Cell-type-specific Modulation of Non-homologous End Joining of Gamma Ray-induced DNA Double-strand Breaks by cAMP Signaling in Human Cancer Cells

Key molecular DNA damage responses of human cells to radiation

Our understanding of the DNA damage responses of human cells to radiation has increased remarkably over the recent years although some notable signaling events remain to be discovered. Here we provide a brief account of the key molecular events of the responses to reflect the current understanding of the key underlying mechanisms involved.

Insights into stimuli-responsive diselenide bonds utilized in drug delivery systems for cancer therapy

Due to the complexity and particularity of cancer cell microenvironments, redox responsive drug delivery systems (DDSs) for cancer therapy have been extensively explored. Compared with widely reported cancer treatment systems based on disulfide bonds, diselenide bonds have better redox properties and greater anticancer efficiency. In this review, the significance and application of diselenide bonds in DDSs are summarized, and the stimulation sensitivity of diselenide bonds is comprehensively reported. The potential and prospects for the application of diselenide bonds in next-generation anticancer drug treatment systems are extensively discussed.

cAMP Signaling in Cancer: A PKA-CREB and EPAC-Centric Approach

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death globally. Despite extensive research and considerable advances in cancer therapy, the fundamentals of the disease remain unclear. Understanding the key signaling mechanisms that cause cancer cell malignancy may help to uncover new pharmaco-targets. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates various biological functions, including those in malignant cells. Understanding intracellular second messenger pathways is crucial for identifying downstream proteins involved in cancer growth and development. cAMP regulates cell signaling and a variety of physiological and pathological activities. There may be an impact on gene transcription from protein kinase A (PKA) as well as its downstream effectors, such as cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). The position of CREB downstream of numerous growth signaling pathways implies its oncogenic potential in tumor cells. Tumor growth is associated with increased CREB expression and activation. PKA can be used as both an onco-drug target and a biomarker to find, identify, and stage tumors. Exploring cAMP effectors and their downstream pathways in cancer has become easier using exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) modulators. This signaling system may inhibit or accelerate tumor growth depending on the tumor and its environment. As cAMP and its effectors are critical for cancer development, targeting them may be a useful cancer treatment strategy. Moreover, by reviewing the material from a distinct viewpoint, this review aims to give a knowledge of the impact of the cAMP signaling pathway and the related effectors on cancer incidence and development. These innovative insights seek to encourage the development of novel treatment techniques and new approaches.