Wnt/CTNNB1 Signal Transduction Pathway Inhibits the Expression of ZFP36 in Squamous Cell Carcinoma, by Inducing Transcriptional Repressors SNAI1, SLUG and TWIST

Adhesive hydrogel releases protocatechualdehyde-Fe3+ complex to promote three healing stages for accelerated therapy of oral ulcers

Oral ulcers can significantly reduce the life quality of patients and even lead to malignant transformations. Local treatments using topical agents are often ineffective because of the wet and dynamic environment of the oral cavity. Current clinical treatments for oral ulcers, such as corticosteroids, have limitations and side effects for long-term usage. Here, we develop adhesive hydrogel patches (AHPs) that effectively promote the healing of oral ulcers in a rat model. The AHPs are comprised of the quaternary ammonium salt of chitosan, aldehyde-functionalized hyaluronic acid, and a tridentate complex of protocatechualdehyde and Fe3+ (PF). The AHPs exhibit tunable mechanical properties, self-healing ability, and wet adhesion on the oral mucosa. Through controlling the formula of the AHPs, PF released from the AHPs in a temporal manner. We further show that the AHPs have good biocompatibility and the capability to heal oral ulcers rapidly. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that the PF released from AHPs facilitated ulcer healing by suppressing inflammation, promoting macrophage polarization, enhancing cell proliferation, and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition involving inflammation, proliferation, and maturation stages. This study provides insights into the healing of oral ulcers and presents an effective therapeutic biomaterial for the treatment of oral ulcers. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: By addressing the challenges associated with current clinical treatments for oral ulcers, the development of adhesive hydrogel patches (AHPs) presents an effective approach. These AHPs possess unique properties, such as tunable mechanical characteristics, self-healing ability, and strong adhesion to the mucosa. Through controlled release of protocatechualdehyde-Fe3+ complex, the AHPs facilitate the healing process by suppressing inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The study not only provides valuable insights into the healing mechanisms of oral ulcers but also introduces a promising therapeutic biomaterial. This work holds significant scientific interest and demonstrates the potential to greatly improve the treatment outcomes and quality of life for individuals suffering from oral ulcers.

Wnt Signaling Pathways: From Inflammation to Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

Canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways are involved in cell differentiation and homeostasis, but also in tumorigenesis. In fact, an exaggerated activation of Wnt signaling may promote tumor growth and invasion. We summarize the most intriguing evidence about the role of Wnt signaling in cutaneous carcinogenesis, in particular in the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Wnt signaling is involved in several ways in the development of skin tumors: it may modulate the inflammatory tumor microenvironment, synergize with Sonic Hedgehog pathway in the onset of basal cell carcinoma, and contribute to the progression from precancerous to malignant lesions and promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in squamous cell carcinoma. Targeting Wnt pathways may represent an additional efficient approach in the management of patients with NMSC.

NPTX2 Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma through METTL3-Mediated N6-Methyladenosine Methylation of SNAIL

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. NPTX2, a member of the neuronal pentraxin family, is reported to play inconsistent roles in different cancers. The role and mechanism of NPTX2 in cSCC remain unclear. In this study, we found that NPTX2 was overexpressed in both skin lesions and cell lines of cSCC. In vitro studies showed that NPTX2 facilitated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation, and epithelial‒mesenchymal translation in A431 and SCL-1 cells. NPTX2 interacted with METTL3, increased METTL3 expression, and improved N6-methyladenosine modification in cSCC cell lines. Mechanistically, NPTX2 facilitated epithelial‒mesenchymal translation by promoting METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine of SNAIL. METTL3 knockdown and N6-methyladenosine inhibition reversed the impacts of NPTX2 overexpression on cSCC cells. In vivo studies verified the role of NPTX2 as an oncogene in cSCC. Therefore, NPTX2 may be a potential therapeutic target for cSCC.

Mist1 promoted inflammation in colitis model via K+-ATPase NLRP3 inflammasome by SNAI1

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory intestinal disease. Genetic susceptibility, gut microbiota and mucosal immune dysfunction play important roles in the pathogenesis and development of UC. We investigate the effect of Mist1 in model of colitis and its underlying mechanism. The expressions of Mist1 in patients with colitis tissue were up-regulated. Meanwhile, Mist1 mRNA and protein expressions in DSS-induced colitis mice model were also induced and Mist1 mRNA and protein expressions of LPS induced THP-1 cell were also up-regulated. we found Mist1 human protein promoted inflammation in DSS-induced colitis mice by NLRP3. So, we up-regulated Mist1 expression and over-expression of Mist1 promoted IL-1β and NLRP3 protein expression levels in vitro model. However, down-regulation of Mist1 suppressed IL-1β and NLRP3 protein expression levels in vitro model. Next, SNAI1 is a shooting point of Mist1 in the effects of Mist1 in colitis. The inhibition of SNAI1 reduced the effects of Mist1 on NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro model. Activation of SNAI1 induced the effects of Mist1 on NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro model. Lastly, anti-SNAI1 human protein lowered the effects of Mist1 human protein on NLRP3 inflammasome in DSS-induced colitis mice. We demonstrated that Mist1 promoted inflammation in colitis model via NLRP3 inflammasome by SNAI1, whereas the absence of these macrophages led to a significant improvement in colitis treatment.