Expression and prognosis analyses of BUB1, BUB1B and BUB3 in human sarcoma

BUB1 potentiates gastric cancer proliferation and metastasis by activating TRAF6/NF-κB/FGF18 through m6A modification

AIMS

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system. High expression of the mitotic kinase BUB1 has been shown to be associated with the development of many cancers, but the role of BUB1 in GC is still unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the role of BUB1 in GC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BUB1 inhibitor, siRNA or BUB1 overexpression plasmid-mediated functional studies were performed in vitro and in vivo to explore the oncogenic role of BUB1 in GC. The expression of BUB1 and FGF18 in GC tumor samples was determined by IHC staining. RNA-seq, Western blot, MeRIP-qPCR and Co-IP assays were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which BUB1 regulates GC progression.

KEY FINDINGS

Knockdown of BUB1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, overexpression of BUB1 significantly promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells. High expression of BUB1 and FGF18 in GC tissues predicted poor prognosis in GC patients. Mechanistically, BUB1 interacted with METTL3 and induced m6A modification of TRAF6 mRNA, further activating the NF-κB/FGF18 axis in GC cells.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results confirmed that BUB1 acts as a positive regulator of GC cell proliferation and metastasis by activating the TRAF6/NF-κB/FGF18 pathway through METTL3-mediated m6A methylation. Targeting the BUB1/METTL3/TRAF6/NF-κB/FGF18 axis might be a novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in GC.

Sudden unexpected postnatal collapse and BUB1B mutation: first forensic case report

Sudden unexpected postnatal collapse (SUPC) is a sudden collapse of the clinical conditions of a full-term or near-term newborn, within the first 7 days of life, that requires resuscitation with positive ventilation and who either dies, has hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or requires intensive care. The incidence of SUPC is very low, and most often presents a negative prognosis. The BUB1B gene is a mitotic checkpoint of serine/threonine kinase B that encodes a protein crucial for maintaining the correct number of chromosomes during cell division. Mutations in the BUB1B gene are linked to mosaic variegated aneuploidy syndrome 1 (MVA1), a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diffuse mosaic aneuploidies involving several chromosomes and tissues. This paper discusses a case of a newborn who had a spontaneous delivery. After 2 h and 10 min, the infant showed generalized hypotonia and cyanosis, and his doctors performed orotracheal intubation, cardiac massage, pharmacological hemodynamic therapy, mechanical ventilation, antibiotic therapy, and hypothermic treatment. The newborn was discharged after 5 months with the diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Suspecting an SUPC, a complete genetic analysis was performed demonstrating a compound heterozygous mutations in the BUB1B gene. The newborn died at 6 months of life, 1 month after discharge. A complete autopsy was performed, determining that the cause of death was due to sepsis starting from a brocopneumonic process, with outcomes of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). In this scenario, it is not possible to demonstrate the causal effect of this mutation, considering that it could play a causal or concausal role in the onset of SUPC. Further research based on multicenter studies, as well as on animal models, could be very useful to clarify the pathological effect of this mutation.

Exploring risk factors and molecular targets in leukemia patients with COVID-19: a bioinformatics analysis of differential gene expression

The molecular mechanism of COVID-19's pathogenic effects in leukemia patients is still poorly known. Our study investigated the possible disease mechanism of COVID-19 and its associated risk factors in patients with leukemia utilizing differential gene expression analysis. We also employed network-based approaches to identify molecular targets that could potentially diagnose and treat COVID-19-infected leukemia patients. Our study demonstrated a shared set of 60 genes that are expressed differentially among patients with leukemia and COVID-19. Most of these genes are expressed in blood and bone marrow tissues and are predominantly implicated in the pathogenesis of different hematologic malignancies, increasingly imperiling COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among the affected patients. Additionally, we also found that COVID-19 may influence the expression of several cancer-associated genes in leukemia patients, such as CCR7, LEF1, and 13 candidate cancer-driver genes. Furthermore, our findings reveal that COVID-19 may predispose leukemia patients to altered blood homeostasis, increase the risk of COVID-19-related liver injury, and deteriorate leukemia-associated injury and patient prognosis. Our findings imply that molecular signatures, like transcription factors, proteins such as TOP21, and 25 different microRNAs, may be potential targets for diagnosing and treating COVID-19-infected leukemia patients. Nevertheless, additional experimental studies will contribute to further validating the study's findings.

Treatment of Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver in Children

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver is a rare mesenchymal tumor with a highly malignant potential. It occurs almost exclusively in the pediatric population and typically has a poor outcome. Although previous studies have reported dismal prognoses, recent advances in combined treatment modalities, e.g., surgery and chemotherapy, have given cause for optimism. Even in those diseases not amenable to complete surgical resection or refractory diseases, other treatment modalities, such as liver transplant, have yielded promising results. This paper provides a review of the current treatment modalities for hepatic undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma in children.

Unraveling the Molecular Complexity of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC): A Comprehensive Exploration of Hub Genes, Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) Networks, microRNA (miRNA) Involvement, and Drug-Gene Interactions (DGIs)

Background Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) poses clinical challenges with its unique histology and potential for perineural invasion, recurrence, and distant metastases. Recent genomic advancements have unveiled key genetic alterations in ACC, offering insights into its pathogenesis. Aim This study aims to unravel the intricate molecular landscape of ACC through a comprehensive analysis of gene expression patterns. By integrating data from multiple microarray datasets, the study explores differentially expressed genes (DEGs), their functional enrichment, protein-protein interactions (PPI), hub genes, microRNA (miRNA) involvement, transcription factors, and potential drug-gene interactions. Methods Three microarray datasets (GSE88804, GSE153002, and GSE36820) related to ACC were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository. DEGs were identified using GEO2R and further analyzed for commonalities and differences. Functional enrichment analysis, including Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), provided insights into biological processes, cellular components, molecular functions, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways associated with ACC. PPI networks and hub genes were identified using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) (STRING Consortium, Lausanne, Switzerland) database and Cytoscape (Cytoscape Consortium, California, United States). The study also explored miRNAs, transcription factors, and potential drug-gene interactions. Results The integrated analysis revealed 339 common upregulated and 643 downregulated DEGs in ACC. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses unveiled the involvement of these genes in critical cellular processes, signaling cascades, and pathways. The PPI network, comprising 904 nodes and 4139 edges, highlighted the complexity of interactions. Hub genes, including KIF11, BUB1, and DLGAP5, were identified, shedding light on their pivotal roles in cell cycle regulation. The study also identified miRNAs (e.g., hsa-mir-7-5p and hsa-mir-138-5p) and transcription factors (e.g., E2F1 and TP53) associated with ACC. Drug-gene interactions have identified potential therapeutic options, including amsacrine and rucaparib. Conclusions The ACC gene expression highlights a nuanced molecular landscape, identifying pivotal hub genes such as KIF11 and CDK1 as potential therapeutic targets for ACC, given their roles in cell cycle progression. The dysregulation of microRNAs and transcription factors adds complexity to ACC's molecular profile. Exploration of drug-gene interactions reveals promising therapeutic strategies, involving FDA-approved drugs such as amsacrine and rucaparib, providing avenues for personalized interventions.

The effect of polystyrene nanoplastics on arsenic-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells

Microplastics are detrimental to the environment. However, the combined effects of microplastics and arsenic (As) remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of polystyrene (PS) microplastics and As on HepG2 cells. The results showed that PS microplastics 20, 50, 200, and 500 nm in size were taken up by HepG2 cells, causing a decrease in cellular mitochondrial membrane potential. The results of lactate dehydrogenase release and flow cytometry showed that PS microplastics, especially those of 50 nm, enhanced As-induced apoptosis. In addition, transcriptome analysis revealed that TP53, AKT1, CASP3, ACTB, BCL2L1, CASP8, XIAP, MCL1, NFKBIA, and CASP7 were the top 10 hub genes for PS that enhanced the role of As in HepG2 cell apoptosis. Our results suggest that nano-PS enhances As-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, this study is important for a better understanding of the role of microplastics in As-induced hepatotoxicity.

A robust six-gene prognostic signature based on two prognostic subtypes constructed by chromatin regulators is correlated with immunological features and therapeutic response in lung adenocarcinoma

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that chromatin regulators (CRs) regulate immune cell infiltration and are correlated with prognoses of patients in some cancers. However, the immunological and prognostic roles of CRs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are still unclear. Here, we systematically revealed the correlations of CRs with immunological features and the survival in LUAD patients based on a cohort of gene expression datasets from the public TCGA and GEO databases and real RNA-seq data by an integrative analysis using a comprehensive bioinformatics method. Totals of 160 differentially expressed CRs (DECRs) were identified between LUAD and normal lung tissues, and two molecular prognostic subtypes (MPSs) were constructed and evaluated based on 27 prognostic DECRs using five independent datasets (p =0.016, <0.0001, =0.008, =0.00038 and =0.00055, respectively). Six differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (CENPK, ANGPTL4, CCL20, CPS1, GJB3, TPSB2) between two MPSs had the most important prognostic feature and a six-gene prognostic model was established. LUAD patients in the low-risk subgroup showed a higher overall survival (OS) rate than those in the high-risk subgroup in nine independent datasets (p <0.0001, =0.021, =0.016, =0.0099, <0.0001, =0.0045, <0.0001, =0.0038 and =0.00013, respectively). Six-gene prognostic signature had the highest concordance index of 0.673 compared with 19 reported prognostic signatures. The risk score was significantly correlated with immunological features and activities of oncogenic signaling pathways. LUAD patients in the low-risk subgroup benefited more from immunotherapy and were less sensitive to conventional chemotherapy agents. This study provides novel insights into the prognostic and immunological roles of CRs in LUAD.

Identification and characterization of putative biomarkers and therapeutic axis in Glioblastoma multiforme microenvironment

Non-cellular secretory components, including chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors in the tumor microenvironment, are often dysregulated, impacting tumorigenesis in Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) microenvironment, where the prognostic significance of the current treatment remains unsatisfactory. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of post-translational modifications (PTM) and their respective enzymes, such as acetylation and ubiquitination in GBM etiology through modulating signaling events. However, the relationship between non-cellular secretory components and post-translational modifications will create a research void in GBM therapeutics. Therefore, we aim to bridge the gap between non-cellular secretory components and PTM modifications through machine learning and computational biology approaches. Herein, we highlighted the importance of BMP1, CTSB, LOX, LOXL1, PLOD1, MMP9, SERPINE1, and SERPING1 in GBM etiology. Further, we demonstrated the positive relationship between the E2 conjugating enzymes (Ube2E1, Ube2H, Ube2J2, Ube2C, Ube2J2, and Ube2S), E3 ligases (VHL and GNB2L1) and substrate (HIF1A). Additionally, we reported the novel HAT1-induced acetylation sites of Ube2S (K211) and Ube2H (K8, K52). Structural and functional characterization of Ube2S (8) and Ube2H (1) have identified their association with protein kinases. Lastly, our results found a putative therapeutic axis HAT1-Ube2S(K211)-GNB2L1-HIF1A and potential predictive biomarkers (CTSB, HAT1, Ube2H, VHL, and GNB2L1) that play a critical role in GBM pathogenesis.

Pan-cancer investigation of psoriasis-related BUB1B gene: genetical alteration and oncogenic immunology

Unknown factors contribute to psoriasis' hyperproliferative, chronic, inflammatory, and arthritic features. Psoriasis patients have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, though the underlying genetics remain unknown. Since our prior research indicated that BUB1B contributes to the development of psoriasis, we designed and carried out this investigation using bioinformatics analysis. Using the TCGA database, we investigated the oncogenic function of BUB1B in 33 tumor types. To sum up, our work sheds light on BUB1B's function in pan-cancer from various perspectives, including its pertinent signaling pathways, mutation locations, and connection to immune cell infiltration. BUB1B was shown to have a non-negligible role in pan-cancer, which is connected to immunology, cancer stemness, and genetic alterations in a variety of cancer types. BUB1B is highly expressed in a variety of cancers and may serve as a prognostic marker. This study is anticipated to offer molecular details on the elevated cancer risk that psoriasis sufferers experience.

Deciphering the Prognostic and Therapeutic Significance of Cell Cycle Regulator CENPF: A Potential Biomarker of Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment for Patients with Liposarcoma

Liposarcoma (LPS) is one of the most common subtypes of sarcoma with a high recurrence rate. CENPF is a regulator of cell cycle, differential expression of which has been shown to be related with various cancers. However, the prognostic value of CENPF in LPS has not been deciphered yet. Using data from TCGA and GEO datasets, the expression difference of CENPF and its effects on the prognosis or immune infiltration of LPS patients were analyzed. As results show, CENPF was significantly upregulated in LPS compared to normal tissues. Survival curves illustrated that high CENPF expression was significantly associated with adverse prognosis. Univariate and multivariate analysis suggested that CENPF expression could be an independent risk factor for LPS. CENPF was closely related to chromosome segregation, microtubule binding and cell cycle. Immune infiltration analysis elucidated a negative correlation between CENPF expression and immune score. In conclusion, CENPF not only could be considered as a potential prognostic biomarker but also a potential malignant indicator of immune infiltration-related survival for LPS. The elevated expression of CENPF reveals an unfavorable prognostic outcome and worse immune score. Thus, therapeutically targeting CENPF combined with immunotherapy might be an attractive strategy for the treatment of LPS.

SKA1/2/3 is a biomarker of poor prognosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Spindle and kinetochore-associated complex subunits 1-3 (SKA1-3) stabilize the kinetochore-attached spindle microtubules in metaphase. Due to the dysregulation in multiple cancers, SKA1-3 is considered a predictor for the prognosis of the patients. However, the potential clinical applications of SKA1-3, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis and progression, have completely unknown yet.

METHODS

For the analysis of SKA1-3 expression and applications in clinics in HCC patients, several databases, such as STRING, UALCAN, GEO, and TCGA, were searched. In addition, the underlying mechanisms of SKA for the regulation of HCC occurrence, development, and progression were also explored.

RESULTS

Compared to the normal controls, HCC patients showed dramatically elevated SKA1-3 expression at the mRNA level, and the values of the area under the curve (AUC) were 0.982, 0.887, and 0.973, respectively. Increased SKA1-3 expression levels were associated with the clinical stage, age, body mass index, tumor grade, tissue subtype, and Tp53 mutation status in HCC patients. The analyses of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) and Gene ontology (GO) demonstrated that SKA1-3 are enriched mainly in the Fanconi anemia, homologous recombination, spliceosome, DNA replication, and cell cycle signaling pathways. The hub genes, such as CDK1, CCNB1, CCNA2, TOP2A, BUB1, AURKB, CCNB2, BUB1B, NCAPG, and KIF11, were identified in protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The expression levels of hub genes were increased in HCC patients and predictive of a poor prognosis. Finally, the expression levels of SKA1-3 were determined using the GEO database.

CONCLUSIONS

SKA1-3 are potential prognostic biomarkers of and targets for HCC. In addition, SKA1-3 may affect HCC prognosis via the Fanconi anemia pathway, homologous recombination, spliceosome, DNA replication, and cell cycle signaling pathway.

BUB3, beyond the Simple Role of Partner

The BUB3 protein plays a key role in the activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), a ubiquitous surveillance mechanism that ensures the fidelity of chromosome segregation in mitosis and, consequently, prevents chromosome mis-segregation and aneuploidy. Besides its role in SAC signaling, BUB3 regulates chromosome attachment to the spindle microtubules. It is also involved in telomere replication and maintenance. Deficiency of the BUB3 gene has been closely linked to premature aging. Upregulation of the BUB3 gene has been found in a variety of human cancers and is associated with poor prognoses. Here, we review the structure and functions of BUB3 in mitosis, its expression in cancer and association with survival prognoses, and its potential as an anticancer target.

Aberrant Expression of BUB1B Contributes to the Progression of Thyroid Carcinoma and Predicts Poor Outcomes for Patients

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the function and potential mechanism of BUB1B in THCA.

Methods: Expression of BUB1B in THCA was firstly determined, and its important prognostic value was then demonstrated. The potential mechanism was initially predicted by KEGG analysis. To explore the specific function of BUB1B in THCA, we used lentivirus infection to knock down the BUB1B, and then performed flow cytometry, colony formation, transwell, and wound-healing assays. Related protein expression was detected through western blotting. Additionally, we predicted the BUB1B-regulated pathways involved in THCA by GSEA analysis.

Results: BUB1B expression was highly increased in THCA tissues relative to normal controls. We further found that BUB1B was essential for tumor cell proliferation, and BUB1B high expression predicted a shorter PFS time of THCA patients. More importantly, Cox regression determined the BUB1B as an independent prognostic factor for PFS in THCA. BUB1B was initially found to participate in the cell cycle pathway from KEGG analysis. Unexpectedly, we did not detect the disturbing effect on the cell cycle distribution of THCA cells with BUB1B knockdown. But, BUB1B knockdown inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of THCA cells, as well as increased apoptotic cells, and the results were further confirmed by western blotting. Through GSEA analysis, we predicted a positive correlation between BUB1B and metastasis-related pathways such as mTOR and NF-kappa B signaling pathways.

Conclusions: Present study identified BUB1B as a promising clinical prognostic factor in THCA, as well as a potential novel therapeutic target for cancer treatment.