Ferroptosis: the emerging player in remodeling triple-negative breast cancer

Long non-coding RNA TPT1-AS1 inhibits ferroptosis in ovarian cancer by regulating GPX4 via CREB1 regulation

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in cellular processes, with dysregulation implicated in various diseases, including cancers. The lncRNA TPT1-AS1 (TPT1 Antisense RNA 1) promotes tumor progression in several cancers, including ovarian cancer (OC), but its influence on ferroptosis and interaction with other proteins remains underexplored.

METHODS

In this study, we employed a multi-faceted approach to investigate the functional significance of TPT1-AS1 in OC. We assessed TPT1-AS1 expression in OC specimens and cell lines using RT-qPCR, in situ hybridization (ISH), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays. Functional assays included evaluating the impact of TPT1-AS1 knockdown on OC cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and cell cycle progression. Further, we explored and validated the interaction of TPT1-AS1 with other proteins using bioinformatics. Finally, we investigated TPT1-AS1 involvement in erastin-induced ferroptosis using Iron Assay, Malondialdehyde (MDA) assay, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that TPT1-AS1 overexpression in OC correlated with an unfavorable prognosis. TPT1-AS1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness. Additionally, TPT1-AS1 inhibited erastin-induced ferroptosis, and in vivo experiments confirmed its oncogenic impact on tumor development. Mechanistically, TPT1-AS1 was found to regulate Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) transcription via CREB1 (cAMP response element-binding protein 1) and interact with RNA-binding protein (RBP) KHDRBS3 (KH RNA Binding Domain Containing, Signal Transduction Associated 3) to regulate CREB1.

CONCLUSION

TPT1-AS1 promotes OC progression by inhibiting ferroptosis and upregulating CREB1, forming a regulatory axis with KHDRBS3. These findings highlight the regulatory network involving lncRNAs, RBPs, and transcription factors in cancer progression.

Ferroptosis in Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Small Molecule Inducers, and Novel Approaches

Ferroptosis, a unique form of programmed cell death, is initiated by an excess of iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation-induced damage. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that ferroptosis plays a critical role in the advancement of tumors. The increased metabolic activity and higher iron levels in tumor cells make them particularly vulnerable to ferroptosis. As a result, the targeted induction of ferroptosis is becoming an increasingly promising approach for cancer treatment. This review offers an overview of the regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis, delves into the mechanism of action of traditional small molecule ferroptosis inducers and their effects on various tumors. In addition, the latest progress in inducing ferroptosis using new means such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), photodynamic therapy (PDT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and nanomaterials is summarized. Finally, this review discusses the challenges and opportunities in the development of ferroptosis-inducing agents, focusing on discovering new targets, improving selectivity, and reducing toxic and side effects.

Ferroptosis as a promising targeted therapy for triple negative breast cancer

PURPOSE

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a challenging subtype characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Standard treatment options are limited, and approximately 45% of patients develop distant metastasis. Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death triggered by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, has emerged as a potential targeted therapy for TNBC.

METHODS

This study utilizes a multifaceted approach to investigate the induction of ferroptosis as a therapeutic strategy for TNBC. It explores metabolic alterations, redox imbalance, and oncogenic signaling pathways to understand their roles in inducing ferroptosis, characterized by lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and altered cellular morphology. Critical pathways such as Xc-/GSH/GPX4, ACSL4/LPCAT3, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) are examined for their regulatory roles in ferroptosis and their potential dysregulation contributing to cancer cell survival and resistance.

RESULTS

Inducing ferroptosis has been shown to inhibit tumor growth, enhance the efficacy of conventional therapies, and overcome drug resistance in TNBC. Lipophilic antioxidants, GPX4 inhibitors, and inhibitors of the Xc- system have been demonstrated to be potential ferroptosis inducers. Additionally, targeting the NRF2 pathway and exploring other ferroptosis regulators, such as ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), and the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway, may offer novel therapeutic avenues.

CONCLUSION

Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms, optimize therapeutic strategies, and evaluate the safety and efficacy of ferroptosis-targeted therapies in TNBC treatment. Overall, targeting ferroptosis represents a promising approach to improving treatment outcomes and overcoming the challenges posed by TNBC.

Metal-(Acyclic Diaminocarbene) Complexes Demonstrate Nanomolar Antiproliferative Activity against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Hydrolytically stable PdII and PtII complexes supported by acyclic diaminocarbene ligands represent a novel class of structural organometallic anticancer agents exhibiting nanomolar antiproliferative activity in a panel of cancer cell lines (IC50 0.07-0.81 μM) and up to 300-fold selectivity for cancer cells over normal primary fibroblasts. The lead drug candidate was 300 times more potent than cisplatin in vitro and showed higher efficacy in reducing the growth of aggressive MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumors in mice.

Ferroptosis: emerging roles in lung cancer and potential implications in biological compounds

Lung cancer has high metastasis and drug resistance. The prognosis of lung cancer patients is poor and the patients' survival chances are easily neglected. Ferroptosis is a programmed cell death proposed in 2012, which differs from apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy. Ferroptosis is a novel type of regulated cell death which is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and subsequent plasma membrane ruptures. It has broad prospects in the field of tumor disease treatment. At present, multiple studies have shown that biological compounds can induce ferroptosis in lung cancer cells, which exhibits significant anti-cancer effects, and they have the advantages in high safety, minimal side effects, and less possibility to drug resistance. In this review, we summarize the biological compounds used for the treatment of lung cancer by focusing on ferroptosis and its mechanism. In addition, we systematically review the current research status of combining nanotechnology with biological compounds for tumor treatment, shed new light for targeting ferroptosis pathways and applying biological compounds-based therapies.

Osteopontin promotes tumor growth and metastasis and GPX4-mediated anti-lipid peroxidation in triple-negative breast cancer by activating the PI3k/Akt/mTOR pathway

PURPOSE

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) features high aggressiveness, metastasis rate, drug resistance as well as poor prognosis. Osteopontin (OPN) is a key protein in the process of osteogenesis and has emerged as a new tumor marker in recent years.

METHODS

Cell viability was tested with the CCK-8 kit. Transwell and wound healing were adopted to test cell invasive and migratory abilities. Tumor sphere formation was detected by tumor sphere formation assay. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation assay was used to measure the angiogenesis of tumor cells. Western blot was applied for the estimation of the expression of cancer stem cell markers, angiogenesis-, signaling pathway-related proteins as well as OPN. Bioinformatics tools predicted OPN expression in breast cancer tissues. The levels of oxidative stress-related markers were assessed with ELISA. Following the overexpression of OPN in MD-MB-436 cells and the addition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor LY294002, the aforementioned functional experiments were implemented again to investigate the mechanism. Finally, in vivo experiments of tumor-bearing mice were performed for further verification.

RESULTS

The proliferative, invasive, migratory and tumor sphere formation capabilities as well as angiogenesis of TNBC cells were conspicuously increased in contrast to non-TNBC cell lines. OPN expression in TNBC tissues and cells was dramatically enhanced. OPN upregulation significantly elevated cell proliferative, invasive and migratory capabilities as well as tumor sphere formation and angiogenesis. The mechanism might be achieved by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling to regulate glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-mediated anti-lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSION

OPN promoted tumor sphere formation and angiogenesis in TNBC by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to regulate GPX4-mediated anti-lipid peroxidation levels.

Exploring beyond Common Cell Death Pathways in Oral Cancer: A Systematic Review

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common and lethal type of head and neck cancer in the world. Variable response and acquisition of resistance to traditional therapies show that it is essential to develop novel strategies that can provide better outcomes for the patient. Understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms of cell death control has increased rapidly in recent years. Activation of cell death pathways, such as the emerging forms of non-apoptotic programmed cell death, including ferroptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, NETosis, parthanatos, mitoptosis and paraptosis, may represent clinically relevant novel therapeutic opportunities. This systematic review summarizes the recently described forms of cell death in OSCC, highlighting their potential for informing diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Original studies that explored any of the selected cell deaths in OSCC were included. Electronic search, study selection, data collection and risk of bias assessment tools were realized. The literature search was carried out in four databases, and the extracted data from 79 articles were categorized and grouped by type of cell death. Ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis represented the main forms of cell death in the selected studies, with links to cancer immunity and inflammatory responses, progression and prognosis of OSCC. Harnessing the potential of these pathways may be useful in patient-specific prognosis and individualized therapy. We provide perspectives on how these different cell death types can be integrated to develop decision tools for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of OSCC.

Ferroptosis and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Systematic Overview of Prognostic Insights and Therapeutic Potential

In the realm of oncology, the prognosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have long been challenges for researchers and clinicians. Characterized by its aggressive nature and limited therapeutic options, TNBC demands innovative approaches to understanding its underlying mechanisms and improving patient outcomes. One such avenue of exploration that has emerged in recent years is the study of ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis has garnered increasing attention due to its potential relevance in the context of TNBC. This systematic review aims to shed light on the intricate interplay between ferroptosis and the prognosis of TNBC. The article delves into a comprehensive examination of the existing literature to provide a holistic understanding of the subject. By investigating ferroptosis as both an intervention and a prognostic factor in TNBC, this article seeks to unravel its potential as a therapeutic target and prognostic marker. The emerging evidence and heterogeneity of ferroptosis in TNBC underscore the need for a systematic approach to assess its impact on patient outcomes. This review will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals striving to enhance our knowledge of TNBC and explore novel avenues for prognosis and treatment.