Key Candidate Prognostic Biomarkers Correlated with Immune Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

EGFLAM exhibits oncogenic activity and shows promise as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most lethal primary brain tumor, characterized by dismal survival rates. Novel molecular targets are urgently required to enhance therapeutic outcomes. A combination of bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation was employed to investigate the role of EGFLAM in GBM. The Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas provided a platform for gene expression profiling, while siRNA-mediated knockdown and overexpression assays in GBM cell lines, alongside in vivo tumorigenesis models, facilitated functional validation. EGFLAM was found to be significantly overexpressed in GBM tissues, correlating with adverse prognostic factors and higher tumor grades, particularly in patients over the age of 41. Functional assays indicated that EGFLAM is vital for maintaining GBM cell proliferation, viability, and invasiveness. Knockdown of EGFLAM expression led to a marked decrease in tumorigenic capabilities. Proteomic interactions involving EGFLAM, such as with NUP205, were implicated in cell cycle regulation, providing insight into its oncogenic mechanism. In vivo studies further demonstrated that silencing EGFLAM expression could inhibit tumor growth, underscoring its therapeutic potential. The study identifies EGFLAM as a pivotal oncogenic factor in GBM, serving as both a prognostic biomarker and a viable therapeutic target. These findings lay the groundwork for future research into EGFLAM-targeted therapies, aiming to improve clinical outcomes for GBM patients.

Structure and mechanism of the K+/H+ exchanger KefC

Intracellular potassium (K+) homeostasis is fundamental to cell viability. In addition to channels, K+ levels are maintained by various ion transporters. One major family is the proton-driven K+ efflux transporters, which in gram-negative bacteria is important for detoxification and in plants is critical for efficient photosynthesis and growth. Despite their importance, the structure and molecular basis for K+-selectivity is poorly understood. Here, we report ~3.1 Å resolution cryo-EM structures of the Escherichia coli glutathione (GSH)-gated K+ efflux transporter KefC in complex with AMP, AMP/GSH and an ion-binding variant. KefC forms a homodimer similar to the inward-facing conformation of Na+/H+ antiporter NapA. By structural assignment of a coordinated K+ ion, MD simulations, and SSM-based electrophysiology, we demonstrate how ion-binding in KefC is adapted for binding a dehydrated K+ ion. KefC harbors C-terminal regulator of K+ conductance (RCK) domains, as present in some bacterial K+-ion channels. The domain-swapped helices in the RCK domains bind AMP and GSH and they inhibit transport by directly interacting with the ion-transporter module. Taken together, we propose that KefC is activated by detachment of the RCK domains and that ion selectivity exploits the biophysical properties likewise adapted by K+-ion-channels.

Exploring Immune-Related Gene Profiling and Infiltration of Immune Cells in Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Endocervical Adenocarcinoma

Cervical cancer is a widespread malignancy among women, leading to a substantial global health impact. Despite extensive research, our understanding of the basic molecules and pathogenic processes of cervical squamous cell carcinoma is still insufficient. This investigation aims to uncover immune-related genes linked to CESC and delineate their functions. Leveraging data from the GEO and ImmPort databases, a total of 22 immune-related genes were identified. Multiple tools, including DAVID, the human protein atlas, STRING, GeneMANIA, and TCGA, were employed to delve into the expression and roles of these immune genes in CESC, alongside their connections to the disease's pathological features. Through RT-PCR, the study confirmed notable disparities in CXCL8 and CXCL10 mRNA expression between CESC and normal cervical tissue. The TCGA dataset's immune-related information reinforced the association of CXCL8 and CXCL10 with immune infiltration in CESC. This research sheds light on the potential of CXCL8 and CXCL10 as promising therapeutic targets and essential prognostic factors for individuals diagnosed with CESC.

A pan-cancer analysis of the prognostic implication and oncogenic role of tubulin epsilon and delta complex 2 (TEDC2) in human tumors

Introduction

Tubulin epsilon and delta complex 2 (TEDC2) is widely expressed in various human tissues and primarily governs centriole stability. However, the biological significance of TEDC2 in pan-cancer is unclear.

Methods

In this study, we employed R software and various online bioinformatics analysis tools to investigate the functional attributes of TEDC2 in human tumours and its potential involvement in immune response. The status of TEDC2 expression was evaluated in samples from the TCGA and GEO datasets, as well as in tumour and corresponding normal samples from the TCGA database. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier estimates, clinical correlations, and univariate Cox regressions were used to analyze the 33 types of tumors from TCGA and determine the prognostic significance of TEDC2. Moreover, nomogram models were formulated using three distinct tumours, namely kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), to evaluate the prognostic significance of TEDC2 in tumours. Furthermore, TEDC2 was investigated for its correlation with the levels of immune cell infiltration, and a functional enrichment analysis was conducted to identify potential signalling pathways involving TEDC2.

Results

Differential analysis revealed that 16 tumour types expressed TEDC2 to a greater extent than normal tissues. The abnormal expression of TEDC2 can predict survival outcomes in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), KIRC, kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP), LUAD, LIHC, lower grade glioma (LGG), and thymoma (THYM). Subsequent results indicated that TEDC2 has the ability to influence ECM regulators, cell cycle, and Immune checkpoint-associated signalling pathways, which could potentially lead to a poor prognosis and tumour progression.

Discussion

TEDC2 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target that could predict the prognosis of multiple tumour types, making it a promising target for reversing tumour development.

New insights into T-cell exhaustion in liver cancer: from mechanism to therapy

Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies. T-cell exhaustion is associated with immunosuppression of tumor and chronic infection. Although immunotherapies that enhance the immune response by targeting programmed cell death-1(PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been applied to malignancies, these treatments have shown limited response rates. This suggested that additional inhibitory receptors (IRs) also contributed to T-cell exhaustion and tumor prognosis. Exhausted T-cells (Tex) in the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) are usually in a dysfunctional state of exhaustion, such as impaired activity and proliferative ability, increased apoptosis rate, and reduced production of effector cytokines. Tex cells participate in the negative regulation of tumor immunity mainly through IRs on the cell surface, changes in cytokines and immunomodulatory cell types, causing tumor immune escape. However, T-cell exhaustion is not irreversible and targeted immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can effectively reverse the exhaustion of T-cells and restore the anti-tumor immune response. Therefore, the research on the mechanism of T-cell exhaustion in liver cancer, aimed at maintaining or restoring the effector function of Tex cells, might provide a new method for the treatment of liver cancer. In this review, we summarized the basic characteristics of Tex cells (such as IRs and cytokines), discussed the mechanisms associated with T-cell exhaustion, and specifically discussed how these exhaustion characteristics were acquired and shaped by key factors within TME. Then new insights into the molecular mechanism of T-cell exhaustion suggested a potential way to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, namely to restore the effector function of Tex cells. In addition, we also reviewed the research progress of T-cell exhaustion in recent years and provided suggestions for further research.

Exploring the relationship between abnormally high expression of NUP205 and the clinicopathological characteristics, immune microenvironment, and prognostic value of lower-grade glioma

Nuclear pore complex (NPC) is a major transport pivot for nucleocytoplasmic molecule exchange. Nucleoporin 205 (NUP205)-a main component of NPC-plays a key regulatory role in tumor cell proliferation; however, few reports document its effect on the pathological progression of lower-grade glioma (LGG). Therefore, we conducted an integrated analysis using 906 samples from multiple public databases to explore the effects of NUP205 on the prognosis, clinicopathological characteristics, regulatory mechanism, and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) formation in LGG. First, multiple methods consistently showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of NUP205 were higher in LGG tumor tissue than in normal brain tissue. This increased expression was mainly noted in the higher WHO Grade, IDH-wild type, and 1p19q non-codeleted type. Second, various survival analysis methods showed that the highly expressed NUP205 was an independent risk indicator that led to reduced survival time of patients with LGG. Third, GSEA analysis showed that NUP205 regulated the pathological progress of LGG via the cell cycle, notch signaling pathway, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. Ultimately, immune correlation analysis suggested that high NUP205 expression was positively correlated with the infiltration of multiple immune cells, particularly M2 macrophages, and was positively correlated with eight immune checkpoints, particularly PD-L1. Collectively, this study documented the pathogenicity of NUP205 in LGG for the first time, expanding our understanding of its molecular function. Furthermore, this study highlighted the potential value of NUP205 as a target of anti-LGG immunotherapy.

Potential of Compounds Originating from the Nature to Act in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy by Targeting the Tumor Immunosuppressive Microenvironment: A Review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent subtype of liver cancer, is the second main reason for cancer-related deaths worldwide. In recent decades, sufficient evidence supported that immunotherapy was a safe and effective treatment option for HCC. However, tolerance and frequent recurrence and metastasis occurred in patients after immunotherapy due to the complicated crosstalk in the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME) in HCC. Therefore, elucidating the TIME in HCC and finding novel modulators to target TIME for attenuating immune suppression is critical to optimize immunotherapy. Recently, studies have shown the potentially immunoregulatory activities of natural compounds, characterized by multiple targets and pathways and low toxicity. In this review, we concluded the unique role of TIME in HCC. Moreover, we summarized evidence that supports the hypothesis of natural compounds to target TIME to improve immunotherapy. Furthermore, we discussed the comprehensive mechanisms of these natural compounds in the immunotherapy of HCC. Accordingly, we present a well-grounded review of the naturally occurring compounds in cancer immunotherapy, expecting to shed new light on discovering novel anti-HCC immunomodulatory drugs from natural sources.

Research Progress on the Microenvironment and Immunotherapy of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Liver Metastases

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with the highest morbidity and mortality, and more than 75% of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Liver metastases occur in 20% of non-small cell lung cancer patients, and their prognosis are poor. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy and combination therapy have made breakthrough progress in advanced Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, compared with the overall population, the liver metastases population was an independent prognostic factor for poor immunotherapy response. Whether and how immunotherapy can work in NSCLC patients with liver metastases is a major and unresolved challenge. Although more and more data have been disclosed, the research progress of NSCLC liver metastasis is still limited. How liver metastasis modulates systemic antitumor immunity and the drug resistance mechanisms of the liver immune microenvironment have not been elucidated. We systematically focused on non-small cell lung cancer patients with liver metastases, reviewed and summarized their pathophysiological mechanisms, immune microenvironment characteristics, and optimization of immunotherapy strategies.