Emerging Role of ERBB2 in Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Signaling Pathways to Therapeutic Strategies

Identifying Key Genes Involved in Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Breast Cancer Using Advanced RNA-Seq Analysis: A Methodological Approach with GLMQL and MAS

Our study aims to address the methodological challenges frequently encountered in RNA-Seq data analysis within cancer studies. Specifically, it enhances the identification of key genes involved in axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) in breast cancer. We employ Generalized Linear Models with Quasi-Likelihood (GLMQLs) to manage the inherently discrete and overdispersed nature of RNA-Seq data, marking a significant improvement over conventional methods such as the t-test, which assumes a normal distribution and equal variances across samples. We utilize the Trimmed Mean of M-values (TMMs) method for normalization to address library-specific compositional differences effectively. Our study focuses on a distinct cohort of 104 untreated patients from the TCGA Breast Invasive Carcinoma (BRCA) dataset to maintain an untainted genetic profile, thereby providing more accurate insights into the genetic underpinnings of lymph node metastasis. This strategic selection paves the way for developing early intervention strategies and targeted therapies. Our analysis is exclusively dedicated to protein-coding genes, enriched by the Magnitude Altitude Scoring (MAS) system, which rigorously identifies key genes that could serve as predictors in developing an ALNM predictive model. Our novel approach has pinpointed several genes significantly linked to ALNM in breast cancer, offering vital insights into the molecular dynamics of cancer development and metastasis. These genes, including ERBB2, CCNA1, FOXC2, LEFTY2, VTN, ACKR3, and PTGS2, are involved in key processes like apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, response to hypoxia, and KRAS signaling pathways, which are crucial for tumor virulence and the spread of metastases. Moreover, the approach has also emphasized the importance of the small proline-rich protein family (SPRR), including SPRR2B, SPRR2E, and SPRR2D, recognized for their significant involvement in cancer-related pathways and their potential as therapeutic targets. Important transcripts such as H3C10, H1-2, PADI4, and others have been highlighted as critical in modulating the chromatin structure and gene expression, fundamental for the progression and spread of cancer.

HER-2 positive gastric cancer: Current targeted treatments

Gastric cancer (GC) is highly metastatic and characterized by HER2 amplification. Aberrant HER2 expression drives metastasis, therapy resistance, and tumor recurrence. HER2 amplification contributes to drug resistance by upregulating DNA repair enzymes and drug afflux proteins, reducing drug efficacy. HER2 modulates transcription factors critical for cancer stem cell properties, further impacting drug resistance. HER2 activity is influenced by HER-family ligands, promoting oncogenic signaling. These features point to HER2 as a targetable driver in GC. This review outlines recent advances in HER2-mediated mechanisms and their upstream and downstream signaling pathways in GC. Additionally, it discusses preclinical research investigation that comprehends trastuzumab-sensitizing phytochemicals, chemotherapeutics, and nanoparticles as adjunct therapies. These developments hold promise for improving outcomes and enhancing the management of HER2-positive GC.

Neuroprotective effects of resveratrol on retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma in rodents: A narrative review

Glaucoma, an irreversible optic neuropathy, primarily affects retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and causes vision loss and blindness. The damage to RGCs in glaucoma occurs by various mechanisms, including elevated intraocular pressure, oxidative stress, inflammation, and other neurodegenerative processes. As the disease progresses, the loss of RGCs leads to vision loss. Therefore, protecting RGCs from damage and promoting their survival are important goals in managing glaucoma. In this regard, resveratrol (RES), a polyphenolic phytoalexin, exerts antioxidant effects and slows down the evolution and progression of glaucoma. The present review shows that RES plays a protective role in RGCs in cases of ischemic injury and hypoxia as well as in ErbB2 protein expression in the retina. Additionally, RES plays protective roles in RGCs by promoting cell growth, reducing apoptosis, and decreasing oxidative stress in H2O2-exposed RGCs. RES was also found to inhibit oxidative stress damage in RGCs and suppress the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. RES could alleviate retinal function impairment by suppressing the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha/vascular endothelial growth factor and p38/p53 axes while stimulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Therefore, RES might exert potential therapeutic effects for managing glaucoma by protecting RGCs from damage and promoting their survival.

A perspective on emerging therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer: Focusing on molecular medicine and drug resistance

The majority of cancer cases are colorectal cancer, which is also the second largest cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Metastasis is the leading cause of death for patients with colorectal cancer. Metastatic colorectal cancer incidence are on the rise due to a tiny percentage of tumors developing resistant to medicines despite advances in treatment tactics. Cutting-edge targeted medications are now the go-to option for customized and all-encompassing CRC care. Specifically, multitarget kinase inhibitors, antivascular endothelial growth factors, and epidermal growth factor receptors are widely used in clinical practice for CRC-targeted treatments. Rare targets in metastatic colorectal cancer are becoming more well-known due to developments in precision diagnostics and the extensive use of second-generation sequencing technology. These targets include the KRAS mutation, the BRAF V600E mutation, the HER2 overexpression/amplification, and the MSI-H/dMMR. Incorporating certain medications into clinical trials has significantly increased patient survival rates, opening new avenues and bringing fresh viewpoints for treating metastatic colorectal cancer. These focused therapies change how cancer is treated, giving patients new hope and better results. These markers can significantly transform and individualize therapy regimens. They could open the door to precisely customized and more effective medicines, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. The fast-growing body of knowledge regarding the molecular biology of colorectal cancer and the latest developments in gene sequencing and molecular diagnostics are directly responsible for this advancement.

Titin as a potential novel therapeutic target in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is identified as a primary cause of death around the world. The current chemotherapies are not cost-effective. Therefore, finding novel potential therapeutic target is urgent. Titin (TTN) is a muscle protein that is critical in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, its role in CRC is not well understood. The study focused on exploring the possible role of TTN in CRC carcinogenesis. TTN mRNA and protein expression levels presented an obvious downregulation in CRC tissue samples, relative to normal control (p < 0.05). TTN expression significantly correlated with the clinical stage (normal vs. Stage 1, p < 0.05; normal vs. Stage 4, p < 0.05), node metastasis (normal vs. N1, p < 0.05; N1 vs. N2, p < 0.05), histological type (normal vs. adenocarcinoma, p < 0.05), race (Caucasian vs. Asian, p < 0.05; African-American vs. Asian, p < 0.05) and TP53 mutation (normal vs. TP53 mutation, p < 0.05), considering The Cancer Genome Atlas database. However, for patients who had higher TTN expression, the overall survival was remarkably shorter than patients who had low TTN expression. Furthermore, TTN was lowly expressed in four CRC cell lines. TTN overexpression facilitated CRC cells in terms of the proliferation, metastasis and invasion. Based on gene set enrichment analysis, the ERB pathway might be responsible for TTN-related CRC. Besides, TTN was involved in the response to azacitidine. Overall, TTN might serve as a potential novel therapeutic target for treating and overcoming chemotherapy resistance in CRC.

Homologous recombination mRNAs (RAD21, RAD50 and BARD1) have a potentially poor prognostic role in ERBB2-low bladder cancer patients

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2) factor is known to be implicated in many malignancies and the potential of it as a prognostic biomarker was reported years ago. Molecular subtypes of HER2/ERBB2 negative and positive with distinct clinical outcomes have been identified in recent years; however, it is still under investigation for bladder cancer. This study evaluates the biological and prognostic significance of RAD21, RAD50 and BARD1 (homologous recombination biomarkers) mRNA levels with ERBB2 low and high expression to explore their impact on bladder cancer patient survival and cancer aggressiveness. The expression of ERBB2, RAD21, RAD50 and BARD1 mRNA levels was assessed in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) bladder cancer dataset along with four validation cohorts. Outcome analysis was evaluated using disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between RAD21, RAD50, BARD1 and ERBB2 expression and clinicopathological variables. A significant increase in mRNA expression levels of RAD21, RAD50 and BARD1 was noticed in ERBB2-low patients compared to ERBB2-high patients. This overexpression of the homologous recombination repair transcripts was associated with poor outcome in ERBB2-low tumors, not in ERBB2-high tumors. Furthermore, the combined expression of high RAD21/RAD50, high RAD21/BARD1 or high RAD50/BARD1 were significantly associated with worse DFS and a better outcome for those with low co-expression in the ERBB2-low cohort. High expression of either RAD21/RAD50 or RAD21/BARD1 in ERBB2-low cohort associated with higher chance of metastasis. In addition, gene expression of BARD1 alone or in combination with RAD50 acted as an independent prognostic factor for worst survival. The data presented in this study reveal a connection between RAD21, RAD50, BARD1 and ERBB2 and patient survival. Importantly, it provided novel findings and potential prognostic markers, particularly in ERBB2-low bladder cancer.

Oligo-Metastatic Cancers: Putative Biomarkers, Emerging Challenges and New Perspectives

Some cancer patients display a less aggressive form of metastatic disease, characterized by a low tumor burden and involving a smaller number of sites, which is referred to as "oligometastatic disease" (OMD). This review discusses new biomarkers, as well as methodological challenges and perspectives characterizing OMD. Recent studies have revealed that specific microRNA profiles, chromosome patterns, driver gene mutations (ERBB2, PBRM1, SETD2, KRAS, PIK3CA, SMAD4), polymorphisms (TCF7L2), and levels of immune cell infiltration into metastases, depending on the tumor type, are associated with an oligometastatic behavior. This suggests that OMD could be a distinct disease with specific biological and molecular characteristics. Therefore, the heterogeneity of initial tumor burden and inclusion of OMD patients in clinical trials pose a crucial methodological question that requires responses in the near future. Additionally, a solid understanding of the molecular and biological features of OMD will be necessary to support and complete the clinical staging systems, enabling a better distinction of metastatic behavior and tailored treatments.