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Li Q, Geng S, Luo H, Wang W, Mo YQ, Luo Q, Wang L, Song GB, Sheng JP, Xu B. Signaling pathways involved in colorectal cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:266. [PMID: 39370455 PMCID: PMC11456611 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01953-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Its complexity is influenced by various signal transduction networks that govern cellular proliferation, survival, differentiation, and apoptosis. The pathogenesis of CRC is a testament to the dysregulation of these signaling cascades, which culminates in the malignant transformation of colonic epithelium. This review aims to dissect the foundational signaling mechanisms implicated in CRC, to elucidate the generalized principles underpinning neoplastic evolution and progression. We discuss the molecular hallmarks of CRC, including the genomic, epigenomic and microbial features of CRC to highlight the role of signal transduction in the orchestration of the tumorigenic process. Concurrently, we review the advent of targeted and immune therapies in CRC, assessing their impact on the current clinical landscape. The development of these therapies has been informed by a deepening understanding of oncogenic signaling, leading to the identification of key nodes within these networks that can be exploited pharmacologically. Furthermore, we explore the potential of integrating AI to enhance the precision of therapeutic targeting and patient stratification, emphasizing their role in personalized medicine. In summary, our review captures the dynamic interplay between aberrant signaling in CRC pathogenesis and the concerted efforts to counteract these changes through targeted therapeutic strategies, ultimately aiming to pave the way for improved prognosis and personalized treatment modalities in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- The Shapingba Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Oncology for Breast Cancer, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital and School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shan Geng
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Dazu Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Chongqing Municipal Health and Health Committee, Chongqing, China
| | - Ya-Qi Mo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Oncology for Breast Cancer, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital and School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Oncology for Breast Cancer, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital and School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guan-Bin Song
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jian-Peng Sheng
- College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China.
| | - Bo Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Oncology for Breast Cancer, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital and School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
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Kawaf RR, Ramadan WS, El-Awady R. Deciphering the interplay of histone post-translational modifications in cancer: Co-targeting histone modulators for precision therapy. Life Sci 2024; 346:122639. [PMID: 38615747 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Chromatin undergoes dynamic regulation through reversible histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), orchestrated by "writers," "erasers," and "readers" enzymes. Dysregulation of these histone modulators is well implicated in shaping the cancer epigenome and providing avenues for precision therapies. The approval of six drugs for cancer therapy targeting histone modulators, along with the ongoing clinical trials of numerous candidates, represents a significant advancement in the field of precision medicine. Recently, it became apparent that histone PTMs act together in a coordinated manner to control gene expression. The intricate crosstalk of histone PTMs has been reported to be dysregulated in cancer, thus emerging as a critical factor in the complex landscape of cancer development. This formed the foundation of the swift emergence of co-targeting different histone modulators as a new strategy in cancer therapy. This review dissects how histone PTMs, encompassing acetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, SUMOylation and ubiquitination, collaboratively influence the chromatin states and impact cellular processes. Furthermore, we explore the significance of histone modification crosstalk in cancer and discuss the potential of targeting histone modification crosstalk in cancer management. Moreover, we underscore the significant strides made in developing dual epigenetic inhibitors, which hold promise as emerging candidates for effective cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawan R Kawaf
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wafaa S Ramadan
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raafat El-Awady
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
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Zhou R, Li L, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Wu J, Zeng D, Sun H, Liao W. Integrative analysis of co-expression pattern of solute carrier transporters reveals molecular subtypes associated with tumor microenvironment hallmarks and clinical outcomes in colon cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e22775. [PMID: 38163210 PMCID: PMC10754711 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent findings have suggested that solute carrier (SLC) transporters play an important role in tumor development and progression, and alterations in the expression of individual SLC genes are critical for fulfilling the heightened metabolic requirements of cancerous cells. However, the global influence of the co-expression pattern of SLC transporters on the clinical stratification and characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unexplored. In this study, we identified five SLC gene subtypes based on transcriptome co-expression patterns of 187 SLC transporters by consensus clustering analysis. These subtypes, which were characterized by distinct TME and biological characteristics, were successfully employed for prognostic and chemotherapy response prediction in colon cancer patients, as well as demonstrated associations with immunotherapy benefits. Then, we generated an SLC score model comprising 113 genes to quantify SLC gene co-expression patterns and validated it as an independent prognostic factor and drug response predictor in several independent colon cancer cohorts. Patients with a high SLC score possessed distinct characteristics of copy number variation, genomic mutations, DNA methylation, and indicated an SLC-S2 subtype, which was characterized by strong stromal cell infiltration, stromal pathway activation, poor prognosis, and low predicted fluorouracil and immunotherapeutic responses. Furthermore, the analysis of the Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal database revealed that inhibitors targeting PI3K catalytic subunits could serve as promising chemosensitizing agents for individuals exhibiting high SLC scores. In conclusion, the co-expression patterns of SLC transporters aided the disease classification, and the SLC score proved to be a reliable tool for distinguishing SLC gene subtypes and guiding precise treatment in patients with colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lingbo Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Dongqiang Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Huiying Sun
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wangjun Liao
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
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Zhang Y, Liu Z, Li L, Zeng D, Sun H, Wu J, Zhou R, Liao W. Co-expression pattern of SLC transporter genes associated with the immune landscape and clinical outcomes in gastric cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:4181-4194. [PMID: 37909856 PMCID: PMC10746955 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Solute carrier (SLC) transporters play a dual role in the occurrence and progression of tumours by acting as both suppressors and promoters. However, the overall impact of SLC transcriptome signatures on the tumour microenvironment, biological behaviour and clinical stratification of gastric cancer has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we comprehensively analysed the expression profiles of the SLC transporter family members to identify novel molecular subtypes in gastric cancer. We identified two distinct SLC subtypes, SLC-S1 and SLC-S2, using non-negative matrix factorization. These subtypes were markedly linked with the tumour microenvironment landscape, biological pathway activation and distinct clinical features of gastric cancer. Furthermore, a new scoring model, the SLC score, was developed to quantify the SLC subtypes. High SLC scores indicated a pattern of 'SLC-S2', characterized by stromal infiltration and activation, poor prognosis and insensitivity to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, but high sensitivity to imatinib. The SLC score could serve as a supplement to the Tumour Node Metastasis (TNM) staging system to guide personalized treatment strategies and predict prognosis for patients with gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lingbo Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Dongqiang Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Huiying Sun
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Wangjun Liao
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Basha NJ. Small Molecules as Anti‐inflammatory Agents: Molecular Mechanisms and Heterocycles as Inhibitors of Signaling Pathways. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202204723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Jeelan Basha
- Department of Chemistry Indian Academy Degree College-Autonomous Bengaluru Karnataka-560043 India
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Meng H, Nan M, Li Y, Ding Y, Yin Y, Zhang M. Application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in basic research, diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1148412. [PMID: 37020597 PMCID: PMC10067930 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1148412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and its progression is accompanied by a complex array of genetic variations. CRISPR/Cas9 can identify new drug-resistant or sensitive mutations in colon cancer, and can use gene editing technology to develop new therapeutic targets and provide personalized treatments, thereby significantly improving the treatment of colon cancer patients. CRISPR/Cas9 systems are driving advances in biotechnology. RNA-directed Cas enzymes have accelerated the pace of basic research and led to clinical breakthroughs. This article reviews the rapid development of CRISPR/Cas in colon cancer, from gene editing to transcription regulation, gene knockout, genome-wide CRISPR tools, therapeutic targets, stem cell genomics, immunotherapy, metabolism-related genes and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the limitations and future development of CRISPR/Cas9 in colon cancer studies are reviewed. In conclusion, this article reviews the application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in basic research, diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Meng
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Mingzhi Zhang, ; Hui Meng,
| | - Manman Nan
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yizhen Li
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuhui Yin
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Mingzhi Zhang, ; Hui Meng,
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