Exploring the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Unraveling Signaling Complexity and Therapeutic Implications

Analysis of nitrogen metabolism-related gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma to establish relevant indicators for prediction of prognosis and guidance of immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of cancers is strongly connected with nitrogen metabolism (NM), which plays a critical role in the microenvironment and growth of tumors. It is unsubstantiated, however, how important NM-related genes are for the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Using publicly available data, we examined potential mechanisms of NM-related genes in HCC, created a predictive model, and assessed immune infiltration and medication sensitivity.

RESULTS

A prognostic model, which included 12 NM genes (COLQ, GNE, ISCU, MSRA, SARS2, SPHK1, CBS, GOT2, CHST1, EXTL2, GCLM, YARS1), was constructed based on regression analysis. The robustness of the model was validated using multiple methods. The high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups had varying degrees of immune infiltration, according to an immunology-related study. Of these, B cells and Type_II_IFN_Response were greatly infiltrated in the LR group, whereas aCDs, Macrophages, and Treg were heavily infiltrated in the HR group (p < 0.05). Because of higher immunophenoscore, the low-risk group could benefit from immunotherapy more. Drug sensitivity predictions indicated that people with high CBS expression and low GOT2 and ISCU expression may benefit more from treatment with SCH-772984, Pimasertib, Cobimetinib (isomer1), TAK-733, LY-3214996, ARRY-162, Cladribine, Fludarabine, and Hydroxyurea.

CONCLUSION

This work created a 12-gene signature based on NM, preliminary investigated immune infiltration in two risk categories, and discovered some possible anti-tumor medications. To sum up, our study findings offer fresh perspectives on the roles played by NM-associated genes in HCC development, prognosis, immunological response, and medication screening.

Structural insight into CD20/CD3-bispecific antibodies by molecular modeling

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) remains a significant challenge in hematology, with chemotherapy and radiation therapy as conventional treatment options, albeit with limitations such as adverse effects. Immunotherapy, particularly bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) T cell engagers (TCEs), has emerged as a promising approach. Despite their potential, TCEs pose challenges, including adverse events like cytokine release syndrome. Understanding the structural details of TCEs and their interactions with target proteins is crucial for optimizing their therapeutic efficacy and toxicity. In this study, we further developed our protocol MCCS-Docker for protein-protein interactions and applied it to investigate the structural intricacies of CD3 interactions with therapeutic antibodies such as OKT3, UCHT1, Mosunetuzumab, Odronextumab, Glofitamab, and Epcoritamab using computational modeling techniques. Our analysis not only approved the effectiveness of our updated MCCS-Docker protocol but also revealed detailed binding interactions between the BsAbs and CD3, elucidating key residues of Tyrosine and Asparagine in the antibodies involved in the binding interface. Molecular dynamics simulations validated the stability of these interactions over time, confirming the reliability of the binding poses generated from docking studies. Overall, our study offered a novel method to predict critical residues in protein-protein interactions and enhanced the understanding of the structural determinants governing BsAb interactions with target proteins, offering valuable insights for designing and optimizing immunotherapeutic agents for NHL and related hematologic malignancies.

CTSG restraines the proliferation and metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by blocking the JAK2/STAT3 pathway

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is recognized as the sixth most prevalent cancer globally, with around 900,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The management of HNSC poses significant challenges due to its rising incidence and suboptimal treatment outcomes in many patients. Thus, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive the onset and advancement of HNSC is crucial in order to steer the creation of novel treatment strategies. Previous researches have suggested that Cathepsin G (CTSG), a serine protease, may play a role in tumorigenesis, but its exact function in HNSC is still unknown.

METHODS

The TCGA and GTEx datasets were utilized to examine the expression and potential role of CTSG in pancancer. CTSG expression in HNSC tissues and normal tissues was analyzed using qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry techniques. The effects of altering CTSG expression on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of HNSC cells were evaluated using various tests such as MTT assays, colony formation assays, wound-healing assays, transwell assays, flow cytometry, and xenograft tumor growth models. The functionality of CTSG on the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was validated using activators and inhibitors of this pathway after comfirming that CTSG could regulate this pathway.

RESULTS

In our study, we indicated that CTSG expression in HNSC tumor tissues was significantly lower than in adjacent normal tissues and CTSG gene level was positively correlated with patient prognosis. Additionally, we observed a decrease in tumor proliferation and migration, as well as an increase in apoptosis, following CTSG overexpression. Conversely, opposite effects were noted upon CTSG knockdown. Mechanistically, CTSG overexpression inhibited JAK2/STAT3 signaling, while CTSG knockdown activated it. This was confirmed by using IL-6 and JAK2 inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

CTSG impedes the proliferation and metastasis of HNSC in vivo and in vitro. CTSG is potential to act as a cancer suppressor in HNSC by focusing on the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, indicating its possible use as a diagnostic marker and treatment target for HNSC.

Targeting the JAK-STAT pathway in colorectal cancer: mechanisms, clinical implications, and therapeutic potential

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most prevalent and fatal malignancies worldwide, consistently ranking among the top three in terms of incidence and mortality. Despite notable advancements in early detection and therapeutic interventions, survival outcomes for advanced-stage CRC are still dismal, largely due to issues such as drug resistance and metastasis. Recent research has increasingly implicated the JAK-STAT signaling pathway as a pivotal contributor to CRC pathogenesis. This evolutionarily conserved pathway plays a key role in transmitting extracellular signals to the nucleus, thereby modulating gene expression involved in numerous fundamental biological processes. In CRC, dysregulation of the JAK-STAT pathway is frequently observed and is strongly associated with tumor progression, including processes such as cellular proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, immune evasion, and the sustenance of cancer stem cells. Given its integral role in CRC advancement, the JAK-STAT pathway has gained recognition as a viable therapeutic target. Extensive evidence from preclinical and clinical models supports the efficacy and safety of targeting components of the JAK-STAT pathway, presenting new therapeutic possibilities for patients with CRC, particularly in addressing drug resistance and enhancing treatment outcomes. This review offers a detailed exploration of the JAK-STAT pathway, focusing on its regulatory mechanisms in CRC-related malignancies. Moreover, it examines the association between JAK-STAT protein expression, clinical features, prognosis, and its therapeutic potential in CRC management.

Obovatol inhibits proliferation, invasion and immune escape of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through modulating the JAK/STST3/PD-L1 pathway

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer that is fatal and has a dismal prognosis. Obovatol (Ob), a novel lignan derived from the leaf and stem bark of Magnolia obovata Thunb, has exhibited anti-tumor effect on diverse tumors. However, its effect and mechanisms on HCC remain to be further explored.

METHODS

Huh7 and Hep3B cells, as well as BALB/c nude mice were used to determine the function and mechanisms of Ob on growth, invasion and immune escape by cell counting kit-8, transwell, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot experiments.

RESULTS

Ob reduced the cell viability of Huh7 and Hep3B cells, with a IC50 value of 57.41 µM and 62.86 µM, respectively. Ob declined the invasion ability, the protein expression of N-cadherin and the concentrations of IL-10 and TGF-β, whereas increased the E-cadherin expression and the contents of IFN-γ and IL-2 in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. Mechanically, Ob decreased the protein level of p-JAK/JAK, p-STAT3/STAT3 and PD-L1, which was partly restored with the treatment of RO8191, an activator of JAK/STAT3 axis. The effect of Ob on the cell viability, the invasion ability, the protein level of N-cadherin and E-cadherin, and the concentrations of IL-10, TGF-β, IFN-γ and IL-2 in both Hep3B and Huh7 cells was reversed with the management of RO8191. In vivo, Ob reduced tumor volume and weight, the level of N-cadherin, PD-L1, p-JAK/JAK, and p-STAT3/STAT3, with an elevated expression of E-cadherin and IFN-γ.

CONCLUSION

Ob downregulated the JAK/STST3/PD-L1 pathway to attenuate the growth, invasion and immune escape of HCC.

Nanopolystyrene and phoxim pollution: A threat to hepatopancreas toxicity in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Significant concerns have been raised by the widespread pollutants phoxim (PHO) and nanopolystyrene (NP) in the natural environment. This study evaluated the toxicity effects on the hepatopancreas of Eriocheir sinensis caused by NP and/or PHO at concentrations found in the environment. Subchronic exposure to NP and/or PHO triggered hepatopancreas histological damage within a 21-day exposure period. The NP, PHO, and co-exposure (NPO) groups exhibited fewer blister-like (B) cells, along with the appearance of vacuolation. Furthermore, these exposures induced impairment in the hepatic tubule mucus barrier and mechanical barrier, as evidenced by altered expression of oxidative stress-related genes, mucin-related genes, and TJ-related genes. Additionally, alterations in immunity-related genes and inflammatory cytokine genes expression were observed. The findings showed that hepatopancreas inflammation was caused by both individual and combined exposure to NP and PHO and that the inflammatory response was exacerbated by the co-exposure. The possible pathways of hepatopancreas toxicity were further investigated by transcriptomic analysis. Hepatopancreas inflammation was brought on by subchronic exposure to PHO and co-exposure; this inflammation was exacerbated by co-exposure and was backed by the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway via targeting-related genes. In summary, this research represents the initial documentation, to the best of our understanding of the detrimental effects of exposured to NP and/or PHO at levels found in the environment disrupt the hepatopancreas mucus and mechanical barrier in crustaceans, triggering inflammatory responses. These findings highlight the significance of NP and/or PHO pollution for hepatopancreas health.

Recent Advances in RNA Interference-Based Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Emphasis on siRNA

Even though RNA treatments were first proposed as a way to change aberrant signaling in cancer, research in this field is currently ongoing. The term "RNAi" refers to the use of several RNAi technologies, including ribozymes, riboswitches, Aptamers, small interfering RNA (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The siRNA therapy has already achieved a remarkable feat by revolutionizing the treatment arena of cancers. Unlike small molecules and antibodies, which need administration every three months or even every two years, RNAi may be given every quarter to attain therapeutic results. In order to overcome complex challenges, delivering siRNAs to the targeted tissues and cells effectively and safely and improving the effectiveness of siRNAs in terms of their action, stability, specificity, and potential adverse consequences are required. In this context, the three primary techniques of siRNA therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are accomplished for inhibiting angiogenesis, decreasing cell proliferation, and promoting apoptosis, are discussed in this review. We also deliberate targeting issues, immunogenic reactions to siRNA therapy, and the difficulties with their intrinsic chemistry and transportation.

Enhancing CAR T cells function: role of immunomodulators in cancer immunotherapy

CAR T-cell therapy is a promising immunotherapy, providing successful results for cancer patients who are unresponsive to standard and traditional therapeutic approaches. However, there are limiting factors which create a hurdle in the therapy performing its role optimally. CAR T cells get exhausted, produce active antitumor responses, and might even produce toxic reactions. Specifically, in the case of solid tumors, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells fail to produce the desired outcomes. Then, the need to use supplementary agents such as immune system modifying immunomodulatory agents comes into play. A series of the literature was studied to evaluate the role of immunomodulators including a phytochemical, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved targeted drugs, and ILs in support of their achievements in boosting the efficiency of CAR-T cell therapy. Some of the most promising out of them are reported in this article. It is expected that by using the right combinations of immunotherapy, immunomodulators, and traditional cancer treatments, the best possible cancer defying results may be produced in the future.

Therapeutic potential of targeting protein tyrosine phosphatases in liver diseases

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a post-translational modification that regulates protein structure to modulate demic organisms' homeostasis and function. This physiological process is regulated by two enzyme families, protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). As an important regulator of protein function, PTPs are indispensable for maintaining cell intrinsic physiology in different systems, as well as liver physiological and pathological processes. Dysregulation of PTPs has been implicated in multiple liver-related diseases, including chronic liver diseases (CLDs), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver injury, and several PTPs are being studied as drug therapeutic targets. Therefore, given the regulatory role of PTPs in diverse liver diseases, a collated review of their function and mechanism is necessary. Moreover, based on the current research status of targeted therapy, we emphasize the inclusion of several PTP members that are clinically significant in the development and progression of liver diseases. As an emerging breakthrough direction in the treatment of liver diseases, this review summarizes the research status of PTP-targeting compounds in liver diseases to illustrate their potential in clinical treatment. Overall, this review aims to support the development of novel PTP-based treatment pathways for liver diseases.

Molecular pathways and targeted therapies in head and neck cancers pathogenesis

The substantial heterogeneity exhibited by head and neck cancer (HNC), encompassing diverse cellular origins, anatomical locations, and etiological contributors, combined with the prevalent late-stage diagnosis, poses significant challenges for clinical management. Genomic sequencing endeavors have revealed extensive alterations in key signaling pathways that regulate cellular proliferation and survival. Initiatives to engineer therapies targeting these dysregulated pathways are underway, with several candidate molecules progressing to clinical evaluation phases, including FDA approval for agents like the EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibody cetuximab for K-RAS wild-type, EGFR-mutant HNSCC treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), owing to their enhanced stability in biological fluids and their important roles in intracellular and intercellular signaling within HNC contexts, are now recognized as potent biomarkers for disease management, catalyzing further refined diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, edging closer to the personalized medicine desideratum. Enhanced comprehension of the genomic and immunological landscapes characteristic of HNC is anticipated to facilitate a more rigorous assessment of targeted therapies benefits and limitations, optimize their clinical deployment, and foster innovative advancements in treatment approaches. This review presents an update on the molecular mechanisms and mutational spectrum of HNC driving the oncogenesis of head and neck malignancies and explores their implications for advancing diagnostic methodologies and precision therapeutics.

Tumor biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy

Tumor biomarkers, the substances which are produced by tumors or the body's responses to tumors during tumorigenesis and progression, have been demonstrated to possess critical and encouraging value in screening and early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, recurrence detection, and therapeutic efficacy monitoring of cancers. Over the past decades, continuous progress has been made in exploring and discovering novel, sensitive, specific, and accurate tumor biomarkers, which has significantly promoted personalized medicine and improved the outcomes of cancer patients, especially advances in molecular biology technologies developed for the detection of tumor biomarkers. Herein, we summarize the discovery and development of tumor biomarkers, including the history of tumor biomarkers, the conventional and innovative technologies used for biomarker discovery and detection, the classification of tumor biomarkers based on tissue origins, and the application of tumor biomarkers in clinical cancer management. In particular, we highlight the recent advancements in biomarker-based anticancer-targeted therapies which are emerging as breakthroughs and promising cancer therapeutic strategies. We also discuss limitations and challenges that need to be addressed and provide insights and perspectives to turn challenges into opportunities in this field. Collectively, the discovery and application of multiple tumor biomarkers emphasized in this review may provide guidance on improved precision medicine, broaden horizons in future research directions, and expedite the clinical classification of cancer patients according to their molecular biomarkers rather than organs of origin.

Mechanisms and therapeutic prospect of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in liver cancer

Liver cancer (LC) poses a significant global health challenge due to its high incidence and poor prognosis. Current systemic treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and immunotherapy, have shown limited effectiveness for advanced LC patients. Moreover, owing to the heterogeneous nature of LC, it is crucial to uncover more in-depth pathogenic mechanisms and develop effective treatments to address the limitations of the existing therapeutic modalities. Increasing evidence has revealed the crucial role of the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway in the pathogenesis of LC. The specific mechanisms driving the JAK-STAT pathway activation in LC, participate in a variety of malignant biological processes, including cell differentiation, evasion, anti-apoptosis, immune escape, and treatment resistance. Both preclinical and clinical investigations on the JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors have exhibited potential in LC treatment, thereby opening up avenues for the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies for LC. In this study, we provide an overview of the JAK-STAT pathway, delving into the composition, activation, and dynamic interplay within the pathway. Additionally, we focus on the molecular mechanisms driving the aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway in LC. Furthermore, we summarize the latest advancements in targeting the JAK-STAT pathway for LC treatment. The insights presented in this review aim to underscore the necessity of research into the JAK-STAT signaling pathway as a promising avenue for LC therapy.

Targeting JAK2/STAT3 for the treatment of cancer: A review on recent advancements in molecular development using structural analysis and SAR investigations

Cancer is indeed considered a hazardous and potentially life-threatening disorder. The JAK/STAT pathway is an important intracellular signaling cascade essential for many physiological functions, such as immune response, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation of this pathway aids in the progression and development of cancer. The downstream JAK2/STAT3 signaling cascades are legitimate targets against which newer anticancer drugs can be developed to prevent and treat cancer. Understanding the mechanisms behind JAK2/STAT3 participation in cancer has paved the way for developing innovative targeted medicines with the potential to improve cancer treatment outcomes. This article provides information on the current scenario and recent advancements in the design and development of anticancer drugs targeting JAK2/STAT3, including structural analysis and SAR investigations of synthesized molecules. Numerous preclinical and clinical trials are ongoing on these inhibitors, which are highlighted to gain more insight into the broader development prospects of inhibitors of JAK2/STAT3.