Prognostic Value of SGK1 and Bcl-2 in Invasive Breast Cancer

Role of KDM2B epigenetic factor in regulating calcium signaling in prostate cancer cells

KDM2B, a histone lysine demethylase, is expressed in a plethora of cancers. Earlier studies from our group, have showcased that overexpression of KDM2B in the human prostate cancer cell line DU-145 is associated with cell adhesion, actin reorganization, and improved cancer cell migration. In addition, we have previously examined changes of cytosolic Ca2+, regulated by the pore-forming proteins ORAI and the Ca2+ sensing stromal interaction molecules (STIM), via store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in wild-type DU-145. This study sought to evaluate the impact of KDM2B overexpression on the expression of key molecules (SGK1, Nhe1, Orai1, Stim1) and SOCE. Furthermore, this is the first study to evaluate KDM2B expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from patients with prostate cancer. mRNA levels for SGK1, Nhe1, Orai1, and Stim1 were quantified by RT-PCR. Calcium signals were measured in KDM2B-overexpressing DU-145 cells, loaded with Fura-2. Blood samples from 22 prostate cancer cases were scrutinized for KDM2B expression using immunofluorescence staining and the VyCAP system. KDM2B overexpression in DU-145 cells increased Orai1, Stim1, and Nhe1 mRNA levels and significantly decreased Ca2+ release. KDM2B expression was examined in 22 prostate cancer patients. CTCs were identified in 45 % of these patients. 80 % of the cytokeratin (CK)-positive patients and 63 % of the total examined CTCs exhibited the (CK + KDM2B + CD45-) phenotype. To conclude, this study is the first to report increased expression of KDM2B in CTCs from patients with prostate cancer, bridging in vitro and preclinical assessments on the potentially crucial role of KDM2B on migration, invasiveness, and ultimately metastasis in prostate cancer.

The role of serum-glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 in reproductive viability: implications from prenatal programming and senescence

OBJECTIVE

Organisms and cellular viability are of paramount importance to living creatures. Disruption of the balance between cell survival and apoptosis results in compromised viability and even carcinogenesis. One molecule involved in keeping this homeostasis is serum-glucocorticoid regulated kinase (SGK) 1. Emerging evidence points to a significant role of SGK1 in cell growth and survival, cell metabolism, reproduction, and life span, particularly in prenatal programming and reproductive senescence by the same token. Whether the hormone inducible SGK1 kinase is a major driver in the pathophysiological processes of prenatal programming and reproductive senescence?

METHOD

The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase/Ovid, and Elsevier Science Direct literature databases were searched for articles in English focusing on SGK1 published up to July 2023 RESULT: Emerging evidence is accumulating pointing to a pathophysiological role of the ubiquitously expressed SGK1 in the cellular and organismal viability. Under the regulation of specific hormones, extracellular stimuli, and various signals, SGK1 is involved in several biological processes relevant to viability, including cell proliferation and survival, cell migration and differentiation. In line, SGK1 contributes to the development of germ cells, embryos, and fetuses, whereas SGK1 inhibition leads to abnormal gametogenesis, embryo loss, and truncated reproductive lifespan.

CONCLUTION

SGK1 integrates a broad spectrum of effects to maintain the homeostasis of cell survival and apoptosis, conferring viability to multiple cell types as well as both simple and complex organisms, and thus ensuring appropriate prenatal development and reproductive lifespan.

The role of serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 in cellular signaling: Implications for drug development

Serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) is a ubiquitously expressed protein belonging to the Ser/Thr kinase family. It regulates diverse physiological processes, including epithelial sodium channel activity, hypertension, cell proliferation, and insulin sensitivity. Due to its significant role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, SGK1 can be exploited as a potential therapeutic target to address challenging health problems. SGK1 is associated with the development of obesity, and its overexpression enhances the sodium-glucose co-transporter 1 activity, which absorbs intestinal glucose. This review highlighted the detailed functional significance of SGK1 signaling and role in different diseases and subsequent therapeutic targeting. We aim to provide deeper mechanistic insights into understanding the pathogenesis and recent advancements in the SGK1 targeted drug development process. Small-molecule inhibitors are being developed with excellent binding affinity and improved SGK1 inhibition with desired selectivity. We have discussed small molecule inhibitors designed explicitly as potent SGK1 inhibitors and their therapeutic implications in various diseases. We further addressed the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of these SGK1 inhibitors and provided a strong scientific foundation for developing effective therapeutics.

Expression of microRNAs ‘let-7d and miR-195’ and Apoptotic Genes ‘BCL2 and Caspase-3’ as Potential Biomarkers of Female Breast Carcinogenesis

Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Let-7d and microRNA-195 (miR-195) are members of microRNAs that are known tumor suppressors and are involved in the regulation of apoptosis, invasion, and other cellular functions. However, the roles of these microRNAs in BC progression remain controversial. This study aimed to explore the correlation between the expression of let-7d and miR-195 and apoptosis-related genes (ARGs) “B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and caspase-3 (CASP3)” as potential biomarkers of breast carcinogenesis. Methods: It was a retrospective case-control study in which expression of let-7d, miR-195, CASP3, and BCL2 was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR); and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to determine expression of BCL2 and CASP3 in BC tissue versus normal breast tissue (NT) samples. Results: The expression of let-7d and miR-195 was significantly reduced within BC tissues compared to NT (P: < 0.0001); and there was a statically positive correlation between them (r=0.314, P: 0.005). They have also been correlated to biomarkers’ expression of genes related to apoptosis. There was a statistically significant positive association between CASP3, and both let-7d, and miR-195 relative gene expression (r=0.713, P: <0.0001 and r=0.236, P: 0.03, respectively). In contrast, there was a statistically significant negative association between the relative gene expression of BCL2, with let-7d, and miR-195 (r=-0.221, P: 0.04 and r=-0.311, P: 0.005, respectively). Conclusion: Let-7d and miR-195 have been suggested to be involved in BC through modulation of the ARGs including BCL2 and CASP3. The qRT-PCR and IHC studies demonstrated that decreased expression of let-7d and miR-195 prohibits apoptosis via downregulating CASP3 and increasing BCL2 expressions promoting BC progression. These results also hypothesize that let-7d and miR-195 along with apoptotic biomarkers (BCL2 and CASP3) can be used in the future to introduce novel, non-invasive molecular biomarkers for BC into clinical practice.