Glutathione Peroxidase GPX1 and Its Dichotomous Roles in Cancer

Multimodal AI/ML for discovering novel biomarkers and predicting disease using multi-omics profiles of patients with cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are complex, multifactorial conditions that require personalized assessment and treatment. Advancements in multi-omics technologies, namely RNA sequencing and whole-genome sequencing, have provided translational researchers with a comprehensive view of the human genome. The efficient synthesis and analysis of this data through integrated approach that characterizes genetic variants alongside expression patterns linked to emerging phenotypes, can reveal novel biomarkers and enable the segmentation of patient populations based on personalized risk factors. In this study, we present a cutting-edge methodology rooted in the integration of traditional bioinformatics, classical statistics, and multimodal machine learning techniques. Our approach has the potential to uncover the intricate mechanisms underlying CVD, enabling patient-specific risk and response profiling. We sourced transcriptomic expression data and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from both CVD patients and healthy controls. By integrating these multi-omics datasets with clinical demographic information, we generated patient-specific profiles. Utilizing a robust feature selection approach, we identified a signature of 27 transcriptomic features and SNPs that are effective predictors of CVD. Differential expression analysis, combined with minimum redundancy maximum relevance feature selection, highlighted biomarkers that explain the disease phenotype. This approach prioritizes both biological relevance and efficiency in machine learning. We employed Combination Annotation Dependent Depletion scores and allele frequencies to identify variants with pathogenic characteristics in CVD patients. Classification models trained on this signature demonstrated high-accuracy predictions for CVD. The best performing of these models was an XGBoost classifier optimized via Bayesian hyperparameter tuning, which was able to correctly classify all patients in our test dataset. Using SHapley Additive exPlanations, we created risk assessments for patients, offering further contextualization of these predictions in a clinical setting. Across the cohort, RPL36AP37 and HBA1 were scored as the most important biomarkers for predicting CVDs. A comprehensive literature review revealed that a substantial portion of the diagnostic biomarkers identified have previously been associated with CVD. The framework we propose in this study is unbiased and generalizable to other diseases and disorders.

Viral Infections and the Glutathione Peroxidase Family: Mechanisms of Disease Development

Significance: The glutathione peroxidase (GPx) family is recognized for its essential function in maintaining cellular redox balance and countering the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a process intricately linked to the progression of various diseases including those spurred by viral infections. The modulation of GPx activity by viruses presents a critical juncture in disease pathogenesis, influencing cellular responses and the trajectory of infection-induced diseases. Recent Advances: Cutting-edge research has unveiled the GPx family's dynamic role in modulating viral pathogenesis. Notably, GPX4's pivotal function in regulating ferroptosis presents a novel avenue for the antiviral therapy. The discovery that selenium, an essential micronutrient for GPx activity, possesses antiviral properties has propelled us toward rethinking traditional treatment modalities. Critical Issues: Deciphering the intricate relationship between viral infections and GPx family members is paramount. Viral invasion can precipitate significant alterations in GPx function, influencing disease outcomes. The multifaceted nature of GPx activity during viral infections suggests that a deeper understanding of these interactions could yield novel insights into disease mechanisms, diagnostics, prognostics, and even chemotherapeutic resistance. Future Directions: This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the impact of viral infections on GPx activity and expression and identify key advances. By elucidating the mechanisms through which GPx family members intersect with viral pathogenesis, we propose to uncover innovative therapeutic strategies that leverage the antioxidant properties of GPx to combat viral infections. The exploration of GPx as a therapeutic target and biomarker holds promise for the development of next-generation antiviral therapies. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.

Nanomaterial-based regulation of redox metabolism for enhancing cancer therapy

Altered redox metabolism is one of the hallmarks of tumor cells, which not only contributes to tumor proliferation, metastasis, and immune evasion, but also has great relevance to therapeutic resistance. Therefore, regulation of redox metabolism of tumor cells has been proposed as an attractive therapeutic strategy to inhibit tumor growth and reverse therapeutic resistance. In this respect, nanomedicines have exhibited significant therapeutic advantages as intensively reported in recent studies. In this review, we would like to summarize the latest advances in nanomaterial-assisted strategies for redox metabolic regulation therapy, with a focus on the regulation of redox metabolism-related metabolite levels, enzyme activity, and signaling pathways. In the end, future expectations and challenges of such emerging strategies have been discussed, hoping to enlighten and promote their further development for meeting the various demands of advanced cancer therapies. It is highly expected that these therapeutic strategies based on redox metabolism regulation will play a more important role in the field of nanomedicine.

Effect of Selenium and Selenoproteins on Radiation Resistance

With the advancement of radiological medicine and nuclear industry technology, radiation is increasingly used to diagnose human health disorders. However, large-scale nuclear leakage has heightened concerns about the impact on human organs and tissues. Selenium is an essential trace element that functions in the body mainly in the form of selenoproteins. Selenium and selenoproteins can protect against radiation by stimulating antioxidant actions, DNA repair functions, and immune enhancement. While studies on reducing radiation through antioxidants have been conducted for many years, the underlying mechanisms of selenium and selenoproteins as significant antioxidants in radiation damage mitigation remain incompletely understood. Therefore, this paper aims to provide new insights into developing safe and effective radiation protection agents by summarizing the anti-radiation mechanism of selenium and selenoproteins.

Glutathione-Dependent Pathways in Cancer Cells

The most abundant tripeptide-glutathione (GSH)-and the major GSH-related enzymes-glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)-are highly significant in the regulation of tumor cell viability, initiation of tumor development, its progression, and drug resistance. The high level of GSH synthesis in different cancer types depends not only on the increasing expression of the key enzymes of the γ-glutamyl cycle but also on the changes in transport velocity of its precursor amino acids. The ability of GPxs to reduce hydroperoxides is used for cellular viability, and each member of the GPx family has a different mechanism of action and site for maintaining redox balance. GSTs not only catalyze the conjugation of GSH to electrophilic substances and the reduction of organic hydroperoxides but also take part in the regulation of cellular signaling pathways. By catalyzing the S-glutathionylation of key target proteins, GSTs are involved in the regulation of major cellular processes, including metabolism (e.g., glycolysis and the PPP), signal transduction, transcription regulation, and the development of resistance to anticancer drugs. In this review, recent findings in GSH synthesis, the roles and functions of GPxs, and GST isoforms in cancer development are discussed, along with the search for GST and GPx inhibitors for cancer treatment.

Helicobacter Pylori-Enhanced hnRNPA2B1 Coordinates with PABPC1 to Promote Non-m6A Translation and Gastric Cancer Progression

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the primary risk factor for the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC). N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays pivotal roles in mRNA metabolism and hnRNPA2B1 as an m6A reader is shown to exert m6A-dependent mRNA stabilization in cancer. This study aims to explore the role of hnRNPA2B1 in H. pylori-associated GC and its novel molecular mechanism. Multiple datasets and tissue microarray are utilized for assessing hnRNPA2B1 expression in response to H. pylori infection and its clinical prognosis in patients with GC. The roles of hnRNPA2B1 are investigated through a variety of techniques including glucose metabolism analysis, m6A-epitranscriptomic microarray, Ribo-seq, polysome profiling, RIP-seq. In addition, hnRNPA2B1 interaction with poly(A) binding protein cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1) is validated using mass spectrometry and co-IP. These results show that hnRNPA2B1 is upregulated in GC and correlated with poor prognosis. H. pylori infection induces hnRNPA2B1 upregulation through recruiting NF-κB to its promoter. Intriguingly, cytoplasm-anchored hnRNPA2B1 coordinated PABPC1 to stabilize its relationship with cap-binding eIF4F complex, which facilitated the translation of CIP2A, DLAT and GPX1 independent of m6A modification. In summary, hnRNPA2B1 facilitates the non-m6A translation of epigenetic mRNAs in GC progression by interacting with PABPC1-eIF4F complex and predicts poor prognosis for patients with GC.

Detection of neoplastic-immune hybrid cells with metastatic properties in uveal melanoma

BACKGROUND

Uveal melanoma is the most common non-cutaneous melanoma and is an intraocular malignancy affecting nearly 7,000 individuals per year worldwide. Of these, approximately 50% will progress to metastatic disease for which there are currently no effective curative therapies. Despite advances in molecular profiling and metastatic stratification of uveal melanoma tumors, little is known regarding their underlying biology of metastasis. Our group has identified a disseminated neoplastic cell population characterized by co-expression of immune and melanoma proteins, circulating hybrid cells (hybrids), in patients with uveal melanoma. Compared to circulating tumor cells, which lack expression of immune proteins, hybrids are detected at an increased prevalence in peripheral blood and can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to predict metastatic progression.

METHODS

To ascertain mechanisms underlying enhanced hybrid cell dissemination we identified hybrid cells within primary uveal melanoma tumors using single cell RNA sequencing (n = 8) and evaluated their gene expression and predicted ligand-receptor interactions in relation to other melanoma and immune cells within the primary tumor. We then verified expression of upregulated hybrid pathways within patient-matched tumor and peripheral blood hybrids (n = 4) using cyclic immunofluorescence and quantified their protein expression relative to other non-hybrid tumor and disseminated tumor cells.

RESULTS

Among the top upregulated genes and pathways in hybrid cells were those involved in enhanced cell motility and cytoskeletal rearrangement, immune evasion, and altered cellular metabolism. In patient-matched tumor and peripheral blood, we verified gene expression by examining concordant protein expression for each pathway category: TMSB10 (cell motility), CD74 (immune evasion) and GPX1 (metabolism). Both TMSB10 and GPX1 were expressed on significantly higher numbers of disseminated hybrid cells compared to circulating tumor cells, and CD74 and GPX1 were expressed on more disseminated hybrids than tumor-resident hybrids. Lastly, we identified that hybrid cells express ligand-receptor signaling pathways implicated in promoting metastasis including GAS6-AXL, CXCL12-CXCR4, LGALS9-P4HB and IGF1-IGFR1.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the importance of TMSB10, GPX1 and CD74 for successful hybrid cell dissemination and survival in circulation. Our results contribute to the understanding of uveal melanoma tumor progression and interactions between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment that may promote metastasis.

Spatial multiomics of arterial regions from cardiac allograft vasculopathy rejected grafts reveal novel insights into the pathogenesis of chronic antibody-mediated rejection

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) causes late graft failure and mortality after heart transplantation. Donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) lead to chronic endothelial cell injury, inflammation, and arterial intimal thickening. In this study, GeoMx digital spatial profiling was used to analyze arterial areas of interest (AOIs) from CAV+DSA+ rejected cardiac allografts (N = 3; 22 AOIs total). AOIs were categorized based on CAV neointimal thickening and underwent whole transcriptome and protein profiling. By comparing our transcriptomic data with that of healthy control vessels of rapid autopsy myocardial tissue, we pinpointed specific pathways and transcripts indicative of heightened inflammatory profiles in CAV lesions. Moreover, we identified protein and transcriptomic signatures distinguishing CAV lesions exhibiting low and high neointimal lesions. AOIs with low neointima showed increased markers for activated inflammatory infiltrates, endothelial cell activation transcripts, and gene modules involved in metalloproteinase activation and TP53 regulation of caspases. Inflammatory and apoptotic proteins correlated with inflammatory modules in low neointima AOIs. High neointima AOIs exhibited elevated TGFβ-regulated transcripts and modules enriched for platelet activation/aggregation. Proteins associated with growth factors/survival correlated with modules enriched for proliferation/repair in high neointima AOIs. Our findings reveal novel insight into immunological mechanisms mediating CAV pathogenesis.

One-Pot Synthesis of Luminescent and Photothermal Carbon Boron-Nitride Quantum Dots Exhibiting Cell Damage Protective Effects

Zero-dimensional boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) are arousing interest for their versatile optical, chemical, and biochemical properties. Introducing carbon contents in BNQDs nanostructures is a great challenge to modulate their physicochemical properties. Among the carbon moieties, phenolic groups have attracted attention for their biochemical properties and phenol-containing nanomaterials are showing great promise for biomedical applications. Herein, the first example of direct synthesis of water dispersible BNQDs exposing phenolic and carboxylic groups is presented. The carbon-BNQDs are prepared in a single-step by solvent-assisted reaction of urea with boronic reagents and are characterized by optical absorption, luminescence, Raman, Fourier transform infrared and NMR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and atomic force microscopy. The carbon-BNQDs exhibit nanodimension, stability, high photothermal conversion efficiency, pH-responsive luminescence and Z-potential. The potential of the carbon-BNQDs to provide photothermal materials in solid by embedding in agarose substrate is successfully investigated. The carbon-BNQDs exhibit biocompatibility on colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) and protective effects from chemical and oxidative stress on Caco-2, osteosarcoma (MG-63), and microglial (HMC-3) cells. Amplicon mRNA-seq analyses for the expression of 56 genes involve in oxidative-stress and inflammation are performed to evaluate the molecular events responsible for the cell protective effects of the carbon-BNQDs.

Antioxidant Enzymes and Their Potential Use in Breast Cancer Treatment

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer (BC) is the deadliest and the most common type of cancer worldwide in women. Several factors associated with BC exert their effects by modulating the state of stress. They can induce genetic mutations or alterations in cell growth, encouraging neoplastic development and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are able to activate many signal transduction pathways, producing an inflammatory environment that leads to the suppression of programmed cell death and the promotion of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis; these effects promote the development and progression of malignant neoplasms. However, cells have both non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant systems that protect them by neutralizing the harmful effects of ROS. In this sense, antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and peroxiredoxin (Prx) protect the body from diseases caused by oxidative damage. In this review, we will discuss mechanisms through which some enzymatic antioxidants inhibit or promote carcinogenesis, as well as the new therapeutic proposals developed to complement traditional treatments.

HIF-1 inhibition reverses opacity in a rat model of galactose-induced cataract

Cataract is an eye disease, in which the lens becomes opaque, causing vision loss and blindness. The detailed mechanism of cataract development has not been characterized, and effective drug therapies remain unavailable. Here, we investigated the effects of Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) inhibitors using an ex vivo model, in which rat lenses were cultured in galactose-containing medium to induce opacity formation. We found that treatment with the HIF-1 inhibitors 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2), YC-1, and Bavachinin decreased lens opacity. Microarray analysis on 2ME2-treated samples, in which opacity was decreased, identified genes upregulated by galactose and downregulated by inhibitor treatment. Subsequent STRING analysis on genes that showed expression change by RT-qPCR identified two clusters. First cluster related to the cytoskeleton and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Second cluster related to the oxidative stress, and apoptosis. ACTA2, a known marker for EMT, and TXNIP, a suppressor of cell proliferation and activator of apoptosis, were present in each cluster. Thus, suppression of EMT and apoptosis, as well as activation of cell proliferation, appear to underlie the decrease in lens opacity.

The Bioactivity and Phytochemicals of Muscari comosum (Leopoldia comosa), a Plant of Multiple Pharmacological Activities

Leopoldia comosa (LC), popularly known as Muscari comosum, spontaneously grows in the Mediterranean region and its bulbs are used as a vegetable. Traditionally, they are also used to treat various diseases and conditions, which has inspired the study of the pharmacological activities of different parts of LC. These studies revealed the numerous biological properties of LC including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, anti-Alzheimer's disease, antibacterial, and immune stimulant. High antioxidant activity compared to other non-cultivated plants, and the potential role of antioxidant activity in other reported activities make LC an excellent candidate to be developed as an antioxidant plant against important associated diseases. The presence of a diverse class of phytochemicals (n = 85), especially flavonoids and homoisoflavones, in LC, also imparts significance to the nutraceutical candidature of the plant. However, limited animal studies and the lack of a directional approach have limited the further design of effective clinical studies for the development of LC. The current study is the first attempt to comprehensively compile information regarding the phytochemicals and pharmacological activities of LC, emphasize the targets/markers targeted by LC, important in other activities, and also highlight the current gaps and propose possible bridges for the development of LC as a therapeutic and/or supplement against important diseases.

Diabetic Retinopathy and Regulation of Mitochondrial Glutathione-Glutathione Peroxidase Axis in Hyperhomocysteinemia

Diabetic patients have elevated homocysteine levels, and hyperhomocysteinemia is shown to exacerbate mitochondrial damage, which plays a central role in diabetic retinopathy. Glutathione peroxidases (GPx) catalyze hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reduction using glutathione (GSH) as a cofactor. GSH and GPx are mainly cytosolic but are also present in the mitochondria to neutralize H2O2 produced by superoxide dismutase, and in diabetes, they are downregulated. Hyperhomocysteinemia also disrupts the balance between S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM); SAM is also a methyl donor for DNA methylation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of homocysteine in mitochondrial GSH-GPx1 regulation in diabetic retinopathy. Human retinal endothelial cells in 20 mM D-glucose + high homocysteine were analyzed for ROS, GSH and GPx in the mitochondria, and SAM levels and GPx1 promoter DNA methylation were also studied (5-methylcytosine and MS-PCR). The results were confirmed in the retina from streptozotocin-induced hyperhomocysteinemic (cystathionine-β-synthase-deficient) diabetic mice. High homocysteine exacerbated the glucose-induced decrease in GSH levels and GPx activity in the mitochondria and the downregulation of GPx1 transcripts and further increased SAM levels and GPx1 promoter DNA methylation. Similar results were obtained in a hyperglycemic-hyperhomocysteinemic mouse model. Thus, elevated homocysteine in diabetes hypermethylates GPx1 promoter, thus decreasing the mitochondrial GPx/GSH pool and exacerbating mitochondrial damage. Modulating hyperhomocysteinemia could be a potential therapeutic avenue to target mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy.

Synthesis of New Chiral β-Carbonyl Selenides with Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity Evaluation-Part I

A series of unsymmetrical phenyl β-carbonyl selenides with o-amido function substituted on the nitrogen atom with chiral alkyl groups was obtained. The compounds form a series of enantiomeric and diastereomeric pairs and present the first examples of this type of chiral Se derivatives. All obtained selenides were further evaluated as antioxidants and anticancer agents to define the influence of the particular stereochemistry of the attached functional groups on the bioactivity of the molecules. The highest H2O2 reduction potential was observed for N-(cis-2-hydroxy-1-indanyl)-2-((2-oxopropyl)selanyl)benzamide, and the best radical scavenging properties for N-(-1-hydroxy-2-butanyl)-2-((2-oxopropyl)selanyl)benzamide. Also, both enantiomers of the N-(1-hydroxy-2-butanyl) selenide expressed the highest cytotoxic potential towards human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell line with similar IC50 values 14.4 ± 0.5 and 16.2 ± 1.1 µM, respectively. On the other hand, breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was most sensitive to N-((R)-(-)-1-hydroxy-2-butanyl)- 2-((2-oxopropyl)selanyl)benzamide (IC50 of 35.7 ± 0.6 µM). The structure-activity dependence of the obtained Se derivatives was discussed, and the most potent compounds were selected.

RUNX1-IT1 acts as a scaffold of STAT1 and NuRD complex to promote ROS-mediated NF-κB activation and ovarian cancer progression

Dysregulated expression of long-stranded non-coding RNAs is strongly associated with carcinogenesis. However, the precise mechanisms underlying their involvement in ovarian cancer pathogenesis remain poorly defined. Here, we found that lncRNA RUNX1-IT1 plays a crucial role in the progression of ovarian cancer. Patients with high RUNX1-IT1 expression had shorter survival and poorer outcomes. Notably, knockdown of RUNX1-IT1 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells in vitro, and reduced the formation of peritoneum metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, RUNX1-IT1 bound to HDAC1, the core component of the NuRD complex, and STAT1, acting as a molecular scaffold of the STAT1 and NuRD complex to regulate intracellular reactive oxygen homeostasis by altering the histone modification status of downstream targets including GPX1. Consequently, RUNX1-IT1 activated NF-κB signaling and altered the biology of ovarian cancer cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that RUNX1-IT1 promotes ovarian malignancy and suggest that targeting RUNX1-IT1 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer treatment.

The neuroprotective effects of Piracetam on cisplatin-induced cognitive decline

AIM

This work explores the effect of Cisplatin-a chemotherapeutic agent known to cause deterioration in cognitive function in cancer patients, and spatial memory in mice. It also investigates the potential neuroprotective effects of Piracetam, which is a nootropic drug recognized for improving cognitive ability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study incorporates four groups of mice receiving varied medication regimens, with memory tested using the Novel Location Recognition (NLR) method.

RESULTS

The findings from our study revealed that memory decline and a suppression of cellular proliferation were observed in adult male mice subjected to Cisplatin treatment; furthermore, a decline in antioxidant efficacy within the hippocampal dentate gyrus was evident. Moreover, analysis of treatment effects on the animals' weight revealed that the Cisplatin and Piracetam group exhibited the most significant weight loss during drug administration. Despite the significant weight loss, the simultaneous use of Cisplatin and Piracetam demonstrated a notable improvement in memory and an augmentation of hippocampal proliferation and antioxidant effect.

LIMITATIONS

It is important to note that our study was hampered by budget limits, a lack of additional animals, and mice's low tolerance for protracted treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Should the outcomes of Piracetam observed in this investigation be applicable to patients, it might offer a relatively straightforward approach to mitigate the cognitive impacts endured by cancer survivors following exposure to chemotherapy. Future research will be needed to study Piracetam's effect on mice with brain cancer after Cisplatin treatment in order to extrapolate the results onto cancer patients.

Inflammation-Associated Cytotoxic Agents in Tumorigenesis

Chronic inflammatory processes are related to all stages of tumorigenesis. As inflammation is closely associated with the activation and release of different cytotoxic agents, the interplay between cytotoxic agents and antagonizing principles is highlighted in this review to address the question of how tumor cells overcome the enhanced values of cytotoxic agents in tumors. In tumor cells, the enhanced formation of mitochondrial-derived reactive species and elevated values of iron ions and free heme are antagonized by an overexpression of enzymes and proteins, contributing to the antioxidative defense and maintenance of redox homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, tumor cells can even survive additional stress caused by radio- and chemotherapy. Through the secretion of active agents from tumor cells, immune cells are suppressed in the tumor microenvironment and an enhanced formation of extracellular matrix components is induced. Different oxidant- and protease-based cytotoxic agents are involved in tumor-mediated immunosuppression, tumor growth, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. Considering the special metabolic conditions in tumors, the main focus here was directed on the disturbed balance between the cytotoxic agents and protective mechanisms in late-stage tumors. This knowledge is mandatory for the implementation of novel anti-cancerous therapeutic approaches.

Detection of neoplastic-immune hybrid cells with metastatic properties in uveal melanoma

Background

Uveal melanoma is the most common non-cutaneous melanoma and is an intraocular malignancy affecting nearly 7,000 individuals per year worldwide. Of these, approximately 50% will progress to metastatic disease for which there are currently no effective therapies. Despite advances in molecular profiling and metastatic stratification of uveal melanoma tumors, little is known regarding their underlying biology of metastasis. Our group has identified a disseminated neoplastic cell population characterized by co-expression of immune and melanoma proteins, circulating hybrid cells (hybrids), in patients with uveal melanoma. Compared to circulating tumor cells, which lack expression of immune proteins, hybrids are detected at an increased prevalence in peripheral blood and can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to predict metastatic progression.

Methods

To ascertain mechanisms underlying enhanced hybrid cell dissemination we identified hybrid cells within primary uveal melanoma tumors using single cell RNA sequencing and evaluated their gene expression and predicted ligand-receptor interactions in relation to other melanoma and immune cells within the primary tumor. We then verified expression of upregulated hybrid pathways within patient-matched tumor and peripheral blood hybrids using cyclic immunofluorescence and quantified their protein expression relative to other non-hybrid tumor and disseminated tumor cells.

Results

Among the top upregulated genes and pathways in hybrid cells were those involved in enhanced cell motility and cytoskeletal rearrangement, immune evasion, and altered cellular metabolism. In patient-matched tumor and peripheral blood, we verified gene expression by examining concordant protein expression for each pathway category: TMSB10 (cell motility), CD74 (immune evasion) and GPX1 (metabolism). Both TMSB10 and GPX1 were expressed on significantly higher numbers of disseminated hybrid cells compared to circulating tumor cells, and CD74 and GPX1 were expressed on more disseminated hybrids than tumor-resident hybrids. Lastly, we identified that hybrid cells express ligand-receptor signaling pathways implicated in promoting metastasis including GAS6-AXL, CXCL12-CXCR4, LGALS9-P4HB and IGF1-IGFR1.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the importance of TMSB10, GPX1 and CD74 for successful hybrid cell dissemination and survival in circulation. Our results contribute to the understanding of uveal melanoma tumor progression and interactions between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment that may promote metastasis.

Ultrahighly Sensitive and Selective Glutathione Sensor Based on Carbon Dot-Functionalized Solution-Gate Graphene Transistor

A new type of carbon dot (CD)-functionalized solution-gated graphene transistor (SGGT) sensor was designed and fabricated for the highly sensitive and highly selective detection of glutathione (GSH). The CDs were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method using DL-thioctic acid and triethylenetetramine (TETA) as sources of S, N, and C. The CDs have abundant amino and carboxyl groups and were used to modify the surface of the gate electrode of SGGT as probes for detecting GSH. Remarkably, the CDs-SGGT sensor exhibited excellent selectivity and ultrahigh sensitivity to GSH, with an ultralow limit of detection (LOD) of up to 10-19 M. To the best of our knowledge, the sensor outperforms previously reported systems. Moreover, the CDs-SGGT sensor shows rapid detection and good stability. More importantly, the detection of GSH in artificial serum samples was successfully demonstrated.

Injectable hydrogel with selenium nanoparticles delivery for sustained glutathione peroxidase activation and enhanced osteoarthritis therapeutics

Reactive oxygen burst in articular chondrocytes is a major contributor to osteoarthritis progression. Although selenium is indispensable role in the antioxidant process, the narrow therapeutic window, delicate toxicity margins, and lack of an efficient delivery system have hindered its translation to clinical applications. Herein, transcriptomic and biochemical analyses revealed that osteoarthritis was associated with selenium metabolic abnormality. A novel injectable hydrogel to deliver selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) was proposed to intervene selenoprotein expression for osteoarthritis treatment. The hydrogels based on oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) cross-linked with hyaluronic acid-adipic acid dihydrazide (HA-ADH) was formulated to load SeNPs through a Schiff base reaction. The hydrogels were further incorporated with SeNPs, which exhibited minimal toxicity, mechanical properties, self-healing capability, and sustained drug release. Encapsulated with SeNPs, the hydrogels facilitated cartilage repair through synergetic effects of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depressing apoptosis. Mechanistically, the hydrogel restored redox homeostasis by targeting glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX1). Therapeutic outcomes of the SeNPs-laden hydrogel were demonstrated in an osteoarthritis rat model created by destabilization of the medial meniscus, including cartilage protection, subchondral bone sclerosis improvement, inflammation attenuation, and pain relief were demonstrated. These results highlight therapeutic potential of OHA/HA-ADH@SeNPs hydrogels, providing fundamental insights into remedying selenium imbalance for osteoarthritis biomaterial development.

Assessing the Protective Role of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) against Water-Pipe Smoke-Induced Toxicity: A Comparative Study on Gene Expression and Histopathology

Exposure to water-pipe smoking, whether flavored or unflavored, has been shown to instigate inflammation and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice. This consequently results in alterations in the expression of inflammatory markers and antioxidant genes. This study aimed to scrutinize the impact of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-a key active component of green tea-on inflammation and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice exposed to water-pipe smoke. The experimental setup included a control group, a flavored water-pipe smoke (FWP) group, an unflavored water-pipe smoke (UFWP) group, and EGCG-treated flavored and unflavored groups (FWP + EGCG and UFWP + EGCG). Expression levels of IL-6, IL1B, TNF-α, CAT, GPXI, MT-I, MT-II, SOD-I, SOD-II, and SOD-III were evaluated in lung, liver, and kidney tissues. Histopathological changes were also assessed. The findings revealed that the EGCG-treated groups manifested a significant decline in the expression of inflammatory markers and antioxidant genes compared to the FWP and UFWP groups. This insinuates that EGCG holds the capacity to alleviate the damaging effects of water-pipe smoke-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, enhancements in histopathological features were observed in the EGCG-treated groups, signifying a protective effect against tissue damage induced by water-pipe smoking. These results underscore the potential of EGCG as a protective agent against the adverse effects of water-pipe smoking. By curbing inflammation and oxidative stress, EGCG may aid in the prevention or mitigation of smoking-associated diseases.

Analysis of uveal melanoma scRNA sequencing data identifies neoplastic-immune hybrid cells that exhibit metastatic potential

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common non-cutaneous melanoma and is an intraocular malignancy that affects nearly 7,000 individuals per year worldwide. Of these, nearly 50% will progress to metastatic disease for which there are currently no effective therapies. Despite advances in the molecular profiling and metastatic stratification of class 1 and 2 UM tumors, little is known regarding the underlying biology of UM metastasis. Our group has identified a disseminated tumor cell population characterized by co-expression of immune and melanoma proteins, (circulating hybrid cells (CHCs), in patients with UM. Compared to circulating tumor cells, CHCs are detected at an increased prevalence in peripheral blood and can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to predict metastatic progression. To identify mechanisms underlying enhanced hybrid cell dissemination we sought to identify hybrid cells within a primary UM single cell RNA-seq dataset. Using rigorous doublet discrimination approaches, we identified UM hybrids and evaluated their gene expression, predicted ligand-receptor status, and cell-cell communication state in relation to other melanoma and immune cells within the primary tumor. We identified several genes and pathways upregulated in hybrid cells, including those involved in enhancing cell motility and cytoskeleton rearrangement, evading immune detection, and altering cellular metabolism. In addition, we identified that hybrid cells express ligand-receptor signaling pathways implicated in promoting cancer metastasis including IGF1-IGFR1, GAS6-AXL, LGALS9-P4HB, APP-CD74 and CXCL12-CXCR4. These results contribute to our understanding of tumor progression and interactions between tumor cells and immune cells in the UM microenvironment that may promote metastasis.

Development of an immunogenic cell death prognostic signature for predicting clinical outcome and immune infiltration characterization in stomach adenocarcinoma

Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is a common gastric histological cancer type with a high mortality rate. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) plays a key factor during carcinogenesis progress, whereas the prognostic value and role of ICD-related genes (ICDRGs) in STAD remain unclear. The MSigDB database collecting ICDRGs were selected by univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO algorithm to establish a novel risk model. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated a significant difference of OS rate of patients by risk score stratification. ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithms were conducted to estimate the immune infiltration landscape by risk stratification. Subgroup analysis and tumor mutation burden analysis were also analyzed to identify characteristics between groups. Differences in therapeutic responsiveness to chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted drugs were also analyzed between high-risk group and low-risk group. The impact of one ICDRG, GPX1, on the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of was confirmed by in vitro experiments in GC cells to test the reliability of bioinformatics results. This study gives evidence of the involvement of ICD process in STAD and provides a new perspective for further accurate assessment of prognosis and therapeutic efficacy in STAD patients. Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is a common gastric histological cancer type with a high mortality rate. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) plays a key factor during carcinogenesis progress, whereas the prognostic value and role of ICD-related genes (ICDRGs) in STAD remains unclear. The MSigDB database collected ICDRGs were selected by univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO algorithm to establish a novel risk model. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated a significant difference of OS rate of patients by risk score stratification. ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithms were conducted to estimate the immune infiltration landscape by risk stratification. Subgroup analysis and tumor mutation burden analysis were also analyzed to identify characteristics between groups. Differences in therapeutic responsiveness to chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted drugs were also analyzed between high-risk group and low-risk group. The impact of one ICDRG, GPX1, on the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of was confirmed by in vitro experiments in GC cells to test the reliability of bioinformatics results. This study gives evidence of the involvement of ICD process in STAD and provides a new perspective for further accurate assessment of prognosis and therapeutic efficacy in STAD patients.

Anti-proliferative effect of Cannabidiol in Prostate cancer cell PC3 is mediated by apoptotic cell death, NFκB activation, increased oxidative stress, and lower reduced glutathione status

Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer diagnosed in men in the world today. Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas and develop from gland cells. We used the PC3 prostate cancer cell line, which is well studied and derived from a bone metastasis of a grade IV prostatic adenocarcinoma. Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, is a cannabinoid with anti-tumor properties but its effects on prostate cancer cells are not studied in detail. Here, we found cannabidiol decreased prostate cancer cell (PC3) viability up to 37.25% and induced apoptotic cell death in a time and dose-dependent manner. We found that CBD activated the caspases 3/7 pathways and increased DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, we observed an increase of pro-apoptotic genes Bax, an increased level of reactive oxygen species, lower reduced glutathione level, and altered mitochondrial potential in response to CBD treatment leading to lower cellular ATP. Overall, our results suggest that CBD may be effective against prostate cancer cells.

Genetic Polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GPX1 Genes and Smoking Susceptibility in the Saudi Population

Background/Objective/Methods

Glutathione-S-transferase Mu1 (GSTM1) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) are known antioxidant enzymes that help protect cells from the oxidative damage that occurs from smoking. This study explored the correlation between GSTM1 and GPX1 levels between a group of smokers with the GSTM1 and GPX1 genes in the Saudi population and a control group and investigated the genetic risk factors in the group of smokers.

Results

The control and smokers' group (n = 50; aged 22.3 ± 3.1 years; BMI 24.6 ± 5.9 kg/m2) were genotyped using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In comparison with the control group, the smokers' group displayed a different genotype disruption of GSTM1 and GPX1. Carriers of the homozygous (TT) genotype of GSTM1 had more than a twofold (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 0.10-70.79, P = 1.000) smoking risk than the carriers of the heterozygous (CT) genotype. Those with the GPX1 gene showed no risk in the control and smokers' groups. Smokers with the TT/GG combination (homozygous for GPX1 and normal for GPX1) were identified as high risk (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 0.096-69.341).

Conclusion

The main outcomes showed no significant association between genetic polymorphism of the GSTM1 and GPX1 genes and cigarette smoking in the Saudi Arabian population. However, the results showed a slight decrease in the number of GSTM1 and GPX1 gene modifications among smokers.

Insight of novel biomarkers for papillary thyroid carcinoma through multiomics

Introduction

The overdiagnosing of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in China necessitates the development of an evidence-based diagnosis and prognosis strategy in line with precision medicine. A landscape of PTC in Chinese cohorts is needed to provide comprehensiveness.

Methods

6 paired PTC samples were employed for whole-exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and data-dependent acquisition mass spectrum analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and protein-protein interactions networks were used to screen for hub genes. Moreover, we verified the hub genes' diagnostic and prognostic potential using online databases. Logistic regression was employed to construct a diagnostic model, and we evaluated its efficacy and specificity based on TCGA-THCA and GEO datasets.

Results

The basic multiomics landscape of PTC among local patients were drawn. The similarities and differences were compared between the Chinese cohort and TCGA-THCA cohorts, including the identification of PNPLA5 as a driver gene in addition to BRAF mutation. Besides, we found 572 differentially expressed genes and 79 differentially expressed proteins. Through integrative analysis, we identified 17 hub genes for prognosis and diagnosis of PTC. Four of these genes, ABR, AHNAK2, GPX1, and TPO, were used to construct a diagnostic model with high accuracy, explicitly targeting PTC (AUC=0.969/0.959 in training/test sets).

Discussion

Multiomics analysis of the Chinese cohort demonstrated significant distinctions compared to TCGA-THCA cohorts, highlighting the unique genetic characteristics of Chinese individuals with PTC. The novel biomarkers, holding potential for diagnosis and prognosis of PTC, were identified. Furthermore, these biomarkers provide a valuable tool for precise medicine, especially for immunotherapeutic or nanomedicine based cancer therapy.

Immune checkpoints represent a promising breakthrough in targeted therapy and prognosis of myelodysplastic syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a hematological malignancy of undetermined etiology, possibly linked to chromosomal structural alterations, genetic mutations, presentation and carcinogenicity of variant antigens on cell surface, and the generation of pro-inflammatory microenvironment in the bone marrow. Current drugs are unable to cure this disease, and therefore, decreasing the survival and proliferation of malignant cells to delay disease progression and extend the survival time of patients becomes the primary approach to management. In recent years, the immune system has received increasing attention for its potential role in the occurrence and development of MDS, leading to the emergence of immunoregulation as a viable treatment option. The current review provides a brief overview of pathogenesis of MDS and current treatment principles. In the meantime, the significance of immune proteins in treatment and prognosis of MDS is also discussed.

Withdrawal Notice

Withdrawal Notice: Zhu, Y, Pu, Q, Zhang, Q, et al. Selenium-binding protein 1 inhibits malignant progression and induces apoptosis via distinct mechanisms in non-small-cell lung cancer. Cancer Med. 2022; 00: 1-22. doi: 10.1002/cam4.5306. The above article, published online on 13th November 2022 in Wiley Online Library (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cam4.5306), has been withdrawn by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, Dr Stephen Tait, the Authors, and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The withdrawal has been agreed due to an editorial office error that led to the publication of the article without peer review. The revised article, which has undergone peer review may be read here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cam4.6309.

Fabrication of polycaprolactone electrospun fibres with retinyl acetate for antioxidant delivery in a ROS-mimicking environment

Background: Increased cancer rates denote that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Over 60% of cancer patients receive radiotherapy, either as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery. Whilst radiotherapy is effective in destroying cancer cells, it also causes subsequent damage to healthy cells and surrounding tissue due to alterations in the tumor microenvironment and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). This can cause extensive damage that impairs tissue function, and the likelihood of tissue regeneration and restoration of function is significantly reduced as new healthy cells cannot survive in the damaged environment. In the treatment of head and neck cancers, radiotherapy can cause salivary gland dysfunction. This significantly impairs the patient's quality of life and there is currently no cure, only palliative treatment options. Tissue engineering approaches are used to mimic the microenvironment of the tissue and can mediate the damaged microenvironment via bioactive compounds, to support the delivery, survival, and proliferation of new, healthy cells into the damaged environment. Methods: In this study, retinyl acetate, a derivative of vitamin A, was successfully incorporated into electrospun polycaprolactone fibres. Results: SEM images and characterization analyses showed that all scaffolds produced had similar characteristics, including fiber morphology and scaffold wettability. The vitamin scaffolds were shown to exert an antioxidant effect through scavenging activity of both DPPH and hydroxyl radicals in vitro. Critically, the antioxidant scaffolds supported the growth of human submandibular gland cells and significantly upregulated the expression of GPx1, an antioxidant enzyme, when cultured under both normal conditions and under a simulated oxidative stress environment. Discussion: These results suggest that incorporation of retinyl acetate into electrospun fibres has may mediate the damaged microenvironment post cancer radiation therapy.

Selenium-binding protein 1 inhibits malignant progression and induces apoptosis via distinct mechanisms in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body. In epidemiological and clinical studies, Se supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of lung cancer in individuals with low baseline Se levels. The significant action of selenium is based on the selenium-containing protein as a mediator. Of note, the previous studies reported that the expression of selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1) was obviously decreased in many human cancer tissues including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its roles in the origin and development of NSCLC are still unclear.

METHODS

The expression of SELENBP1 was measured by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and IHC in our collected clinical NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Next, the CCK-8, colony formation, wound-haeling, Millicell, Transwell, FCM assay, and in vivo xenograft model were performed to explore the function of SELENBP1 in NSCLC. The molecular mechanisms of SELENBP1 were investigated by Western blotting or IF assay.

RESULTS

We further identified that the expression of SELENBP1 was significantly decreased in NSCLC tissues in TCGA database and 45 out of 59 collected clinical NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent nontumor tissues, as well as in four NSCLC cell lines compared with normal lung cells. Particularly, we unexpectedly discovered that SELENBP1 was obviously expressed in alveolar type 2 (AT-II) cells for the first time. Then, a series of in vitro experiments uncovered that overexpression of SELENBP1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells, and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, overexpression of SELENBP1 also inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of NSCLC cells in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that overexpression of SELENBP1 inhibited the malignant characteristics of NSCLC cells in part via inactivating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. Meanwhile, we found that overexpression of SELENBP1 inducing the apoptosis of NSCLC cells was associated with the activation of caspase-3 signaling pathway under nonhigh level of oxidative stress, but overexpression of SELENBP1 facilitating the cell apoptosis might be related to its combining with GPX1 and colocalizing in the nucleus under high level of oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlighted that SELENBP1 was an important tumor suppressor during the origin and development of NSCLC. It may help to discover novel biomarkers or drug therapy targets for NSCLC.

Cancer Bioenergetics and Tumor Microenvironments-Enhancing Chemotherapeutics and Targeting Resistant Niches through Nanosystems

Cancer is an impending bottleneck in the advanced scientific workflow to achieve diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic success. Most cancers are refractory to conventional diagnostic and chemotherapeutics due to their limited targetability, specificity, solubility, and side effects. The inherent ability of each cancer to evolve through various genetic and epigenetic transformations and metabolic reprogramming underlies therapeutic limitations. Though tumor microenvironments (TMEs) are quite well understood in some cancers, each microenvironment differs from the other in internal perturbations and metabolic skew thereby impeding the development of appropriate diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, and therapies. Cancer associated bioenergetics modulations regulate TME, angiogenesis, immune evasion, generation of resistant niches and tumor progression, and a thorough understanding is crucial to the development of metabolic therapies. However, this remains a missing element in cancer theranostics, necessitating the development of modalities that can be adapted for targetability, diagnostics and therapeutics. In this challenging scenario, nanomaterials are modular platforms for understanding TME and achieving successful theranostics. Several nanoscale particles have been successfully researched in animal models, quite a few have reached clinical trials, and some have achieved clinical success. Nanoparticles exhibit an intrinsic capability to interact with diverse biomolecules and modulate their functions. Furthermore, nanoparticles can be functionalized with receptors, modulators, and drugs to facilitate specific targeting with reduced toxicity. This review discusses the current understanding of different theranostic nanosystems, their synthesis, functionalization, and targetability for therapeutic modulation of bioenergetics, and metabolic reprogramming of the cancer microenvironment. We highlight the potential of nanosystems for enhanced chemotherapeutic success emphasizing the questions that remain unanswered.

Pepper Fruit Extracts Show Anti-Proliferative Activity against Tumor Cells Altering Their NADPH-Generating Dehydrogenase and Catalase Profiles

Cancer is considered one of the main causes of human death worldwide, being characterized by an alteration of the oxidative metabolism. Many natural compounds from plant origin with anti-tumor attributes have been described. Among them, capsaicin, which is the molecule responsible for the pungency in hot pepper fruits, has been reported to show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities, as well as anti-proliferative properties against cancer. Thus, in this work, the potential anti-proliferative activity of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits from diverse varieties with different capsaicin contents (California < Piquillo < Padrón < Alegría riojana) against several tumor cell lines (lung, melanoma, hepatoma, colon, breast, pancreas, and prostate) has been investigated. The results showed that the capsaicin content in pepper fruits did not correspond with their anti-proliferative activity against tumor cell lines. By contrast, the greatest activity was promoted by the pepper tissues which contained the lowest capsaicin amount. This indicates that other compounds different from capsaicin have this anti-tumor potentiality in pepper fruits. Based on this, green fruits from the Alegría riojana variety, which has negligible capsaicin levels, was used to study the effect on the oxidative and redox metabolism of tumor cell lines from liver (Hep-G2) and pancreas (MIA PaCa-2). Different parameters from both lines treated with crude pepper fruit extracts were determined including protein nitration and protein S-nitrosation (two post-translational modifications (PTMs) promoted by nitric oxide), the antioxidant capacity, as well as the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), among others. In addition, the activity of the NADPH-generating enzymes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH), and NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP-ICDH) was followed. Our data revealed that the treatment of both cell lines with pepper fruit extracts altered their antioxidant capacity, enhanced their catalase activity, and considerably reduced the activity of the NADPH-generating enzymes. As a consequence, less H₂O₂ and NADPH seem to be available to cells, thus avoiding cell proliferation and possibly triggering cell death in both cell lines.

Spatially Resolved Proteomic and Transcriptomic Profiling of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Rearranged Pulmonary Adenocarcinomas Reveals Key Players in Inter- and Intratumoral Heterogeneity

Pulmonary adenocarcinomas (pADCs) with an ALK rearrangement are a rare cancer subtype, necessitating comprehensive molecular investigations to unravel their heterogeneity and improve therapeutic strategies. In this pilot study, we employed spatial transcriptomic (NanoString GeoMx) and proteomic profiling to investigate seven treatment-naïve pADCs with an ALK rearrangement. On each FFPE tumor slide, 12 smaller and 2-6 larger histopathologically annotated regions were selected for transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, respectively. The correlation between proteomics and transcriptomics was modest (average Pearson's r = 0.43 at the gene level). Intertumoral heterogeneity was more pronounced than intratumoral heterogeneity, and normal adjacent tissue exhibited distinct molecular characteristics. We identified potential markers and dysregulated pathways associated with tumors, with a varying extent of immune infiltration, as well as with mucin and stroma content. Notably, some markers appeared to be specific to the ALK-driven subset of pADCs. Our data showed that within tumors, elements of the extracellular matrix, including FN1, exhibited substantial variability. Additionally, we mapped the co-localization patterns of tumor microenvironment elements. This study represents the first spatially resolved profiling of ALK-driven pADCs at both the gene and protein expression levels. Our findings may contribute to a better understanding of this cancer type prior to treatment with ALK inhibitors.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Glutathione Peroxidase 1 (Gpx-1) as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Colon Adenocarcinoma Patients

Several studies revealed that expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx-1) can be associated with cancer development, mainly through its role in hydroperoxide scavenging by regulating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the expression of Gpx-1 protein in a population of Polish patients with colon adenocarcinoma in the absence of any therapy prior to radical surgery. The study was carried out using colon tissue from patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon confirmed by histopathological examination. Gpx-1 antibody was used to determine the immunohistochemical expression of Gpx-1. The Chi²test or Chi²_Yatesa test were used to analyse the associations between the immunohistochemical expression of Gpx-1 and clinical parameters. The relationship between Gpx-1 expression, and 5-year patient survival was examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test. Intracellular localisation of Gpx-1 was detected by the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blot analysis was used for the evaluation of Gpx-1 protein expression levels in cancer cell lines in vitro. Immunohistochemical study revealed that the high expression of Gpx-1 was associated with the tumour's histological grade, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical expression, depth of invasion, and angioinvasion (all p < 0.001) (4). The high immunohistochemical expression of Gpx-1 is correlated with poor prognosis of colon adenocarcinoma patients.

Selenium and Selenoproteins in Health

Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential for health. After being obtained from food and taken up by the liver, selenium performs various physiological functions in the body in the form of selenoproteins, which are best known for their redox activity and anti-inflammatory properties. Selenium stimulates the activation of immune cells and is important for the activation of the immune system. Selenium is also essential for the maintenance of brain function. Selenium supplements can regulate lipid metabolism, cell apoptosis, and autophagy, and have displayed significant alleviating effects in most cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of increased selenium intake on the risk of cancer remains unclear. Elevated serum selenium levels are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and this relationship is complex and nonlinear. Selenium supplementation seems beneficial to some extent; however, existing studies have not fully explained the influence of selenium on various diseases. Further, more intervention trials are needed to verify the beneficial or harmful effects of selenium supplementation in various diseases.

The effects of epirubicin-loaded Boc-L-Diphenylalanine peptide nanoparticles on cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Peptides, which are important components of the human body, appear in different chemistry applications. Perhaps the most important of these applications is the use of these structures in drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility properties. Diphenylalanine (FF) peptide-based systems, which are part of the ß-amyloid polypeptide sequence and are known as the smallest dipeptide group, are particularly preferred due to their biocompatible nature, thermal stability, high ionic strength in water in new targeted drug systems. Epirubicin, the epimer of doxorubicin, is utilized in treating lung cancer. The side effects and the applied doses of epirubicin are being tried to be reduced. Therefore, in this study, epirubicin-loaded tert-butyloxycarbonyl protected diphenylalanine (Boc)-FF particles were synthesized and characterized and the effects of these peptides on cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis on non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) (A549) were evaluated. According to the results of the study, it was determined that epirubicin-loaded Boc-FF dipeptides significantly reduced the viability, oxidative stress, and increased DNA damage and apoptosis in the cells. The study suggests that epirubicin-loaded Boc-FF particles can be used as an alternative drug carrier for NSCLC treatment due to their physiological, chemical, and biological activity.

Transcriptomic Effects on the Mouse Heart Following 30 Days on the International Space Station

Efforts to understand the impact of spaceflight on the human body stem from growing interest in long-term space travel. Multiple organ systems are affected by microgravity and radiation, including the cardiovascular system. Previous transcriptomic studies have sought to reveal the changes in gene expression after spaceflight. However, little is known about the impact of long-term spaceflight on the mouse heart in vivo. This study focuses on the transcriptomic changes in the hearts of female C57BL/6J mice flown on the International Space Station (ISS) for 30 days. RNA was isolated from the hearts of three flight and three comparable ground control mice and RNA sequencing was performed. Our analyses showed that 1147 transcripts were significantly regulated after spaceflight. The MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and GPCR signaling pathways were predicted to be activated. Transcripts related to cytoskeleton breakdown and organization were upregulated, but no significant change in the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components or oxidative stress pathway-associated transcripts occurred. Our results indicate an absence of cellular senescence, and a significant upregulation of transcripts associated with the cell cycle. Transcripts related to cellular maintenance and survival were most affected by spaceflight, suggesting that cardiovascular transcriptome initiates an adaptive response to long-term spaceflight.

Polymorphisms of Antioxidant Enzymes SOD2 (rs4880) and GPX1 (rs1050450) Are Associated with Bladder Cancer Risk or Its Aggressiveness

Background and Objectives: Oxidative stress induced by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production plays an important role in carcinogenesis. The entire urinary tract is continuously exposed to numerous potentially mutagenic environmental agents which generate ROS during their biotransformation. In first line defense against free radicals, antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) both have essential roles. Altered enzyme activity and decreased ability of neutralizing free oxygen radicals as a consequence of genetic polymorphisms in genes encoding these two enzymes are well described so far. This study aimed to investigate the association of GPX1 (rs1050450) and SOD2 (rs4880) genetic variants with the urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) risk independently and in combination with smoking. Furthermore, we aimed to determine whether the UBC stage and pathological grade were influenced by GPX1 and SOD2 polymorphisms. Material and Methods: The study population included 330 patients with UBC (mean age 65 ± 10.3 years) and 227 respective controls (mean age 63.4 ± 7.9 years). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of GPX1 (rs1050450) was analyzed using the PCR-RFLP, while SOD2 (rs4880) SNP was analyzed using the q-PCR method. Results: Our results showed that UBC risk was significantly increased among carriers of at least one variant SOD2 Val allele compared to the SOD2 Ala16Ala homozygotes (OR = 1.55, p = 0.03). Moreover, this risk was even more pronounced in smokers with at least one variant SOD2 Val allele, since they have even 7.5 fold higher UBC risk (OR = 7.5, p < 0.001). Considering GPX1 polymorphism, we have not found an association with UBC risk. However, GPX1 genotypes distribution differed significantly according to the tumor stage (p ˂ 0.049) and pathohistological grade (p ˂ 0.018). Conclusion: We found that SOD2 genetic polymorphism is associated with the risk of UBC development independently and in combination with cigarette smoking. Furthermore, we showed that GPX1 genetic polymorphism is associated with the aggressiveness of the disease.

Integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation reveals fatty acid metabolism-related prognostic signature and immune responses for uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma

Background

Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is the third most common gynecologic malignancy. Fatty acid metabolism (FAM) is an essential metabolic process in the immune microenvironment that occurs reprogramming in the presence of tumor signaling and nutrient competition. This study aimed to identify the fatty acid metabolism-related genes (FAMGs) to develop a risk signature for predicting UCEC.

Methods

The differentially expressed FAMGs between UCEC samples and controls from TCGA database were discovered. A prognostic signature was then constructed by univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Based on the median risk score, UCEC samples were categorized into high- and low-FAMGs groups. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve was applied to determine patients’ overall survival (OS). The independent prognostic value was assessed by uni- and multivariate analyses. The associations between the risk score and immune status, immune score, and drug resistance were evaluated. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized to confirm FAMGs expression levels in UCEC cells.

Results

We built a 10-FAMGs prognostic signature and examined the gene mutation and copy number variations (CNV). Patients with a high-FAMGs had a worse prognosis compared to low-FAMGs patients in TCGA train and test sets. We demonstrated that FAMGs-based risk signature was a significant independent prognostic predictor of UCEC. A nomogram was also created incorporating this risk model and clinicopathological features, with high prognostic performance for UCEC. The immune status of each group was varied, and immune score was higher in a low-FAMGs group. HLA-related genes such as DRB1, DMA, DMB, and DQB2 had higher expression levels in the low-FAMGs group. Meanwhile, high-FAMGs patients were likely to response more strongly to the targeted drugs Bortezomib, Foretinib and Gefitinib. The qRT-PCR evidence further verified the significant expression of FAMGs in this signature.

Conclusions

A FAMGs-based risk signature might be considered as an independent prognostic indicator to predict UCEC prognosis, evaluate immune status and provide a new direction for therapeutic strategies.

Metabolism of Selenium, Selenocysteine, and Selenoproteins in Ferroptosis in Solid Tumor Cancers

A potential target of precision nutrition in cancer therapeutics is the micronutrient selenium (Se). Se is metabolized and incorporated as the amino acid selenocysteine (Sec) into 25 human selenoproteins, including glutathione peroxidases (GPXs) and thioredoxin reductases (TXNRDs), among others. Both the processes of Se and Sec metabolism for the production of selenoproteins and the action of selenoproteins are utilized by cancer cells from solid tumors as a protective mechanism against oxidative damage and to resist ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death mechanism. Protection against ferroptosis in cancer cells requires sustained production of the selenoprotein GPX4, which involves increasing the uptake of Se, potentially activating Se metabolic pathways such as the trans-selenation pathway and the TXNRD1-dependent decomposition of inorganic selenocompounds to sustain GPX4 synthesis. Additionally, endoplasmic reticulum-resident selenoproteins also affect apoptotic responses in the presence of selenocompounds. Selenoproteins may also help cancer cells adapting against increased oxidative damage and the challenges of a modified nutrient metabolism that result from the Warburg switch. Finally, cancer cells may also rewire the selenoprotein hierarchy and use Se-related machinery to prioritize selenoproteins that are essential to the adaptations against ferroptosis and oxidative damage. In this review, we discuss both the evidence and the gaps in knowledge on how cancer cells from solid tumors use Se, Sec, selenoproteins, and the Se-related machinery to promote their survival particularly via resistance to ferroptosis.