Increased expression of ECT2 predicts the poor prognosis of breast cancer patients

Comprehensive data mining reveals RTK/RAS signaling pathway as a promoter of prostate cancer lineage plasticity through transcription factors and CNV

Prostate cancer lineage plasticity is a key driver in the transition to neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), and the RTK/RAS signaling pathway is a well-established cancer pathway. Nevertheless, the comprehensive link between the RTK/RAS signaling pathway and lineage plasticity has received limited investigation. In particular, the intricate regulatory network governing the interplay between RTK/RAS and lineage plasticity remains largely unexplored. The multi-omics data were clustered with the coefficient of argument and neighbor joining algorithm. Subsequently, the clustered results were analyzed utilizing the GSEA, gene sets related to stemness, multi-lineage state datasets, and canonical cancer pathway gene sets. Finally, a comprehensive exploration of the data based on the ssGSEA, WGCNA, GSEA, VIPER, prostate cancer scRNA-seq data, and the GPSAdb database was conducted. Among the six modules in the clustering results, there are 300 overlapping genes, including 3 previously unreported prostate cancer genes that were validated to be upregulated in prostate cancer through RT-qPCR. Function Module 6 shows a positive correlation with prostate cancer cell stemness, multi-lineage states, and the RTK/RAS signaling pathway. Additionally, the 19 leading-edge genes of the RTK/RAS signaling pathway promote prostate cancer lineage plasticity through a complex network of transcriptional regulation and copy number variations. In the transcriptional regulation network, TP63 and FOXO1 act as suppressors of prostate cancer lineage plasticity, whereas RORC exerts a promoting effect. This study provides a comprehensive perspective on the role of the RTK/RAS pathway in prostate cancer lineage plasticity and offers new clues for the treatment of NEPC.

Combined PIK3CA and SOX2 Gene Amplification Predicts Laryngeal Cancer Risk beyond Histopathological Grading

The PIK3CA and SOX2 genes map at 3q26, a chromosomal region frequently amplified in head and neck cancers, which is associated with poor prognosis. This study explores the clinical significance of PIK3CA and SOX2 gene amplification in early tumorigenesis. Gene copy number was analyzed by real-time PCR in 62 laryngeal precancerous lesions and correlated with histopathological grading and laryngeal cancer risk. Amplification of the SOX2 and PIK3CA genes was frequently detected in 19 (31%) and 32 (52%) laryngeal dysplasias, respectively, and co-amplification in 18 (29%) cases. The PIK3CA and SOX2 amplifications were predominant in high-grade dysplasias and significantly associated with laryngeal cancer risk beyond histological criteria. Multivariable Cox analysis further revealed PIK3CA gene amplification as an independent predictor of laryngeal cancer development. Interestingly, combined PIK3CA and SOX2 amplification allowed us to distinguish three cancer risk subgroups, and PIK3CA and SOX2 co-amplification was found the strongest predictor by ROC analysis. Our data demonstrate the clinical relevance of PIK3CA and SOX2 amplification in early laryngeal tumorigenesis. Remarkably, PIK3CA amplification was found to be an independent cancer predictor. Furthermore, combined PIK3CA and SOX2 amplification is emerging as a valuable and easy-to-implement tool for cancer risk assessment in patients with laryngeal precancerous lesions beyond current WHO histological grading.

Simultaneous inhibition of FAK and ROS1 synergistically repressed triple-negative breast cancer by upregulating p53 signalling

BACKGROUND

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype lacking effective targeted therapies, necessitating innovative treatment approaches. While targeting ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1) with crizotinib has shown promise, resistance remains a limitation. Recent evidence links focal adhesion kinase (FAK) to drug resistance, prompting our study to assess the combined impact of FAK inhibitor IN10018 and crizotinib in TNBC and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We employed the Timer database to analyze FAK and ROS1 mRNA levels in TNBC and adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, we investigated the correlation between FAK, ROS1, and TNBC clinical prognosis using the GSE database. We conducted various in vitro assays, including cell viability, colony formation, flow cytometry, EdU assays, and western blotting. Additionally, TNBC xenograft and human TNBC organoid models were established to assess the combined therapy's efficacy. To comprehensively understand the synergistic anti-tumor mechanisms, we utilized multiple techniques, such as RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence, cell flow cytometry, C11-BODIPY staining, MDA assay, and GSH assay.

RESULTS

The Timer database revealed higher levels of FAK and ROS1 in TNBC tissues compared to normal tissues. Analysis of GEO databases indicated that patients with high FAK and ROS1 expression had the poorest prognosis. Western blotting confirmed increased p-FAK expression in crizotinib-resistant TNBC cells. In vitro experiments showed that the combination therapy down-regulated cyclin B1, p-Cdc2, and Bcl2 while up-regulating BAX, cleaved-Caspase-3, cleaved-Caspase-9, and cleaved PARP. In TNBC xenograft models, the tumor volume in the combination therapy group was 73% smaller compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the combination therapy resulted in a 70% reduction in cell viability in human TNBC organoid models (p < 0.0001). RNA sequencing analysis of TNBC cells and xenograft tumor tissues highlighted enrichment in oxidative stress, glutathione metabolism, and p53 pathways. The combined group displayed a fivefold rise in the reactive oxygen species level, a 69% decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio, and a sixfold increase in the lipid peroxidation in comparison to the control group. Western blotting demonstrated p53 upregulation and SCL7A11 and GPX4 downregulation in the combination group. The addition of a p53 inhibitor reversed these effects.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that the combination of IN10018 and crizotinib shows synergistic antitumor effects in TNBC. Mechanistically, this combination inhibits cell proliferation, enhances apoptosis, and induces ferroptosis, which is associated with increased p53 levels.

S100A8/A9 as a risk factor for breast cancer negatively regulated by DACH1

BACKGROUND

S100A8 and S100A9 are members of Ca2+-binding EF-hand superfamily, mainly expressed by macrophages and neutrophils. Limited by the poor stability of homodimers, they commonly exist as heterodimers. Beyond acting as antibacterial cytokines, S100A8/A9 is also associated with metabolic and autoimmune diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. While the involvement of S100A8/A9 in breast cancer development has been documented, its prognostic significance and the precise regulatory mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS

S100A8/A9 protein in breast cancer samples was evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining with tumor tissue microarrays. The serum S100A8 concentration in patients was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The S100A8 secreted by breast cancer cells was detected by ELISA as well. Pooled analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between S100A8/A9 mRNA level and clinicopathological features of breast cancer patients. Besides, the effects of S100A8/A9 and DACH1 on patient outcomes were analyzed by tissue assays. Finally, xenograft tumor assays were adopted to validate the effects of DACH1 on tumor growth and S100A8/A9 expression.

RESULTS

The level of S100A8/A9 was higher in breast cancer, relative to normal tissue. Increased S100A8/A9 was related to poor differentiation grade, loss of hormone receptors, and Her2 positive. Moreover, elevated S100A8/A9 predicted a worse prognosis for breast cancer patients. Meanwhile, serum S100A8 concentration was upregulated in Grade 3, basal-like, and Her2-overexpressed subtypes. Additionally, the results of public databases showed S100A8/A9 mRNA level was negatively correlated to DACH1. Stable overexpressing DACH1 in breast cancer cells significantly decreased the generation of S100A8. The survival analysis demonstrated that patients with high S100A8/A9 and low DACH1 achieved the shortest overall survival. The xenograft models indicated that DACH1 expression significantly retarded tumor growth and downregulated S100A8/A9 protein abundance.

CONCLUSION

S100A8/A9 is remarkedly increased in basal-like and Her2-overexpressed subtypes, predicting poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. Tumor suppressor DACH1 inhibits S100A8/A9 expression. The combination of S100A8/A9 and DACH1 predicted the overall survival of breast cancer patients more preciously.

Recent advances in targeted strategies for triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer, negatively expresses estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Although chemotherapy is the main form of treatment for patients with TNBC, the effectiveness of chemotherapy for TNBC is still limited. The search for more effective therapies is urgent. Multiple targeted therapeutic strategies have emerged according to the specific molecules and signaling pathways expressed in TNBC. These include PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, Notch inhibitors, poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates. Moreover, immune checkpoint inhibitors, for example, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, and durvalumab, are widely explored in the clinic. We summarize recent advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy in TNBC, with the aim of serving as a reference for the development of individualized treatment of patients with TNBC in the future.

Knockdown of ARHGAP30 inhibits ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness by suppressing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

The mortality and morbidity rates of ovarian cancer (OC) are high, but the underlying mechanisms of OC have not been characterized. In this study, we determined the role of Rho GTPase Activating Protein 30 (ARHGAP30) in OC progression. We measured ARHGAP30 abundance in OC tissue samples and cells using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RT-qPCR. EdU, transwell, and annexin V/PI apoptosis assays were used to evaluate proliferation, invasiveness, and apoptosis of OC cells, respectively. The results showed that ARHGAP30 was overexpressed in OC tissue samples and cells. Inhibition of ARHGAP30 suppressed growth and metastasis of OC cells, and enhanced apoptosis. Knockdown of ARHGAP30 in OC cells significantly inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Treatment with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor buparlisib simulated the effects of ARHGAP30 knockdown on growth, invasiveness, and apoptosis of OC cells. Following buparlisib treatment, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR were significantly decreased. Furthermore, buparlisib inhibited the effects of ARHGAP30 upregulation on OC cell growth and invasiveness. In conclusion, ARHGAP30 regulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to promote progression of OC.

Integration of Chemoinformatics and Multi-Omics Analysis Defines ECT2 as a Potential Target for Cancer Drug Therapy

Epithelial cell transforming 2 (ECT2) is a potential oncogene and a number of recent studies have correlated it with the progression of several human cancers. Despite this elevated attention for ECT2 in oncology-related reports, there is no collective study to combine and integrate the expression and oncogenic behavior of ECT2 in a panel of human cancers. The current study started with a differential expression analysis of ECT2 in cancerous versus normal tissue. Following that, the study asked for the correlation between ECT2 upregulation and tumor stage, grade, and metastasis, along with its effect on patient survival. Moreover, the methylation and phosphorylation status of ECT2 in tumor versus normal tissue was assessed, in addition to the investigation of the ECT2 effect on the immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. The current study revealed that ECT2 was upregulated as mRNA and protein levels in a list of human tumors, a feature that allowed for the increased filtration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and decreased the level of natural killer T (NKT) cells, which ultimately led to a poor prognosis survival. Lastly, we screened for several drugs that could inhibit ECT2 and act as antitumor agents. Collectively, this study nominated ECT2 as a prognostic and immunological biomarker, with reported inhibitors that represent potential antitumor drugs.