PCBP1, enhancing MCM3 expression and thereby promoting 5-FU resistance. GAS6-AS1 may serve as a robust biomarker and potential therapeutic target for combination therapy in CRC.

Sialylated glycoproteins and sialyltransferases in digestive cancers: Mechanisms, diagnostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets

Sialic acid (SA), as the ultimate epitope of polysaccharides, can act as a cap at the end of polysaccharide chains to prevent their overextension. Sialylation is the enzymatic process of transferring SA residues onto polysaccharides and is catalyzed by a group of enzymes known as sialyltransferases (SiaTs). It is noteworthy that the sialylation level of glycoproteins is significantly altered when digestive cancer occurs. And this alteration exhibits a close correlation with the progression of these cancers. In this review, from the perspective of altered SiaTs expression levels and changed glycoprotein sialylation patterns, we summarize the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC), colorectal cancer (CRC), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Furthermore, we propose potential early diagnostic biomarkers and prognostic indicators for different digestive cancers. Finally, we summarize the therapeutic value of sialylation in digestive system cancers.

Disulfidptosis-related lncRNA signature reveals immune microenvironment and novel molecular subtyping of stomach adenocarcinoma

The main challenge in treating stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is chemotherapy resistance, which is characterized by changes in the immune microenvironment. Disulfidptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, is involved in STAD but its mechanism is not fully understood. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) may play a role in regulating disulfidptosis and influencing the immune microenvironment and chemotherapy resistance in STAD. This study aims to establish disulfidptosis-related lncRNA (DRL) features and explore their significance in the immune microenvironment and chemotherapy resistance in STAD patients. By analyzing RNA sequencing and clinical data from STAD patients and extracting disulfidptosis-related genes, we identified DRLs through co-expression, single-factor and multi-factor Cox regression, and Lasso regression analyses. We also investigated differences in the immune microenvironment, immune function, immune checkpoint gene expression, and chemotherapy resistance between different risk groups using various algorithms. A prognostic risk model consisting of 2 DRLs was constructed, with a strong predictive value for patient survival, outperforming other clinical-pathological factors in predicting 3-year and 5-year survival. Immune-related analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between T cell CD4+ cells and risk score across all algorithms, and higher expression of immune checkpoint genes in the high-risk group. In addition, high-risk patients showed better sensitivity to Erlotinib, Oxaliplatin, and Gefitinib. Furthermore, three novel molecular subtypes of STAD were identified based on the 2-DRLs features, with evaluation of the immune microenvironment and chemotherapy drug sensitivity for each subgroup, which holds significant implications for achieving precise treatment in STAD. Overall, our 2-DRLs prognostic model demonstrates high predictive value for patient survival in STAD, potentially providing new targets for individualized immune and chemical therapy.

Nanomedomics

Nanomaterials have attractive physicochemical properties. A variety of nanomaterials such as inorganic, lipid, polymers, and protein nanoparticles have been widely developed for nanomedicine via chemical conjugation or physical encapsulation of bioactive molecules. Superior to traditional drugs, nanomedicines offer high biocompatibility, good water solubility, long blood circulation times, and tumor-targeting properties. Capitalizing on this, several nanoformulations have already been clinically approved and many others are currently being studied in clinical trials. Despite their undoubtful success, the molecular mechanism of action of the vast majority of nanomedicines remains poorly understood. To tackle this limitation, herein, this review critically discusses the strategy of applying multiomics analysis to study the mechanism of action of nanomedicines, named nanomedomics, including advantages, applications, and future directions. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism could provide valuable insight and therefore foster the development and clinical translation of nanomedicines.

Curcumin inhibits the growth and invasion of gastric cancer by regulating long noncoding RNA AC022424.2

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer, characterized by a multifactorial etiology and high heterogeneity, continues to confound researchers in terms of its pathogenesis. Curcumin, a natural anticancer agent, exhibits therapeutic promise in gastric cancer. Its effects include promoting cell apoptosis, curtailing tumor angiogenesis, and enhancing sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have garnered significant attention as biomarkers for early screening, diagnosis, treatment, and drug response because of their remarkable specificity and sensitivity. Recent investigations have revealed an association between aberrant lncRNA expression and early diagnosis, clinical staging, metastasis, drug sensitivity, and prognosis in gastric cancer. A profound understanding of the intricate mechanisms through which lncRNAs influence gastric cancer development can provide novel insights for precision treatment and tailored management of patients with gastric cancer. This study aimed to unravel the potential of curcumin in suppressing the malignant behavior of gastric cancer cells by upregulating specific lncRNAs and modulating gastric cancer onset and progression.

AIM

To identify lncRNAs associated with curcumin treatment and investigate the role of lncRNA AC022424.2 in the effects of curcumin on gastric cancer cell apoptosis, proliferation, and invasion. Furthermore, these findings were validated in clinical samples.

METHODS

The study employed CCK-8 assays to assess the impact of curcumin on gastric cancer cell proliferation, flow cytometry to investigate its effects on apoptosis, and scratch and Transwell assays to evaluate its influence on the migration and invasion of BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells. Western blotting was used to gauge changes in the protein expression levels of CDK6, CDK4, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, P65, and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in gastric cancer cell lines after curcumin treatment. Differential expression of lncRNAs before and after curcumin treatment was assessed using lncRNA sequencing and validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells. AC022424.2-1 knockdown BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells were generated to scrutinize the impact of lncRNA AC022424.2 on apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Western blotting was performed to ascertain changes in the expression of proteins implicated in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways. RT-PCR was employed to measure lncRNA AC022424.2 expression in clinical gastric cancer tissues and to correlate its expression with clinical pathological characteristics.

RESULTS

Curcumin induced apoptosis and hindered proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. LncRNA AC022424.2 was upregulated after curcumin treatment, and its knockdown enhanced cancer cell aggressiveness. LncRNA AC022424.2 may have affected cancer cells via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways. LncRNA AC022424.2 downregulation was correlated with lymph node metastasis, making it a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin has potential anticancer effects on gastric cancer cells by regulating lncRNA AC022424.2. This lncRNA plays a significant role in cancer cell behavior and may have clinical implications in diagnosis and prognosis evaluation. The results of this study enhance our understanding of gastric cancer development and precision treatment.

CX3CL1 and its receptor CX3CR1 interact with RhoA signaling to induce paclitaxel resistance in gastric cancer

C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is a transmembrane protein, and the membranal and soluble forms of CX3CL1 exhibit different functions, although both bind to the CX3CR1 chemokine receptor. The CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis induces many cellular responses relevant to cancer, such as proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis resistance. Here we attempt to elucidate whether CX3CL1/CX3CR1 is associated with paclitaxel (PTX) resistance in gastric cancer (GC). The Gene Expression Omnibus database was queried to screen for differentially expressed genes in GC cells caused by drug resistance, and CX3CL1 was selected as a candidate. CX3CL1 was overexpressed in PTX-resistant cells and tissues. CX3CL1 loss sensitized GC cells to PTX, promoted apoptosis and DNA damage, and inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. CX3CR1 reversed the ameliorative effect of CX3CL1 silencing on PTX sensitivity in GC cells. The promotion of PTX resistance by CX3CL1/CX3CR1 was inhibited by impairment of the small GTPase Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) pathway in vitro and in vivo. These findings indicate that the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 expedites PTX resistance through the RhoA signaling in GC cells.

Long noncoding RNAs and their possible roles in tumorigenesis and drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy

Cancer is still one of the most important diseases that have a high mortality rate around the world. The management of cancer involves many procedures, which include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy is considered one of the most important problems in clinical oncology. A good understanding of the tumorigenesis process and the mechanisms of developing chemotherapy resistance in cancer cells will help achieve significant advances in cancer treatment protocols. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). LncRNAs are no longer just a transcriptional noise, and many investigations proved their possible roles in regulating mandatory cellular functions. A lot of newly published studies confirmed the implication of lncRNAs in the tumor formation process and the multiple drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy. The main aim of this review is to focus on the lncRNAs' functions in the cell, their possible roles in the tumor formation process, and their roles in the development of chemotherapy resistance in different cancer cells.

Deciphering drug resistance in gastric cancer: Potential mechanisms and future perspectives

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor that originates from the epithelium of the gastric mucosa. The latest global cancer statistics show that GC ranks fifth in incidence and fourth in mortality among all cancers, posing a serious threat to public health. While early-stage GC is primarily treated through surgery, chemotherapy is the frontline option for advanced cases. Currently, commonly used chemotherapy regimens include FOLFOX (oxaliplatin + leucovorin + 5-fluorouracil) and XELOX (oxaliplatin + capecitabine). However, with the widespread use of chemotherapy, an increasing number of cases of drug resistance have emerged. This article primarily explores the potential mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance in GC patients from five perspectives: cell death, tumor microenvironment, non-coding RNA, epigenetics, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, it proposes feasibility strategies to overcome drug resistance from four angles: cancer stem cells, tumor microenvironment, natural products, and combined therapy. The hope is that this article will provide guidance for researchers in the field and bring hope to more GC patients.

Critical role of exosome, exosomal non-coding RNAs and non-coding RNAs in head and neck cancer angiogenesis

Head and neck cancer (HNC) refers to the epithelial malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract. HNCs have a constant yet slow-growing rate with an unsatisfactory overall survival rate globally. The development of new blood vessels from existing blood conduits is regarded as angiogenesis, which is implicated in the growth, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Aberrant angiogenesis is a known contributor to human cancer progression. Representing a promising therapeutic target, the blockade of angiogenesis aids in the reduction of the tumor cells oxygen and nutrient supplies. Despite the promise, the association of existing anti-angiogenic approaches with severe side effects, elevated cancer regrowth rates, and limited survival advantages is incontrovertible. Exosomes appear to have an essential contribution to the support of vascular proliferation, the regulation of tumor growth, tumor invasion, and metastasis, as they are a key mediator of information transfer between cells. In the exocrine region, various types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) identified to be enriched and stable and contribute to the occurrence and progression of cancer. Mounting evidence suggest that exosome-derived ncRNAs are implicated in tumor angiogenesis. In this review, the characteristics of angiogenesis, particularly in HNC, and the impact of ncRNAs on HNC angiogenesis will be outlined. Besides, we aim to provide an insight on the regulatory role of exosomes and exosome-derived ncRNAs in angiogenesis in different types of HNC.

Enhancing wound healing and overcoming cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) poses significant oncological challenges, notably impaired wound healing in the context of cisplatin (DDP) resistance. This study investigates the role of miR-200b in OC, emphasizing its impact on wound healing processes through DNMT3A/TGF-β1 pathway. The primary aim was to explore how miR-200b regulates autophagy and its consequential effects on wound healing in OC, alongside its influence on cisplatin resistance. Utilizing DDP-sensitive (A2780) and resistant (A2780/DDP) OC cell lines, along with human fibroblast cultures, the study employed an array of in vitro techniques. These included cell transfection with miR-200b mimic or inhibitor, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assays, quantitative PCR, Western blotting, MTT and particularly, wound healing assays. The research highlighted the role of miR-200b in wound healing within OC. Inhibition of miR-200b in A2780 cells and its mimic in A2780/DDP cells affected cell viability, indicating the link with DDP resistance. Crucially, miR-200b mimic significantly delayed fibroblast-mediated wound closure in assays, underscoring its impact on wound healing. Bioinformatics analysis and subsequent DLR assays confirmed miR-200b's interaction with DNMT3A, affecting TGF-β1 expression, the key factor in wound repair. Further, ChIP, quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses validated the interaction and expression changes in DNMT3A and TGF-β1. The study demonstrated that miR-200b played a pivotal role in OC by modulating autophagy, which in turn significantly affected wound healing through the DNMT3A/TGF-β1 pathway.

Long non-coding RNAs in drug resistance across the top five cancers: Update on their roles and mechanisms

Cancer drug resistance stands as a formidable obstacle in the relentless fight against the top five prevalent cancers: breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, and gastric cancers. These malignancies collectively account for a significant portion of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal players in the intricate landscape of cancer biology, and their roles in driving drug resistance are steadily coming to light. This comprehensive review seeks to underscore the paramount significance of lncRNAs in orchestrating resistance across a spectrum of different cancer drugs, including platinum drugs (DDP), tamoxifen, trastuzumab, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), paclitaxel (PTX), and Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) across the most prevalent types of cancer. It delves into the multifaceted mechanisms through which lncRNAs exert their influence on drug resistance, shedding light on their regulatory roles in various facets of cancer biology. A comprehensive understanding of these lncRNA-mediated mechanisms may pave the way for more effective and personalized treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in these challenging malignancies.

Banxia-Shengjiang drug pair inhibits gastric cancer development and progression by improving body immunity

To investigate the mechanism of action of Banxia-Shengjiang drug pair on the inhibition of gastric cancer (GC) using network pharmacology and bioinformatics techniques. The action targets of the Banxia (Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Makino) -Shengjiang (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) drug pair obtained from the TCMSP database were intersected with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and GC-related genes, and the intersected genes were analyzed for pathway enrichment to identify the signaling pathways and core target genes. Subsequently, the core target genes were analyzed for clinical relevance gene mutation analysis, methylation analysis, immune infiltration analysis and immune cell analysis. Finally, by constructing the PPI network of hub genes and corresponding active ingredients, the key active ingredients of the Banxia-Shengjiang drug pair were screened for molecular docking with the hub genes. In this study, a total of 557 target genes of Banxia-Shengjiang pairs, 7754 GC-related genes and 1799 DEGs in GC were screened. Five hub genes were screened, which were PTGS2, MMP9, PPARG, MMP2, and CXCR4. The pathway enrichment analyses showed that the intersecting genes were associated with RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, the clinical correlation analysis showed that hub genes were differentially expressed in GC and was closely associated with immune infiltration and immunotherapy. The results of single nucleotide variation (SNV) and copy number variation (CNV) indicated that mutations in the hub genes were associated with the survival of gastric cancer patients. Finally, the PPI network and molecular docking results showed that PTGS2 and MMP9 were potentially important targets for the inhibition of GC by Banxia-Shengjiang drug pair, while cavidine was an important active ingredient for the inhibition of GC by Banxia-Shengjiang drug pair. Banxia-Shengjiang drug pair may regulate the immune function and inhibit GC by modulating the expression of core target genes such as RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, PTGS2 and MMP9.

LINC00355 promotes gastric carcinogenesis by scaffolding p300 to activate CDC42 transcription and enhancing HNRNPA2B1 to stabilize CDC42 mRNA dependent on m6A

LINC00355 is involved in the tumorigenesis of several types of cancer. We verified that LINC00355 is upregulated in gastric cancer (GC) and contributes to GC cells' proliferation and metastasis. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and rescue assays suggested that LINC00355 controls gastric carcinogenesis by regulating the expression of cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) guanosine triphosphatase (GTPases), thereby activating their downstream pathways. Most previous studies have shown that LINC00355 acts as a ceRNA by sponging miRNAs to modulate downstream gene expression. Our group focus on epigenetic regulatory potential of LINC00355 in gene expression. Mechanistically, LINC00355 binds to p300 histone acetyltransferase, specifying the histone modification pattern on the CDC42 promoter to activate CDC42 transcription, thereby altering GC cell biology. In addition, HNRNPA2B1, which is upregulated by LINC00355, recognizes the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) sites of CDC42 and enhances the stability of CDC42 mRNA transcripts. Therefore, LINC00355 is mechanistically, functionally, and clinically oncogenic in GC cells.

Clinical significance of CD166 and HER-2 in different types of gastric cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cluster of differentiation 166 (CD166), a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) are expressed in a diversity of malignancies and is associated with tumor progression. Although studies regarding the importance of CSC markers and HER-2 in gastric cancer (GC) have rapidly developed, their clinicopathological, prognosis, and diagnosis value still remain unsatisfying in GC. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the clinical, prognostic, and diagnostic significance of CD166 and HER-2 in different histological types of GC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bioinformatic analysis was applied to determine the clinical importance of CD166 and HER-2 expression based on their tissue localization in primary GC tumors and the normal adjacent samples. The expression patterns, clinical significance, prognosis, and diagnosis value of CD166 and HER-2 proteins in tissue microarrays (TMAs) of 206 GC samples, including Signet Ring Cell (SRC) and intestinal types and also 28 adjacent normal tissues were evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

The results indicated that the expression of CD166 (membranous and cytoplasmic) and HER-2 were significantly up-regulated in tumor cells compared to adjacent normal tissues (P = 0.010, P < 0.001, and P = 0.011, respectively). A statistically significant association was detected between a high level of membranous expression of CD166 and lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.006); We also observed a statistically significant association between high cytoplasmic expression of CD166 protein and more invasion of the subserosa (P = 0.040) in the SRC type. In contrast, there was no correlation between the expression of HER-2 and clinicopathologic characteristics. Both CD166 and HER-2 showed reasonable accuracy and high specificity as diagnostic markers.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirmed that increased membranous and cytoplasmic expression of CD166 showed clinical significance in the SRC type and is associated with the progression of the disease and more aggressive tumor behaviors. These findings can be used to assist in designating subgroups of patients that require different follow-up strategies, and also, they might be utilized as the prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers in these types of GC for prospective clinical application.

Emerging roles of circular RNAs in tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment of gastric cancer

With an estimated one million new cases reported annually, gastric cancer (GC) ranks as the fifth most diagnosed malignancy worldwide. The early detection of GC remains a major challenge, and the prognosis worsens either when patients develop resistance to chemotherapy or radiotherapy or when the cancer metastasizes. The precise pathogenesis underlying GC is not well understood, which further complicates its treatment. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a recently discovered class of noncoding RNAs that originate from parental genes through "back-splicing", have been shown to play a key role in various biological processes in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. CircRNAs have been linked to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, and the occurrence and progression of tumors. Prior studies have established that circRNAs play a crucial role in GC, impacting tumorigenesis, diagnosis, progression, and therapy resistance. This review aims to summarize how circRNAs contribute to GC tumorigenesis and progression, examine their roles in the development of drug resistance, discuss their potential as biotechnological drugs, and summarize their response to therapeutic drugs and microorganism in GC.

lncRNA CYTOR promotes lung adenocarcinoma gemcitabine resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by sponging miR-125a-5p and upregulating ANLN and RRM2

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most aggressive types of lung cancer. The prognosis of LUAD patients remains poor, and the overall efficacy of gemcitabine-based chemotherapy is still unsatisfactory. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in several cancer types by interacting with multiple proteins, RNA, and DNA. However, the relationship between lncRNA dysregulation and gemcitabine resistance in LUAD has not been fully elucidated. In this study, lncRNA CYTOR expression and its association with the prognosis of LUAD patients are assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. In vitro and in vivo functional studies are conducted to evaluate the biological functions of CYTOR in LUAD. The underlying mechanism regarding the tumor-promoting effects of CYTOR is explored using RNA immunoprecipitation, biotin-labelled RNA pulldown, luciferase reporter assays, and western blot analysis. We identify that CYTOR is an oncogenic lncRNA and is apparently upregulated in LUAD by analysing TCGA-LUAD data. High CYTOR expression is a poor prognostic factor for LUAD. Functional studies reveal that CYTOR confers LUAD cells with stronger resistance to gemcitabine treatment and upregulates the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. Mechanically, CYTOR acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to absorb miR-125a-5p, weakens the antitumor function of miR-125a-5p, and ultimately upregulates ANLN and RRM2 expressions. Taken together, this study explains the mechanism of lncRNA in the gemcitabine resistance of LUAD and formulates a theoretical framework for the in depth study of LUAD.

EZH2-interacting lncRNAs contribute to gastric tumorigenesis; a review on the mechanisms of action

Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide, demanding new targets to improve its diagnosis and treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dysregulated through gastric tumorigenesis and play a significant role in GC progression and development. Recent studies have revealed that lncRNAs can interact with histone-modifying polycomb protein, enhance Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), and mediate its site-specific functioning. EZH2, which functions as an oncogene in GC, is the catalytic subunit of the PRC2 complex that induces H3K27 trimethylation and epigenetically represses gene expression. EZH2-interacting lncRNAs can recruit EZH2 to the promoter regions of various tumor suppressor genes and cause their transcriptional deactivation via histone methylation. The interactions between EZH2 and this lncRNA modulate different processes, such as cell cycle, cell proliferation and growth, migration, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance, in vitro and in vivo GC models. Therefore, EZH2-interacting lncRNAs are exciting targets for developing novel targeted therapies for GC. Subsequently, this review aims to focus on the roles of these interactions in GC progression to understand the therapeutic value of EZH2-interacting lncRNAs further.

Insights into lenvatinib resistance: mechanisms, potential biomarkers, and strategies to enhance sensitivity

Lenvatinib is a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor capable of promoting apoptosis, suppressing angiogenesis, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, and modulating the immune response. In multiple cancer types, lenvatinib has presented manageable safety and is currently approved as an effective first-line therapy. However, with the gradual increase in lenvatinib application, the inevitable progression of resistance to lenvatinib is becoming more prevalent. A series of recent researches have reported the mechanisms underlying the development of lenvatinib resistance in tumor therapy, which are related to the regulation of cell death or proliferation, histological transformation, metabolism, transport processes, and epigenetics. In this review, we aim to outline recent discoveries achieved in terms of the mechanisms and potential predictive biomarkers of lenvatinib resistance as well as to summarize untapped approaches available for improving the therapeutic efficacy of lenvatinib in patients with various types of cancers.

A human stomach cell type transcriptome atlas

BACKGROUND

The identification of cell type-specific genes and their modification under different conditions is central to our understanding of human health and disease. The stomach, a hollow organ in the upper gastrointestinal tract, provides an acidic environment that contributes to microbial defence and facilitates the activity of secreted digestive enzymes to process food and nutrients into chyme. In contrast to other sections of the gastrointestinal tract, detailed descriptions of cell type gene enrichment profiles in the stomach are absent from the major single-cell sequencing-based atlases.

RESULTS

Here, we use an integrative correlation analysis method to predict human stomach cell type transcriptome signatures using unfractionated stomach RNAseq data from 359 individuals. We profile parietal, chief, gastric mucous, gastric enteroendocrine, mitotic, endothelial, fibroblast, macrophage, neutrophil, T-cell, and plasma cells, identifying over 1600 cell type-enriched genes.

CONCLUSIONS

We uncover the cell type expression profile of several non-coding genes strongly associated with the progression of gastric cancer and, using a sex-based subset analysis, uncover a panel of male-only chief cell-enriched genes. This study provides a roadmap to further understand human stomach biology.

LncRNA DLEU2 contributes to Taxol resistance of gastric cancer cells through regulating the miR-30c-5p-LDHA axis

Gastric cancer (GC) is a human malignancy which is associated with high mortality rate and poor prognosis. In addition to surgery, chemo- and radio-therapies are effective strategies against GC at advanced or metastatic stage. Taxol is a traditionally anti-cancer drug which is applied to various types of cancer. However, development of drug resistance limited the anti-cancer effects of Taxol. Currently, the biological roles and mechanisms of non-coding RNA DLEU2 in Taxol resistant GC remain unclear. This study reported that DLEU2 was significantly upregulated and miR-30c-5p was remarkedly downregulated in gastric tumours and cell lines. Silencing DLEU2 or overexpression of miR-30c-5p effectively increased the Taxol sensitivity of GC cells. Through bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull-down and luciferase assay, we demonstrated that DLEU2 sponged miR-30c-5p to block its expression in GC cells. Moreover, from the established Taxol resistant GC cell line, we detected remarkedly upregulated DLEU2 and downregulated miR-30c-5p expressions and significantly elevated glucose metabolism. Under low glucose condition, Taxol resistant cells were more susceptible to Taxol. In addition, we showed overexpression of miR-30c-5p blocked glucose metabolism through inhibiting the LDHA, a glucose metabolism key enzyme by direct targeting the 3'UTR of LDHA. Finally, rescue experiments validated that restoration of miR-30c-5p in DLEU2-overexpressing Taxol resistant GC cells effectively overcame the DLEU2-promoted Taxol resistance. In summary, this study uncovered new roles and molecular mechanisms of the lncRNA DLEU2-promoted Taxol resistance of gastric cancer cells, presenting the DLEU2-miR-30c-5p-LDHA-glucose metabolism axis a potentially therapeutic target for treatment of Taxol resistant GC.

Prediction and verification of the prognostic biomarker SLC2A2 and its association with immune infiltration in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cause of cancer-associated deaths; however, its treatment options are limited. Despite clinical improvements, chemotherapy resistance and metastasis are major challenges in improving the prognosis and quality of life of patients with GC. Therefore, effective prognostic biomarkers and targets associated with immunological interventions need to be identified. Solute carrier family 2 member 2 (SLC2A2) may serve a role in tumor development and invasion. The present study aimed to evaluate SLC2A2 as a prospective prognostic marker and chemotherapeutic target for GC. SLC2A2 expression in several types of cancer and GC was analyzed using online databases, and the effects of SLC2A2 expression on survival prognosis in GC were investigated. Clinicopathological parameters were examined to explore the association between SLC2A2 expression and overall survival (OS). Associations between SLC2A2 expression and immune infiltration, immune checkpoints and IC50 were estimated using quantification of the tumor immune contexture from human RNA-seq data, the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2.0 database and the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database. Differential SLC2A2 expression and the predictive value were validated using the Human Protein Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. SLC2A2 expression was downregulated in most types of tumor but upregulated in GC. Functional enrichment analysis revealed an association between SLC2A2 expression and lipid metabolism and the tumor immune microenvironment. According to Gene Ontology term functional enrichment analysis, SLC2A2-related differentially expressed genes were enriched predominantly in 'chylomicron assembly', 'plasma lipoprotein particle assembly', 'high-density lipoprotein particle', 'chylomicron', 'triglyceride-rich plasma lipoprotein particle', 'very-low-density lipoprotein particle'. 'intermembrane lipid transfer activity', 'lipoprotein particle receptor binding', 'cholesterol transporter activity' and 'intermembrane cholesterol transfer activity'. In addition, 'cholesterol metabolism', and 'fat digestion and absorption' were significantly enriched in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. Patients with GC with high SLC2A2 expression had higher levels of neutrophil and M2 macrophage infiltration and a significant inverse correlation was observed between SLC2A2 expression and MYC targets, tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability and immune checkpoints. Furthermore, patients with high SLC2A2 expression had worse prognosis, including OS, disease-specific survival and progression-free interval. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that SLC2A2 could independently prognosticate GC and the nomogram model showed favorable performance for survival prediction. SLC2A2 may be a prospective prognostic marker for GC. The prediction model may improve the prognosis of patients with GC in clinical practice, and SLC2A2 may serve as a novel therapeutic target to provide immunotherapy plans for GC.

Decoding the regulatory landscape of lncRNAs as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for gastric and colorectal cancers

Colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC) are major contributors to cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in understanding molecular mechanisms and improved drug treatments, the overall survival rate for patients remains unsatisfactory. Metastasis and drug resistance are major challenges contributing to the high mortality rate in both CRC and GC. Recent research has shed light on the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development and progression of these cancers. LncRNAs regulate gene expression through various mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications and interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins. They can serve as miRNA precursors or pseudogenes, modulating gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Additionally, circulating lncRNAs have emerged as non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of drug therapy response in CRC and GC. This review explores the intricate relationship between lncRNAs and CRC/GC, encompassing their roles in cancer development, progression, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets in these malignancies. The interplay between lncRNAs, miRNAs, and tumor microenvironment is also highlighted, emphasizing their impact on the complexity of cancer biology. Understanding the regulatory landscape and molecular mechanisms governed by lncRNAs in CRC and GC is crucial for the development of effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as novel therapeutic strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and paves the way for further exploration of lncRNAs as key players in the management of CRC and GC.

Study of miRNA and lymphocyte subsets as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the expression of miRNA and lymphocyte subsets in the blood of gastric cancer (GC) patients, elucidate their clinical significance in GC, and establish novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of GC.

Methods

The expression of miRNAs in the serum of GC patients was screened using second-generation sequencing and detected using qRT-PCR. The correlation between miRNA expression and clinicopathological characteristics of GC patients was analyzed, and molecular markers for predicting cancer were identified. Additionally, flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of lymphocyte subsets in GC patients compared to healthy individuals. The correlations between differential lymphocyte subsets, clinicopathological features of GC patients, and their prognosis were analyzed statistically.

Results

The study revealed that hsa-miR-1306-5p, hsa-miR-3173-5p, and hsa-miR-296-5p were expressed at lower levels in the blood of GC patients, which is consistent with miRNA-seq findings. The AUC values of hsa-miR-1306-5p, hsa-miR-3173-5p, and hsa-miR-296-5p were found to be effective predictors of GC occurrence. Additionally, hsa-miR-296-5p was found to be negatively correlated with CA724. Furthermore, hsa-miR-1306-5p, hsa-miR-3173-5p, and hsa-miR-296-5p were found to be associated with the stage of the disease and were closely linked to the clinical pathology of GC. The lower the levels of these miRNAs, the greater the clinical stage of the tumor and the worse the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Finally, the study found that patients with GC had lower absolute numbers of CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, and lymphocytes compared to healthy individuals. The quantity of CD4+ T lymphocytes and the level of the tumor marker CEA were shown to be negatively correlated. The ROC curve and multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that lymphocyte subsets can effectively predict gastric carcinogenesis and prognosis.

Conclusion

These miRNAs such as hsa-miR-1306-5p, hsa-miR-3173-5p, hsa-miR-296-5p and lymphocyte subsets such as the absolute numbers of CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, lymphocytes are down-regulated in GC and are closely related to the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of GC patients. They may serve as new molecular markers for predicting the early diagnosis and prognosis of GC patients.

Circ_FNDC3B Promotes Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Regulating MAPK1 by Binding to miR-136-5p

A handful of circular RNAs (circRNAs) associated with cancer progression have been indicated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The current study aimed to investigate the functional mechanism of circular RNA Fibronectin type III domain containing 3B (circ_FNDC3B) in ESCC. Circ_FNDC3B, FNDC3B, microRNA-136-5p (miR-136-5p) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) were examined via the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Transwell assay was performed to measure cell migration and invasion. Protein analysis was implemented by western blot. Cell apoptosis was assessed via flow cytometry. Target interaction was affirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay. The function analysis of circ_FNDC3B in vivo was explored by xenograft models. The upregulation of circ_FNDC3B was detected in ESCC tissues and cells. Functionally, ESCC cell proliferation and metastasis were repressed but apoptosis was promoted by circ_FNDC3B knockdown. Besides, circ_FNDC3B silence inhibited ESCC progression through MAPK1 downregulation. Further target analysis identified miR-136-5p as a target of circ_FNDC3B and an upstream control of MAPK1. Additionally, the regulation of si-circ_FNDC3B in ESCC was also dependent on targeting miR-136-5p. Moreover, circ_FNDC3B targeted miR-136-5p to affect MAPK1 level. Tumorigenesis in vivo was also suppressed by downregulating circ_FNDC3B to regulate miR-136-5p/MAPK1 axis. Circ_FNDC3B downregulation impeded the development of ESCC via the mediation of miR-136-5p/MAPK1 axis. This report afforded a novel insight into the functional mechanism of circ_FNDC3B in ESCC.

Upregulation of circRNA_0023685 promotes gastric cancer progression via a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been extensively studied for their critical roles as noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we focused on the expression, function and molecular mechanism of circRNA_0023685 in gastric cancer (GC) to provide new ways for the diagnosis and treatment of GC. Firstly, a novel differentially expressed circRNA, circRNA_0023685, was identified, and its differential expression in GC plasma, tissue, and cell lines was further verified by RT-qPCR. Next, circRNA_0023685 was verified to promote the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of GC cells in vitro. CircRNA_0023685 was also proved to enhance the growth of GC tumors in xenograft models. Finally, for excavating the mechanism to promote GC, downstream microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs were screened by bioinformatics analyses. After intersecting the target genes and genes enriched in GO analysis, a circRNA competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) network was built. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was then constructed to find the candidate gene, APP. Our study confirmed that the highly expressed circRNA_0023685 could promote GC, which provided a new clinical diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.

Prediction of immune infiltration and prognosis for patients with cholangiocarcinoma based on a cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature

Objective

Cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL) is a malignant disease that affects the digestive tract, and it is characterized by a poor prognosis. This research sought to explore the involvement of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLs) in the prognostic prediction and immune infiltration of cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

The expression profiles and clinical data of CHOL patients were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, and CRLs were defined via co-expression analysis. Two molecular clusters distinguished by cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) were produced. Then a risk signature consisted by four CRLs was formed, and all samples were separated into low- and high-risk groups using a risk score. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, principal component analysis, differentially expressed analysis, immune cell infiltration analysis, and sensitivities analysis of chemotherapy drugs were conducted between the two groups. Simultaneously, the expression values of four lncRNAs confirmed by real-time PCR in our own 20 CHOL samples were brought into the risk model.

Results

The CHOL samples could be differentiated into two molecular clusters, which displayed contrasting survival times. Additionally, patients with higher risk scores had significantly worse prognosis compared to those in the low-risk group. Furthermore, both immune infiltration and enrichment analysis revealed significant discrepancies in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) between different risk groups. Moreover, the predictive power and the correlation with CA19-9 and CEA of risk signature were validated in our own samples.

Conclusion

We developed a risk signature which could serve as an independent prognostic factor and offer a promising prediction for not only prognosis but also TIME in CHOL patients.

Tumor-Derived Exosomal LINC01480 Upregulates VCAM1 Expression by Acting as a Competitive Endogenous RNA of miR-204-5p to Promote Gastric Cancer Progression

Exosomes are a type of cell-derived vesicles that range in size from 30 to 100 nm. They are widely present in various organisms and participate in diverse biological processes, playing crucial roles in tumorigenesis and progression. This study aimed to investigate whether LINC01480 in tumor-derived exosomes is involved in the molecular mechanism of gastric cancer by competitively upregulating the VCAM1 expression through binding miR-204-5p. The study analyzed transcriptome data related to gastric cancer from the cancer genome atlas database and constructed a risk-scoring model for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related lncRNAs to identify eight EMT-related lncRNAs associated with prognosis. EMT-related mRNAs positively correlated with LINC01480 were screened in the ExoRBase database. In vitro cell experiments showed that exosomal LINC01480 can promote the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of gastric cancer cells by upregulating VCAM1 expression through competitive binding with miR-204-5p. In vivo experiments on nude mice showed that exosomal LINC01480 promotes the development of gastric cancer. These results suggest that exosomal LINC01480 could be a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

A meta-analysis of the clinicopathological significance of the lncRNA MALAT1 in human gastric cancer

Background

Dysregulation of the long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) has been linked to some oncogenic pathways that induce cancer initiation and progression. This meta-analysis was conducted to specifically summarize the most recent research on MALAT1 function in human gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

The eligible studies were first identified by searching HowNet, Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and Nature databases for studies published as of April 1, 2023. The meta-analysis included 14 studies assessing MALAT1 expression and presenting clinical parameters and survival outcomes.

Results

The results illustrated that high MALAT1 expression is predictive of lymph node metastasis (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 2.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.97-4.54, P < 0.001) and distant metastasis in GC (OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.68-5.75, P < 0.001). In addition, MALAT1 was associated with GC tumor invasion (T3/T4 vs. T1/T2: OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.90- 4.41, P <0.001) and TNM stage (III/IV vs I/II: OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.80-4.77, P <0.001). Additionally, higher MALAT-1 expression predicted poorer overall survival in patients with GC (hazard ratio = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.20-2.09, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The current findings suggest that the high MALAT1 expression is an adverse biomarker for prognostic outcomes, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and distant metastasis in GC and MALAT1 could be a prognostic biomarker for GC.

Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicines as a Complementary Therapy Combined With Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Gastric Cancer: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

BACKGROUND

In China, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), as a complementary therapy combined with chemotherapy, is widely used in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). In order to systematically evaluate and synthesize existing evidence to provide a scientific basis for the efficacy and safety of this complementary therapy, we present an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) on the topic of TCMs as a complementary therapy in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of GC.

METHODS

SRs/MAs on TCMs combined with chemotherapy for GC were comprehensively searched in 8 databases. Methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality, and quality of evidence were assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2), the Risk of Bias in Systematic (ROBIS) scale, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 (PRISMA 2020), as well as the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

RESULTS

Thirteen published SRs/MAs were included in our study. In terms of methodology, all SRs/MAs were considered to be of very low quality. Only 3 SRs/MAs has been assessed as low risk of bias. None of the SRs/MAs has been fully reported on the checklist. A total of 97 outcome indicators extracted from the included SRs/MAs were evaluated, and only 1 item was assessed as high quality.

CONCLUSIONS

TCMs may be an effective and safe complementary therapy in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of GC. However, this conclusion must be treated with caution as the quality of the evidence provided by SRs/MAs is generally low.

Recent progress and the emerging role of lncRNAs in cancer drug resistance; focusing on signaling pathways

It is becoming more and more apparent that many of the genetic alterations associated with cancer are located in areas that do not encode proteins. lncRNAs are a class of RNAs that do not code for proteins but play a crucial role in maintaining cell function and regulating various cellular processes. By doing this, they have recently introduced what may be a brand-new and essential layer of biological control. These have more than 200 nucleotides and are linked to several diseases; as a result, they have become potential tools for therapeutic intervention. Emerging technologies suggest the presence of mutations on genomic loci that give rise to lncRNAs rather than proteins in a disease as complex as cancer. These lncRNAs play essential parts in gene regulation, which impacts several cellular homeostasis processes, including proliferation, survival, migration, and genomic stability. The leading cause of death in the world today is cancer. Delays in diagnosis and a lack of standard and efficient treatments are the leading causes of the high death rate. Clinically, surgery is frequently used successfully to remove cancers that have not spread, but it is less successful in treating metastatic cancer, which has a drastically lower chance of survival. Chemotherapeutic drugs are a typical therapy to treat the cancer that has spread to other organs. Drug resistance to chemotherapy, however, presents a significant challenge to achieving positive outcomes and is frequently the cause of treatment failure. A substantial barrier to progress in medical oncology is cancer drug resistance. Resistance can develop clinically either before or after cancer treatment. According to this study, lncRNAs influence drug resistance through several different methods. LncRNAs often impact drug resistance by controlling the expression of a few intermediary regulatory variables rather than by directly affecting drug resistance. Additionally, lncRNAs have a variety of roles in cancer medication resistance. Most lncRNAs induce drug resistance when overexpressed; however, other lncRNAs have inhibitory effects. This study provides an overview of the current understanding of lncRNAs, relevance to cancer, and potential therapeutic applications.

Targeting ferroptosis in gastric cancer: Strategies and opportunities

Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death morphologically, genetically, and biochemically distinct from other cell death pathways and characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides and oxidative damage. It is now understood that ferroptosis plays an essential role in various biological processes, especially in the metabolism of iron, lipids, and amino acids. Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignant tumor worldwide with low early diagnosis rates and high metastasis rates, accounting for its relatively poor prognosis. Although chemotherapy is commonly used to treat GC, drug resistance often leads to poor therapeutic outcomes. In the last several years, extensive research on ferroptosis has highlighted its significant potential in GC therapy, providing a promising strategy to address drug resistance associated with standard cancer therapies. In this review, we offer an extensive summary of the key regulatory factors related to the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis. Various inducers and inhibitors specifically targeting ferroptosis are uncovered. Additionally, we explore the prospective applications and outcomes of these agents in the field of GC therapy, emphasizing their capacity to improve the outcomes of this patient population.

A Mini-review on Helicobacter pylori with Gastric Cancer and Available Treatments

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most thoroughly researched etiological component for stomach inflammation and malignancies. Even though there are conventional recommendations and treatment regimens for eradicating H. pylori, failure rates continue to climb. Antibiotic resistance contributes significantly to misdiagnoses, false positive results, and clinical failures, all of which raise the chance of infection recurrence. This review aims to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance in H. pylori and discuss novel approaches for detecting genotypic resistance. Modulation of drug uptake/ efflux, biofilm, and coccoid development. Newer genome sequencing approaches capable of detecting H. pylori genotypic resistance are presented. Prolonged infection in the stomach causes major problems such as gastric cancer. The review discusses how H. pylori causes stomach cancer, recent biomarkers such as miRNAs, molecular pathways in the development of gastric cancer, and diagnostic methods and clinical trials for the disease. Efforts have been made to summarize the recent advancements made toward early diagnosis and novel therapeutic approaches for H. pylori-induced gastric cancer.

Moving beyond cisplatin resistance: mechanisms, challenges, and prospects for overcoming recurrence in clinical cancer therapy

Cisplatin, a classical platinum-based chemotherapy agent, has been a frontline treatment for various cancers for decades. However, its effectiveness has been hindered by the development of resistance, leading to cancer relapse. Addressing this challenge is crucial for both clinical practice and research. Hence, the imperative to unravel the intricate mechanisms underpinning cisplatin resistance and to uncover novel strategies to overcome this barrier holds immense significance. Within this review, we summarized the classification of platinum agents, highlighting their roles in therapeutic landscapes. We discussed the diverse mechanisms behind cisplatin resistance, including diminished intracellular cisplatin accumulation, intracellular detoxification, DNA repair, autophagy responses, heat shock proteins, tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells, epigenetic regulation, ferroptosis resistance, and metabolic reprogramming. Drawing from this comprehensive understanding, we offered a series of prospective solutions to surmount cisplatin resistance and consequently mitigate the specter of disease recurrence within the realm of clinical cancer therapy.

DHRS4-AS1 regulate gastric cancer apoptosis and cell proliferation by destabilizing DHX9 and inhibited the association between DHX9 and ILF3

Gastric cancer (GC) causes millions of cancer-related deaths due to anti-apoptosis and rapid proliferation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying GC cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis remain unclear. The expression levels of DHRS4-AS1 in GC were analyzed based on GEO database and recruited GC patients in our institution. We found that DHRS4-AS1 was significantly downregulated in GC. The expression of DHRS4-AS1 in GC tissues showed a significant correlation with tumor size, advanced pathological stage, and vascular invasion. Moreover, DHRS4-AS1 levels in GC tissues were significantly associated with prognosis. DHRS4-AS1 markedly inhibited GC cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in vitro and in vivo assays. Mechanically, We found that DHRS4-AS1 bound to pro-oncogenic DHX9 (DExH-box helicase 9) and recruit the E3 ligase MDM2 that contributed to DHX9 degradation. We also confirmed that DHRS4-AS1 inhibited DHX9-mediated cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis. Furthermore, we found DHX9 interact with ILF3 (Interleukin enhancer Binding Factor 3) and activate NF-kB Signaling in a ILF3-dependent Manner. Moreover, DHRS4-AS1 can also inhibit the association between DHX9 and ILF3 thereby interfered the activation of the signaling pathway. Our results reveal new insights into mechanisms underlying GC progression and indicate that LncRNA DHRS4-AS1 could be a future therapeutic target and a biomarker for GC diagnosis.

Long noncoding RNA NONHSAT160169.1 promotes resistance via hsa-let-7c-3p/SOX2 axis in gastric cancer

In clinical trials involving patients with HER2 (ERBB2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2) positive gastric cancer, the efficacy of the HER2-targeted drug lapatinib has proven to be disappointingly poor. Under the persistent pressure exerted by targeted drug therapy, a subset of tumor cells exhibit acquired drug resistance through the activation of novel survival signaling cascades, alongside the proliferation of tumor cells that previously harbored mutations conferring resistance to the drug. This study was undertaken with the aim of elucidating in comprehensive detail the intricate mechanisms behind adaptive resistance and identifying novel therapeutic targets that hold promise in the development of effective lapatinib-based therapies for the specific subset of patients afflicted with gastric cancer. We have successfully established a gastric cancer cell line with acquired lapatinib resistance, designated as HGC-27-LR cells. Utilizing comprehensive coding and noncoding transcriptome sequencing analysis, we have identified key factors that regulate lapatinib resistance in HGC-27 cells. We have compellingly validated that among all the lncRNAs identified in HGC-27-LR cells, a novel lncRNA (long noncoding RNA) named NONHSAT160169.1 was found to be most notably upregulated following exposure to lapatinib treatment. The upregulation of NONHSAT160169.1 significantly augmented the migratory, invasive, and stemness capabilities of HGC-27-LR cells. Furthermore, we have delved into the mechanism by which NONHSAT160169.1 regulates lapatinib resistance. The findings have revealed that NONHSAT160169.1, which is induced by the p-STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) nuclear transport pathway, functions as a decoy that competitively interacts with hsa-let-7c-3p and thereby abrogates the inhibitory effect of hsa-let-7c-3p on SOX2 (SRY-box transcription factor 2) expression. Hence, our study has unveiled the NONHSAT160169.1/hsa-let-7c-3p/SOX2 signaling pathway as a novel and pivotal axis for comprehending and surmounting lapatinib resistance in the treatment of HER2-positive gastric cancer.