Nerve Density and Neuronal Biomarkers in Cancer

RFWD2 increases proliferation and CDDP resistance of osteosarcoma cells

P53, a key tumor suppressor gene, usually produces mtp53 proteins with oncogenic functions due to missense mutations in the DNA-binding domain. P53 is the most commonly mutated gene in osteosarcoma and plays an important role in the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma. The ubiquitin proteasome system is an evolutionarily conserved post-translational modification that regulates a variety of disease processes, including tumors. Researches have shown that RFWD2, as a function of an E3 ubiquitin ligase, plays an important role in regulating tumor progression. However, the biological function of RFWD2 in osteosarcoma cells with different p53 status remains to be clarified. Initially, we found that sarcoma patients with high levels of RFWD2 expression tended to have shorter overall survival time by analyzing UALCAN-TCGA data. Subsequently, we used CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell, and xenograft methods to confirm that RFWD2 acts as an oncogene, regulating the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells (HOS(p53mut/-), U2OS(p53wt/wt) and Saos-2(p53-/-) cells) with different p53 status. Further co-IP experiments showed that in HOS(p53mut/-) and U2OS(p53wt/wt) cells, RFWD2 binds to p53 and participate in tumor progression. In addition, we demonstrated through both in vitro and in vivo experiments that RFWD2 regulates the sensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to CDDP. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that RFWD2 acts as an oncogene regulating osteosarcoma cell proliferation and sensitivity to CDDP. Our findings provide a new perspective and potential therapeutic target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Multiomic characterization, immunological and prognostic potential of SMAD3 in pan-cancer and validation in LIHC

SMAD3, a protein-coding gene, assumes a pivotal role within the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway. Notably, aberrant SMAD3 expression has been linked to various malignancies. Nevertheless, an extensive examination of the comprehensive pan-cancer impact on SMAD3's diagnostic, prognostic, and immunological predictive utility has yet to be undertaken. Bioinformatics methods were employed to systematically investigate the potential carcinogenic impact of SMAD3. We extensively harnessed data from authoritative sources, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), cBioPortal, Human Protein Atlas (HPA), UALCAN, and various other databases. Our study encompassed a comprehensive analysis of the following aspects: differential SMAD3 expression and its association with prognosis across diverse cancer types, gene mutations, immune cell infiltration, single-cell sequencing analysis, DNA methylation patterns, and drug sensitivity profiles. In vitro experiments were conducted with the primary objective of appraising both the expression profile and the precise functional attributes of SMAD3 within the milieu of Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC). Our findings revealed significant variations in SMAD3 expression between cancerous and adjacent normal tissues. High levels of SMAD3 expression were consistently associated with unfavorable prognoses across multiple cancer types,. Additionally, our analysis of SMAD3 methylation patterns in human cancers unveiled a favorable prognosis linked to elevated DNA methylation levels in pan-cancer. Furthermore, we identified positive associations between SMAD3 expression and RNAm6A methylation-related genes in the majority of cancers. Moreover, SMAD3 expression displayed substantial correlations with immune cell infiltration. Notably, immune checkpoint genes exhibited significant associations with SMAD3 expression across diverse cancers. Single-cell sequencing results elucidated the pan-cancer single-cell expression landscape of SMAD3. Within specific cancer subtypes, SMAD3 expression exhibited a noteworthy positive association with distinctive facets of malignancy. Finally, in our comprehensive analysis of drug sensitivity, we discerned a catalog of prospective therapeutic agents. In our comprehensive analysis across multiple cancer types, we observed a significant disparity in SMAD3 expression compared to normal tissues, and this findings suggest that SMAD3 holds promise as both a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target against various cancers. Difference displayed a noteworthy association with patient prognosis.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel stilbene derivatives that degrade acidic nucleoplasmic DNA-binding protein 1 (And1) and synergize with PARP1 inhibitor in NSCLC cells

Specifically inducing the degradation of acidic nucleoplasmic DNA-binding protein 1 (And1) is a promising antitumor strategy. Our previous study identified Bazedoxifene (BZA) and CH3 as specific And1 degraders and validated their activity in reversing radiotherapy resistance in vitro and in vivo. However, unelucidated structure-activity relationships and moderate activity have limited their application. In this study, 27 novel CH3 derivatives were designed and synthesised based on the cavity topology of the WD40 domain of And1. Among them, A15 with a "V" conformation significantly induced And1 degradation in NSCLC cells. In addition, this study demonstrated a potential synthetic lethal effect of And1 degraders and PARP1 inhibitors. 1 µM of Olaparib in combination with 5 µM of A15 significantly inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H460 cells. Overall, these compounds are valuable tools for elucidating And1 biology, and their special spatial conformation make them promising candidates for future optimisation studies.

Delivery of IL-12 by neoantigen-reactive T cells promotes antitumor immunity in murine osteosarcoma mode

Purpose

Despite the proven clinical benefits of cytokine therapy in cancer treatment, systemic administration of cytokines such as IL-12 is constrained by dose-limiting toxicities and short half-lives. To address these challenges, we explored a localized cytokine delivery strategy using engineered neoantigen-reactive T (NRT) cells as carriers in a murine model of osteosarcoma.

Materials and Methods

We used a neoantigen from K7M2 osteosarcoma cells to retrovirally transduce NRT cells to express an inducible form of IL-12. We evaluated the engineered NRT cells' antitumor activity and the production of IL-12 and IFN-γ upon in vitro co-culture with tumor cells. We systemically administered NRT-IL-12 cells in a mouse model of osteosarcoma to assess their impact on tumor growth and survival.

Results

In vitro assays demonstrated that the engineered NRT cells exhibited enhanced antitumor activity and produced elevated levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ. In the mouse model of osteosarcoma, systemic administration of NRT-IL-12 cells resulted in a significant reduction in tumor growth and an increase in survival rates compared to the administration of control NRT cells. Further analysis revealed that NRT-IL-12 cells induced a profound increase in CD8+ T-cell infiltration and a decrease in Treg cells within the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusion

Our study presents a novel and efficacious strategy for osteosarcoma immunotherapy by harnessing NRT cells as targeted cytokine delivery vehicles.

Multifaceted roles of cGAS-STING pathway in the lung cancer: from mechanisms to translation

Lung cancer (LC) remains one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies globally, with a 5-year survival rate for advanced cases persistently below 10%. Despite the significant advancements in immunotherapy, a substantial proportion of patients with advanced LC fail to respond effectively to these treatments, highlighting an urgent need for novel immunotherapeutic targets. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has gained prominence as a potential target for improving LC immunotherapy due to its pivotal role in enhancing anti-tumor immune responses, augmenting tumor antigen presentation, and promoting T cell infiltration. However, emerging evidence also suggests that the cGAS-STING pathway may have pro-tumorigenic effects in the context of LC. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the cGAS-STING pathway, including its biological composition, activation mechanisms, and physiological functions, as well as its dual roles in LC and the current and emerging LC treatment strategies that target the pathway. By addressing these aspects, we intend to highlight the potential of the cGAS-STING pathway as a novel immunotherapeutic target, while also considering the challenges and future directions for its clinical application.

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.

A pan-cancer analysis of Wnt family member 7B in human cancers

Background

Previous studies have highlighted the crucial role of Wnt7B in the development of various cancers, including breast, pancreatic, and gastric cancers. However, research into the involvement of Wnt7B is often confined to specific tumor types, with a noticeable lack of comprehensive studies spanning multiple cancer forms. The potential of Wnt7B as a diagnostic or prognostic cancer biomarker has not been fully explored.

Methods

In this study, we combined bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry analyses to examine the expression patterns and functions of Wnt7B in cancerous and adjacent noncancerous tissues across a range of tumors.

Results

Our data indicate that Wnt7B may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in certain cancers.

Conclusion

We found significant upregulation of Wnt7B expression levels in the majority of cancer cases examined. Furthermore, Wnt7B can influence cancer prognosis by modulating the tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, and tumor stemness, among other factors. Additionally, we examined the associations between anticancer drug sensitivity and Wnt7B expression, which could aid in the development of more precise clinical therapies.

The clinicopathological and prognostic significance of autonomic nerves in salivary duct carcinoma

Many researchers have focused on the role of the autonomic nervous system in the tumor microenvironment. Autonomic nerves include the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, which are known to induce cancer growth and metastasis. However, in salivary duct carcinoma (SDC), a rare and highly malignant tumor, the issue should be investigated from both biological and therapeutic perspectives. We explored the clinicopathological and prognostic implications of the autonomic nerves in 129 SDCs. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the nature of each nerve using antibodies against S100, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) as a sympathetic marker, and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) as a parasympathetic marker. The area of each marker-positive nerve was digitized and evaluated quantitatively. Double immunofluorescence for TH and VAChT was performed in selected cases. The expression of the secreted neurotrophins was also examined. S100-positive nerves were present in the cancer tissue in 94 of 129 cases (72.9%). Among them, TH-positive sympathetic nerves and/or VAChT-positive parasympathetic nerves were identified in 92 cases (97.9%), and 59 cases (62.8%) had TH/VAChT-co-expressing nerves. Double immunofluorescence revealed a mosaic pattern of sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers in co-expressing nerve bundles. The presence of autonomic nerves, regardless of their area, was significantly associated with aggressive histological features, advanced T/N classification, and a poor prognosis, with shorter disease-free and overall survival. There was an association between some tumor immune microenvironment-related markers and the autonomic nerve status, but not the latter and the secreted neurotrophin expression. This study suggests that autonomic nerves might play a role in the progression of SDC.

From microscopes to molecules: The evolution of prostate cancer diagnostics

In the ever-evolving landscape of oncology, the battle against prostate cancer (PCa) stands at a transformative juncture, propelled by the integration of molecular diagnostics into traditional cytopathological frameworks. This synthesis not only heralds a new epoch of precision medicine but also significantly enhances our understanding of the disease's genetic intricacies. Our comprehensive review navigates through the latest advancements in molecular biomarkers and their detection technologies, illuminating the potential these innovations hold for the clinical realm. With PCa persisting as one of the most common malignancies among men globally, the quest for early and precise diagnostic methods has never been more critical. The spotlight in this endeavor shines on the molecular diagnostics that reveal the genetic underpinnings of PCa, offering insights into its onset, progression, and resistance to conventional therapies. Among the genetic aberrations, the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion and mutations in genes such as phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC) are identified as significant players in the disease's pathology, providing not only diagnostic markers but also potential therapeutic targets. This review underscores a multimodal diagnostic approach, merging molecular diagnostics with cytopathology, as a cornerstone in managing PCa effectively. This strategy promises a future where treatment is not only tailored to the individual's genetic makeup but also anticipates the disease's trajectory, offering hope for improved prognosis and quality of life for patients.

Research trends on cancer neuroscience: a bibliometric and visualized analysis

Background

Recently, cancer neuroscience has become the focus for scientists. Interactions between the nervous system and cancer (both systemic and local) can regulate tumorigenesis, progression, treatment resistance, compromise of anti-cancer immunity, and provocation of tumor-promoting inflammation. We assessed the related research on cancer neuroscience through bibliometric analysis and explored the research status and hotspots from 2020 to 2024.

Methods

Publications on cancer neuroscience retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica were used to analyze and visualize the result.

Results

A total of 744 publications were retrieved, with an upward trend in the overall number of articles published over the last 5 years. As it has the highest number of publications (n = 242) and citations (average 13.63 citations per article), the United States holds an absolute voice in the field of cancer neuroscience. The most productive organizations and journals were Shanghai Jiaotong University (n = 24) and Cancers (n = 45), respectively. Monje M (H-index = 53), Hondermarck H (H-index = 42), and Amit M (H-index = 39) were the three researchers who have contributed most to the field. From a global perspective, research hotspots in cancer neuroscience comprise nerve/neuron-tumor cell interactions, crosstalk between the nervous system and other components of the tumor microenvironment (such as immune cells), as well as the impact of tumors and tumor therapies on nervous system function.

Conclusion

The United States and European countries are dominating the field of cancer neuroscience, while developing countries such as China are growing rapidly but with limited impact. The next focal point in this field is likely to be neurotrophic factors. Cancer neuroscience is still in its infancy, which means that many of the interactions and mechanisms between the nervous system and cancer are not yet fully understood. Further investigation is necessary to probe the interactions of the nervous system with cancer cell subpopulations and other components of the tumor microenvironment.

Therapeutic potential of arginine deprivation therapy for gliomas: a systematic review of the existing literature

Background

Arginine deprivation therapy (ADT) hinders glioma cells' access to nutrients by reducing peripheral blood arginine, showing great efficacy in various studies, which suggests it as a potentially promising treatment for glioma. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the mechanism of ADT for gliomas, the therapeutic effect based on existing research, and possible combination therapies.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review of PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases according to PRISMA guidelines, searching for articles on the efficacy of ADT in glioma.

Results

We identified 17 studies among 786 search results, among which ADT therapy mainly based on Arginine free condition, Arginine Deiminase and Arginase, including three completed clinical trials. ADT therapy has shown promising results in vivo and in vitro, with its safety confirmed in clinical trials. In the early phase of treatment, glioblastoma (GBM) cells develop protective mechanisms of stress and autophagy, which eventually evolve into caspase dependent apoptosis or senescence, respectively. The immunosuppressive microenvironment is also altered by arginine depletion, such as the transformation of microglia into a pro-inflammatory phenotype and the activation of T-cells. Thus, ADT therapy demonstrates glioma-killing effect in the presence of a combination of mechanisms. In combination with various conventional therapies and investigational drugs such as radiotherapy, temozolomide (TMZ), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDK) inhibitors and autophagy inducers, ADT therapy has been shown to be more effective. However, the phenomenon of drug resistance due to re-expression of ASS1 rather than stem cell remains to be investigated.

Conclusion

Despite the paucity of studies in the literature, the available data demonstrate the therapeutic potential of arginine deprivation therapy for glioma and encourage further research, especially the exploration of its combination therapies and the extrapolation of what we know about the effects and mechanisms of ADT from other tumors to glioma.

The mechanism of ITGB4 in tumor migration and invasion

Integrin β4 (ITGB4) is a transmembrane protein that functions as a mechanosensor, mediating the bidirectional exchange of information between the intracellular and extracellular matrices. ITGB4 plays a critical role in cell adhesion, migration, and signaling. Numerous studies have implicated ITGB4 as a key facilitator of tumor migration and invasion. This review provides a foundational description of the mechanisms by which ITGB4 regulates tumor migration and invasion through pathways involving focal adhesion kinase (FAK), protein kinase B (AKT), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These mechanisms encompass epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), phosphorylation, and methylation of associated molecules. Additionally, this review explores the role of ITGB4 in the migration and invasion of prevalent clinical tumors, including those of the digestive system, breast, and prostate.

Exploring the interplay between triple-negative breast cancer stem cells and tumor microenvironment for effective therapeutic strategies

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive and metastatic malignancy with poor treatment outcomes. The interaction between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) plays an important role in the development of TNBC. Owing to their ability of self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation, BCSCs maintain tumor growth, drive metastatic colonization, and facilitate the development of drug resistance. TME is the main factor regulating the phenotype and metastasis of BCSCs. Immune cells, cancer-related fibroblasts (CAFs), cytokines, mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix within the TME form a complex communication network, exert highly selective pressure on the tumor, and provide a conducive environment for the formation of BCSC niches. Tumor growth and metastasis can be controlled by targeting the TME to eliminate BCSC niches or targeting BCSCs to modify the TME. These approaches may improve the treatment outcomes and possess great application potential in clinical settings. In this review, we summarized the relationship between BCSCs and the progression and drug resistance of TNBC, especially focusing on the interaction between BCSCs and TME. In addition, we discussed therapeutic strategies that target the TME to inhibit or eliminate BCSCs, providing valuable insights into the clinical treatment of TNBC.

A novel LGALS1-depended and immune-associated fatty acid metabolism risk model in acute myeloid leukemia stem cells

Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are recognized as the root cause of leukemia initiation, relapse, and drug resistance. Lipid species are highly abundant and essential component of human cells, which often changed in tumor microenvironment. LSCs remodel lipid metabolism to sustain the stemness. However, there is no useful lipid related biomarker has been approved for clinical practice in AML prediction and treatment. Here, we constructed and verified fatty acid metabolism-related risk score (LFMRS) model based on TCGA database via a series of bioinformatics analysis, univariate COX regression analysis, and multivariate COX regression analysis, and found that the LFMRS model could be an independent risk factor and predict the survival time of AML patients combined with age. Moreover, we revealed that Galectin-1 (LGALS1, the key gene of LFMRS) was highly expressed in LSCs and associated with poor prognosis of AML patients, and LGALS1 repression inhibited AML cell and LSC proliferation, enhanced cell apoptosis, and decreased lipid accumulation in vitro. LGALS1 repression curbed AML progression, lipid accumulation, and CD8+ T and NK cell counts in vivo. Our study sheds light on the roles of LFMRS (especially LGALS1) model in AML, and provides information that may help clinicians improve patient prognosis and develop personalized treatment regimens for AML.

Identification of potential hub genes and biological mechanism in rheumatoid arthritis and non-small cell lung cancer via integrated bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND

Although there is evidence of the association between RA and NSCLC, little is known about their interaction mechanisms. The aim of this study is to identify potential hub genes and biological mechanism in RA and NSCLC via integrated bioinformatics analysis.

METHODS

The gene expression datasets of RA and NSCLC were downloaded to discover and validate hub genes. After identifying DEGs, we performed enrichment analysis, PPI network construction and module analysis, selection and validation of hub genes. Moreover, we selected the hub gene PTPRC for expression and prognosis analysis, immune analysis, mutation and methylation analysis in NSCLC. Finally, we performed real-time PCR, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, transwell invasion assay, sphere formation assay and western blotting to validate the role of PTPRC in A549 cells.

RESULTS

We obtained 320 DEGs for subsequent analysis. Enrichment results showed that the DEGs were mainly involved in Th1, Th2 and Th17 cell differentiation. In addition, four hub genes, BIRC5, PTPRC, PLEK, and FYN, were identified after selection and validation. These hub genes were subsequently shown to be closely associated with immune cells and related pathways. In NSCLC, PTPRC was downregulated, positively correlated with immune infiltration and immune cells. Experiments showed that PTPRC could promote the proliferation, migration and invasion, and the ability to form spheroids of A549 cells. In addition, PTPRC could regulate the increased expression of CD45, β-catenin, c-Myc and LEF1 proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

This study explored the hub genes and related mechanisms of RA and NSCLC, demonstrated the central role of the inflammatory response and the adaptive immune system, and identified PTPRC as an immune-related biomarker and potential therapeutic target for RA and NSCLC patients. In addition, PTPRC can significantly promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 cells, and its mechanism may be to promote the EMT process by regulating the Wnt signaling pathway and promote cell stemness, which in turn has a promoting effect on A549 cells.

Identification of prospective aging drug targets via Mendelian randomization analysis

Aging represents a multifaceted process culminating in the deterioration of biological functions. Despite the introduction of numerous anti-aging strategies, their therapeutic outcomes have often been less than optimal. Consequently, discovering new targets to mitigate aging effects is of critical importance. We applied Mendelian randomization (MR) to identify potential pharmacological targets against aging, drawing upon summary statistics from both the Decode and FinnGen cohorts, with further validation in an additional cohort. To address potential reverse causality, bidirectional MR analysis with Steiger filtering was utilized. Additionally, Bayesian co-localization and phenotype scanning were implemented to investigate previous associations between genetic variants and traits. Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis was conducted to assess the impact of genetic variants on aging via their effects on protein expression. Additionally, mediation analysis was orchestrated to uncover potential intermediaries in these associations. Finally, we probed the systemic implications of drug-target protein expression across diverse indications by MR-PheWas analysis. Utilizing a Bonferroni-corrected threshold, our MR examination identified 10 protein-aging associations. Within this cohort of proteins, MST1, LCT, GMPR2, PSMB4, ECM1, EFEMP1, and ISLR2 appear to exacerbate aging risks, while MAX, B3GNT8, and USP8 may exert protective influences. None of these proteins displayed reverse causality except EFEMP1. Bayesian co-localization inferred shared variants between aging and proteins such as B3GNT8 (rs11670143), ECM1 (rs61819393), and others listed. Mediator analysis pinpointed 1,5-anhydroglucitol as a partial intermediary in the influence LCT exhibits on telomere length. Circulating proteins play a pivotal role in influencing the aging process, making them promising candidates for therapeutic intervention. The implications of these proteins in aging warrant further investigation in future clinical research.

LncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 in liver disease

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA sequences exceeding 200 nucleotides in length that lack protein-coding capacity and participate in diverse biological processes in the human body, particularly exerting a pivotal role in disease surveillance, diagnosis, and progression. Taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) is a versatile lncRNA, and recent studies have revealed that the aberrant expression or function of TUG1 is intricately linked to the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Consequently, we have summarized the current understanding of the mechanism of TUG1 in liver diseases such as liver fibrosis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, liver injury, hepatitis, and liver cancer. Moreover, mounting evidence suggests that interventions targeting TUG1 or its downstream pathways may hold therapeutic promise for liver diseases. This review elucidates the characteristics, mechanisms, and targets of TUG1 in liver diseases, offering a theoretical basis for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic biomarkers of liver diseases.

Comprehensive analysis of ATP6V1s family member, ATP6V1C2, with prognostic and drug development values in colorectal cancer

Member of the V-type ATPase family have attracted vast attention in tumor progression. Nevertheless, the specific member of V-ATPase, ATP6V1C2, its regulatory function in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression was poorly understood. In this study, comprehensive analyses demonstrated the role of ATP6V1C2 in CRC progression and drug screening based on ATP6V1C2 was carried out. As a result, among the ATPV1s family, ATP6V1C2 was significantly highly expressed in CRC. Immuno-infiltration analysis suggests that, the interaction between CRC cells and immune cells resulting in reduced immune and estimate scores. GSEA analysis found that, ATP6V1C2 negatively correlates with immune cells，especially CD8T cells. Next, Ecotyper database queries indicated that ATP6V1C2 was negatively correlates with characteristic gene expression in CD8T cells. Then, COX regression analysis and survival curves made it clear that ATP6V1C2 is positively correlates with clinicopathological progression leading to poor CRC prognosis. CellMiner explore told us LOR-253 and Sonidegib may be effective in CRC cancer treatment. Molecular Docking between ATP6V1C2 and 9 first-line and 9 natural drugs showed that ATP6V1C2 was recognized by the best geometrical and energetic matching pattern of 2 First-line and 4 natural drugs. RT-PCR and immunoblotting confirmed that ATP6V1C2 was significantly overexpressed in CRC. Four natural drugs screened by molecular docking were effective in cell proliferation inhibition by CCK8 test. In summary, ATP6V1C2 may be a new therapeutic target for CRC. The illustration is shown in Figure 9.

A GAD1 inhibitor suppresses osteosarcoma growth through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Background

As a marker of the GABAergic system, the expression of glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1) is mainly restricted to the central nervous system. Emerging studies have shown that aberrant expression of GAD1 in tumor tissues may promote tumor cell growth. The role of GAD1 in the development of osteosarcoma (OS) remains unclear, so this study sought to investigate the expression status of GAD1 and the effect of its specific inhibitor 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) on OS.

Methods

The R2 database was used to analyze the relationship between the expression of GAD1 and clinical prognosis in OS patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to compare the expression profile of GAD1 between OS and matched neighboring tissues. The potential antitumor effects of 3-MPA on cell viability, colony formation and the cell cycle were examined. Moreover, the in vivo effect of 3-MPA on tumor growth was investigated using tumor-bearing nude mice.

Results

The expression level of GAD1 was aberrantly upregulated in OS tissues, but almost no expression of GAD1 was found in matched neighboring tissues. Western blotting analyses showed upregulation of GAD1 in OS cells compared to human osteoblast cells. In vitro and in vivo, 3-MPA significantly suppressed the growth of OS. Regarding the mechanism, 3-MPA inhibited β-catenin and cyclin D1 in OS cells, thereby inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusions

OS displays increased expression of the GABAergic neuronal marker GAD1, and 3-MPA significantly reduces OS growth by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Comprehensive analysis of macrophage-related genes in prostate cancer by integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing

Macrophages, as essential components of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), could promote growth and invasion in many cancers. However, the role of macrophages in tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunotherapy in PCa is largely unexplored at present. Here, we investigated the roles of macrophage-related genes in molecular stratification, prognosis, TME, and immunotherapeutic response in PCa. Public databases provided single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNAseq data. Using the Seurat R package, scRNA-seq data was processed and macrophage clusters were identified automatically and manually. Using the CellChat R package, intercellular communication analysis revealed that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) interact with other cells in the PCa TME primarily through MIF - (CD74+CXCR4) and MIF - (CD74+CD44) ligand-receptor pairs. We constructed coexpression networks of macrophages using the WGCNA to identify macrophage-related genes. Using the R package ConsensusClusterPlus, unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis identified two distinct macrophage-associated subtypes, which have significantly different pathway activation status, TIME, and immunotherapeutic efficacy. Next, an 8-gene macrophage-related risk signature (MRS) was established through the LASSO Cox regression analysis with 10-fold cross-validation, and the performance of the MRS was validated in eight external PCa cohorts. The high-risk group had more active immune-related functions, more infiltrating immune cells, higher HLA and immune checkpoint gene expression, higher immune scores, and lower TIDE scores. Finally, the NCF4 gene has been identified as the hub gene in MRS using the "mgeneSim" function.

Extracellular vesicle-derived non-coding RNAs in remodeling melanoma

Melanoma is one of the most lethal cutaneous malignancies. Despite great advances in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, the survival rate and prognosis of patients with melanoma remain poor. The abundant and sophisticated reciprocal communication network between melanoma cells and non-tumor cells contributes to the high heterogeneity of the melanoma microenvironment and is intimately related to varying treatment responses and clinical courses. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane structures generated by nearly all cell types. EVs contain biologically active molecules, mainly comprising proteins, lipids, and RNAs, and undoubtedly play multifaceted roles in numerous diseases, represented by melanoma. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) mainly encompass long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs and constitute the majority of the human transcriptome. Multiple ncRNAs encapsulated in EVs coordinate various pathophysiological processes in melanoma. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which EV-ncRNAs modulate biological behaviors and immunity, and their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications in melanoma. Undoubtedly, further insight into EV-ncRNAs and their functions in melanoma will contribute to the clinical treatment of melanoma and the implementation of precision medicine.

Noval advance of histone modification in inflammatory skin diseases and related treatment methods

Inflammatory skin diseases are a group of diseases caused by the disruption of skin tissue due to immune system disorders. Histone modification plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, encompassing a wide range of conditions, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, lupus, systemic sclerosis, contact dermatitis, lichen planus, and alopecia areata. Analyzing histone modification as a significant epigenetic regulatory approach holds great promise for advancing our understanding and managing these complex disorders. Additionally, therapeutic interventions targeting histone modifications have emerged as promising strategies for effectively managing inflammatory skin disorders. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the diverse types of histone modification. We discuss the intricate association between histone modification and prevalent chronic inflammatory skin diseases. We also review current and potential therapeutic approaches that revolve around modulating histone modifications. Finally, we investigated the prospects of research on histone modifications in the context of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, paving the way for innovative therapeutic interventions and improved patient outcomes.

DNA Methyltransferase 3A: A Significant Target for the Discovery of Inhibitors as Potent Anticancer Drugs

DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) is a conserved family of Cytosine methylases, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of Epigenetics. They have been considered promising therapeutic targets for cancer. Among the DNMT family, mutations in the DNMT3A subtype are particularly important in hematologic malignancies. The development of specific DNMT3A subtype inhibitors to validate the therapeutic potential of DNMT3A in certain diseases is a significant task. In this review, we summarized the small molecule inhibitors of DNMT3A discovered in recent years and their inhibitory activities, and classified them based on their inhibitory mechanisms.

A novel endoplasmic reticulum stress-related lncRNA signature for prognosis prediction and immune response evaluation in Stomach adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although previous research has identified endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) as a regulator of various tumor-promoting properties of cancer cells, the impact of ERS-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) on STAD prognosis has not yet been investigated. Therefore, our study aims to develop and validate an ERS-related lncRNA signature that can accurately predict the prognosis of STAD patients.

METHODS

We collected RNA expression profiles and clinical data of STAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and identified ERS-related genes from the Molecular Signature Database (MSigDB). Co-expression analysis enabled us to identify ERS-related lncRNAs, and we applied univariate Cox, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator (LASSO), and multivariate Cox regression analyses to construct a predictive signature comprising of 9 ERS-related lncRNAs. We assessed the prognostic accuracy of our signature using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and validated our predictive signature in an independent gene expression omnibus (GEO) cohort. We also performed tumor mutational burden (TMB) and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) analyses. Enrichment analysis was used to investigate the functions and biological processes of the signature, and we identified two distinct STAD patient subgroups through consensus clustering. Finally, we performed drug sensitivity analysis and immunologic efficacy analysis to explore further insights.

RESULTS

The 9 ERS related-lncRNAs signature demonstrated satisfactory predictive performance as an independent prognostic marker and was significantly associated with STAD clinicopathological characteristics. Furthermore, patients in the high-risk group displayed a worse STAD prognosis than those in the low-risk group. Notably, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed significant enrichment of extracellular matrix pathways in the high-risk group, indicating their involvement in STAD progression. Additionally, the high-risk group exhibited significantly lower TMB expression levels than the low-risk group. Consensus clustering revealed two distinct STAD patient subgroups, with Cluster 1 exhibiting higher immune cell infiltration and more active immune functions. Drug sensitivity analysis suggested that the low-risk group was more responsive to oxaliplatin, epirubicinl, and other drugs.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the crucial regulatory roles of ERS-related lncRNAs in STAD, with significant clinical implications. The 9-lncRNA signature we have constructed represents a reliable prognostic indicator that has the potential to inform more personalized treatment decisions for STAD patients. These findings shed new light on the pathogenesis of STAD and its underlying molecular mechanisms, offering opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies to be developed for STAD patients.

Prognostic and immune correlation analysis of mitochondrial autophagy and aging-related genes in lung adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

Mitophagy and aging (MiAg) are very important pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis. MiAg-related genes have prognostic value in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, prognostic, and immune correlation studies of MiAg-related genes in LUAD are lacking.

METHODS

MiAg differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in LUAD were obtained from public sequencing datasets. A prognostic model including MiAg DEGs was constructed according to patients divided into low- and high-risk groups. Gene Ontology, gene set enrichment analysis, gene set variation analysis, CIBERSORT immune infiltration analysis, and clinical characteristic correlation analyses were performed for functional annotation and correlation of MiAgs with prognosis in patients with LUAD.

RESULTS

Seven MiAg DEGs of LUAD were identified: CAV1, DSG2, DSP, MYH11, NME1, PAICS, PLOD2, and the expression levels of these genes were significantly correlated (P < 0.05). The RiskScore of the MiAg DEG prognostic model demonstrated high predictive ability of overall survival of patients diagnosed with LUAD. Patients with high and low MiAg phenotypic scores exhibited significant differences in the infiltration levels of eight types of immune cells (P < 0.05). The multi-factor DEG regression model showed higher efficacy in predicting 5-year survival than 3- and 1-year survival of patients with LUAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Seven MiAg-related genes were identified to be significantly associated with the prognosis of patients diagnosed with LUAD. Moreover, the identified MiAg DEGs might affect the immunotherapy strategy of patients with LUAD.

Hypoxia induces immunosuppression, metastasis and drug resistance in pancreatic cancers

Pancreatic cancer is one of the common malignant tumors of the digestive system and is known as the "king of cancers". It is extremely difficult to diagnose at an early stage, the disease progresses rapidly, and the effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is poor, so the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients is very poor. Numerous studies have suggested that hypoxia is closely related to the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Inadequate blood supply and desmoplasia in the microenvironment of pancreatic cancer can result in its extreme hypoxia. This hypoxic microenvironment can further contribute to angiogenesis and desmoplasia. Hypoxia is mediated by the complex hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) signaling pathway and plays an important role in the formation of a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment and the metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Further work on the hypoxic microenvironment will help clarify the specific mechanisms of the role of hypoxia in pancreatic cancer and provide a basis for the realization of hypoxia-targeted therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.

The alcohol extracts of Sceptridium ternatum (Thunb.) Lyon exert anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect through targeting SETDB1/STAT3/p-STAT3 signaling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a pathological process of irreversible scarring of lung tissues, with limited treatment means. Sceptridium ternatum (Thunb.) Lyon (STE) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has a traditional use in relieving cough and asthma, resolving phlegm, clearing heat, and detoxicating in China. However, its role in PF has not been reported.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the protective role of STE in PF and the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into control group, PF model group, positive drug (pirfenidone) group and STE group. After 28 days of STE administration in bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF rats, living Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NMRI) was used to observe the structural changes of lung tissues. H&E and Masson's trichrome staining were used to observe PF-associated pathological alteration, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, western blotting, and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of PF-related marker proteins in the lung tissues. ELISA was used to detect PF-associated biochemical criteria in the lung tissue homogenates. The proteomics technology was used to screen the different proteins. Co-immunoprecipitation, western blotting, and IHC staining were used to confirm the underlying targets of STE as well as its downstream signaling. UPLC-Triple-TOF/MS assay was used to explore the effective components in the alcohol extracts of STE. Autodock vina was used to detect the potential binding between the above effective components and SETDB1.

RESULTS

STE prevented PF by inhibiting the activation of lung fibroblasts and ECM deposition in BLM-induced PF rats. Mechanism analyses demonstrated that STE could inhibit the up-regulation of SETDB1 induced by BLM and TGF-β1, which further blocked the binding of SETDB1 and STAT3 as well as the phosphorylation of STAT3, ultimately preventing the activation and proliferation of lung fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

STE played a preventive role in PF by targeting the SETBD1/STAT3/p-STAT3 pathway, which may be a potential therapeutic agent for PF.

A CRISPR/Cas9-Based Assay for High-Throughput Studies of Cancer-Induced Innervation

The aggressive nature of certain cancers and their adverse effects on patient outcomes have been linked to cancer innervation, where neurons infiltrate and differentiate within the cancer stroma. Recently we demonstrated how cancer plasticity and TGFβ signaling could promote breast cancer innervation that is associated with increased cancer aggressivity. Despite the promising potential of cancer innervation as a target for anti-cancer therapies, there is currently a significant lack of effective methods to study cancer-induced neuronal differentiation, hindering the development of high-throughput approaches for identifying new targets or pharmacological inhibitors against cancer innervation. To overcome this challenge, we used CRISPR-based endogenous labeling of the neuronal marker β3-tubulin in neuronal precursors to investigate cancer-induced neuronal differentiation in nerve-cancer cocultures and provide a tool that allows for better standardization and reproducibility of studies about cancer-induced innervation. Our approach demonstrated that β3-tubulin gene editing did not affect neuronal behavior and enabled accurate reporting of cancer-induced neuronal differentiation dynamics in high-throughput settings, which makes this approach suitable for screening large cohorts of cells or testing various biological contexts. In a more context-based approach, by combining this method with a cell model of breast cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition, we revealed the role of cancer cell plasticity in promoting neuronal differentiation, suggesting that cancer innervation represents an underexplored path for epithelial-mesenchymal transition-mediated cancer aggressivity.

The Impact of Molecular Biology in the Seeding, Treatment Choices and Follow-Up of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases-A Narrative Review

There is a clear association between the molecular profile of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) and the degree to which aggressive progression of the disease impacts patient survival. However, much of our knowledge of the molecular behaviour of colorectal cancer cells comes from experimental studies with, as yet, limited application in clinical practice. In this article, we review the current advances in the understanding of the molecular behaviour of CRCLM and present possible future therapeutic applications. This review focuses on three important steps in CRCLM development, progression and treatment: (1) the dissemination of malignant cells from primary tumours and the seeding to metastatic sites; (2) the response to modern regimens of chemotherapy; and (3) the possibility of predicting early progression and recurrence patterns by molecular analysis in liquid biopsy.