Bioinformatics analysis of the CDK2 functions in neuroblastoma

Transcriptomics Based Network Analyses and Molecular Docking Highlighted Potentially Therapeutic Biomarkers for Colon Cancer

In this study, machine learning-based multiple bioinformatics analysis was carried out for the purpose of the deep and efficient mining of high-throughput transcriptomics data from the TCGA database. Compared with normal colon tissue, 2469 genes were significantly differentially expressed in colon cancer tissue. Gene functional annotation and pathway analysis suggested that most DEGs were functionally related to the cell cycle and metabolism. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed a significant module and the enriched genes that were closely related to fatty acid degradation and metabolism. Based on colon cancer progression, the trend analysis highlighted that several gene sets were significantly correlated with disease development. At the same time, the most specific genes were functionally related to cancer cell features such as the high performance of DNA replication and cell division. Moreover, survival analysis and target drug prediction were performed to prioritize reliable biomarkers and potential drugs. In consideration of a combination of different evidence, four genes (ACOX1, CPT2, CDC25C and PKMYT1) were suggested as novel biomarkers in colon cancer. The potential biomarkers and target drugs identified in our study may provide new ideas for colonic-related prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; therefore, our results have high clinical value for colon cancer.

A review on the role of cyclin dependent kinases in cancers

The Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) class of serine/threonine kinases has crucial roles in the regulation of cell cycle transition and is mainly involved in the pathogenesis of cancers. The expression of CDKs is controlled by a complex regulatory network comprised of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, which are dysregulated during the progression of cancer. The abnormal activation of CDKs results in uncontrolled cancer cell proliferation and the induction of cancer stem cell characteristics. The levels of CDKs can be utilized to predict the prognosis and treatment response of cancer patients, and further understanding of the function and underlying mechanisms of CDKs in human tumors would pave the way for future cancer therapies that effectively target CDKs. Defects in the regulation of cell cycle and mutations in the genes coding cell-cycle regulatory proteins lead to unrestrained proliferation of cells leading to formation of tumors. A number of treatment modalities have been designed to combat dysregulation of cell cycle through affecting expression or activity of CDKs. However, effective application of these methods in the clinical settings requires recognition of the role of CDKs in the progression of each type of cancer, their partners, their interactions with signaling pathways and the effects of suppression of these kinases on malignant features. Thus, we designed this literature search to summarize these findings at cellular level, as well as in vivo and clinical levels.

TP53 and TP53-associated genes are correlated with the prognosis of paediatric neuroblastoma

Background

TP53 is rarely mutated in paediatric neuroblastoma. The prognosis of TP53 and TP53-associated genes in paediatric neuroblastoma is unclear. The objectives of the study were to analyse datasets of 2477 paediatric neuroblastoma patients from eight independent cohorts to reveal the prognosis of TP53 and TP53-associated genes.

Results

High TP53 mRNA expression was associated with shortened event-free survival and overall survival in paediatric neuroblastoma. Moreover, a higher enrichment score of the TP53 signalling pathway was associated with worse clinical outcomes of paediatric neuroblastoma. Among the genes associated with TP53, CCNE1, CDK2 and CHEK2 were correlated with unfavourable clinical outcomes, while SESN1 was correlated with favourable clinical outcomes of paediatric neuroblastoma in the eight independent neuroblastoma cohorts. TP53, CCNE1, CDK2 and CHEK2 were overexpressed in neuroblastoma patients with MYCN amplification, while SESN1 was downregulated in neuroblastoma patients with MYCN amplification. CCNE1, SESN1, MYCN amplification and age at diagnosis were independent prognostic markers of neuroblastoma. CCNE1 was also highly expressed in paediatric neuroblastoma patients with an age at diagnosis ≥ 18 months, while SESN1 was downregulated in paediatric neuroblastoma patients with an age at diagnosis ≥ 18 months. Combinations of CCNE1 with age at diagnosis or combinations of SESN1 with age at diagnosis achieved superior prognostic effects in paediatric neuroblastoma. Finally, we constructed a nomogram risk model of paediatric neuroblastoma based on age and TP53, CCNE1, CDK2, CHEK2 and SESN1 expression. The nomogram model could predict the overall survival of paediatric neuroblastoma and MYCN nonamplified paediatric neuroblastoma with high specificity and sensitivity.

Conclusions

TP53 and TP53-associated genes CCNE1, CDK2, CHEK2 and SESN1 were significantly associated with the clinical outcomes of paediatric neuroblastoma.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-022-01059-5.

The Role of Translocator Protein TSPO in Hallmarks of Glioblastoma

Simple Summary

The translocator protein (TSPO) has been under extensive investigation as a specific marker in positron emission tomography (PET) to visualize brain lesions following injury or disease. In recent years, TSPO is increasingly appreciated as a potential novel therapeutic target in cancer. In Glioblastoma (GBM), the most malignant primary brain tumor, TSPO expression levels are strongly elevated and scientific evidence accumulates, hinting at a pivotal role of TSPO in tumorigenesis and glioma progression. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature on TSPO with respect to its role both in diagnostics and especially with regard to the critical hallmarks of cancer postulated by Hanahan and Weinberg. Overall, our review contributes to a better understanding of the functional significance of TSPO in Glioblastoma and draws attention to TSPO as a potential modulator of treatment response and thus an important factor that may influence the clinical outcome of GBM.

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most fatal primary brain cancer in adults. Despite extensive treatment, tumors inevitably recur, leading to an average survival time shorter than 1.5 years. The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is abundantly expressed throughout the body including the central nervous system. The expression of TSPO increases in states of inflammation and brain injury due to microglia activation. Not least due to its location in the outer mitochondrial membrane, TSPO has been implicated with a broad spectrum of functions. These include the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, migration, as well as mitochondrial functions such as mitochondrial respiration and oxidative stress regulation. TSPO is frequently overexpressed in GBM. Its expression level has been positively correlated to WHO grade, glioma cell proliferation, and poor prognosis of patients. Several lines of evidence indicate that TSPO plays a functional part in glioma hallmark features such as resistance to apoptosis, invasiveness, and proliferation. This review provides a critical overview of how TSPO could regulate several aspects of tumorigenesis in GBM, particularly in the context of the hallmarks of cancer proposed by Hanahan and Weinberg in 2011.

Downregulation of miR-575 Inhibits the Tumorigenesis of Gallbladder Cancer via Targeting p27 Kip1

Background

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common biliary tract malignant cancer worldwide. It has been reported that microRNA-575 (miR-575) was involved in the tumorigenesis of many cancers. However, the role of miR-575 during the progression of GBC remains largely unknown.

Methods

The expression of miR-575 in GBC cells was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The proliferation of GBC cells was examined by CCK-8 assay and Ki-67 staining. Apoptosis of GBC cells was measured by flow cytometry, and cell invasion was tested by transwell assay. Moreover, protein expressions in GBC cells were evaluated using Western blot. The target gene of miR-575 was predicted using Targetscan and miRDB. Finally, xenograft tumor model was established to verify the function of miR-575 in GBC in vivo.

Results

Our findings indicated that miR-575 antagonist decreased the proliferation and invasion of GBC cells. In addition, miR-575 antagonist significantly induced apoptosis of GBC cells via inducing G1 arrest. Meanwhile, p27 Kip1 was found to be a direct target of miR-575 with luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, miR-575 antagonist significantly decreased the expressions of CDK1 and cyclin E1 and upregulated the levels of cleaved caspase3 and p27 Kip1 in GBC cells. Finally, miR-575 antagonist notably suppressed GBC tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Downregulation of miR-575 significantly inhibited the tumorigenesis of GBC via targeting p27 Kip1. Thus, miR-575 might be a potential novel target for the treatment of GBC.