Radotinib inhibits multiple myeloma cell proliferation via suppression of STAT3 signaling

Multiple myeloma: signaling pathways and targeted therapy

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy of plasma cells, characterized by osteolytic bone lesions, anemia, hypercalcemia, renal failure, and the accumulation of malignant plasma cells. The pathogenesis of MM involves the interaction between MM cells and the bone marrow microenvironment through soluble cytokines and cell adhesion molecules, which activate various signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, RAS/MAPK, JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, and NF-κB pathways. Aberrant activation of these pathways contributes to the proliferation, survival, migration, and drug resistance of myeloma cells, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Currently, approved drugs targeting these signaling pathways in MM are limited, with many inhibitors and inducers still in preclinical or clinical research stages. Therapeutic options for MM include non-targeted drugs like alkylating agents, corticosteroids, immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and histone deacetylase inhibitors. Additionally, targeted drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, bispecific T-cell engagers, and bispecific antibodies are being used in MM treatment. Despite significant advancements in MM treatment, the disease remains incurable, emphasizing the need for the development of novel or combined targeted therapies based on emerging theoretical knowledge, technologies, and platforms. In this review, we highlight the key role of signaling pathways in the malignant progression and treatment of MM, exploring advances in targeted therapy and potential treatments to offer further insights for improving MM management and outcomes.

Current status of drugs targeting PDGF/PDGFR

As an important proangiogenic factor, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptor PDGFR are highly expressed in a variety of tumors, fibrosis, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting the PDGF/PDGFR pathway is therefore a promising therapeutic strategy. At present, a variety of PDGF/PDGFR targeted drugs with potential therapeutic effects have been developed, mainly including PDGF agonists, inhibitors targeting PDGFR and proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTACs). This review clarifies the structure, biological function and disease correlation of PDGF and PDGFR, and it discusses the current status of PDGFR-targeted drugs, so as to provide a reference for subsequent research.

An IL-1β-driven neutrophil-stromal cell axis fosters a BAFF-rich protumor microenvironment in individuals with multiple myeloma

Human bone marrow permanently harbors high numbers of neutrophils, and a tumor-supportive bias of these cells could significantly impact bone marrow-confined malignancies. In individuals with multiple myeloma, the bone marrow is characterized by inflammatory stromal cells with the potential to influence neutrophils. We investigated myeloma-associated alterations in human marrow neutrophils and the impact of stromal inflammation on neutrophil function. Mature neutrophils in myeloma marrow are activated and tumor supportive and transcribe increased levels of IL1B and myeloma cell survival factor TNFSF13B (BAFF). Interactions with inflammatory stromal cells induce neutrophil activation, including BAFF secretion, in a STAT3-dependent manner, and once activated, neutrophils gain the ability to reciprocally induce stromal activation. After first-line myeloid-depleting antimyeloma treatment, human bone marrow retains residual stromal inflammation, and newly formed neutrophils are reactivated. Combined, we identify a neutrophil-stromal cell feed-forward loop driving tumor-supportive inflammation that persists after treatment and warrants novel strategies to target both stromal and immune microenvironments in multiple myeloma.

Discovery of common molecular signatures and drug repurposing for COVID-19/Asthma comorbidity: ACE2 and multi-partite networks

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is identified as the functional receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the ongoing global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to elucidate potential therapeutic avenues by scrutinizing approved drugs through the identification of the genetic signature associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with asthma. This exploration was conducted through an integrated analysis, encompassing interaction networks between the ACE2 receptor and common host (co-host) factors implicated in COVID-19/asthma comorbidity. The comprehensive analysis involved the identification of common differentially expressed genes (cDEGs) and hub-cDEGs, functional annotations, interaction networks, gene set variation analysis (GSVA), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and module construction. Interaction networks were used to identify overlapping disease modules and potential drug targets. Computational biology and molecular docking analyzes were utilized to discern functional drug modules. Subsequently, the impact of the identified drugs on the expression of hub-cDEGs was experimentally validated using a mouse model. A total of 153 cDEGs or co-host factors associated with ACE2 were identified in the COVID-19 and asthma comorbidity. Among these, seven significant cDEGs and proteins - namely, HRAS, IFNG, JUN, CDH1, TLR4, ICAM1, and SCD-were recognized as pivotal host factors linked to ACE2. Regulatory network analysis of hub-cDEGs revealed eight top-ranked transcription factors (TFs) proteins and nine microRNAs as key regulatory factors operating at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, respectively. Molecular docking simulations led to the proposal of 10 top-ranked repurposable drug molecules (Rapamycin, Ivermectin, Everolimus, Quercetin, Estradiol, Entrectinib, Nilotinib, Conivaptan, Radotinib, and Venetoclax) as potential treatment options for COVID-19 in individuals with comorbid asthma. Validation analysis demonstrated that Rapamycin effectively inhibited ICAM1 expression in the HDM-stimulated mice group (p < 0.01). This study unveils the common pathogenesis and genetic signature underlying asthma and SARS-CoV-2 infection, delineated by the interaction networks of ACE2-related host factors. These findings provide valuable insights for the design and discovery of drugs aimed at more effective therapeutics within the context of lung disease comorbidities.

Non-coding RNAs and exosomal ncRNAs in multiple myeloma: An emphasis on molecular pathways

One of the most common hematological malignancies is multiple myeloma (MM) that its mortality and morbidity have increased. The incidence rate of MM is suggested to be higher in Europe and various kinds of therapeutic strategies including stem cell transplantation. However, MM treatment is still challenging and gene therapy has been shown to be promising. The non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs are considered as key players in initiation, development and progression of MM. In the present review, the role of ncRNAs in MM progression and drug resistance is highlighted to provide new insights for future experiments for their targeting and treatment of MM. The miRNAs affect proliferation and invasion of MM cells, and targeting tumor-promoting miRNAs can induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and reduces proliferation of MM cells. Furthermore, miRNA regulation is of importance for modulating metastasis and chemotherapy response of tumor cells. The lncRNAs exert the same function and determine proliferation, migration and therapy response of MM cells. Notably, lncRNAs mainly target miRNAs in regulating MM progression. The circRNAs also target different molecular pathways in regulating MM malignancy that miRNAs are the most well-known ones. Furthermore, clinical application of ncRNAs in MM is discussed.

Pharmacological impact of microRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Prevailing insights on molecular pathways, diagnosis, and nanomedicine treatment

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a disease that most commonly produce tumours from the lining of the epithelial cells of the lips, larynx, nasopharynx, mouth, or oro-pharynx. It is one of the most deadly forms of cancer. About one to two percent of all neo-plasm-related deaths are attributed to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, which is responsible for about six percent of all cancers. MicroRNAs play a critical role in cell proliferation, differentiation, tumorigenesis, stress response, triggering apoptosis, and other physiological process. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression and provide new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In this work, the role of molecular signaling pathways related to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is emphasized. We also provide an overview of MicroRNA downregulation and overexpression and its role as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In recent years, MicroRNA nano-based therapies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma have been explored. In addition, nanotechnology-based alternatives have been discussed as a promising strategy in exploring therapeutic paradigms aimed at improving the efficacy of conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and attenuating their cytotoxicity. This article also provides information on ongoing and recently completed clinical trials for therapies based on nanotechnology.

Radiolabeling and cytotoxicity of monoclonal antibody Isatuximab functionalized silver nanoparticles on the growth of multiple myeloma

The goal of this article was to develop a new therapeutic strategy based on nanotechnology for multiple myeloma (MM) treatment which shows a synergism of different mechanisms. In this concern, 12.9 nm-sized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared and functionalized with Isatuximab, anti-MM monoclonal antibody (mAb). Furthermore, the synthesized nanocomposite was radiolabelled with iodine-131 radionuclide and yielded 95.5 ± 1.5%. Then, the synergistic MM-proliferation inhibition efficacy of the radionanocomposite (¹³¹I-Isatuximab/AgNPs) was explored in-vitro in comparison to each single agent. The MTT investigation showed that the antiproliferation effect of ¹³¹I-Isatuximab/AgNPs increased by more than 1.5 fold if compared with Isatuximab, AgNPs, Isatuximab/AgNPs or ¹³¹I-Isatuximab. Additionally, ¹³¹I-Isatuximab/AgNPs exhibited an apoptotic effect on MM cells which was more than that of Isatuximab, AgNPs, Isatuximab/AgNPs or ¹³¹I-Isatuximab by 2, 1.8, 1.7 and 1.5 folds, respectively. In conclusion, the results expressed ¹³¹I-Isatuximab/AgNPs as a potential new anti-MM agent.