c-MYC Protein Stability Is Sustained by MAPKs in Colorectal Cancer

p38 Molecular Targeting for Next-Generation Multiple Myeloma Therapy

Resistance to therapy and disease progression are the main causes of mortality in most cancers. In particular, the development of resistance is an important limitation affecting the efficacy of therapeutic alternatives for cancer, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Signaling pathways are largely responsible for the mechanisms of resistance to cancer treatment and progression, and multiple myeloma is no exception. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) is downstream of several signaling pathways specific to treatment resistance and progression. Therefore, in recent years, developing therapeutic alternatives directed at p38 has been of great interest, in order to reverse chemotherapy resistance and prevent progression. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the role of p38, including recent advances in our understanding of its expression and activity as well as its isoforms, and its possible clinical role based on the mechanisms of resistance and progression in multiple myeloma.

Integrated whole transcriptome profiling revealed a convoluted circular RNA-based competing endogenous RNAs regulatory network in colorectal cancer

Recently, it has been identified that circRNAs can act as miRNA sponge to regulate gene expression in various types of cancers, associating them with cancer initiation and progression. The present study aims to identify colorectal cancer-related circRNAs and the underpinning mechanisms of circRNA/miRNA/mRNA networks in the development and progress of Colorectal Cancer. Differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were identified in GEO microarray datasets using the Limma package of R. The analysis of differentially expressed circRNAs resulted in 23 upregulated and 31 downregulated circRNAs. CeRNAs networks were constructed by intersecting the results of predicted and experimentally validated databases, circbank and miRWalk, and by performing DEMs and DEGs analysis using Cytoscape. Next, functional enrichment analysis was performed for DEGs included in ceRNA networks. Followed by survival analysis, expression profile assessment using TCGA and GEO data, and ROC curve analysis we identified a ceRNA sub-networks that revealed the potential regulatory effect of hsa_circ_0001955 and hsa_circ_0071681 on survival-related genes, namely KLF4, MYC, CCNA2, RACGAP1, and CD44. Overall, we constructed a convoluted regulatory network and outlined its likely mechanisms of action in CRC, which may contribute to the development of more effective approaches for early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of CRC.

Uncoupling p38α nuclear and cytoplasmic functions and identification of two p38α phosphorylation sites on β-catenin: implications for the Wnt signaling pathway in CRC models

BACKGROUND

Activation of the Wnt pathway has been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous reports suggest that Wnt3a can activate p38. Besides, p38α feeds into the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway by inhibiting GSK3β through phosphorylation. Recently, we identified p38α as a new druggable member of β-catenin chromatin-associated kinase complexes in CRC.

METHODS

The functional relationship between p38α and β-catenin was characterized in CRC cells, patient-derived CRC stem cells, patient-derived tumor intestinal organoids, and in vivo models (C57BL/6-APCMin/+ mice). The role of p38α in β-catenin transcriptional activity was assessed by pharmacological inhibition with ralimetinib.

RESULTS

We used the GSK3β inhibitor TWS-119, which promotes the activation of Wnt signaling, to uncouple p38α nuclear/cytoplasmatic functions in the Wnt pathway. Upon GSK3β inhibition, nuclear p38α phosphorylates β-catenin at residues S111 and T112, allowing its binding to promoter regions of Wnt target genes and the activation of a transcriptional program implicated in cancer progression. If p38α is pharmacologically inhibited in addition to GSK3β, β-catenin is prevented from promoting target gene transcription, which is expected to impair carcinogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

p38α seems to play a dual role as a member of the β-catenin destruction complex and as a β-catenin chromatin-associated kinase in CRC. This finding may help elucidate mechanisms contributing to human colon tumor pathogenesis and devise new strategies for personalized CRC treatment.

Ellagic Acid and Cancer Hallmarks: Insights from Experimental Evidence

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease with a high global incidence and mortality rate. Although cancer therapy has evolved significantly over the years, numerous challenges persist on the path to effectively combating this multifaceted disease. Natural compounds derived from plants, fungi, or marine organisms have garnered considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents in the field of cancer research. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenolic compound found in various fruits and nuts, has emerged as a potential cancer prevention and treatment agent. This review summarizes the experimental evidence supporting the role of EA in targeting key hallmarks of cancer, including proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis evasion, immune evasion, inflammation, genomic instability, and more. We discuss the molecular mechanisms by which EA modulates signaling pathways and molecular targets involved in these cancer hallmarks, based on in vitro and in vivo studies. The multifaceted actions of EA make it a promising candidate for cancer prevention and therapy. Understanding its impact on cancer biology can pave the way for developing novel strategies to combat this complex disease.

Role of CELF2 in ferroptosis: Potential targets for cancer therapy (Review)

Ferroptosis is a novel form of regulated cellular necrosis that plays a critical role in promoting cancer progression and developing drug resistance. The main characteristic of ferroptosis is iron‑dependent lipid peroxidation caused by excess intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species. CUGBP ELAV‑like family number 2 (CELF2) is an RNA‑binding protein that is downregulated in various types of cancer and is associated with poor patient prognoses. CELF2 can directly bind mRNA to a variety of ferroptosis control factors; however, direct evidence of the regulatory role of CELF2 in ferroptosis is currently limited. The aim of the present review was to summarise the findings of previous studies on CELF2 and its role in regulating cellular redox homeostasis. The present review may provide insight into the possible mechanisms through which CELF2 affects ferroptosis and to provide recommendations for future studies.