Alterations of Cytoskeleton Networks in Cell Fate Determination and Cancer Development

The role and application of Coronin family in human tumorigenesis and immunomodulation

The Coronin family, a class of actin-binding proteins involved in the formation and maintenance of cytoskeleton structural stability, is aberrantly expressed in various tumors, including lung, gastric and head and neck cancers. They can regulate tumor cell metabolism and proliferation through RAC-1 and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathways and regulate invasion by influencing the PI3K, PAK4, and MT1-MMP signaling pathways and impacting the actin-network dynamics. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have highlighted the crucial roles of the cytoskeleton and immune modulation in the occurrence and development of tumors. The article delves into the Coronin family's pivotal role in tumor immune evasion, highlighting its modulation of neutrophil, T cell, and vesicular transport functions, as well as its interactions with tumorigenesis related organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and lysosomes. It also summarizes the potential therapeutic applications of the Coronin family in oncology. This review provides valuable insights into the mechanisms through which the Coronin family is implicated in the onset and progression of tumors. It also provides more theoretical foundation for tumor immunotherapy and combination drug therapy.

Role of the cytoskeleton in cellular reprogramming: effects of biophysical and biochemical factors

The cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in regulating cellular behavior, acting as both a structural framework and a mediator of mechanical and biochemical signals that influence cell fate. In the context of cellular reprogramming, modifications to the cytoskeleton can have profound effects on lineage commitment and differentiation efficiency. This review explores the impact of mechanical forces such as substrate stiffness, topography, extracellular fluid viscosity, and cell seeding density on cytoskeletal organization and mechanotransduction pathways, including Rho/ROCK and YAP/TAZ signaling. Additionally, we examine the influence of biochemical agents that modulate cytoskeletal dynamics, such as actin and microtubule polymerization inhibitors, and their effects on stem cell differentiation. By understanding how cytoskeletal remodeling governs cellular identity, this review highlights potential strategies for improving reprogramming efficiency and directing cell fate by manipulating mechanical and biochemical cues.

ROCK2 Downregulation in Pediatric Medulloblastoma Increases Migration and Predicts the Involvement of SHH Non-canonical Signaling

The participation of the Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCK1 and 2) in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton organization, cell adhesion, motility, and gene expression has been extensively investigated in many tumors of different histology. However, their pathogenic roles in medulloblastoma (MB) remain understudied, demanding a deeper appreciation of their participation in cancer cell dissemination and tumor progression. Herein, we show that ROCK2 is downregulated in MB tumor samples and functionally increases migration of cell lines belonging to the SHH subgroup. A comprehensive comparative bioinformatic scrutiny of differentially expressed genes within a list of ROCK2 candidate substrates, uncovered a network of 21 dysregulated genes from which DYPSL3 (dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 3) denoted a strong positive correlation. Enrichment analysis revealed SHH/RHOA/ROCK2/DYPSL3 as top hub genes and the intersection between two biological processes of most importance in MB: actin cytoskeleton remodeling and neuron development. Of note, evidence shows that both ROCK2 and DYPSL3, interact with RHOA and in many tumor types they act as tumor suppressors, mitigating cell spreading. Alternatively, their impaired activity leads to undifferentiated phenotypes and inappropriate cytoskeletal dynamics affecting cell shape, attachment to the extracellular matrix, and cell movement. In parallel, cell motility is considered a prototypical non-canonical response to SHH mediated by RHOA. Therefore, we propose a model in which the interplay between these pathways may lead to a perturbation of proper cytoskeletal dynamics that underpins cell migration.

Revolutionizing radiotherapy: gold nanoparticles with polyphenol coating as novel enhancers in breast cancer cells-an in vitro study

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with over 1 million new cases and around 400,000 deaths annually worldwide. This makes it a significant and costly global health challenge. Standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, often used after mastectomy, show varying effectiveness based on the cancer subtype. Combining these treatments can improve outcomes, though radiotherapy faces limitations such as radiation resistance and low selectivity for malignant cells. Nanotechnologies, especially metallic nanoparticles (NPs), hold promise for enhancing radiotherapy. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are particularly notable due to their high atomic number, which enhances radiation damage through the photoelectric effect. Studies shown that AuNPs can act as effective radiosensitizers, improving tumor damage during radiotherapy increasing the local radiation dose delivered. Traditional AuNPs synthesis methods involve harmful chemicals and extreme conditions, posing health risks. Green synthesis methods using plant extracts offer a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative. This study investigates the synthesis of AuNPs using Laurus nobilis leaf extract and their potential as radiosensitizers in breast carcinoma cell lines (MCF-7). These cells were exposed to varying doses of X-ray irradiation, and the study assessed cell viability, morphological changes and DNA damage. The results showed that green-synthesized AuNPs significantly enhanced the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy at lower radiation doses, indicating their potential as a valuable addition to breast cancer treatment.

Drug resistance and tumor immune microenvironment: An overview of current understandings (Review)

The use of antitumor drugs represents a reliable strategy for cancer therapy. Unfortunately, drug resistance has become increasingly common and contributes to tumor metastasis and local recurrence. The tumor immune microenvironment (TME) consists of immune cells, cytokines and immunomodulators, and collectively they influence the response to treatment. Epigenetic changes including DNA methylation and histone modification, as well as increased drug exportation have been reported to contribute to the development of drug resistance in cancers. In the past few years, the majority of studies on tumors have only focused on the development and progression of a tumor from a mechanistic standpoint; few studies have examined whether the changes in the TME can also affect tumor growth and drug resistance. Recently, emerging evidence have raised more concerns regarding the role of TME in the development of drug resistance. In the present review, it was discussed how the suppressive TME adapts to drug resistance characterized by the cooperation of immune cells, cytokines, immunomodulators, stromal cells and extracellular matrix. Furthermore, it was reviewed how these immunological or metabolic changes alter immuno‑surveillance and thus facilitate tumor drug resistance. In addition, potential targets present in the TME for developing novel therapeutic strategies to improve individualized therapy for cancer treatment were revealed.

Deciphering genetic and nongenetic factors underlying tumour dormancy: insights from multiomics analysis of two syngeneic MRD models of melanoma and leukemia

BACKGROUND

Tumour dormancy, a resistance mechanism employed by cancer cells, is a significant challenge in cancer treatment, contributing to minimal residual disease (MRD) and potential relapse. Despite its clinical importance, the mechanisms underlying tumour dormancy and MRD remain unclear. In this study, we employed two syngeneic murine models of myeloid leukemia and melanoma to investigate the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic and protein signatures associated with tumour dormancy. We used a multiomics approach to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving MRD and identify potential therapeutic targets.

RESULTS

We conducted an in-depth omics analysis encompassing whole-exome sequencing (WES), copy number variation (CNV) analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq), transcriptome and proteome investigations. WES analysis revealed a modest overlap of gene mutations between melanoma and leukemia dormancy models, with a significant number of mutated genes found exclusively in dormant cells. These exclusive genetic signatures suggest selective pressure during MRD, potentially conferring resistance to the microenvironment or therapies. CNV, histone marks and transcriptomic gene expression signatures combined with Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis highlighted the potential functional roles of the mutated genes, providing insights into the pathways associated with MRD. In addition, we compared "murine MRD genes" profiles to the corresponding human disease through public datasets and highlighted common features according to disease progression. Proteomic analysis combined with multi-omics genetic investigations, revealed a dysregulated proteins signature in dormant cells with minimal genetic mechanism involvement. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed the metabolic, differentiation and cytoskeletal remodeling processes involved in MRD. Finally, we identified 11 common proteins differentially expressed in dormant cells from both pathologies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study underscores the complexity of tumour dormancy, implicating both genetic and nongenetic factors. By comparing genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and epigenomic datasets, our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular landscape of minimal residual disease. These results provide a robust foundation for forthcoming investigations and offer potential avenues for the advancement of targeted MRD therapies in leukemia and melanoma patients, emphasizing the importance of considering both genetic and nongenetic factors in treatment strategies.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and immunosuppression in gastric cancer

Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, the mortality rate for gastric cancer remains one of the highest in the world. A large body of evidence has demonstrated that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as core members of the stroma, can secrete cytokines, proteins and exosomes to create a tumour microenvironment that is conducive to cancer cell survival. CAFs can also interact with cancer cells to form a complex signalling network, enabling cancer cells to more easily metastasise to other organs and tissues in the body and develop metastatic foci. In this review, we provide an overview of the CAFs concept and activators. We focus on elucidating their effects on immune cells, intratumoural vasculature, extracellular matrix, as well as cancer cell activity, metastatic power and metabolism, and on enhancing the metastatic ability of cancer cells through activation of JAK/STAT, NF/κB and CXCL12/CXCR4. Various therapeutic agents targeting CAFs are also under development and are expected to improve the prognosis of gastric cancer in combination with existing treatment options.

Contribution of Autophagy to Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Induction during Cancer Progression

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a dedifferentiation process implicated in many physio-pathological conditions including tumor transformation. EMT is regulated by several extracellular mediators and under certain conditions it can be reversible. Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process in which intracellular components such as protein/DNA aggregates and abnormal organelles are degraded in specific lysosomes. In cancer, autophagy plays a controversial role, acting in different conditions as both a tumor suppressor and a tumor-promoting mechanism. Experimental evidence shows that deep interrelations exist between EMT and autophagy-related pathways. Although this interplay has already been analyzed in previous studies, understanding mechanisms and the translational implications of autophagy/EMT need further study. The role of autophagy in EMT is not limited to morphological changes, but activation of autophagy could be important to DNA repair/damage system, cell adhesion molecules, and cell proliferation and differentiation processes. Based on this, both autophagy and EMT and related pathways are now considered as targets for cancer therapy. In this review article, the contribution of autophagy to EMT and progression of cancer is discussed. This article also describes the multiple connections between EMT and autophagy and their implication in cancer treatment.

Chorein sensitive microtubule organization in tumor cells

Background

The purpose of this study is to analyzed the involvement of chorein in microtubules organization of three types of malignant; rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cells (ZF), rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RH30), and rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD). ZF are expressing high chorein levels. Previous studies revealed that chorein protein silencing in ZF tumor cells persuaded apoptotic response followed by cell death. In addition, in numerous malignant and non-malignant cells this protein regulates actin cytoskeleton structure and cellular signaling. However, the function of chorein protein in microtubular organization is yet to be established.

Methods

In a current research study, we analyzed the involvement of chorein in microtubules organization by using three types of malignant rhabdomyosarcoma cells. We have applied confocal laser-scanning microscopy to analyze microtubules structure and RT-PCR to examine cytoskeletal gene transcription.

Results

We report here that in rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RH30), chorein silencing induced disarrangement of microtubular network. This was documented by laser scanning microscopy and further quantified by FACS analysis. Interestingly and in agreement with previous reports, tubulin gene transcription in RH cells was unchanged upon silencing of chorein protein. Equally, confocal analysis showed minor disordered microtubules organization with evidently weakened staining in rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD and ZF) after silencing of chorein protein.

Conclusion

These results disclose that chorein silencing induces considerable structural disorganization of tubulin network in RH30 human rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cells. Additional studies are now needed to establish the role of chorein in regulating cytoskeleton architecture in tumor cells.

Opportunities and Challenges for the Development of MRCK Kinases Inhibitors as Potential Cancer Chemotherapeutics

Cytoskeleton organization and dynamics are rapidly regulated by post-translational modifications of key target proteins. Acting downstream of the Cdc42 GTPase, the myotonic dystrophy-related Cdc42-binding kinases MRCKα, MRCKβ, and MRCKγ have recently emerged as important players in cytoskeleton regulation through the phosphorylation of proteins such as the regulatory myosin light chain proteins. Compared with the closely related Rho-associated coiled-coil kinases 1 and 2 (ROCK1 and ROCK2), the contributions of the MRCK kinases are less well characterized, one reason for this being that the discovery of potent and selective MRCK pharmacological inhibitors occurred many years after the discovery of ROCK inhibitors. The disclosure of inhibitors, such as BDP5290 and BDP9066, that have marked selectivity for MRCK over ROCK, as well as the dual ROCK + MRCK inhibitor DJ4, has expanded the repertoire of chemical biology tools to study MRCK function in normal and pathological conditions. Recent research has used these novel inhibitors to establish the role of MRCK signalling in epithelial polarization, phagocytosis, cytoskeleton organization, cell motility, and cancer cell invasiveness. Furthermore, pharmacological MRCK inhibition has been shown to elicit therapeutically beneficial effects in cell-based and in vivo studies of glioma, skin, and ovarian cancers.