3'UTR Polymorphism in ACSL1 Gene Correlates with Expression Levels and Poor Clinical Outcome in Colon Cancer Patients

miR-449a: A Promising Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Cancer and Other Diseases

In the regulation of gene expression, epigenetic factors like non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an equal role in genetics. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are members of the ncRNA family, in post-transcriptional gene regulation is well-documented and has important implications for both normal and abnormal biological processes, such as angiogenesis, proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to synthesize previous research on miR-449a by analyzing published results from various databases, as there have been a number of investigations on miR-449's potential involvement in the development of human disorders. Based on our findings, miR-449 is strongly dysregulated in a wide range of diseases, from various cancers to cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairments, and respiratory diseases, and it may play a pivotal role in the development of these problems. In addition, miR-449a functions as a crucial regulator of the expression of several well-known genes, including E2F-3, BCL2, NOTCH1, and SOX4. This, in turn, modulates various pathways and processes related to cancer, including Notch, PI3K, and TGF-β, and contributes to the improvement of cancer drug sensitivity. Curiously, abnormalities in the expression of this miRNA may serve as diagnostic or prognostic indicators for distinguishing between healthy people and patients or to evaluate the survival rates for specific disorders. This article provides a synopsis of the current understanding of miR-449a's role in human disease development through its regulation of gene expression and the biological processes related to these genes and their linked processes. In addition, we have covered the topic of miR-449a's potential as a clinical feature (diagnosis and prognosis) indicator for a range of disorders, both neoplastic and non-neoplastic. In general, our goal was to gain a thorough comprehension of the numerous functions of miR-449a in different disorders.

Lipid droplets provide metabolic flexibility for cancer progression

A hallmark of cancer cells is their remarkable ability to efficiently adapt to favorable and hostile environments. Due to a unique metabolic flexibility, tumor cells can grow even in the absence of extracellular nutrients or in stressful scenarios. To achieve this, cancer cells need large amounts of lipids to build membranes, synthesize lipid-derived molecules, and generate metabolic energy in the absence of other nutrients. Tumor cells potentiate strategies to obtain lipids from other cells, metabolic pathways to synthesize new lipids, and mechanisms for efficient storage, mobilization, and utilization of these lipids. Lipid droplets (LDs) are the organelles that collect and supply lipids in eukaryotes and it is increasingly recognized that the accumulation of LDs is a new hallmark of cancer cells. Furthermore, an active role of LD proteins in processes underlying tumorigenesis has been proposed. Here, by focusing on three major classes of LD-resident proteins (perilipins, lipases, and acyl-CoA synthetases), we provide an overview of the contribution of LDs to cancer progression and discuss the role of LD proteins during the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and stemness of cancer cells.

Transcriptional Regulation Associated with Subcutaneous Adipogenesis in Porcine ACSL1 Gene

Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) plays an important role in fatty acid metabolism and fat deposition. The transcription of the ACSL1 gene is regulated specifically among cells and physiological processes, and transcriptional regulation of ACSL1 in adipogenesis remains elusive. Here, we characterize transcription factors (TFs) associated with adipogenesis in the porcine ACSL1 gene. CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α, a well-known adipogenic marker, was found to enhance the expression of the ACSL1 gene via binding two tandem motifs in the promoter. Further, we demonstrate that ACSL1 mediates C/EBPα effects on adipogenesis in preadipocytes cultured from subcutaneous fat tissue of pigs via gain- and loss-of-function analyses. The cAMP-response element binding protein, another TF involved in adipogenesis, was also identified in the regulation of ACSL1 gene expression. Additionally, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were screened in the promoter of ACSL1 among four breeds including the Chinese indigenous Min, and Duroc, Berkshire, and Yorkshire pigs through sequencing of PCR products. Two tightly linked SNPs, -517G>T and -311T>G, were found exclusively in Min pigs. The haplotype mutation decreases promoter activity in PK-15 and ST cells, and in vivo the expression of ACSL1, illustrating a possible role in adipogenesis regulated by C/EBPα/ACSL1 axis. Additionally, a total of 24 alternative splicing transcripts were identified, indicating the complexity of alternative splicing in the ACSL1 gene. The results will contribute to further revealing the regulatory mechanisms of ACSL1 during adipogenesis and to the characterization of molecular markers for selection of fat deposition in pigs.

Prognostic Role of Long-Chain Acyl-Coenzyme A Synthetase Family Genes in Patients with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis Confirmed with External Validation Cohorts

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to determine the prognostic role of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSLs) as a disease marker for kidney clear cell carcinoma (KIRC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were accessed via open access LinkedOmics database for KIRC. Provisional datasets were used for analysis as previously described and gene expression quantification data were downloaded. The corresponding clinical information of patients also were obtained from the database. Five ACSL family members, ACSL1, ACSL3, ACSL4, ACSL5, and ACSL6, were investigated in the TCGA-KIRC cohort. Xena browser, cBioPortal and UALCAN, and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) databases were also used to confirm the results. External validation was performed using patient cohorts from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO-NCBI) database. Finally, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) was constructed based on the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and visualized using Cytoscape software.

RESULTS

Pathological T3-T4 stage tumors had significantly lower ACSL1 mRNA expression (P = .009). Patients with pathologically confirmed metastasis exhibited significantly lower expression, as well (P = .02). ACSL1 mRNA expression was associated with overall survival (OS) and negatively correlated with OS time. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that lower ACSL1 mRNA expression level was associated with mortality. Moreover, ACSL1 mRNA expression was exhibited significant difference in some VHL gene region mutations and PBRM1_p.R1010 mutation, and negatively correlated with HIF1-alpha mRNA expression (P < .001). Confirmatory analyses and external validation also revealed similar findings.

CONCLUSION

Lowered ACSL1 mRNA expression is associated with worse tumor histopathology and poor overall survival in KIRC. It may be used for prognostic marker for KIRC.

Clinical features and lipid metabolism genes as potential biomarkers in advanced lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the most lethal tumors with a poor survival rate even in those patients receiving new therapies. Metabolism is considered one of the hallmarks in carcinogenesis and lipid metabolism is emerging as a significant contributor to tumor metabolic reprogramming. We previously described a profile of some lipid metabolism related genes with potential prognostic value in advanced lung cancer.

AIM

To analyze clinical and pathological characteristics related to a specific metabolic lipid genomic signature from patients with advanced lung cancer and to define differential outcome.

METHODS

Ninety samples from NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) and 61 from SCLC (small cell lung cancer) patients were obtained. We performed a survival analysis based on lipid metabolic genes expression and clinical characteristics. The primary end point of the study was the correlation between gene expression, clinical characteristics and survival.

RESULTS

Clinical variables associated with overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients were clinical stage, adenocarcinoma histology, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), number and site of metastasis, plasma albumin levels and first-line treatment with platinum. As for SCLC patients, clinical variables that impacted OS were ECOG, number of metastasis locations, second-line treatment administration and Diabetes Mellitus (DM). None of them was associated with gene expression, indicating that alterations in lipid metabolism are independent molecular variables providing complementary information of lung cancer patient outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific clinical features as well as the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes might be potential biomarkers with differential outcomes.

Transcript variants of long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 1 have distinct roles in sheep lipid metabolism

Mutton has recently been identified to be a consumer favorite, and intermuscular fat is the key factor in determining meat tenderness. Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) is a vital subtype of the ACSL family that is involved in the synthesis of lipids from acyl-CoA and the oxidation of fatty acids. The amplification of the ACSL1 gene using rapid amplification of cDNA ends revealed that the alternative polyadenylation (APA) results in two transcripts of the ACSL1 gene. Exon 18 had premature termination, resulting in a shorter CDS region. In this study, the existence of two transcripts of varying lengths translated normally and designated ACSL1-a and ACSL1-b was confirmed. Overexpression of ACSL1-a can promote the synthesis of an intracellular diglyceride, while ACSL1-b can promote triglyceride synthesis. The transfection of ACSL1 shRNA knocks down both the transcripts, the triglyceride content was significantly reduced after differentiation and induction; and lipidome sequencing results exhibited a significant decrease in 14-22 carbon triglyceride metabolites. The results of the present study indicated that the ACSL1 gene played a crucial role in the synthesis of triglycerides. Furthermore, the two transcripts involved in various interactions in the triglyceride synthesis process may be the topic of interest for future research and provide a more theoretical basis for sheep breeding.

Targeting cellular energy metabolism- mediated ferroptosis by small molecule compounds for colorectal cancer therapy

Alterations in cellular energy metabolism, including glycolysis, glutamine and lipid metabolism that affects ferroptosis in the tumour microenvironment (TME), play a critical role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) and offer evolutionary advantages to tumour cells and even enhance their aggressive phenotype. This review summarises the findings on the dysregulated energy metabolism pathways, including lipid and fatty acid metabolism especially for regulating the ferroptosis in TME. Moreover, the cellular energy metabolism and tumour ferroptosis to be regulated by small molecule compounds, which targeting the different aspects of metabolic pathways of energy production as well as metabolic enzymes that connect with the tumour cell growth and ferroptosis in CRC are also discussed. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive summary on small molecule compounds regulatory function of different energy metabolic routes on ferroptosis in tumour cells and discuss those metabolic vulnerabilities for the development of potential ferroptosis-based tumour therapies for colorectal cancer.

Fatty acid metabolism and acyl-CoA synthetases in the liver-gut axis

Fatty acids are energy substrates and cell components which participate in regulating signal transduction, transcription factor activity and secretion of bioactive lipid mediators. The acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSs) family containing 26 family members exhibits tissue-specific distribution, distinct fatty acid substrate preferences and diverse biological functions. Increasing evidence indicates that dysregulation of fatty acid metabolism in the liver-gut axis, designated as the bidirectional relationship between the gut, microbiome and liver, is closely associated with a range of human diseases including metabolic disorders, inflammatory disease and carcinoma in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. In this review, we depict the role of ACSs in fatty acid metabolism, possible molecular mechanisms through which they exert functions, and their involvement in hepatocellular and colorectal carcinoma, with particular attention paid to long-chain fatty acids and small-chain fatty acids. Additionally, the liver-gut communication and the liver and gut intersection with the microbiome as well as diseases related to microbiota imbalance in the liver-gut axis are addressed. Moreover, the development of potentially therapeutic small molecules, proteins and compounds targeting ACSs in cancer treatment is summarized.

The effects and mechanisms of isoliquiritigenin loaded nanoliposomes regulated AMPK/mTOR mediated glycolysis in colorectal cancer

In this study, isoliquiritigenin (ISL) incorporated nanoliposomes were prepared and their effects on colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines were investigated. Herein, we sought to explore the anti-cancer mechanisms of ISL loaded nanoliposomes (ISL-NLs) on AMP-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR) pathways mediated glycolysis. Also, the key targets such as caveolin 1 (CAV1), glucose transporters and Akt/mTOR that promote glycolysis, and are activated via the induction of α-enolase (ENO1), fructose bisphosphate aldolase A (ALDOA) and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) expressions were also investigated. It was shown that ISL-NLs significantly suppressed the proliferation and glucose uptake of CRC cell by potentially regulating the glycolysis and lactate targets as well as pathways that formed the basis of the anti-CRC effects of ISL-NLs. The mechanism underlying this effect was further validated via the regulation of some key targets such as ENO1, ALDOA, lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and MCT4 in glycolysis coupled with cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (c-myc), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in protein kinase B/mTOR (Akt/mTOR) pathways. Moreover, the AMPK proteins were identified to be up-regulated while the lactic acid production was suppressed by ISL-NLs in the CRC cells, indicating that ISL-NLs had an inhibitory effect on AMPK mediated glycolysis and lactate production. Altogether, these results have provided insights into the mechanism underlying the key role that liposomal ISL played in the multiple inhibition of AMPK and Akt/mTOR mediated glycolysis and lactate generation, which may be regulated as the alternative metabolic pathways of CRC as well as serve as adjuvant therapy for the disease.

ACSL family: The regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic implications in cancer

Accumulating evidence shows that deregulation of fatty acid (FA) metabolism is associated with the development of cancer. Long-chain acyl-coenzyme A synthases (ACSLs) are responsible for activating long-chain FAs and are frequently deregulated in cancers. Among the five mammalian ACSL family members, ACSL1 is involved in the TNFα-mediated pro-inflammatory phenotype and mainly facilitates cancer progression. ACSL3 is an androgen-responsive gene. High ACSL3 expression has been detected in a variety of cancers, including melanoma, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and high-grade non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), and correlates with worse prognosis of patients with these diseases. ACSL4 can exert opposing roles acting as a tumor suppressor or as an oncogene depending on the specific cancer type and tissue environment. Moreover, ACSL4 behaves as a crucial regulator in ferroptosis that is defined as a cell death process caused by iron-dependent peroxidation of lipids. ACSL5 is nuclear-coded and expressed in the mitochondria and physiologically participates in the pro-apoptotic sensing of cells. ACSL5 mainly acts as a tumor suppressor in cancers. ACSL6 downregulation has been observed in many forms of cancers, except in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we address the differential regulatory mechanisms of the ACSL family members as well as their functions in carcinogenesis. Moreover, we enumerate the clinical therapeutic implications of ACSLs, which might serve as valuable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for precision cancer treatment.

Metformin relieves H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury through miR-19a/ACSL axis - possible therapeutic target for myocardial I/R injury

This study proposed to investigate the function of miR-19a/ACSL axis in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced myocardial injury and determine whether metformin exerts its protective effect via miR-19a/ACSL axis. Firstly, bioinformatics analysis of data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database indicated that miR-19a was downregulated in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) compared to that in control group. H/R model was constructed with AC16 cells in vitro. qRT-PCR assay revealed that miR-19a was downregulated in H/R-treated AC16 cells. Then, CCK-8 assay demonstrated that upregulation of miR-19a significantly alleviated H/R-induced decline of cell viability. Moreover, bioinformatics prediction, western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to check the target genes of miR-19a, and ACSL1 was determined as a downstream target gene of miR-19a. Besides, the analysis based on Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) suggested that metformin targeting ACSL1 can be used as a potential drug for further research. Biological function experiments in vitro revealed that H/R markedly declined the viability and elevated the apoptosis of AC16 cells, while metformin can significantly mitigate these effects. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-19a significantly strengthened the beneficial effect of metformin on H/R-induced AC16 cells injury, which can be reversed by upregulation of ACSL1. In conclusion, metformin can alleviate H/R-induced cells injury via regulating miR-19a/ACSL axis, which lays a foundation for identifying novel targets for myocardial I/R injury therapy.

Expression of apolipoprotein C1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: An oncogenic gene and a prognostic marker

This study aimed to explore whether APOC1 expression has a function in the biological behavior of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells and its possible mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis of data TCGA and OnComine was conducted to explore the expression pattern and prognostic value of APOC1, as well as the relationship between APOC1 expression and clinical indicators. Loss- and gain- of APOC1 function assays were carried out to assess the biological functions of APOC1. Western blotting was applied to detect protein expression. We revealed that APOC1 was upregulated in ccRCC tissues. APOC1 expression was related to gender, grade, pathologic-T, pathologic-stage, and pathologic-M in patients with ccRCC. Meanwhile, Kaplan-Meier analysis evidenced that the high APOC1 expression indicated unfavorable outcomes of ccRCC. Functional experiments in vitro revealed that upregulation of APOC1 in UT33A cells promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, while downregulation of APOC1 in 786-O cells had the opposite effect. Furthermore, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) was activated in cells with upregulated APOC1 but inhibited in cells with down-regulated APOC1. Collectively, our data suggested that APOC1 was overexpressed in ccRCC cells and promoted the malignant biological behaviors and EMT of ccRCC cells.

Effects and mechanisms of fatty acid metabolism‑mediated glycolysis regulated by betulinic acid‑loaded nanoliposomes in colorectal cancer

Although previous studies have demonstrated that triterpenoids, such as betulinic acid (BA), can inhibit tumor cell growth, their potential targets in colorectal cancer (CRC) metabolism have not been systematically investigated. In the present study, BA‑loaded nanoliposomes (BA‑NLs) were prepared, and their effects on CRC cell lines were evaluated. The aim of the present study was to determine the anticancer mechanisms of action of BA‑NLs in fatty acid metabolism‑mediated glycolysis, and investigate the role of key targets, such as acyl‑CoA synthetase (ACSL), carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) and acetyl CoA, in promoting glycolysis, which is activated by inducing hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase‑1 (PFK‑1), phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and pyruvate kinase (PK) expression. The results demonstrated that BA‑NLs significantly suppressed the proliferation and glucose uptake of CRC cells by regulating potential glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism targets and pathways, which forms the basis of the anti‑CRC function of BA‑NLs. Moreover, the effects of BA‑NLs were further validated by demonstrating that the key targets of HK2, PFK‑1, PEP and PK isoenzyme M2 (PKM2) in glycolysis, and of ACSL1, CPT1a and PEP in fatty acid metabolism, were blocked by BA‑NLs, which play key roles in the inhibition of glycolysis and fatty acid‑mediated production of pyruvate and lactate. The results of the present study may provide a deeper understanding supporting the hypothesis that liposomal BA may regulate alternative metabolic pathways implicated in CRC adjuvant therapy.

Saponin-Rich Extracts and Their Acid Hydrolysates Differentially Target Colorectal Cancer Metabolism in the Frame of Precision Nutrition

Saponins or their aglycone form, sapogenin, have recently gained interest as bioactive agents due to their biological activities, their antitumoral effects being among them. Metabolic reprogramming has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer and, together with the increased aerobic glycolysis and glutaminolysis, the altered lipid metabolism is considered crucial to support cancer initiation and progression. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the inhibitory effects on colorectal cancer cell lines of saponin-rich extracts from fenugreek and quinoa (FE and QE, respectively) and their hydrolyzed extracts as sapogenin-rich extracts (HFE and HQE, respectively). By mean of the latest technology in the analysis of cell bioenergetics, we demonstrate that FE and HFE diminished mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and aerobic glycolysis; meanwhile, quinoa extracts did not show relevant activities. Distinct molecular mechanisms were identified for fenugreek: FE inhibited the expression of TYMS1 and TK1, synergizing with the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); meanwhile, HFE inhibited lipid metabolism targets, leading to diminished intracellular lipid content. The relevance of considering the coexisting compounds of the extracts or their hydrolysis transformation as innovative strategies to augment the therapeutic potential of the extracts, and the specific subgroup of patients where each extract would be more beneficial, are discussed in the frame of precision nutrition.

Metabolic enzyme ACSL3 is a prognostic biomarker and correlates with anticancer effectiveness of statins in non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, still characterized by high mortality rates. As lipid metabolism contributes to cancer metabolic reprogramming, several lipid metabolism genes are considered prognostic biomarkers of cancer. Statins are a class of lipid-lowering compounds used in treatment of cardiovascular disease that are currently studied for their antitumor effects. However, their exact mechanism of action and specific conditions in which they should be administered remains unclear. Here, we found that simvastatin treatment effectively promoted antiproliferative effects and modulated lipid metabolism-related pathways in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and that the antiproliferative effects of statins were potentiated by overexpression of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 3 (ACSL3). Moreover, ACSL3 overexpression was associated with worse clinical outcome in patients with high-grade NSCLC. Finally, we found that patients with high expression levels of ACSL3 displayed a clinical benefit of statins treatment. Therefore, our study highlights ACSL3 as a prognostic biomarker for NSCLC, useful to select patients who would obtain a clinical benefit from statin administration.

Alterations of Lipid Metabolism in Cancer: Implications in Prognosis and Treatment

Cancer remains the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. In the course of this multistage and multifactorial disease, a set of alterations takes place, with genetic and environmental factors modulating tumorigenesis and disease progression. Metabolic alterations of tumors are well-recognized and are considered as one of the hallmarks of cancer. Cancer cells adapt their metabolic competences in order to efficiently supply their novel demands of energy to sustain cell proliferation and metastasis. At present, there is a growing interest in understanding the metabolic switch that occurs during tumorigenesis. Together with the Warburg effect and the increased glutaminolysis, lipid metabolism has emerged as essential for tumor development and progression. Indeed, several investigations have demonstrated the consequences of lipid metabolism alterations in cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, three basic steps occurring during metastasis. In addition, obesity and associated metabolic alterations have been shown to augment the risk of cancer and to worsen its prognosis. Consequently, an extensive collection of tumorigenic steps has been shown to be modulated by lipid metabolism, not only affecting the growth of primary tumors, but also mediating progression and metastasis. Besides, key enzymes involved in lipid-metabolic pathways have been associated with cancer survival and have been proposed as prognosis biomarkers of cancer. In this review, we will analyze the impact of obesity and related tumor microenviroment alterations as modifiable risk factors in cancer, focusing on the lipid alterations co-occurring during tumorigenesis. The value of precision technologies and its application to target lipid metabolism in cancer will also be discussed. The degree to which lipid alterations, together with current therapies and intake of specific dietary components, affect risk of cancer is now under investigation, and innovative therapeutic or preventive applications must be explored.

Lipids and cancer: Emerging roles in pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapeutic intervention

With the advent of effective tools to study lipids, including mass spectrometry-based lipidomics, lipids are emerging as central players in cancer biology. Lipids function as essential building blocks for membranes, serve as fuel to drive energy-demanding processes and play a key role as signaling molecules and as regulators of numerous cellular functions. Not unexpectedly, cancer cells, as well as other cell types in the tumor microenvironment, exploit various ways to acquire lipids and extensively rewire their metabolism as part of a plastic and context-dependent metabolic reprogramming that is driven by both oncogenic and environmental cues. The resulting changes in the fate and composition of lipids help cancer cells to thrive in a changing microenvironment by supporting key oncogenic functions and cancer hallmarks, including cellular energetics, promoting feedforward oncogenic signaling, resisting oxidative and other stresses, regulating intercellular communication and immune responses. Supported by the close connection between altered lipid metabolism and the pathogenic process, specific lipid profiles are emerging as unique disease biomarkers, with diagnostic, prognostic and predictive potential. Multiple preclinical studies illustrate the translational promise of exploiting lipid metabolism in cancer, and critically, have shown context dependent actionable vulnerabilities that can be rationally targeted, particularly in combinatorial approaches. Moreover, lipids themselves can be used as membrane disrupting agents or as key components of nanocarriers of various therapeutics. With a number of preclinical compounds and strategies that are approaching clinical trials, we are at the doorstep of exploiting a hitherto underappreciated hallmark of cancer and promising target in the oncologist's strategy to combat cancer.

Identification of genetic features associated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) modulated DNA damage using improved random forest analysis

Recent studies have found multiple single nucleotide variants (SNVs) associated with DNA damage. However, previous association analysis may ignore the potential interaction effects between SNVs. Therefore, we used an improved random forest (RF) analysis to identify the SNVs related to personal DNA damage in exon-focused genome-wide association study (GWAS). A total of 301 subjects from three independent centers (Zhuhai, Wuhan, and Tianjin) were retained for analysis. An improved RF procedure was used to systematically screen key SNVs associated with DNA damage. Furthermore, we used genetic risk score (GRS) and mediation analysis to investigate the integrative effect and potential mechanism of these genetic variants on DNA damage. Besides, gene set enrichment analysis was conducted to identify the pathways enriched by key SNVs using the Data-driven Expression Prioritized Integration for Complex Traits (DEPICT). Finally, a set of 24 SNVs with the lowest mean square errors (MSE) were identified by improved RF analysis. Both weighted and unweighted GRSs were associated with increased DNA damage levels (P_weight < 0.001 and P_unweight < 0.001). Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that these loci were significantly enriched in several biological features associated with DNA damage. These findings suggested the role of SNVs in modifying DNA damage levels. It may be convincing that this improved RF analysis can effectively identify SNVs associated with DNA damage levels.

Effects of Long-Chain Fatty Acyl-CoA Synthetase 1 on Diglyceride Synthesis and Arachidonic Acid Metabolism in Sheep Adipocytes

Long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSLs) is an essential enzyme for the synthesis of fatty acyl-CoA. ACSL1 plays a key role in the synthesis of triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol esters.

BACKGROUND

In the current study, triglyceride content did not increase after overexpression of the ACSL1 gene.

METHODS

RNA-seq and lipid metabolome profiling were performed to determine why triglyceride levels did not change with ACSL1 overexpression.

RESULTS

Fatty acyl-CoA produced by ACSL1 was determined to be involved in the diglyceride synthesis pathway, and diglyceride content significantly increased when ACSL1 was overexpressed. Moreover, the arachidonic acid (AA) content in sheep adipocytes significantly increased, and the level of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) expression, the downstream metabolic gene, was significantly downregulated. Knocking down the ACSL1 gene was associated with an increase in COX2 mRNA expression, as well as an increase in prostaglandin content, which is the downstream metabolite of AA.

CONCLUSIONS

The overexpression of the ACSL1 gene promotes the production of AA via downregulation of COX2 gene expression.

The function of SNHG7/miR-449a/ACSL1 axis in thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer (TC) has been characterized as the most common malignant malady of the endocrine system. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 7 (SNHG7) has been reported to serve as a key regulator in a large number of human cancer types, but its role in TC and the underlying regulatory mechanism have never been evaluated yet. The present study indicated that the expression of SNHG7 was markedly higher in TC cell lines. Knockdown of SNHG7 led to a suppression of TC cell progression and migration. Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 1 (ACSL1) has also been demonstrated as an oncogene in many cancers. Herein an inhibition of ACSL1 after SNHG7 knockdown was captured. Further, the suppressing effects of SNHG7 knockdown on TC cell processes were counteracted by ACSL1 overexpression. Data from online bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays validated the interaction between microRNA-449a (miR-449a) and SNHG7 or ACSL1. It was also verified that SNHG7 sequestered miR-449a and therefore elevated ACSL1 expression levels. To conclude, the current study indicated that SNHG7 promoted proliferation and migration of TC cells by sponging miR-449a and therefore upregulating ACSL1. The present study may provide more explorations about the molecular regulation mechanism of long noncoding RNAs in TC progression.

Precision Nutrition and Cancer Relapse Prevention: A Systematic Literature Review

Cancer mortality rates are undergoing a global downward trend; however, metastasis and relapse after surgery and adjuvant treatments still correlate with poor prognosis and represent the most significant challenges in the treatment of this disease. Advances in genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics are improving our understanding regarding cancer metabolic diversity, resulting in detailed classifications of tumors and raising the effectiveness of precision medicine. Likewise, the growing knowledge of interactions between nutrients and the expression of certain genes could lead to cancer therapies based on precision nutrition strategies. This review aims to identify the recent advances in the knowledge of the mechanistic role of bioactive phytochemicals in foodstuffs in tumor progression, metastasis, and chemo-resistance in order to assess their potential use in precision nutrition therapies targeting relapse in lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancer, and leukemia. A considerable number of bioactive phytochemicals in foodstuffs were identified in the literature with proven effects modulating tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. In addition, the use of foodstuffs in cancer, and specifically in relapse therapies, is being reinforced by the development of different formulations that significantly increase the therapeutic efficiency of these products. This can open the possibility for testing combinations of bioactive phytochemicals with cancer relapse treatments as a potential prevention strategy.

Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Synthetase 1 Role in Sepsis and Immunity: Perspectives From a Parallel Review of Public Transcriptome Datasets and of the Literature

A potential role for the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase family member 1 (ACSL1) in the immunobiology of sepsis was explored during a hands-on training workshop. Participants first assessed the robustness of the potential gap in biomedical knowledge identified via an initial screen of public transcriptome data and of the literature associated with ACSL1. Increase in ACSL1 transcript abundance during sepsis was confirmed in several independent datasets. Querying the ACSL1 literature also confirmed the absence of reports associating ACSL1 with sepsis. Inferences drawn from both the literature (via indirect associations) and public transcriptome data (via correlation) point to the likely participation of ACSL1 and ACSL4, another family member, in inflammasome activation in neutrophils during sepsis. Furthermore, available clinical data indicate that levels of ACSL1 and ACSL4 induction was significantly higher in fatal cases of sepsis. This denotes potential translational relevance and is consistent with involvement in pathways driving potentially deleterious systemic inflammation. Finally, while ACSL1 expression was induced in blood in vitro by a wide range of pathogen-derived factors as well as TNF, induction of ACSL4 appeared restricted to flagellated bacteria and pathogen-derived TLR5 agonists and IFNG. Taken together, this joint review of public literature and omics data records points to two members of the acyl-CoA synthetase family potentially playing a role in inflammasome activation in neutrophils. Translational relevance of these observations in the context of sepsis and other inflammatory conditions remain to be investigated.

Pedf derived peptides affect colorectal cancer cell lines resistance and tumour re-growth capacity

Relapse after chemotherapy treatment depends on the cancer initiating cells (CICs). PEDF (Pigmented Epithelium Derived Factor) is an anti-angiogenic, neurotrophic and self-renewal regulator molecule, also involved in CICs biology. Acute and chronic exposition of colon cancer cell lines to CT/CTE PEDF-derived peptides decreased drug-resistance to conventional colorectal cancer treatments, such as oxaliplatin or irinotecan. We confirmed a reduction in the irinotecan and oxaliplatin IC50 doses for all tested tumour cell lines. After xenograft transplantation, CT/CTE treatments also produced a reduction in resistance to conventional chemotherapy treatments as in culture-assays. Metastatic capacity of these treated cell lines was also depleted. The PEDF signaling pathway could be a future therapeutic tool for use as an adjuvant therapy that decreases IC50 dosis, adverse effects and treatment costs. This pathway could also be involved in an increase of the time relapse in patients, decreased tumourigenicity, and decreased capacity to produce metastasis.

Development of prognostic signature and nomogram for patients with breast cancer

To identify prognostic signature that could predict the survival of patients with breast cancer (BC).Breast cancer samples and normal breast tissues in the TCGA-BRCA and GSE7390 were included. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the "limma" method. Overall survival (OS) associated with DEGs were obtained using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis, and the corresponding prognostic signature and nomogram were constructed. Calibration analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed.In all, 742 DEGs were identified, 19 of which were independently correlated with the OS of BC patients. The OS of patients in the 19-gene signature low-risk group was significantly better than that in high-risk group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.3506, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2488-0.4939), and the 19-gene based signature was demonstrated to be an independent prognostic factor in patient with BC in the TCGA-BRCA cohort (HR 1.501, 95% CI 1.374-1.640) and validation cohort GSE7392 ((HR 0.3557, 95% CI 0.2155-0.5871, P < .0001)). The primary and internally validated C-indexes for the 19-gene signature-based nomogram were 0.817 and 8.013, respectively. The results of calibration analysis and DCA analysis confirmed the robustness and the clinical usability of the nomogram.We constructed a prognostic signature and nomogram for patient with BC, which showed good application prospect.

Fatty acid activation in carcinogenesis and cancer development: Essential roles of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases

The significance of fatty acid metabolism in cancer initiation and development is increasingly accepted by scientists and the public due to the high prevalence of overweight and obese individuals. Fatty acids have different turnovers in the body: Either breakdown into acetyl-CoA to aid ATP generation through catabolic metabolism or incorporation into triacylglycerol and phospholipid through anabolic metabolism. However, these two distinct pathways require a common initial step known as fatty acid activation. Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSLs), which are responsible for activation of the most abundant long-chain fatty acids, are commonly deregulated in cancer. This deregulation is also associated with poor survival in patients with cancer. Fatty acids physiologically regulate ACSL expression, but cancer cells could hijack certain involved regulatory mechanisms to deregulate ACSLs. Among the five family isoforms, ACSL1 and ACSL4 are able to promote ungoverned cell growth, facilitate tumor invasion and evade programmed cell death, while ACSL3 may have relatively complex functions in different types of cancer. Notably, ACSL4 is also essential for the induction of ferroptosis (another form of programmed cell death) by facilitating arachidonic acid oxidation, which makes the enzyme a desirable cancer target. The present review thus evaluates the functions of deregulated ACSLs in cancer, the possible molecular mechanisms involved and the chemotherapeutic potentials to target ACSLs. A better understanding of the pathological effects of ACSLs in cancer and the involved molecular mechanisms will aid in delineating the exact role of fatty acid metabolism in cancer and designing precise cancer prevention and treatment strategies.

The transcriptional and mutational landscapes of lipid metabolism-related genes in colon cancer

Metabolic alterations encountered in tumors are well recognized and considered as a hallmark of cancer. In addition to Warburg Effect, epidemiological and experimental studies support the crucial role of lipid metabolism in colorectal cancer (CRC). The overexpression of four lipid metabolism-related genes (ABCA1, ACSL1, AGPAT1 and SCD genes) has been proposed as prognostic marker of stage II CRC (ColoLipidGene signature).

In order to explore in depth the transcriptomic and genomic scenarios of ABCA1, ACSL1, AGPAT1 and SCD genes, we performed a transcriptomic meta-analysis in more than one thousand CRC individuals. Additionally we analyzed their genomic coding sequence in 95 patients, to find variants that could orchestrate CRC prognosis.

We found that genetic variant rs3071, located on SCD gene, defines a 9.77% of stage II CRC patients with high risk of death. Moreover, individuals with upregulation of ABCA1 and AGPAT1 expression have an increased risk of CRC recurrence, independently of tumor stage.

ABCA1 emerges as one of the main contributors to signature’s prognostic effect. Indeed, both high ABCA1 expression and presence of tumoral genetic variants located in ABCA1 coding region, seem to be associated with CRC risk of death. In addition the non-synonymous polymorphism rs2230808, located on ABCA1, is associated with gene expression. Patients carrying at least one copy of minor allele showed higher levels of ABCA1 expression than patients carrying homozygous major allele.

This study broaden the prognostic value of ABCA1, ACSL1, AGPAT1 and SCD genes, independently of CRC tumor stage, leading to future precision medicine approaches and “omics”-guided therapies.

Precision Nutrition for Targeting Lipid Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer

Cancer is a multistage and multifactorial condition with genetic and environmental factors modulating tumorogenesis and disease progression. Nevertheless, cancer is preventable, as one third of cancer deaths could be avoided by modifying key risk factors. Nutrients can directly affect fundamental cellular processes and are considered among the most important risk factors in colorectal cancer (CRC). Red and processed meat, poultry consumption, fiber, and folate are the best-known diet components that interact with colorectal cancer susceptibility. In addition, the direct association of an unhealthy diet with obesity and dysbiosis opens new routes in the understanding of how daily diet nutrients could influence cancer prognosis. In the “omics” era, traditional nutrition has been naturally evolved to precision nutrition where technical developments have contributed to a more accurate discipline. In this sense, genomic and transcriptomic studies have been extensively used in precision nutrition approaches. However, the relation between CRC carcinogenesis and nutrition factors is more complex than originally expected. Together with classical diet-nutrition-related genes, nowadays, lipid-metabolism-related genes have acquired relevant interest in precision nutrition studies. Lipids regulate very diverse cellular processes from ATP synthesis and the activation of essential cell-signaling pathways to membrane organization and plasticity. Therefore, a wide range of tumorogenic steps can be influenced by lipid metabolism, both in primary tumours and distal metastasis. The extent to which genetic variants, together with the intake of specific dietary components, affect the risk of CRC is currently under investigation, and new therapeutic or preventive applications must be explored in CRC models. In this review, we will go in depth into the study of co-occurring events, which orchestrate CRC tumorogenesis and are essential for the evolution of precision nutrition paradigms. Likewise, we will discuss the application of precision nutrition approaches to target lipid metabolism in CRC.