Irbesartan overcomes gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer by suppressing stemness and iron metabolism via inhibition of the Hippo/YAP1/c-Jun axis

Epigenetic regulation of DNA repair gene program by Hippo/YAP1-TET1 axis mediates sorafenib resistance in HCC

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy that occurs worldwide and is generally associated with poor prognosis. The development of resistance to targeted therapies such as sorafenib is a major challenge in clinical cancer treatment. In the present study, Ten-eleven translocation protein 1 (TET1) was found to be highly expressed in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and knockdown of TET1 can substantially improve the therapeutic effect of sorafenib on HCC, indicating the potential important roles of TET1 in sorafenib resistance in HCC. Mechanistic studies determined that TET1 and Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) synergistically regulate the promoter methylation and gene expression of DNA repair-related genes in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. RNA sequencing indicated the activation of DNA damage repair signaling was extensively suppressed by the TET1 inhibitor Bobcat339. We also identified TET1 as a direct transcriptional target of YAP1 by promoter analysis and chromatin-immunoprecipitation assays in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Furthermore, we showed that Bobcat339 can overcome sorafenib resistance and synergized with sorafenib to induce tumor eradication in HCC cells and mouse models. Finally, immunostaining showed a positive correlation between TET1 and YAP1 in clinical samples. Our findings have identified a previously unrecognized molecular pathway underlying HCC sorafenib resistance, thus revealing a promising strategy for cancer therapy.

Hyaluronic acid-conjugated methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil for targeted drug delivery

The delivery of chemotherapeutical drugs via nanomaterials has become a focus of pharmaceutical research over several decades due to improved drug delivery to cancer cells, decreased side effects on normal tissues, and increased therapeutic efficacy. Herein, a novel hyaluronic acid-conjugated methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil nanodrug system has been developed to address the critical limitations associated with the high toxicity and side effects of methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil. Furthermore, this nanodrug system enhances the targeting capacity of drug molecules and facilitates the potential integration of multimodal drug therapies. Concomitantly, the synergistic effects of MTX with 5-fluorouracil have been shown to improve the therapeutic index of MTX while attenuating the associated toxicities of MTX. The structure and micromorphology of the novel nanodrug can be confirmed by 1HNMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, DLS, TEM, and AFM. Due to the ability of HA to bind to CD44 receptors activated on the surface of cancer cells and its enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, the novel nanodrug we designed and synthesized can effectively target cancer cells. Cell counting Kit-8 (CCK8), flow cytometry, and live-dead staining assays in vitro showed that this nanodrug system had high targeting and antitumor activity against CD44 receptors. By using drugs to act on patient-derived colorectal, liver, and breast cancer organoids, the anticancer effect of the nanodrug was identified and verified. These results showed that the nanodrug system developed in this study may have great potential as a targeted therapy for cancer.

Molecular Mechanism of WWOX Inhibiting the Development of Esophageal Cancer by Inhibiting Hippo Signaling Pathway

With the emergence of combined surgical treatments, complemented by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, survival rates for esophageal cancer patients have improved, but the overall 5-year survival rate remains low. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further research into the pathogenesis of esophageal cancer and the development of effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment methods. We initially utilized the GeneCards and DisGeNET databases to identify the esophageal cancer-associated gene WWOX (WW domain containing oxidoreductase). Subsequently, we employed RT-qPCR (Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR) and WB (western blot) to investigate the differential expression of WWOX in HEEC (human esophageal endotheliocytes) and various ESCC (esophageal squamous cell carcinoma) cell lines. We further evaluated alterations in cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis via CCK8 (cell counting kit-8) and clonal formation, Transwell assays and flow cytometry. Additionally, we investigated changes in protein expressions related to the Hippo signaling pathway (YAP/TEAD) through RT-qPCR and WB. Lastly, to further elucidate the regulatory mechanism of WWOX in ESCC, we performed exogenous YAP rescue experiments in ESCC cells with WWOX overexpression to investigate the alterations in apoptosis and proliferation. Results indicated that the expression of WWOX in ESCC was significantly downregulated. Subsequently, upon overexpression of WWOX, ESCC cell proliferation and migration decreased, while apoptosis increased. Additionally, the expression of YAP and TEAD were reduced. However, the sustained overexpression of YAP attenuated the inhibitory effects of WWOX on ESCC cell malignancy. In conclusion, WWOX exerts inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of ESCC and promotes apoptosis by suppressing the Hippo signaling pathway. These findings highlight the potential of WWOX as a novel target for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer.

NONO promotes gallbladder cancer cell proliferation by enhancing oncogenic RNA splicing of DLG1 through interaction with IGF2BP3/RBM14

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly malignant and rapidly progressing tumor of the human biliary system, and there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic targets and modalities. Non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein (NONO) is an RNA-binding protein involved in the regulation of transcription, mRNA splicing, and DNA repair. NONO expression is elevated in multiple tumors and can act as an oncogene to promote tumor progression. Here, we found that NONO was highly expressed in GBC and promoted tumor cells growth. The dysregulation of RNA splicing is a molecular feature of almost all tumor types. Accordingly, mRNA-seq and RIP-seq analysis showed that NONO promoted exon6 skipping in DLG1, forming two isomers (DLG1-FL and DLG1-S). Furthermore, lower Percent-Spliced-In (PSI) values of DLG1 were detected in tumor tissue relative to the paraneoplastic tissue, and were associated with poor patient prognosis. Moreover, DLG1-S and DLG1-FL act as tumor promoters and tumor suppressors, respectively, by regulating the YAP1/JUN pathway. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common and abundant RNA modification involved in alternative splicing processes. We identified an m6A reader, IGF2BP3, which synergizes with NONO to promote exon6 skipping in DLG1 in an m6A-dependent manner. Furthermore, IP/MS results showed that RBM14 was bound to NONO and interfered with NONO-mediated exon6 skipping of DLG1. In addition, IGF2BP3 disrupted the binding of RBM14 to NONO. Overall, our data elucidate the molecular mechanism by which NONO promotes DLG1 exon skipping, providing a basis for new therapeutic targets in GBC treatment.

Jian-Pi-Gu-Shen-Hua-Yu Decoction Alleviated Diabetic Nephropathy in Mice through Reducing Ferroptosis

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of the most frequent complications of diabetes mellitus, is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. However, the current treatment methods still cannot effectively halt the progression of DN. Jian-Pi-Gu-Shen-Hua-Yu (JPGS) decoction can be used for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases such as DN, but the specific mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated yet.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to clarify whether JPGS alleviates the progression of diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting ferroptosis.

Materials and Methods

We established a DN mouse model to investigate the therapeutic effect of JPGS in a DN mouse model. Subsequently, we examined the effects of JPGS on ferroptosis- and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway-related indices. Finally, we validated whether JPGS inhibited ferroptosis in DN mice via the GPX4 pathway using GPX4 inhibitor and ferroptosis inhibitors.

Results

The results indicate that JPGS has a therapeutic effect on DN mice by improving kidney function and reducing inflammation. Additionally, JPGS treatment decreased iron overload and oxidative stress levels while upregulating the expression of GPX4 pathway-related proteins. Moreover, JPGS demonstrated a similar therapeutic effect as Fer-1 in the context of DN treatment, and RSL3 was able to counteract the therapeutic effect of JPGS and antiferroptotic effect.

Conclusion

JPGS has significant therapeutic and anti-inflammatory effects on DN mice, and its mechanism is mainly achieved by upregulating the expression of GPX4 pathway-related proteins, thereby alleviating iron overload and ultimately reducing ferroptosis.

IPIAD- an augmentation regimen added to standard treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using already-marketed repurposed drugs irbesartan, pyrimethamine, itraconazole, azithromycin, and dapsone

This short note presents the data and rationale for adding five generic non-oncology drugs from general medical practice to gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, a current standard cytotoxic chemotherapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The regimen, called IPIAD, uses an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) irbesartan indicated for treating hypertension, an old antimicrobial drug pyrimethamine indicated for treating toxoplasmosis or malaria, an old antifungal drug itraconazole, an old broad spectrum antibiotic azithromycin and an old antibiotic dapsone. In reviewing selected growth driving systems active in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma then comparing these with detailed data on ancillary attributes of the IPIAD drugs, one can predict clinical benefit and slowing growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by this augmentation regimen.

Targeting PKM2 improves the gemcitabine sensitivity of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells via inhibiting β-catenin signaling pathway

Gemcitabine is considered the standard first-line chemotherapeutic agent for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). However, its therapeutic efficacy is hampered by the development of chemoresistance. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a crucial mediator of the final step in glycolysis, has been implicated in the origination and advancement of diverse malignancies. Its expression is increased in many tumor types and this may correlate with increased drug sensitivity. However, the specific effect of PKM2 on the gemcitabine sensitivity in ICC remains to be elucidated. In this research, we aimed to elucidate the role and functional significance of PKM2 in ICC, as well as the heightened susceptibility of ICC cells to gemcitabine by targeting PKM2 and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses revealed elevated expression of PKM2 in both tumor cells and macrophages in human ICC tissues. Reducing PKM2 levels significantly restrained the proliferation of tumor cells, impeded cell cycle advance, induced programmed cell death, and suppressed metastasis. In addition, knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of PKM2 could enhance the response of ICC cells to gemcitabine in vitro. Interestingly, conditioned medium co-culture system suggested that conditioned medium from M2 macrophages increased gemcitabine sensitivity of ICC cells. However, silencing PKM2 or pharmacological inhibition of PKM2 in M2 macrophages did not ameliorate the gemcitabine resistance mediated by M2 macrophages derived conditioned medium. Mechanistically, downregulation of PKM2 repressed the expression of β-catenin and its downstream transcriptional targets, thereby hindering the propagation of β-catenin signaling cascade. Finally, the results of the subcutaneous xenograft experiment in nude mice provided compelling evidence of a synergistic interaction between PKM2-IN-1 and gemcitabine in vivo. In summary, we reported that PKM2 may function as an advantageous target for increasing the sensitivity of ICC to gemcitabine treatment. Targeting PKM2 improves the gemcitabine sensitivity of ICC cells via inhibiting β-catenin signaling pathway.

DHCR24 in Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

As an important nutrient in the human body, cholesterol can not only provide structural components for the body's cells, but also can be transformed into a variety of active substances to regulate cell signaling pathways. As an important cholesterol synthase, DHCR24 participates in important regulatory processes in the body. The application of DHCR24 in tumor clinical diagnosis and treatment also attracts much attention. This article reviews the structure and regulatory characteristics of DHCR24, and the research of DHCR24 on tumor progression. We summarize the possible mechanisms of DHCR24 promoting tumor progression through reactive oxygen species (ROS), p53, Ras and PI3K-AKT pathways. Through our review, we hope to provide more research ideas and reference value for the application of DHCR24 in tumor prevention and treatment.

Revolutionizing digestive system tumor organoids research: Exploring the potential of tumor organoids

Digestive system tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite ongoing research, our understanding of their mechanisms and treatment remain inadequate. One promising tool for clinical applications is the use of gastrointestinal tract tumor organoids, which serve as an important in vitro model. Tumor organoids exhibit a genotype similar to the patient's tumor and effectively mimic various biological processes, including tissue renewal, stem cell, and ecological niche functions, and tissue response to drugs, mutations, or injury. As such, they are valuable for drug screening, developing novel drugs, assessing patient outcomes, and supporting immunotherapy. In addition, innovative materials and techniques can be used to optimize tumor organoid culture systems. Several applications of digestive system tumor organoids have been described and have shown promising results in related aspects. In this review, we discuss the current progress, limitations, and prospects of this model for digestive system tumors.

IL20RB signaling enhances stemness and chemotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVE

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy with high mortality, and cancer cell stemness and related drug resistance are considered important contributors to its poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to identify regulatory targets associated with the maintenance of pancreatic cancer stemness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pancreatic tumor samples were collected from patients at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, followed by immunofluorescence analysis. Pancreatic cancer cell lines with Interleukin-20 receptor subunit beta (IL20RB) overexpression and knockdown were established, and clonal formation, spheroid formation and side population cell analysis were conducted. The effects of IL20RB knockdown on the tumor-forming ability of pancreatic cancer cells and chemotherapy resistance in vivo were explored.

RESULTS

IL20RB expression was significantly upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues, and was correlated with unfavorable prognosis. The IL20RB receptor promotes stemness and chemoresistance in both in vitro and in vivo models of pancreatic cancer. Mechanistically, IL20RB enhances the stemness and chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer by promoting STAT3 phosphorylation, an effect that can be counteracted by a STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitors. Additionally, Interleukin-19 derived from the microenvironment is identified as the primary ligand for IL20RB in mediating these effects.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that IL20RB plays a crucial role in promoting stemness in pancreatic cancer. This discovery provides a potential therapeutic target for this lethal disease.

Unraveling the molecular crosstalk and immune landscape between COVID-19 infections and ischemic heart failure comorbidity: New insights into diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic approaches

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), resulting from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains a persistent global health concern. Evidence has highlighted a significant association between COVID-19 and ischemic heart failure (IHF), contributing to disease progression and increased mortality. This study identified diagnostic biomarkers for these comorbidities and elucidated disease progression's molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

We retrieved differentially expressed gene (DEG) data for COVID-19 and IHF from publicly available microarray and RNA-Seq datasets to investigate the underlying mechanisms and potential pathways associated with the co-occurrence of COVID-19 and IHF. By intersecting the results from the two diseases, we obtained diagnostic biomarkers using SVM-RFE and LASSO algorithms. Animal experiments and immunological analyses were conducted to help understand the association between SARS-CoV-2 and IHF in patients, enabling early diagnosis of disease progression. Finally, we analyzed the regulatory network of critical genes and identified potential drug compounds that could target the genetic links identified in our study.

RESULTS

1974 common DEGs were identified between COVID-19 and IHF, contributing to disease progression and potential cancer risk by participating in immune and cancer-related pathways. In addition, we identified six hub genes (VDAC3, EIF2AK2, CHMP5, FTL, VPS4A, and CHMP4B) associated with the co-morbidity, and their diagnostic potential was confirmed through validation using relevant datasets and a mouse model. Functional enrichment analysis and examination of immune cell infiltration revealed immune dysregulation after disease progression. The comorbid hub genes exhibited outstanding immunomodulatory capacities. We also constructed regulatory networks tightly linked to both disorders, including transcription factors (TFs), miRNAs, and genes at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Finally, we identified 92 potential drug candidates to enhance the precision of anti-comorbidity treatment strategies.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals a shared pathogenesis between COVID-19 and IHF, demonstrating that their coexistence exacerbates disease severity. By identifying and consolidating hub genes as pivotal diagnostic biomarkers for COVID-19 and IHF comorbidity, we have made significant advancements in understanding the underlying mechanisms of these conditions. Moreover, our study highlights dysregulated immunity and increased cancer risk in the advanced stages of disease progression. These findings offer novel perspectives for diagnosing and treating IHF progression during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Emerging roles of 3D-culture systems in tackling tumor drug resistance

Drug resistance that affects patients universally is a major challenge in cancer therapy. The development of drug resistance in cancer cells is a multifactor event, and its process involves numerous mechanisms that allow these cells to evade the effect of treatments. As a result, the need to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer drug sensitivity is imperative. Traditional 2D cell culture systems have been utilized to study drug resistance, but they often fail to mimic the 3D milieu and the architecture of real tissues and cell-cell interactions. As a result of this, 3D cell culture systems are now considered a comprehensive model to study drug resistance in vitro. Cancer cells exhibit an in vivo behavior when grown in a three-dimensional environment and react to therapy more physiologically. In this review, we discuss the relevance of main 3D culture systems in the study of potential approaches to overcome drug resistance and in the identification of personalized drug targets with the aim of developing patient-specific treatment strategies that can be put in place when resistance emerges.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) signaling pathways and cancer: foes versus allies

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), is an old system with new fundamental roles in cancer biology which influences cell growth, migration, death, and metastasis. RAAS signaling enhances cell proliferation in malignancy directly and indirectly by affecting tumor cells and modulating angiogenesis. Cancer development may be influenced by the balance between the ACE/Ang II/AT1R and the ACE2/Ang 1-7/Mas receptor pathways. The interactions between Ang II/AT1R and Ang I/AT2R as well as Ang1-7/Mas and alamandine/MrgD receptors in the RAAS pathway can significantly impact the development of cancer. Ang I/AT2R, Ang1-7/Mas, and alamandine/MrgD interactions can have anticancer effects while Ang II/AT1R interactions can be involved in the development of cancer. Evidence suggests that inhibitors of the RAAS, which are conventionally used to treat cardiovascular diseases, may be beneficial in cancer therapies.Herein, we aim to provide a thorough description of the elements of RAAS and their molecular play in cancer. Alongside this, the role of RAAS components in sex-dependent cancers as well as GI cancers will be discussed with the hope of enlightening new venues for adjuvant cancer treatment.

YAP1 expression is associated with survival and immunosuppression in small cell lung cancer

Immunotherapy is considered a major breakthrough in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), although its anti-tumor efficacy is limited. With a high degree of malignancy and high heterogeneity, SCLC is difficult to treat in the clinic. A new combination strategy is urgently needed to further improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with SCLC. By immunofluorescence, 100 SCLC patients in a local cohort were classified into the SCLC-A (high ASCL1 expression; n = 36), SCLC-N (high NEUROD1 expression; n = 32), SCLC-P (high POU2F3 expression; n = 14), and SCLC-Y (high YAP1 expression; n = 18) subtypes. Each SCLC molecular subtype represented different prognoses, tumor microenvironment traits, and immunotherapy sensitivities. Analysis of both the local and public cohorts suggested that the SCLC-Y subtype exhibited the worst clinical outcome (p < 0.05) when compared with other subtypes. SCLC with high YAP1 expression was characterized by high PD-L1 expression, high stromal score, T-cell functional impairment, and a close relationship with immune-related pathways. YAP1 upregulated PD-L1 expression and suppressed T cell activation, thus leading to immune evasion. In in vitro experiments, blockade of YAP1 promoted cancer cell apoptosis, immune cell proliferation, T-cell activation, and cytotoxic T-cell infiltration, thus further potentiating the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with the SCLC-Y subtype.

YAP1 affects the prognosis through the regulation of stemness in endometrial cancer

Background

Endometrial cancer stem-like cells (ECSCs) have been proven to be responsible for recurrence, metastasis, and drug-resistance in patients with endometrial cancer. The HIPPO pathway has been shown to play an important role in the development and maintenance of stemness in a variety of tumors. While there was less research about its function in ECSCs. The aim of this study was to explore the role of YAP1, a core molecular of HIPPO pathway, in the stemness of endometrial cancer and to reveal its influence on prognosis.

Methods

We collected specimens and clinical data from 774 patients with endometrial cancer to analyze the correlation between YAP1 expression and prognosis. We then examined the expression of YAP1 in ECSCs and EC cell lines (Ishikawa; HEC1-A) in vitro experiments. Changes in the stemness of cell lines were detected after YAP1 silencing by siRNA. Finally, high-throughput sequencing was used to predict the potential molecular interactions and mechanisms of YAP1's effect on stemness.

Result

Down-regulation of YAP1 significantly suppresses the stemness of EC cell lines. High expression of YAP1 leads to poor prognosis in EC by regulation of stemness.

Conclusion

YAP1 plays an important role in the prognosis of patients with EC by regulation of stemness.

Bioinformatics identification of ferroptosis-related genes and therapeutic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and bone destruction, with a largely unclear etiology. Evidence has indicated that ferroptosis may play an increasingly important role in the onset and development of RA. However, ferroptosis-related genes are still largely unexplored in RA. Therefore, this work focused on identifying and validating the potential ferroptosis-related genes involved in RA through bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

We screened differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DEFGs) between RA patients and healthy individuals based on GSE55235 dataset. Subsequently, correlation analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, GO, and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed using these DEFGs. Finally, our results were validated by GSE12021 dataset.

Results

We discovered 34 potential DEFGs in RA based on bioinformatics analysis. According to functional enrichment analysis, these genes were mainly enriched in HIF-1 signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, and Ferroptosis pathway. Four genes (GABARPL1, DUSP1, JUN, and MAPK8) were validated to be downregulated by GSE12021 dataset and were diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RA via the regulation of ferroptosis.

Discussion

Our results help shed more light on the pathogenesis of RA. Ferroptosis-related genes in RA are valuable diagnostic biomarkers and they will be exploited clinically as therapeutic targets in the future.