Fra-1 Inhibits Cell Growth and the Warburg Effect in Cervical Cancer Cells via STAT1 Regulation of the p53 Signaling Pathway

The role of circular RNA targeting IGF2BPs in cancer-a potential target for cancer therapy

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are an interesting class of conserved single-stranded RNA molecules derived from exon or intron sequences produced by the reverse splicing of precursor mRNA. CircRNAs play important roles as microRNA sponges, gene splicing and transcriptional regulators, RNA-binding protein sponges, and protein/peptide translation factors. Abnormal functions of circRNAs and RBPs in tumor progression have been widely reported. Insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs) are a highly conserved family of RBPs identified in humans that function as post-transcriptional fine-tuners of target transcripts. Emerging evidence suggests that IGF2BPs regulate the processing and metabolism of RNA, including its stability, translation, and localization, and participate in a variety of cellular functions and pathophysiology. In this review, we have summarized the roles and molecular mechanisms of circRNAs and IGF2BPs in cancer development and progression. In addition, we briefly introduce the role of other RNAs and IGF2BPs in cancer, discuss the current clinical applications and challenges faced by circRNAs and IGF2BPs, and propose future directions for this promising research field.

The G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Agonist G-1 Mediates Antitumor Effects by Activating Apoptosis Pathways and Regulating Migration and Invasion in Cervical Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Estrogens and HPV are necessary for cervical cancer (CC) development. The levels of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) increase as CC progresses, and HPV oncoproteins promote GPER expression. The role of this receptor is controversial due to its anti- and pro-tumor effects. This study aimed to determine the effect of GPER activation, using its agonist G-1, on the transcriptome, cell migration, and invasion in SiHa cells and non-tumorigenic keratinocytes transduced with the HPV16 E6 or E7 oncogenes.

METHODS

Transcriptome analysis was performed to identify G-1-enriched pathways in SiHa cells. We evaluated cell migration, invasion, and the expression of associated proteins in SiHa, HaCaT-16E6, and HaCaT-16E7 cells using various assays.

RESULTS

Transcriptome analysis revealed pathways associated with proliferation/apoptosis (TNF-α signaling, UV radiation response, mitotic spindle formation, G2/M cell cycle, UPR, and IL-6/JAK/STAT), cellular metabolism (oxidative phosphorylation), and cell migration (angiogenesis, EMT, and TGF-α signaling) in SiHa cells. Key differentially expressed genes included PTGS2 (pro/antitumor), FOSL1, TNFRSF9, IL1B, DIO2, and PHLDA1 (antitumor), along with under-expressed genes with pro-tumor effects that may inhibit proliferation. Additionally, DKK1 overexpression suggested inhibition of cell migration. G-1 increased vimentin expression in SiHa cells and reduced it in HaCaT-16E6 and HaCaT-16E7 cells. However, G-1 did not affect α-SMA expression or cell migration in any of the cell lines but increased invasion in HaCaT-16E7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

GPER is a promising prognostic marker due to its ability to activate apoptosis and inhibit proliferation without promoting migration/invasion in CC cells. G-1 could potentially be a tool in the treatment of this neoplasia.

Neuropilin-1 enhances temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma via the STAT1/p53/p21 axis

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent primary intracranial tumor. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the first-line chemotherapy for GBM. Nonetheless, the development of TMZ resistance has become a main cause of treatment failure in GBM patients. Evidence suggests that neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) silencing can attenuate GBM cell resistance to TMZ. This study aims to determine potential mechanisms by which NRP-1 affects TMZ resistance in GBM. The parental U251 and LN229 GBM cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of TMZ to construct TMZ-resistant GBM cells (U251/TMZ, LN229/TMZ). BALB/c nude mice were injected with U251/TMZ cells to establish the xenograft mouse model. Functional experiments were carried out to examine NRP-1 functions. Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate molecular protein and mRNA expression, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining showed NRP-1 and STAT1 expression in mouse tumors. The results showed that NRP-1 was highly expressed in TMZ-resistant cells. Moreover, knocking down NRP-1 attenuated the TMZ resistance of U251/TMZ cells, while upregulating NRP-1 enhanced TMZ resistance of the parental cells. NRP-1 silencing elevated GBM cell sensitivity to TMZ in tumor-bearing mice. Depleting NRP-1 reduced STAT1, p53, and p21 expression in U251/TMZ cells. STAT1 depletion offset NRP-1 silencing evoked attenuation of GBM cell resistance to TMZ. Collectively, our study reveals that NRP-1 enhances TMZ resistance in GBM possibly by regulating the STAT1/p53/p21 axis.

Mitochondrial protein isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase 2 in tumor cells as a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer

Objective

Isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase 2 (IARS2) is crucial for mitochondrial activity and function in cancer cells. Cervical cancer is a highly prevalent malignancy affecting the female reproductive system on a global scale. This research investigates the expression and potential roles of IARS2 in cervical cancer cells.

Material and Methods

Initially, we examined the IARS2 expression profile in cervical cancer cells using Western blot technique and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction methodologies. Subsequently, cervical cancer cell models with IARS2 silencing and overexpression were constructed using Short Hairpin RNA (ShRNA) (IARS2) and pcMV-FLAG-IARS2, respectively. The impact of IARS2 silencing or overexpression on Hela cell mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial complex I, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, reactive oxygen species activity, viability, proliferation, migration, apoptosis-related proteins, and apoptosis levels was examined through fluorescence staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell counting kit-8 assay, Transwell experiments, Western blot technique, and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay techniques.

Results

The expression of IARS2 is upregulated in cervical cancer cells. Silencing IARS2 with ShRNA (IARS2) disrupts mitochondrial function in cervical cancer cells, resulting in mitochondrial depolarization, heightened oxidative stress, suppression of mitochondrial complex I, and a decrease in ATP levels. Moreover, the depletion of IARS2 significantly impedes the viability, proliferation, and migration of cervical cancer cells, inducing apoptotic processes. In contrast, the overexpression of IARS2 augments the proliferation, migration, and ATP levels in cervical cancer cells.

Conclusion

IARS2 plays a pivotal role as a mitochondrial protein in fostering the growth of cervical cancer cells, presenting itself as an innovative target for tumor diagnosis and treatment.

FOSL1's Oncogene Roles in Glioma/Glioma Stem Cells and Tumorigenesis: A Comprehensive Review

This review specifically examines the important function of the oncoprotein FOSL1 in the dimeric AP-1 transcription factor, which consists of FOS-related components. FOSL1 is identified as a crucial controller of invasion and metastatic dissemination, making it a potential target for therapeutic treatment in cancer patients. The review offers a thorough examination of the regulatory systems that govern the influence exerted on FOSL1. These include a range of changes that occur throughout the process of transcription and after the translation of proteins. We have discovered that several non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play a significant role in regulating FOSL1 expression by directly interacting with its mRNA transcripts. Moreover, an investigation into the functional aspects of FOSL1 reveals its involvement in apoptosis, proliferation, and migration. This work involves a comprehensive analysis of the complex signaling pathways that support these diverse activities. Furthermore, particular importance is given to the function of FOSL1 in coordinating the activation of several cytokines, such as TGF-beta, and the commencement of IL-6 and VEGF production in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that migrate into the tumor microenvironment. There is a specific emphasis on evaluating the predictive consequences linked to FOSL1. Insights are now emerging on the developing roles of FOSL1 in relation to the processes that drive resistance and reliance on specific treatment methods. Targeting FOSL1 has a strong inhibitory effect on the formation and spread of specific types of cancers. Despite extensive endeavors, no drugs targeting AP-1 or FOSL1 for cancer treatment have been approved for clinical use. Hence, it is imperative to implement innovative approaches and conduct additional verifications.

Glucose metabolism reprogramming in gynecologic malignant tumors

The incidence and mortality of gynecological tumors are progressively increasing due to factors such as obesity, viral infection, unhealthy habits, as well as social and economic pressures. Consequently, it has emerged as a significant threat to women's health. Numerous studies have revealed the remarkable metabolic activity of tumor cells in glycolysis and its ability to influence malignant biological behavior through specific mechanisms. Therefore, it is crucial for patients and gynecologists to comprehend the role of glycolytic proteins, regulatory molecules, and signaling pathways in tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment. This article aims to review the correlation between abnormal glucose metabolism and gynecologic tumors including cervical cancer (CC), endometrial carcinoma (EC), and ovarian cancer (OC). The findings from this research will provide valuable scientific insights for early screening, timely diagnosis and treatment interventions while also aiding in the prevention of recurrence among individuals with gynecological tumors.

NR1H4-mediated circRHOBTB3 modulates the proliferation, metastasis, and Warburg effects of cervical cancer through interacting with IGF2BP3

Globally, cervical cancer (CC) ranks as the fourth most common cancer and the most lethal malignancy among females of reproductive age. The incidence of CC is increasing in low-income countries, with unsatisfactory outcomes and long-term survival for CC patients. Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are promising therapeutics that target multiple cancers. In this study, we investigated the tumorigenic role of circRHOBTB3 in CC, showing that circRHOBTB3 is highly expressed in CC cells and circRHOBTB3 knockdown also repressed CC proliferation, migration, invasion, and the Warburg effects. CircRHOBTB3 interacted with the RNA-binding protein, IGF2BP3, to stabilize its expression in CC cells and is putatively transcriptionally regulated by NR1H4. In conclusion, this novel NR1H4/circRHOBTB3/IGF2BP3 axis may provide new insights into CC pathogenesis.

The effects of HPV oncoproteins on host communication networks: Therapeutic connotations

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are a leading cause of viral-induced malignancies worldwide, with a prominent association with cervical and head and neck cancers. The pivotal role of HPV oncoproteins, E5, E6, and E7, in manipulating cellular events, which contribute to viral pathogenesis in various ways, has been extensively documented. This article reviews the influence of HPV oncoproteins on cellular signaling pathways within the host cell, shedding light on the underlying molecular mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of these molecular alterations is essential for the development of targeted therapies and strategies to combat HPV-induced premalignancies and prevent their progress to cancer. Furthermore, this review underscores the intricate interplay between HPV oncoproteins and some of the most important cellular signaling pathways: Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, JAK/STAT, and PI3K AKT/mTOR. The treatment efficacies of the currently available inhibitors on these pathways in an HPV-positive context are also discussed. This review also highlights the importance of continued research to advance our knowledge and enhance therapeutic interventions for HPV-associated diseases.

Interplay between signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins and cancer: involvement, therapeutic and prognostic perspective

Signal transducers and activators of transcription or STAT are proteins that consist of various transcription factors that are responsible for activating genes regarding cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. They commonly activate several cytokine, growth, or hormone factors via the JAK-STAT signaling pathway by tyrosine phosphorylation which are responsible for giving rise to numerous immune responses. Mutations within the Janus-Kinases (JAKs) or the STATs can set off the commencement of various malfunctions of the immune system of the body; carcinogenesis being an inevitable outcome. STATs are known to act as both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes which makes it a hot topic of investigation. Various STATs related mechanisms are currently being investigated to analyze its potential of serving as a therapeutic base for numerous immune diseases and cancer; a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the signaling pathways can contribute to the same. This review will throw light upon each STAT member in causing cancer malignancies by affecting subsequent signaling pathways and its genetic and epigenetic associations as well as various inhibitors that could be used to target these pathways thereby devising new treatment options. The review will also focus upon the therapeutic advances made in cancers that most commonly affect people and discuss how STAT genes are identified as prognostic markers.

Overexpression of FRA1 (FOSL1) Leads to Global Transcriptional Perturbations, Reduced Cellular Adhesion and Altered Cell Cycle Progression

FRA1 (FOSL1) is a transcription factor and a member of the activator protein-1 superfamily. FRA1 is expressed in most tissues at low levels, and its expression is robustly induced in response to extracellular signals, leading to downstream cellular processes. However, abnormal FRA1 overexpression has been reported in various pathological states, including tumor progression and inflammation. To date, the molecular effects of FRA1 overexpression are still not understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the transcriptional and functional effects of FRA1 overexpression using the CGL1 human hybrid cell line. FRA1-overexpressing CGL1 cells were generated using stably integrated CRISPR-mediated transcriptional activation, resulting in a 2-3 fold increase in FRA1 mRNA and protein levels. RNA-sequencing identified 298 differentially expressed genes with FRA1 overexpression. Gene ontology analysis showed numerous molecular networks enriched with FRA1 overexpression, including transcription-factor binding, regulation of the extracellular matrix and adhesion, and a variety of signaling processes, including protein kinase activity and chemokine signaling. In addition, cell functional assays demonstrated reduced cell adherence to fibronectin and collagen with FRA1 overexpression and altered cell cycle progression. Taken together, this study unravels the transcriptional response mediated by FRA1 overexpression and establishes the role of FRA1 in adhesion and cell cycle progression.

FOS-Like Antigen 1 Expression Was Associated With Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Background

Early diagnosis and proper management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) improve patient prognosis. Several studies attempted to discover new genes to understand the pathogenesis and identify the prognostic and predictive factors in HCC patients, to improve patient's overall survival (OS) and maintain their physical and social activity. The transcription factor FOS-like antigen 1 (FOSL1) acts as one of the important prognostic factors in different tumors, and its overexpression correlates with tumors' progression and worse patient survival. However, its expression and molecular mechanisms underlying its dysregulation in human HCC remain poorly understood. Our study was conducted to evaluate the expression of FOSL1 in HCC tissues and its relationship with various clinicopathological parameters besides OS.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study conducted among 113 patients with a proven diagnosis of HCC, who underwent tumor resection and received treatment at South Egypt Cancer Institute. Immunohistochemistry for FOSL1 expression and survival curves were conducted followed by statistical analysis.

Results

HCC occurred at older age group and affected males more than females. There was a statistically significant correlation between combined cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of FOSL1 and worse prognosis in HCC patients. There was a statistically significant correlation of FOSL1 expression with histological grade, lymphovascular embolization, and tumor budding where high expression indicated potential deterioration of HCC patients. There was statistically significant correlation between tumor size, tumor grade and FOSL1 expression with the cumulative OS.

Conclusions

Combined cytoplasmic and nuclear FOSL1 expression has significant prognostic association with HCC and diagnostic importance, as it can identify cirrhosis and premalignant lesions that can progress to HCC. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis found that overexpressed FOSL1 was correlated with poor OS.

Candidate Genes and Pathways in Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review and Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women in developing countries. However, no comprehensive molecular mechanism for cervical cancer has been established, as many studies were small-cohort studies conducted with small sample sizes. A thorough literature search was performed using the PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, and Science Direct databases. Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms such as "Uterine Cervical Neoplasms" and "gene expression" were used as the keywords in all fields. A total of 4027 studies were retrieved, and only clinical studies, which used the microarray method to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the cervical tissue of cervical cancer patients, were selected. Following the screening, 6 studies were selected and 1128 DEGs were extracted from the data. Sixty-two differentially expressed genes from at least two studies were selected for further analysis by DAVID, STRING, and Cytoscape software. In cervical cancer pathogenesis, three significant clusters with high intermolecular interactions from the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network complex revealed three major molecular mechanisms, including cell signaling, cell cycle, and cell differentiation. Subsequently, eight genes were chosen as the candidate genes based on their involvement in the relevant gene ontology (GO) and their interaction with other genes in the PPI network through undirected first neighbor nodes. The present systematic review improves our understanding of the molecular mechanism of cervical cancer and the proposed genes that can be used to expand the biomarker panel in the screening for cervical cancer. The targeted genes may be beneficial for the development of better treatment strategies.

Decision tree algorithm predicts hepatocellular carcinoma among chronic hepatitis C patients following viral eradication

Successful eradication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) cannot eliminate the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Next-generation RNA sequencing provides comprehensive genomic insights into the pathogenesis of HCC. Artificial intelligence has opened a new era in precision medicine. This study integrated clinical features and genetic biomarkers to establish a machine learning-based HCC model following viral eradication. A prospective cohort of 55 HCV patients with advanced fibrosis, who achieved a sustained virologic response after antiviral therapy, was enrolled. The primary outcome was the occurrence of HCC. The genomic signatures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were determined by RNA sequencing at baseline and 24 weeks after end-of-treatment. Machine learning algorithms were implemented to extract the predictors of HCC. HCC occurred in 8 of the 55 patients, with an annual incidence of 2.7%. Pretreatment PBMC DEFA1B, HBG2, ADCY4, and posttreatment TAS1R3, ABCA3, and FOSL1 genes were significantly downregulated, while the pretreatment ANGPTL6 gene was significantly upregulated in the HCC group compared to that in the non-HCC group. A gene score derived from the result of the decision tree algorithm can identify HCC with an accuracy of 95.7%. Gene score = TAS1R3 (≥0.63 FPKM, yes/no = 0/1) + FOSL1 (≥0.27 FPKM, yes/no = 0/1) + ABCA3 (≥2.40 FPKM, yes/no = 0/1). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that this gene score was the most important predictor of HCC (hazard ratio = 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-5.36, P = 0.036). Combining the gene score and fibrosis-4 index, a nomogram was constructed to predict the probability of HCC with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve up to 0.950 (95% CI = 0.888-1.000, P = 7.0 × 10-5). Decision curve analysis revealed that the nomogram had a net benefit in HCC detection. The calibration curve showed that the nomogram had optimal concordance between the predicted and actual HCC probabilities. In conclusion, down-regulated posttreatment PBMC TAS1R3, ABCA3, and FOSL1 expression were significantly correlated with HCC development after HCV eradication. Decision-tree-based algorithms can refine the assessment of HCC risk for personalized HCC surveillance.

Fra-1 induces apoptosis and neuroinflammation by targeting S100A8 to modulate TLR4 pathways in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury

Spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury (SCII) is a severe complication driven by apoptosis and neuroinflammation. An increase in the expression of c-Fos, a member of the AP-1 family, is known as a neuronal activation marker in SCII. The AP-1 family is composed of Jun, Fos, and is associated with the regulation of cytokines expression and apoptosis. Fra-1 is a member of the Fos family, however, the contribution of Fra-1 to SCII is still unclear. In our study, Fra-1 was highly upregulated especially in neurons and microglia and promoted apoptosis by changing the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 after SCII. Furthermore, we found that Fra-1 directly regulated the transcription expression of S100A8. We demonstrated that knockdown of Fra-1 alleviated S100A8 mediated neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory factor release, thus improved motor function after SCII. Interestingly, we showed that administration of TAK-242, the TLR4 inhibitor, to the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced rats suppressed the activation of the ERK and NF-κB pathways, and further reduced Fra-1 expression. In conclusion, we found that Fra-1-targeted S100A8 was expressed the upstream of Fra-1, and the Fra-1/S100A8 interaction formed a feedback loop in the signaling pathways activated by SCII.

Understanding the Contribution of Lactate Metabolism in Cancer Progress: A Perspective from Isomers

Lactate mediates multiple cell-intrinsic effects in cancer metabolism in terms of development, maintenance, and metastasis and is often correlated with poor prognosis. Its functions are undertaken as an energy source for neighboring carcinoma cells and serve as a lactormone for oncogenic signaling pathways. Indeed, two isomers of lactate are produced in the Warburg effect: L-lactate and D-lactate. L-lactate is the main end-production of glycolytic fermentation which catalyzes glucose, and tiny D-lactate is fabricated through the glyoxalase system. Their production inevitably affects cancer development and therapy. Here, we systematically review the mechanisms of lactate isomers production, and highlight emerging evidence of the carcinogenic biological effects of lactate and its isomers in cancer. Accordingly, therapy that targets lactate and its metabolism is a promising approach for anticancer treatment.

Epigenetic modifications inhibit the expression of MARVELD1 and in turn tumorigenesis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in pan-cancer

MARVEL domain-containing 1 (MARVELD1) is one of the MARVEL domain-containing proteins. Expression of MARVELD1 in tumor and non-tumor tissues, the relationship between its expression and cancer prognosis, and upstream regulation of MARVELD1 were examined using pan-cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. MARVELD1 expression was significantly downregulated in tissues used for pan-cancer analysis compared to that in normal tissues. Low expression of MARVELD1 was associated with poor disease outcomes in pan-cancer. Colon cancer patients with low expression of MARVELD1 had worse progression free survival and overall survival than those with high expression levels in our cohort. Hypermethylation and histone modification in the MARVELD1 promoter locus synergistically affected its expression in pan-cancer. The function of MARVELD1 in colon cancer remains to be studied. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that MARVELD1 may modulate processes associated with inhibition of tumorigenesis in colon cancer. Both upstream transcription factors and downstream functional enrichment of MARVELD1 were related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Overexpression of MARVELD1 inhibited the expression of β-catenin and its entry into the nucleus. MARVELD1 also inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells. With Wnt/β-catenin activator LiCl treatment, rescue experiments demonstrated that the role of MARVELD1 in colon cancer progression was dependent on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These results indicate that MARVELD1 acts as a tumor suppressor and inhibits tumorigenesis via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.