Elevated ZNF704 expression is associated with poor prognosis of uveal melanoma and promotes cancer cell growth by regulating AKT/mTOR signaling

MicroRNA‑21‑5p expression in extracellular vesicles is increased in the blood of aging mice and in vascular endothelial cells induced by ionizing radiation

In recent years, the Japanese population has been aging and the risk of contracting various age-related diseases has increased. Thus, there is a need to analyze components that are characteristic of aging and examine their association with diseases to detect age-related diseases at an early stage. In the present study, microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) of 82-102-week-old mice were analyzed to identify miRNAs characteristic of aging. Increased expression of mmu-miR-21a-5p was observed. These miRNAs may be derived from senescent vascular endothelial cells, and RNA-sequencing data (GSE130727) of HUVECs induced to senesce by 4 Gy of radiation revealed that the miRNAs were involved in the cell cycle and DNA repair. Annotations to senescence-related pathways were also identified. Reduced expression of the miR-21-5p target gene, which has an identical sequence in humans and mice, was confirmed. In HUVECs induced to age under similar conditions, increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and increased intracellular miR-21-5p expression were observed. A portion of the miR-21-5p was secreted extracellularly by internalizing tetraspanin-positive EVs, and miR-21-5p was secreted into the extracellular space. The present study also demonstrated that miR-21-5p expression was upregulated and extracellular secretion of miR-21-5p was enhanced during vascular endothelial cell senescence. These findings suggested that increased serum miR-21-5p represents a biomarker for vascular endothelial cell senescence.

PLEK2: a potential biomarker for metastasis and prognostic evaluation in uveal melanoma

Background

Uveal melanoma (UVM) is an aggressive tumor known for its high metastatic rate, making it necessary to delineate potential molecules that may promote the development of UVM. PLEK2 has been found to promote the progression and metastasis of some tumors, but its role in UVM has not yet been reported. Through this study, we hope to explore the effect of PLEK2 on the prognosis of UVM patients and to discover the potential functional role and intrinsic mechanism of PLEK2.

Methods

The GEO datasets GSE211763 and GSE149920 were analyzed using GEO2R to identify differentially expressed genes that may be associated with UVM progression and metastasis. A Protein-Protein Interaction Network (PPI) was constructed to identify key molecules. The correlation between PLEK2 expression and overall survival was evaluated via GEPIA2, and clinical characteristics of UVM patients were compared based on PLEK2 levels. PLEK2 expression in UVM cell lines was assessed using the CCLE database and confirmed by qPCR and western blot. A weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed, followed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, a search for miRNAs potentially regulating PLEK2 expression was performed using TargetScan, miRWalk, and TarBase databases.

Results

Comparative analysis of the GEO datasets unveiled 79 commonly up-regulated genes and 238 commonly down-regulated genes. The PPI network identified 9 hub genes, with PLEK2 significantly linked to reduced overall survival. Clinical comparisons indicated significant differences in cancer status (p = 0.013) and tumor diameter (p = 0.039) between high and low PLEK2 expression groups. Elevated PLEK2 mRNA levels were confirmed in UVM cell lines compared to retinal pigment epithelial cells. PLEK2 was enriched in the calcium signaling pathway and associated with the Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway. A total of 21 miRNAs potentially regulating PLEK2 were predicted.

Conclusion

PLEK2 is upregulated in UVM and correlates with poor patient prognosis, likely influencing the calcium signaling pathway. PLEK2 represents a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for UVM.

The BET inhibitor JQ1 suppresses tumor survival by ABCB5-mediated autophagy in uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma (UM), the most common adult ocular tumor, is aggressive and resistant to treatment, posing threat to patients' lives. The novel, effective therapies and the exploration of chemosensitizer for UM are imperative. The anticancer efficacy was evaluated with and without JQ1 treatment or ABCB5 gene silencing or overexpression. RNA sequencing identified downstream effectors in JQ1-treated cells. Integrated analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data (TCGA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed the oncogenic role of ABCB5. Functional analyses of JQ1 and defective ABCB5 were conducted using flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), IHC and western blot. The effects of JQ1 were validated in a heterotopic tumor model derived from OCM-1 cells. JQ1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, induced cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis. JQ1 also suppressed the survival of UM in heterotopic tumor model. RNA sequencing indicated that JQ1 down-regulated the expressions of ABCB5 and autophagy-related genes, which was confirmed in vitro and in vivo by western blot. ABCB5, a marker associated with cancer stem cells and chemo-resistance, exhibited heightened expression in UM tissues, linked to immune infiltration. Notably, disrupting ABCB5 expression impeded UM cell proliferation and interfered with autophagy. Moreover, the overexpression of ABCB5 promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and rescued autophagy related gene expression. Of note, JQ1 enhanced the sensitivity of OCM-1 cells to chemotherapy. Thus JQ1 inhibits UM survival via ABCB5-mediated autophagy and enhances chemo-sensitivity, suggesting potential for BET-based approaches in UM clinical management.

LINC00513 promotes colorectal cancer malignant progression by binding with IGF2BP1 to enhance the stability of connective tissue growth factor mRNA

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the role of LINC00513 in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression.Materials & methods: Cell proliferation was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8. Cell migration was detected with transwell assay. RNA pull-down was applied for verifying the interactions between LINC00513, IGF2BP1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF).Results: LINC00513, IGF2BP1 and CTGF levels were upregulated in CRC. Knockdown of LINC00513 significantly inhibited the malignant behavior of CRC cells. LINC00513 increased CTGF mRNA stability by binding with IGF2BP1. Furthermore, overexpression of IGF2BP1 or CTGF reversed the inhibitory effect of LINC00513 shRNA on CRC progression.Conclusion: LINC00513 promoted CRC cell malignant behaviors through IGF2BP1/CTGF.

Recent Advances in Molecular and Genetic Research on Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma (UM), a distinct subtype of melanoma, presents unique challenges in its clinical management due to its complex molecular landscape and tendency for liver metastasis. This review highlights recent advancements in understanding the molecular pathogenesis, genetic alterations, and immune microenvironment of UM, with a focus on pivotal genes, such as GNAQ/11, BAP1, and CYSLTR2, and delves into the distinctive genetic and chromosomal classifications of UM, emphasizing the role of mutations and chromosomal rearrangements in disease progression and metastatic risk. Novel diagnostic biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells, DNA and extracellular vesicles, are discussed, offering potential non-invasive approaches for early detection and monitoring. It also explores emerging prognostic markers and their implications for patient stratification and personalized treatment strategies. Therapeutic approaches, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, MAPK pathway inhibitors, and emerging trends and concepts like CAR T-cell therapy, are evaluated for their efficacy in UM treatment. This review identifies challenges in UM research, such as the limited treatment options for metastatic UM and the need for improved prognostic tools, and suggests future directions, including the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, immunotherapeutic strategies, and advanced drug delivery systems. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of continued research and innovation in addressing the unique challenges of UM to improve patient outcomes and develop more effective treatment strategies.

UBE2T mediates SORBS3 ubiquitination to enhance IL-6/STAT3 signaling and promote lung adenocarcinoma progression

UBE2T is an oncogene in varying tumors, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). SORBS3 is an important signaling regulatory protein that plays a crucial role in many cancers. This study aimed to investigate whether UBE2T promoted LUAD development by mediating the ubiquitination of SORBS3 and further explore its mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to examine the expression of SORBS3 in LUAD tissues. Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell, and flow cytometry were employed to analyze the cellular functions of SORBS3. Co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination analysis were employed to observe the correlation between UBE2T and SORBS3. In vitro and in vivo experiments verified the role of UBE2T in mediating SORBS3 ubiquitination to enhance interleukin-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL-6/STAT3) signaling and promote LUAD development. We observed significant downregulation of SORBS3 in LUAD tissues and cells. Furthermore, SORBS3 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells, while facilitating apoptosis in vitro. UBE2T enhanced IL-6/STAT3 signaling by mediating ubiquitination and degradation of SORBS3, thereby promoting LUAD progression. Additionally, this mechanism was further validated in the xenograft animal model in vivo. This study confirmed that UBE2T-mediated SORBS3 ubiquitination enhanced IL-6/STAT3 signaling and promoted LUAD progression, providing a novel therapeutic target for LUAD.

Expression and functional significance of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 in uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma (UVM), an uncommon yet potentially life-threatening ocular cancer, arises from melanocytes in the uveal tract of the eye. The exploration of novel oncotargets for UVM is of paramount importance. In this study, we show that PCK1 (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1) expression is upregulated in various UVM tissues as well as in primary UVM cells and immortalized lines. Furthermore, bioinformatics studies reveal that PCK1 overexpression in UVM correlates with advanced disease stages and poor patient survival. Genetic silencing (utilizing viral shRNA) or knockout (via CRISPR/Cas9) of PCK1 significantly curtailed cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, and motility, while provoking apoptosis in primary and immortalized UVM cells. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of PCK1, achieved through a viral construct, bolstered UVM cell proliferation and migration. Gαi3 expression and Akt phosphorylation were reduced following PCK1 silencing or knockout, but increased after PCK1 overexpression in UVM cells. Restoring Akt phosphorylation through a constitutively active mutant Akt1 (S473D) ameliorated the growth inhibition, migration suppression, and apoptosis induced by PCK1 silencing in UVM cells. Additionally, ectopic expression of Gαi3 restored Akt activation and counteracted the anti-UVM cell effects by PCK1 silencing. In vivo, the growth of subcutaneous xenografts of primary human UVM cells was significantly inhibited following intratumoral injection of adeno-associated virus (aav) expressing PCK1 shRNA. PCK1 depletion, Gαi3 downregulation, Akt inhibition, proliferation arrest, and apoptosis were detected in PCK1-silenced UVM xenografts. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that PCK1 promotes UVM cell growth possibly by modulating the Gαi3-Akt signaling pathway.

The intricate dance of tumor evolution: Exploring immune escape, tumor migration, drug resistance, and treatment strategies

Recent research has unveiled fascinating insights into the intricate mechanisms governing tumor evolution. These studies have illuminated how tumors adapt and proliferate by exploiting various factors, including immune evasion, resistance to therapeutic drugs, genetic mutations, and their ability to adapt to different environments. Furthermore, investigations into tumor heterogeneity and chromosomal aberrations have revealed the profound complexity that underlies the evolution of cancer. Emerging findings have also underscored the role of viral influences in the development and progression of cancer, introducing an additional layer of complexity to the field of oncology. Tumor evolution is a dynamic and complex process influenced by various factors, including immune evasion, drug resistance, tumor heterogeneity, and viral influences. Understanding these elements is indispensable for developing more effective treatments and advancing cancer therapies. A holistic approach to studying and addressing tumor evolution is crucial in the ongoing battle against cancer. The main goal of this comprehensive review is to explore the intricate relationship between tumor evolution and critical aspects of cancer biology. By delving into this complex interplay, we aim to provide a profound understanding of how tumors evolve, adapt, and respond to treatment strategies. This review underscores the pivotal importance of comprehending tumor evolution in shaping effective approaches to cancer treatment.

Zinc finger protein 468 up-regulation of TFAM contributes to the malignant growth and cisplatin resistance of breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Because of the progress on the diagnosis and treatment for patients with breast cancer (BC), the overall survival of the patients has been improved. However, a number of BC patients cannot benefit from the existing therapeutic strategies as the essential molecular events triggering the development of BC are not well understood. Previous studies have shown that abnormal expression of zinc finger proteins is involved in the development of various malignancies, whereas it remains largely unclear on their significance during the progression of BC. In this study, we aimed to explore the clinical relevance, cellular function and underlying mechanisms of zinc finger protein 468 (ZNF468) in BC.

METHODS

The clinical relevance of ZNF468 and TFAM was analyzed based on TCGA database. Overexpression or knockdown of ZNF468 and TFAM were performed by transfecting the cells with overexpression plasmids and siRNAs, respectively. Overexpression and knockdown efficacy was checked by immunoblotting. CCK-8, colony formation, transwell and apoptosis experiments were conducted to check the cellular function of ZNF468 and TFAM. The content of mtDNA was measured by the indicated assay kit. The effects of cisplatin on BC cells were detected by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. The regulation of ZNF468 on TFAM was analyzed by RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, dual luciferase activity and ChIP-qPCR assays.

RESULTS

ZNF468 was overexpressed in BC patients and inversely correlated with their prognosis. Based on overexpression and knockdown assays, we found that ectopic expression of ZNF468 was essential for the proliferation, growth and migration of BC cells. The expression of ZNF468 also negatively regulated the sensitivity of BC cells to the treatment of cisplatin. Mechanistically, ZNF468 potentiated the transcription activity of TFAM gene via direct binding on its promoter. Lastly, we demonstrated that ZNF468 up-regulation of TFAM was important for the growth, migration and cisplatin resistance in BC cells.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that ZNF468 promotes BC cell growth and migration via transcriptional activation of TFAM. ZNF468/TFAM axis can serve as the diagnostic and therapeutic target, as well as the predictor of cisplatin effectiveness in BC patients.

Genome-Wide Association Studies Reveal Candidate Genes Associated with Pigmentation Patterns of Single Feathers of Tianfu Nonghua Ducks

In modern advanced genetics and breeding programs, the study of genes related to pigmentation in ducks is gaining much attention and popularity. Genes and DNA mutation cause variations in the plumage color traits of ducks. Therefore, discovering related genes responsible for different color traits and pigment patterns on each side of the single feathers in Chinese ducks is important for genetic studies. In this study, we collected feather images from 340 ducks and transported them into Image Pro Plus (IPP) 6.0 software to quantify the melanin content in the feathers. Thereafter, a genome-wide association study was conducted to reveal the genes responsible for variations in the feather color trait. The results from this study revealed that the pigmented region was larger in the male ducks as compared to the female ducks. In addition, the pigmented region was larger on the right side of the feather vane than on the left side in both dorsal and ventral feathers, and a positive correlation was observed among the feather color traits. Further, among the annotated genes, WNT3A, DOCK1, RAB1A, and ALDH1A3 were identified to play important roles in the variation in pigmented regions of the various feathers. This study also revealed that five candidate genes, including DPP8, HACD3, INTS14, SLC24A1, and DENND4A, were associated with the color pigment on the dorsal feathers of the ducks. Genes such as PRKG1, SETD6, RALYL, and ZNF704 reportedly play important roles in ventral feather color traits. This study revealed that genes such as WNT3A, DOCK1, RAB1A, and ALDH1A3 were associated with different pigmentation patterns, thereby providing new insights into the genetic mechanisms of single-feather pigmentation patterns in ducks.