BET inhibitor suppresses melanoma progression via the noncanonical NF-κB/SPP1 pathway

Identification of potential therapeutic target SPP1 and related RNA regulatory pathway in keloid based on bioinformatics analysis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the complex mechanisms of keloid, new approaches have been developed by different strategies. However, conventional treatment did not significantly reduce the recurrence rate. This study aimed to identify new biomarkers and mechanisms for keloid progression through bioinformatics analyses.

METHODS

In our study, microarray datasets for keloid were downloaded from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by R software. Multiple bioinformatics tools were used to identify hub genes, and reverse predict upstream miRNAs and lncRNA molecules of target hub genes. Finally, the total RNA-sequencing technique and miRNA microarray were combined to validate the identified genes.

RESULTS

Thirty-one DEGs were screened out and the upregulated hub gene SPP1 was finally identified, which was consistent with our RNA-sequencing analysis results and validation dataset. In addition, a ceRNA network of mRNA (SPP1)-miRNA (miR-181a-5p)-lncRNA (NEAT1, MALAT1, LINC00667, NORAD, XIST and MIR4458HG) was identified by the bioinformatics databases. The results of our miRNA microarray showed that miR-181a-5p was upregulated in keloid, also we found that the lncRNA NEAT1 could affect keloid progression by retrieving the relevant literature.

CONCLUSIONS

We speculate that SPP1 is a potential candidate biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with keloid, and NEAT1/miR-181a-5p/SPP1 might be the RNA regulatory pathway that regulates keloid formation.

Heterogeneity and interplay: the multifaceted role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor and therapeutic strategies

The journey of cancer development is a multifaceted and staged process. The array of treatments available for cancer varies significantly, dictated by the disease's type and stage. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), prevalent across various cancer types and stages, play a pivotal role in tumor genesis, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The strategy of concurrently targeting cancer cells and CAFs holds great promise in cancer therapy. In this review, we focus intently on CAFs, delving into their critical role in cancer's progression. We begin by exploring the origins, classification, and surface markers of CAFs. Following this, we emphasize the key cytokines and signaling pathways involved in the interplay between cancer cells and CAFs and their influence on the tumor immune microenvironment. Additionally, we examine current therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs. This article underscores the multifarious roles of CAFs within the tumor microenvironment and their potential applications in cancer treatment, highlighting their importance as key targets in overcoming drug resistance and enhancing the efficacy of tumor therapies.

Circulating interleukin-8 and osteopontin are promising biomarkers of clinical outcomes in advanced melanoma patients treated with targeted therapy

BACKGROUND

Circulating cytokines can represent non-invasive biomarkers to improve prediction of clinical outcomes of cancer patients. Here, plasma levels of IL-8, CCL4, osteopontin, LIF and BDNF were determined at baseline (T0), after 2 months of therapy (T2) and, when feasible, at progression (TP), in 70 melanoma patients treated with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. The association of baseline cytokine levels with clinical response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated.

METHODS

Cytokine concentrations were measured using the xMAP technology. Their ability to discriminate between responding (Rs) and non-responding (NRs) patients was assessed by Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis. PFS and OS were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazard model was used in the univariate and multivariate analyses to estimate crude and adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

CCL4 and LIF were undetectable in the majority of samples. The median osteopontin concentration at T0 and T2 was significantly higher in NRs than in Rs. The median T0 and T2 values of IL-8 were also higher in NRs than in Rs, although the statistical significance was not reached. No differences were detected for BDNF. In 39 Rs with matched T0, T2, and TP samples, osteopontin and IL-8 significantly decreased from T0 to T2 and rose again at TP, while BDNF levels remained unchanged. In NRs, none of the cytokines showed a significant decrease at T2. Only osteopontin demonstrated a good ability to discriminate between Rs and NRs. A high IL-8 T0 level was associated with significantly shorter PFS and OS and higher risk of progression and mortality, and remained an independent negative prognostic factor for OS in multivariate analysis. An elevated osteopontin T0 concentration was also significantly associated with worse OS and increased risk of death. Patients with high IL-8 and high osteopontin showed the lowest PFS and OS, and in multivariate analysis this cytokine combination remained independently associated with a three- to six-fold increased risk of mortality.

CONCLUSION

Circulating IL-8 and osteopontin appear useful biomarkers to refine prognosis evaluation of patients undergoing targeted therapy, and deserve attention as potential targets to improve its clinical efficacy.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 controls melanoma metastasis and vulnerability to ferroptosis through targeting SIRT1/PTEN/PI3K signaling

Metastasis is a major contributing factor that affects the prognosis of melanoma patients. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in melanoma metastasis are not yet entirely understood. Here, we identified ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22) as a pro-oncogenic protein in melanoma through screening the survival profiles of 52 ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs). USP22 demonstrates a strong association with poor clinical outcomes and is significantly overexpressed in melanoma. Ablation of USP22 expression remarkably attenuates melanoma migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro and suppresses melanoma metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, USP22 controls melanoma metastasis through the SIRT1/PTEN/PI3K pathway. In addition, we conducted an United States Food and Drug Administration-approved drug library screening and identified topotecan as a clinically applicable USP22-targeting molecule by promoting proteasomal degradation of USP22. Finally, we found that both pharmacological and genetic silence of USP22 sensitize RSL3-induced ferroptosis through suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and its downstream SCD, and ferroptosis inhibitor could partly rescued the decreased lung metastasis by topotecan in vivo. Overall, our findings reveal a prometastatic role of USP22 and identify topotecan as a potent USP22-targeting drug to limit melanoma metastasis.

Osteopontin: A Key Multifaceted Regulator in Tumor Progression and Immunomodulation

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of various cellular components such as tumor cells, stromal cells including fibroblasts, adipocytes, mast cells, lymphatic vascular cells and infiltrating immune cells, macrophages, dendritic cells and lymphocytes. The intricate interplay between these cells influences tumor growth, metastasis and therapy failure. Significant advancements in breast cancer therapy have resulted in a substantial decrease in mortality. However, existing cancer treatments frequently result in toxicity and nonspecific side effects. Therefore, improving targeted drug delivery and increasing the efficacy of drugs is crucial for enhancing treatment outcome and reducing the burden of toxicity. In this review, we have provided an overview of how tumor and stroma-derived osteopontin (OPN) plays a key role in regulating the oncogenic potential of various cancers including breast. Next, we dissected the signaling network by which OPN regulates tumor progression through interaction with selective integrins and CD44 receptors. This review addresses the latest advancements in the roles of splice variants of OPN in cancer progression and OPN-mediated tumor-stromal interaction, EMT, CSC enhancement, immunomodulation, metastasis, chemoresistance and metabolic reprogramming, and further suggests that OPN might be a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for the evolving landscape of cancer management.

Comprehensive investigation of malignant epithelial cell-related genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: development of a prognostic signature and exploration of tumor microenvironment interactions

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a prevalent malignancy with complex heterogeneity within epithelial cells, which plays a crucial role in tumor progression and immune regulation. Yet, the clinical importance of the malignant epithelial cell-related genes (MECRGs) in ccRCC remains insufficiently understood. This research aims to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the functions and clinical relevance of malignant epithelial cell-related genes in ccRCC, providing valuable understanding of the molecular mechanisms and offering potential targets for treatment strategies. Using data from single-cell sequencing, we successfully identified 219 MECRGs and established a prognostic model MECRGS (MECRGs' signature) by synergistically analyzing 101 machine-learning models using 10 different algorithms. Remarkably, the MECRGS demonstrated superior predictive performance compared to traditional clinical features and 92 previously published signatures across six cohorts, showcasing its independence and accuracy. Upon stratifying patients into high- and low-MECRGS subgroups using the specified cut-off threshold, we noted that patients with elevated MECRGS scores displayed characteristics of an immune suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and showed worse outcomes after immunotherapy. Additionally, we discovered a distinct ccRCC tumor cell subtype characterized by the high expressions of PLOD2 (procollagen-lysine,2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2) and SAA1 (Serum Amyloid A1), which we further validated in the Renji tissue microarray (TMA) cohort. Lastly, 'Cellchat' revealed potential crosstalk patterns between these cells and other cell types, indicating their potential role in recruiting CD163 + macrophages and regulatory T cells (Tregs), thereby establishing an immunosuppressive TME. PLOD2 + SAA1 + cancer cells with intricate crosstalk patterns indeed show promise for potential therapeutic interventions.

DRG2 is required for surface localization of PD-L1 and the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy

More than half of tumor patients with high PD-L1 expression do not respond to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be clarified. Here we show that developmentally regulated GTP-binding protein 2 (DRG2) is required for response of PD-L1-expressing tumors to anti-PD-1 therapy. DRG2 depletion enhanced IFN-γ signaling and increased the PD-L1 level in melanoma cells. However, it inhibited recycling of endosomal PD-L1 and reduced surface PD-L1 levels, which led to defects in interaction with PD-1. Anti-PD-1 did not expand effector-like T cells within DRG2-depleted tumors and failed to improve the survival of DRG2-depleted tumor-bearing mice. Cohort analysis revealed that patients bearing melanoma with low DRG2 protein levels were resistant to anti-PD-1 therapy. These findings identify DRG2 as a key regulator of recycling of endosomal PD-L1 and response to anti-PD-1 therapy and provide insights into how to increase the correlation between PD-L1 expression and response to anti-PD-1 therapy.

Pathological and Molecular Diagnosis of Uveal Melanoma

(1) Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a common malignant intraocular tumor that presents with significant genetic differences to cutaneous melanoma and has a high genetic burden in terms of prognosis. (2) Methods: A systematic literature search of several repositories on uveal melanoma diagnosis, prognosis, molecular analysis, and treatment was conducted. (3) Results: Recent genetic understanding of oncogene-initiation mutations in GNAQ, GNA11, PLCB4, and CYSLTR2 and secondary progression drivers of BAP1 inactivation and SF3B1 and EIF1AX mutations offers an appealing explanation to the high prognostic impact of adding genetic profiling to clinical UM classification. Genetic information could help better explain peculiarities in uveal melanoma, such as the low long-term survival despite effective primary tumor treatment, the overwhelming propensity to metastasize to the liver, and possibly therapeutic behaviors. (4) Conclusions: Understanding of uveal melanoma has improved step-by-step from histopathology to clinical classification to more recent genetic understanding of oncogenic initiation and progression.

SPP1 represents a therapeutic target that promotes the progression of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma by driving M2 macrophage infiltration

BACKGROUND

Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important component of the tumour microenvironment (TME). However, the crosstalk between oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells and TAMs remains largely unexplored.

METHODS

Clinical samples and the TCGA database were used to evaluate the relevance of SPP1 and TAM infiltration in ESCC. Mouse models were constructed to investigate the roles of macrophages educated by SPP1 in ESCC. Macrophage phenotypes were determined using qRT‒PCR and immunohistochemical staining. RNA sequencing was performed to elucidate the mechanism.

RESULTS

Increasing expression of SPP1 correlated with M2-like TAM accumulation in ESCC, and they both predicted poor prognosis in the ESCC cohort. Knockdown of SPP1 significantly inhibited the infiltration of M2 TAMs in xenograft tumours. In vivo mouse model experiments showed that SPP1-mediated education of macrophages plays an essential role in the progression of ESCC. Mechanistically, SPP1 recruited macrophages and promoted M2 polarisation via CD44/PI3K/AKT signalling activation and then induced VEGFA and IL6 secretion to sustain ESCC progression. Finally, blockade of SPP1 with RNA aptamer significantly inhibited tumour growth and M2 TAM infiltration in xenograft mouse models.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights SPP1-mediated crosstalk between ESCC cells and TAMs in ESCC. SPP1 could serve as a potential target in ESCC therapy.

Single-Cell Transcriptional Profile Construction of Rat Pituitary Glands before and after Sexual Maturation and Identification of Novel Marker Spp1 in Gonadotropes

The mammalian pituitary gland drives highly conserved physiological processes such as somatic cell growth, pubertal transformation, fertility, and metabolism by secreting a variety of hormones. Recently, single-cell transcriptomics techniques have been used in pituitary gland research. However, more studies have focused on adult pituitary gland tissues from different species or different sexes, and no research has yet resolved cellular differences in pituitary gland tissue before and after sexual maturation. Here, we identified a total of 15 cell clusters and constructed single-cell transcriptional profiles of rats before and after sexual maturation. Furthermore, focusing on the gonadotrope cluster, 106 genes were found to be differentially expressed before and after sexual maturation. It was verified that Spp1, which is specifically expressed in gonadotrope cells, could serve as a novel marker for this cell cluster and has a promotional effect on the synthesis and secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone. The results provide a new resource for further resolving the regulatory mechanism of pituitary gland development and pituitary hormone synthesis and secretion.

Macrophage diversity in human cancers: New insight provided by single-cell resolution and spatial context

M1/M2 paradigm of macrophage plasticity has existed for decades. Now it becomes clear that this dichotomy doesn't adequately reflect the diversity of macrophage phenotypes in tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major population of innate immune cells in the TME that promotes tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, invasion and metastatic niche formation, as well as response to anti-tumor therapy. However, the fundamental restriction in therapeutic TAM targeting is the limited knowledge about the specific TAM states in distinct human cancer types. Here we summarized the results of the most recent studies that use advanced technologies (e.g. single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics) allowing to decipher novel functional subsets of TAMs in numerous human cancers. The transcriptomic profiles of these TAM subsets and their clinical significance were described. We emphasized the characteristics of specific TAM subpopulations - TREM2+, SPP1+, MARCO+, FOLR2+, SIGLEC1+, APOC1+, C1QC+, and others, which have been most extensively characterized in several cancers, and are associated with cancer prognosis. Spatial transcriptomics technologies defined specific spatial interactions between TAMs and other cell types, especially fibroblasts, in tumors. Spatial transcriptomics methods were also applied to identify markers of immunotherapy response, which are expressed by macrophages or in the macrophage-abundant regions. We highlighted the perspectives for novel techniques that utilize spatial and single cell resolution in investigating new ligand-receptor interactions for effective immunotherapy based on TAM-targeting.

Novel small molecule inhibitors targeting renal cell carcinoma: Status, challenges, future directions

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common renal malignancy with a rapidly increasing morbidity and mortality rate gradually. RCC has a high mortality rate and an extremely poor prognosis. Despite numerous treatment strategies, RCC is resistant to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition, the limited clinical efficacy and inevitable resistance of multiple agents suggest an unmet clinical need. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel anti-RCC candidates. Nowadays many promising results have been achieved with the development of novel small molecule inhibitors against RCC. This paper reviews the recent research progress of novel small molecule inhibitors targeting RCC. It is focusing on the structural optimization process and conformational relationships of small molecule inhibitors, as well as the potential mechanisms and anticancer activities for the treatment of RCC. To provide a theoretical basis for promoting the clinical translation of novel small molecule inhibitors, we discussed their application prospects and future development directions. It could be capable of improving the clinical efficacy of RCC and improving the therapy resistance for RCC.

Silencing of secreted phosphoprotein 1 attenuates sciatic nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain: Regulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pathological pain that affects the quality of life and is a huge medical burden for affected patients. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) on NP.

METHODS

We established a chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model, knocked down SPP1 via an intrathecal injection, and/or activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) treatment. Pain behaviors, including paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), paw withdrawal latency (PWL), lifting number, and frequency, were assessed. After sacrificing rats, the L4-L5 dorsal root ganglion was collected. Then, SPP1 levels were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analysis. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-10, epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were determined using qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of ERK pathway factors were determined via western blot analysis.

RESULTS

We found that CCI decreased PWT and PWL, increased the lifting number and frequency, and upregulated SPP1 levels. The loss of SPP1 reversed these CCI-induced effects. Additionally, CCI upregulated IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, EGF, and VEGF levels, downregulated TGF-β levels, and activated the ERK pathway, while silencing of SPP1 abrogated these CCI-induced effects. Moreover, IGF-1 treatment reversed the effects of SPP1 loss.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicate that silencing SPP1 attenuates NP via inactivation of the ERK pathway, suggesting that SPP1 may be a promising target for NP treatment.

Challenges and opportunities in rare cancer research in China

Cancer is one of the major public health challenges in China. Rare cancers collectively account for a considerable proportion of all malignancies. The lack of awareness of rare cancers among healthcare professionals and the general public, the typically complex and delayed diagnosis, and limited access to clinical trials are key challenges. Recent years have witnessed an increase in funding for research related to rare cancers in China. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of rare cancers and summarize the status of research on rare cancers in China and overseas, including the trends of funding and publications. We also highlight the challenges and perspectives regarding rare cancers in China.

LncRNA AL139294.1 can be transported by extracellular vesicles to promote the oncogenic behaviour of recipient cells through activation of the Wnt and NF-κB2 pathways in non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) participate in cancer development via cell-to-cell communication. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), one component of EVs, can play an essential role in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through EV-mediated delivery.

METHODS

The NSCLC-associated lncRNA AL139294.1 in EVs was identified via lncRNA microarray analysis. The role of AL139294.1 in NSCLC was examined in vitro and in vivo. Confocal microscopy was used to observe the encapsulation of AL139294.1 into EVs and its transport to recipient cells. A co-culture device was used to examine the effects of transported AL139294.1 on the oncogenic behaviour of recipient cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the direct interaction of miR-204-5p with AL139294.1 and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4). AL139294.1 and miR-204-5p in EVs were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency.

RESULTS

The lncRNA AL139294.1 in EVs promoted NSCLC progression in vitro and in vivo. After AL139294.1 was encapsulated into EVs and transported to recipient cells, it promoted the cells' proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities by competitively binding with miR-204-5p to regulate BRD4, leading to the activation of the Wnt and NF-κB2 pathways. Additionally, the expression of serum lncRNA AL139294.1 in EVs was increased, whereas miR-204-5p in EVs was decreased in NSCLC. High levels of lncRNA AL139294.1 and low levels of miR-204-5p in EVs were associated with advanced pathological staging, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis, underscoring their promising utility for distinguishing between more and less severe manifestations of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a novel lncRNA in EVs associated with NSCLC, namely, AL139294.1, providing valuable insights into the development of NSCLC and introducing potential diagnostic biomarkers for NSCLC.

Single-cell transcriptome sequencing reveals aberrantly activated inter-tumor cell signaling pathways in the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Aberrant intracellular or intercellular signaling pathways are important mechanisms that contribute to the development and progression of cancer. However, the intercellular communication associated with the development of ccRCC is currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the aberrant tumor cell-to-cell communication signals during the development of ccRCC.

METHODS

We conducted an analysis on the scRNA-seq data of 6 ccRCC and 6 normal kidney tissues. This analysis included sub clustering, CNV analysis, single-cell trajectory analysis, cell-cell communication analysis, and transcription factor analysis. Moreover, we performed validation tests on clinical samples using multiplex immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

This study identified eleven aberrantly activated intercellular signaling pathways in tumor clusters from ccRCC samples. Among these, two of the majors signaling molecules, MIF and SPP1, were mainly secreted by a subpopulation of cancer stem cells. This subpopulation demonstrated high expression levels of the cancer stem cell markers POU5F1 and CD44 (POU5F1hiCD44hiE.T), with the transcription factor POU5F1 regulating the expression of SPP1. Further research demonstrated that SPP1 binds to integrin receptors on the surface of target cells and promotes ccRCC development and progression by activating potential signaling mechanisms such as ILK and JAK/STAT.

CONCLUSION

Aberrantly activated tumor intercellular signaling pathways promote the development and progression of ccRCC. The cancer stem cell subpopulation (POU5F1hiCD44hiE.T) promotes malignant transformation and the development of a malignant phenotype by releasing aberrant signaling molecules and interacting with other tumor cells.

SPP1 is associated with adverse prognosis and predicts immunotherapy efficacy in penile cancer

BACKGROUND

The effect of SPP1 in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (PSCC) remained unknown. We attempted to clarify the function of the SPP1 gene in PSCC.

METHOD

Eight paired penile cancer specimens (including penile cancer tissue, paracancerous tissue, and positive lymph node tissue) subjected to whole transcriptome sequencing were analysed to identify differentially expressed genes. We used immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of SPP1 protein and immune cell related proteins in penile cancer tissue. Then, we performed weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify the genes related to SPP1 in penile cancer tissue and positive lymph node tissue. Based on the GSE57955 dataset, the CIBERSORT and ssGSEA algorithms were carried out to investigate the immune environment of PSCC. GSVA analysis was conducted to identify the signaling pathways related to SPP1 subgroups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was adopted to detect SPP1 level in the serum of 60 patients with penile cancer.

RESULTS

Differential analysis indicated that SPP1 was the most differentially upregulated gene in both penile cancer tissues and positive lymph node tissues. Survival analysis suggested that the prognosis of the low-SPP1 group was significantly poorer than that of the high-SPP1 group. Subsequently, immune-related bioinformatics showed that SPP1 was significantly associated with B cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, macrophages, helper T cells, neutrophils and dendritic cells. The immunohistochemical results showed that the high-SPP1 group was characterized by relatively high expression of CD16 and relatively low expression of CD4. GSVA analysis indicated that high-SPP1 group was significantly associated with immune-related pathways such as PD-L1 expression and the PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer and the TNF signaling pathway. ELISA demonstrated that the serum level of SPP1 in patients with positive lymph node metastasis of penile cancer was significantly higher than that in patients with negative lymph node metastasis of penile cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that the SPP1 gene might be an effective biomarker for predicting the prognosis and the efficacy of immunotherapy in PSCC patients.

Eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids from the aerial parts of Artemisia lavandulaefolia and their anti-pancreatic cancer activities

Five undescribed eudesmane sesquiterpenoids, artemilavanins A-E, and one undescribed rearranged eudesmane sesquiterpenoid, artemilavanin F, were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Artemisia lavandulaefolia DC., along with ten known compounds. The structures and configurations of undescribed compounds were mainly elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Among all isolated compounds, artemilavanin F exhibited inhibitory activity on PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells with IC50 of 9.69 ± 2.39 μM. Artemilavanin F inhibited PANC-1 cell proliferation by induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis mediated by downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinases and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, artemilavanin F inhibited the colony formation, cell migration and sphere formation of PANC-1 cells, indicating the suppression of stem-cell-like phenotype of PANC-1 cells. Further results confirmed that the expression of cancer stem cell markers such as Bmi1, CD44, CD133 were inhibited by artemilavanin F. Downregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers such as N-cadherin and Oct-4 indicated the potential of artemilavanin F in prevention of metastasis.

Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins: biological functions, diseases, and targeted therapy

BET proteins, which influence gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer, are epigenetic interpreters. Thus, BET inhibitors represent a novel form of epigenetic anticancer treatment. Although preliminary clinical trials have shown the anticancer potential of BET inhibitors, it appears that these drugs have limited effectiveness when used alone. Therefore, given the limited monotherapeutic activity of BET inhibitors, their use in combination with other drugs warrants attention, including the meaningful variations in pharmacodynamic activity among chosen drug combinations. In this paper, we review the function of BET proteins, the preclinical justification for BET protein targeting in cancer, recent advances in small-molecule BET inhibitors, and preliminary clinical trial findings. We elucidate BET inhibitor resistance mechanisms, shed light on the associated adverse events, investigate the potential of combining these inhibitors with diverse therapeutic agents, present a comprehensive compilation of synergistic treatments involving BET inhibitors, and provide an outlook on their future prospects as potent antitumor agents. We conclude by suggesting that combining BET inhibitors with other anticancer drugs and innovative next-generation agents holds great potential for advancing the effective targeting of BET proteins as a promising anticancer strategy.

BET in hematologic tumors: Immunity, pathogenesis, clinical trials and drug combinations

The bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins act as "readers" for lysine acetylation and facilitate the recruitment of transcriptional elongation complexes. BET protein is associated with transcriptional elongation of genes such as c-MYC and BCL-2, and is involved in the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis. Meanwhile, BET inhibitors (BETi) have regulatory effects on immune checkpoints, immune cells, and cytokine expression. The role of BET proteins and BETi in a variety of tumors has been studied. This paper reviews the recent research progress of BET and BETi in hematologic tumors (mainly leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma) from cellular level studies, animal studies, clinical trials, drug combination, etc. BETi has a promising future in hematologic tumors, and future research directions may focus on the combination with other drugs to improve the efficacy.

Disulfidptosis classification of hepatocellular carcinoma reveals correlation with clinical prognosis and immune profile

A new mode of cell death, disulfidptosis, has been discovered. Clinical prognostic significance of disulfidptosis related pattern in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). In this study, a risk score model was established based on disulfidptosis model to analyze the role of risk score in clinical prognosis, immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity and immunotherapy response. Disulfidptosis subtype were constructed based on the transcriptional profiles of 15 disulfidptosis-related genes(DRGs). All 601 samples were defined as high risk group(HRG) and low risk group(LRG) based on the disulfidptosis risk score. Drug sensitivity and response to immunotherapy were calculated by immunophenotypic score(IPS), tumor prediction, tumor immune dysfunction and rejection(TIDE). RT-qPCR was used to determine the mRNA level of disulfidptosis prognostic gene. Risk groups was identified as potential predictors of immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy responsiveness. HRG may benefit from immunotherapy. Classification is very effective in predicting the prognosis and therapeutic effect of patients, and provides a reference for accurate individualized treatment. This study suggests that new biomarkers related to Disulfidptosis can be used in clinical diagnosis of liver cancer to predict prognosis and treatment targets.

BET Inhibition Sensitizes Immunologically Cold Rb-Deficient Prostate Cancer to Immune Checkpoint Blockade

Non-T-cell-inflamed immunologically "cold" tumor microenvironments (TME) are associated with poor responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and can be sculpted by tumor cell genomics. Here, we evaluated how retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor-suppressor loss-of-function (LOF), one of the most frequent alterations in human cancer and associated with lineage plasticity, poor prognosis, and therapeutic outcomes, alters the TME, and whether therapeutic strategies targeting the molecular consequences of Rb loss enhance ICB efficacy. We performed bioinformatics analysis to elucidate the impact of endogenous Rb LOF on the immune TME in human primary and metastatic tumors. Next, we used isogenic murine models of Rb-deficient prostate cancer for in vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies to examine how Rb loss and bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) domain inhibition (BETi) reprograms the immune landscape, and evaluated in vivo therapeutic efficacy of BETi, singly and in combination with ICB and androgen deprivation therapy. Rb loss was enriched in non-T-cell-inflamed tumors, and Rb-deficient murine tumors demonstrated decreased immune infiltration in vivo. The BETi JQ1 increased immune infiltration into the TME through enhanced tumor cell STING/NF-κB activation and type I IFN signaling within tumor cells, resulting in differential macrophage and T-cell-mediated tumor growth inhibition and sensitization of Rb-deficient prostate cancer to ICB. BETi can reprogram the immunologically cold Rb-deficient TME via STING/NF-κB/IFN signaling to sensitize Rb-deficient prostate cancer to ICB. These data provide the mechanistic rationale to test combinations of BETi and ICB in clinical trials of Rb-deficient prostate cancer.

Integrated bioinformatics analysis for exploring hub genes and related mechanisms affecting the progression of gastric cancer

Objective Gastric cancer (GC) is a high-risk tumor disease worldwide. The goal of the current study was to explore new diagnostic and prognostic indicators for gastric cancer. Methods Database GSE19826 and GSE103236 were gained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were then grouped together as co-DEGs. GO and KEGG pathway analysis were used to investigate the function of these genes. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed by STRING. Results GSE19826 selected 493 DEGs in GC and gastric normal tissues, including 139 up-regulated genes and 354 down-regulated genes. A total of 478 DEGs were selected by GSE103236, including 276 up-regulated genes and 202 downregulated genes. 32 co-DEGs were overlapped from two databasesand involved in digestion, regulation of response to wounding, wound healing, potassium ion imports across plasma membrane, regulation of wound healing, anatomical structure homeostasis, and tissue homeostasis. KEGG analysis revealed that co-DEGs were mainly involved in ECM-receptor interaction, tight junction, protein digestion and absorption, gastric acid secretion and cell adhesion molecules. Twelve hub genes were screened by Cytoscape, including cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR), Collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), COL1A2, COL2A1, COL6A3, COL11A1, matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), MMP3, MMP7, MMP10, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease 1 (TIMP1) and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1). Conclusions Twelve key genes affecting the progression of gastric cancer were obtained by bioinformatics, which may be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of GC.

Important oncogenic and immunogenic roles of SPP1 and CSF1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

The treatment and prognosis of liver cancer remain the focus of medical research. Studies have shown that SPP1 and CSF1 play important roles in cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Therefore, this study analyzed the oncogenic and immunologic roles of SPP1 and CSF1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that the expression levels of SPP1 and CSF1 in HCC were markedly increased and positively correlated. High SPP1 expression was significantly associated with poor OS, DSS, PFS, and RFS. It was not affected by gender, alcohol use, HBV, or race, whereas CSF1 was affected by these factors. Higher expression levels of SPP1 and CSF1 indicated higher levels of immune cell infiltration and a higher immune score with the R software package ESTIMATE. Further analysis revealed that many genes work co-expressed between SPP1 and CSF1 with the LinkedOmics database, which were mainly involved in signal transduction, the integral components of the membrane, protein binding, and osteoclast differentiation. In addition, we screened ten hub genes using cytoHubba, among which the expression of four genes was significantly associated with the prognosis of HCC patients. Finally, we demonstrated the oncogenic and immunologic roles of SPP1 and CSF1 using the vitro experiments. Reducing the expression of either SPP1 or CSF1 could significantly reduce the proliferation of HCC cells and the expression of CSF1, SPP1, and the other four hub genes. This study suggested that SPP1 and CSF1 interact with each other and have the potential to be therapeutic and prognostic targets for HCC.

Fate mapping RNA-sequencing reveal Malat1 regulates Sca1+ progenitor cells to vascular smooth muscle cells transition in vascular remodeling

Regeneration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is vital in vascular remodeling. Sca1⁺ stem/progenitor cells (SPCs) can generate de novo smooth muscle cells after severe vascular injury during vessel repair and regeneration. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been conclusively determined. Here, we reported that lncRNA Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (Malat1) was down-regulated in various vascular diseases including arteriovenous fistula, artery injury and atherosclerosis. Using genetic lineage tracing mice and veingraft mice surgery model, we found that suppression of lncRNA Malat1 promoted Sca1⁺ cells to differentiate into SMCs in vivo, resulting in excess SMC accumulation in neointima and vessel stenosis. Genetic ablation of Sca1⁺ cells attenuated venous arterialization and impaired vascular structure normalization, and thus, resulting in less Malat1 down-regulation. Single cell sequencing further revealed a fibroblast-like phenotype of Sca1⁺ SPCs-derived SMCs. Protein array sequencing and in vitro assays revealed that SMC regeneration from Sca1⁺ SPCs was regulated by Malat1 through miR125a-5p/Stat3 signaling pathway. These findings delineate the critical role of Sca1⁺ SPCs in vascular remodeling and reveal that lncRNA Malat1 is a key regulator and might serve as a novel biomarker or potential therapeutic target for vascular diseases.

Increased Circulating Osteopontin Levels Promote Primary Tumour Growth, but Do Not Induce Metastasis in Melanoma

Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphoprotein with diverse functions in various physiological and pathological processes. OPN expression is increased in multiple cancers, and OPN within tumour tissue has been shown to promote key stages of cancer development. OPN levels are also elevated in the circulation of cancer patients, which in some cases has been correlated with enhanced metastatic propensity and poor prognosis. However, the precise impact of circulating OPN (cOPN) on tumour growth and progression remains insufficiently understood. To examine the role of cOPN, we used a melanoma model, in which we stably increased the levels of cOPN through adeno-associated virus-mediated transduction. We found that increased cOPN promoted the growth of primary tumours, but did not significantly alter the spontaneous metastasis of melanoma cells to the lymph nodes or lungs, despite an increase in the expression of multiple factors linked to tumour progression. To assess whether cOPN has a role at later stages of metastasis formation, we employed an experimental metastasis model, but again could not detect any increase in pulmonary metastasis in animals with elevated levels of cOPN. These results demonstrate that increased levels of OPN in the circulation play distinct roles during different stages of melanoma progression.

SWI/SNF complex, promising target in melanoma therapy: Snapshot view

Therapeutic strategies based on epigenetic regulators are rapidly increasing in light of recent advances in discovering the role of epigenetic factors in response and sensitivity to therapy. Although loss-of-function mutations in genes encoding the SWItch/Sucrose NonFermentable (SWI/SNF) subunits play an important role in the occurrence of ~34% of melanomas, the potential of using inhibitors and synthetic lethality interactions between key subunits of the complex that play an important role in melanoma progression must be considered. Here, we discuss the importance of the clinical application of SWI/SNF subunits as a promising potential therapeutic in melanoma.

BET inhibitors synergize with sunitinib in melanoma through GDF15 suppression

Targeting bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins has shown a promising therapeutic effect on melanoma. The development of strategies to better kill melanoma cells with BET inhibitor treatment may provide new clinical applications. Here, we used a drug synergy screening approach to combine JQ1 with 240 antitumor drugs from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library and found that sunitinib synergizes with BET inhibitors in melanoma cells. We further demonstrated that BET inhibitors synergize with sunitinib in melanoma by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, BET inhibitors sensitize melanoma cells to sunitinib by inhibiting GDF15 expression. Strikingly, GDF15 is transcriptionally regulated directly by BRD4 or indirectly by the BRD4/IL6/STAT3 axis. Xenograft assays revealed that the combination of BET inhibitors with sunitinib causes melanoma suppression in vivo. Altogether, these findings suggest that BET inhibitor-mediated GDF15 inhibition plays a critical role in enhancing sunitinib sensitivity in melanoma, indicating that BET inhibitors synergize with sunitinib in melanoma.

Signatures and prognostic values of related immune targets in tongue cancer

Background

Tongue cancer, as one of the most malignant oral cancers, is highly invasive and has a high risk of recurrence. At present, tongue cancer is not obvious and easy to miss the opportunity for early diagnosis when in the advanced stage. It is important to find markers that can predict the occurrence and progression of tongue cancer.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis plays an important role in the acquisition of marker genes. GEO and TCGA data are very important public databases. In addition to expression data, the TCGA database also contains corresponding clinical data. In this study, we screened three GEO data sets that met the standard, which included GSE13601, GSE34105, and GSE34106. These data sets were combined using the SVA package to prepare the data for differential expression analysis, and then the limma package was used to set the standard to p < 0.05 and |log2 (FC)| ≥ 1.5.

Results

A total of 170 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. In addition, the DEseq package was used for differential expression analysis using the same criteria for samples in the TCGA database. It ended up with 1,589 DEGs (644 upregulated, 945 downregulated). By merging these two sets of DEGs, 5 common upregulated DEGs (CCL20, SCG5, SPP1, KRT75, and FOLR3) and 15 common downregulated DEGs were obtained.

Conclusions

Further functional analysis of the DEGs showed that CCL20, SCG5, and SPP1 are closely related to prognosis and may be a therapeutic target of TSCC.

BRD4 inhibitor suppresses melanoma metastasis via the SPINK6/EGFR-EphA2 pathway

BET inhibition or BRD4 depletion is a promising and attractive therapy for metastatic melanoma; however, the mechanism is still unclear. Here, we indicated that BET inhibition suppressed melanoma metastasis both in vitro and in vivo and identified a new mechanism by which BET inhibitors suppress melanoma metastasis by blocking the direct interaction of BRD4 and the SPINK6 enhancer. Moreover, we demonstrated that SPINK6 activated the EGFR/EphA2 complex in melanoma and the downstream ERK1/2 and AKT pathways. Thus, these results identified the SPINK6/EGFR-EphA2 axis as a new oncogenic pathway in melanoma metastasis and support the further development of BRD4 inhibitors for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in the clinic.

Multi-Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Heterogeneity and Tumor-Promoting Role of SPP1/CD44-Mediated Intratumoral Crosstalk in Gastric Cancer

GC is a fatal disease with high heterogeneity and invasiveness. Recently, SPP1 has been reported to be involved in the tumor progression of multiple human cancers; however, the role of SPP1 in GC heterogeneity and whether it is associated with the invasiveness and mortality of GC remain unclear. Here, we combined multiple RNA sequencing approaches to evaluate the impact of SPP1 on GC. Through bulk RNA sequencing (bulk RNA-seq) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we found that SPP1 was highly expressed in GC, and high levels of SPP1 were associated with macrophage infiltration, an advanced tumor stage, and higher mortality for advanced GC patients. Furthermore, through simultaneous single-cell and spatial analysis, we demonstrated that SPP1⁺ macrophages are tumor-specific macrophages unique to cancer and enriched in the deep layer of GC tissue. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed that SPP1/CD44 interactions between SPP1⁺ macrophages and their localized tumor epithelial cells could activate downstream target genes in epithelial cells to promote dynamic changes in intratumor heterogeneity. Moreover, these activated genes were found to be closely associated with poor clinical GC outcomes and with cancer-related pathways that promote GC progression, as shown by survival analysis and enrichment analysis, respectively. Collectively, our study reveals that tumor-specific SPP1⁺ macrophages drive the architecture of intratumor heterogeneity to evolve with tumor progression and that SPP1 may serve as a prognostic marker for advanced GC patients, as well as a potential therapeutic target for GC.

Targeting oncogenic transcription factors in skin malignancies: An update on cancer stemness and therapeutic outcomes

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and prone to various diseases, including cancer; thus, provides the first line of defense against exogenous biological and non-biological agents. Skin cancer, a complex and heterogenic process, with steep incidence rate often metastasizes due to poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis and clinical challenges. Indeed, accumulating evidence indicates that deregulation of transcription factors (TFs) due to genetic, epigenetic and signaling distortions plays essential role in the development of cutaneous malignancies and therapeutic challenges including cancer stemness features and reprogramming. This review highlights the recent developments exploring underlying mechanisms how deregulated TFs (e.g., NF-κB, AP-1, STAT etc.,) orchestrates cutaneous onco-pathogenesis, reprogramming, stemness and poor clinical outcomes. Along this line, bioactive drugs, and their derivatives from natural and or synthetic origin has gained attention due to their multitargeting potential, potentially safer and effective therapeutic outcome for human malignancies. We also discussed therapeutic importance of targeting aberrantly expressed TFs in skin cancers with bioactive natural products and or synthetic agents.

Identification of a New Prediction Model for Bladder Cancer Related to Immune Functions and Chemotherapy Using Gene Sets of Biological Processes

Background. Biological processes serve crucial functions in the initiation and development of cancer. Therefore, we constructed and validated a model for bladder cancer (BLCA) with good predictive power for immunity, prognosis, and therapy. Methods. Using the expression of the gene sets based on biological processes, BLCA patients were divided into three clusters by consensus cluster analysis. By performing LASSO regression analysis twice, key genes were selected, and the biological processes-related genes’ (BPRG) score was calculated. Differences in immune infiltration, tumor microenvironment, tumor mutation burden, immunotherapy, and sensitivity towards chemotherapy were analyzed between two groups divided by BPRG score. Results. Good accuracy was observed for the three clusters. They showed different prognoses and levels of immune cell infiltration. The selected key genes were mainly enriched in immune-related pathways. The high-BPRG score group was related to poor prognosis, higher immune cell infiltration, interstitial scores, and increased tumor mutation. Moreover, the effects of immunotherapy were good, and those of chemotherapy were poor. Conclusion. Overall, key genes may be involved in various complex immune regulation processes. Therefore, the quantification and verification of the BPRG score are expected to facilitate the understanding of the immunosuppressive microenvironment in BLCA and guide the choice of chemotherapeutic drugs and immunotherapeutic regimens and help predict the prognoses of patients with BLCA.

Secreted phosphoprotein 1 promotes angiogenesis of glioblastoma through upregulating PSMA expression via transcription factor HIF-1&alpha;

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly vascularized malignant brain tumor. Our previous study showed that prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) promotes angiogenesis of GBM. However, the specific mechanism underlying GBM-induced PSMA upregulation remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the GBM-secreted cytokine phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) can regulate the expression of PSMA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our mechanistic study further reveals that SPP1 regulates the expression of PSMA through the transcription factor HIF1α. Moreover, SPP1 promotes HUVEC migration and tube formation. In addition, HIF1α knockdown reduces the expression of PSMA in HUVECs and blocks the ability of SPP1 to promote HUVEC migration and tube formation. We further confirm that SPP1 is abundantly expressed in GBM, is associated with poor prognosis, and has high clinical diagnostic value with considerable sensitivity and specificity. Collectively, our findings identify that the GBM-secreted cytokine SPP1 upregulates PSMA expression in endothelial cells via the transcription factor HIF1α, providing insight into the angiogenic process and promising candidates for targeted GBM therapy.

Single Cell RNA-Seq Identifies Immune-Related Prognostic Model and Key Signature-SPP1 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

There are no reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis or prognosis evaluation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Multiple scRNA-seq datasets for PDAC were retrieved from online databases and combined with scRNA-seq results from our previous study. The malignant ductal cells were identified through calculating copy number variation (CNV) scores. The robust markers of malignant ductal cells in PDAC were found. Five immune-related signatures, including SPP1, LINC00683, SNHG10, LINC00237, and CASC19, were used to develop a risk score formula to predict the overall survival of PDAC patients. We also constructed an easy-to-use nomogram, combining risk score, N stage, and margin status. The expression level of SPP1 was related to the prognosis and immune regulators. We found that SPP1 was mainly expressed in ductal cells and macrophages in PDAC. In conclusion, we constructed a promising prognostic model based on immune-related signatures for PDAC using scRNA-seq and TCGA_PAAD datasets.

Microenvironment components and spatially resolved single-cell transcriptome atlas of breast cancer metastatic axillary lymph nodes

As an indicator of clinical prognosis, lymph node metastasis of breast cancer has drawn great attention. Many reports have revealed the characteristics of metastatic breast cancer cells, however, the effect of breast cancer cells on the microenvironment components of lymph nodes and spatial transcriptome atlas remains unclear. In this study, by integrating single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics, we investigate the transcriptional profiling of six surgically excised lymph node samples and the spatial organization of one positive lymph node. We identify the existence of osteoclast-like giant cells (OGC) which have high expressions of CD68 and CD163, the biomarkers of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Through a spatially resolved transcriptomic method, we find that OGCs are scattered among metastatic breast cancer cells. In the lymph node microenvironment with breast cancer cell infiltration, TAMs are enriched in protumoral pathways including NF-κB signaling pathways and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. Further subclustering demonstrates the potential differentiation trajectory in which macrophages develop from a state of active chemokine production to a state of active lymphocyte activation. This study is the first to integrate scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics in the tumor microenvironment of axillary lymph nodes, offering a systematic approach to delve into breast cancer lymph node metastasis.

Serum anti-SPP1 autoantibody as a potential novel biomarker in detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has poor prognosis mainly due to lacking of effective diagnostic biomarkers. Aberrant expression of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) protein has been observed in several cancers. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of serum autoantibody to SPP1 in detection of ESCC.

Methods

The SPP1 protein levels in 108 ESCC tissues and 72 adjacent normal tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Discovery group containing 62 serum samples from ESCC patients and 62 serum samples from normal controls (NC) were used to detect the levels of anti-SPP1 autoantibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Validation group containing another 100 ESCC and 100 NC serum samples were tested to confirm the levels of autoantibody to SPP1. Western blotting was performed to further confirm the results of ELISA.

Results

SPP1 protein was significantly overexpressed in ESCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. ELISA results showed that serum autoantibody to SPP1 was significantly increased in ESCC compared to NC in both discovery and validation groups. Autoantibody to SPP1 could discriminate patients with ESCC from NC with the area under curve (AUC) values of 0.653 and 0.739 in discovery and validation group, respectively. The results of ELISA and the occurrence of immunoreactivity to SPP1 in ESCC sera were confirmed by western blotting.

Conclusion

Our study indicated the potential significance of anti-SPP1 autoantibody as a novel biomarker for detection of ESCC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-10012-9.

PTX3 mediates the infiltration, migration, and inflammation-resolving-polarization of macrophages in glioblastoma

Introduction

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an essential regulator of the immune system. However, the immune‐modulatory role of PTX3 in the tumor microenvironment of glioma has not been elucidated.

Methods

The RNA seq samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the China Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) datasets. The single‐cell sequencing data of glioblastoma (GBM) samples were obtained from the Single Cell Portal platform (http://singlecell.broadinstitute.org). Immunohistochemistry was used to assess PTX3 expression, HAVCR2, PD‐1, PD‐L1, and CD276 in glioma sections from the Xiangya cohort (n = 60). Multiplex immunofluorescence staining of PTX3, CD68, and CD163 was performed in several solid cancer types, including GBM. HMC3 was cocultured with U251 and U87, and transwell assay and flow cytometry assay were performed to explore the migration and polarization activity of HMC3.

Results

PTX3 expression is significantly increased in GBM. PTX3 expression predicts worse survival in the Xiangya cohort. PTX3 is closely related to the expression of PD‐1, PD‐L1, CD276, and HAVCR2 in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, PTX3 is involved in tumorigenic and immunogenic processes, especially the activity of macrophages based on various signaling pathways in cellular communications and critical transcription factors. Specifically, PTX3 actively mediates macrophages' infiltration, migration, and inflammation‐resolving‐polarization. PTX3 could also predict immunotherapy response.

Conclusion

PTX3 is critically involved in macrophage infiltration, migration, and inflammation‐resolving‐polarization and modulates an immunosuppressive microenvironment.

SPP1 promotes radiation resistance through JAK2/STAT3 pathway in esophageal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic resistance to radiotherapy is one of the major obstacles in clinical practice that significantly affect the therapeutic efficiency and prognosis of human esophageal carcinoma (ESCA). Thus, it is critical to understand the molecular mechanisms of radiation resistance in ESCA. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) plays an essential role in various human cancers, but its role in radiation resistance remains unclear.

METHOD

Cell culture and transfection; Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays; EdU incorporation assays; Patient sample collection and medical records review; Transwell assays; Colony formation assays; Wound healing assays; Western blot; Immunofluorescence; Immunohistochemistry; Irradiation; Flow cytometry; Animal studies; Human Apoptosis Array Kit; Bioinformatics.

RESULT

In the current study, we reported the novel phenomenon that radiation-treated human ESCA cells upregulated SPP1 expression, which in turn contributed to the ESCA resistance to radiotherapy. We also reported the tumor-promoting effect of SPP1 in ESCA systematically and comprehensively. Furthermore, subsequent studies by knocking down or overexpressing SPP1 in human ESCA cells showed that SPP1 could facilitate the repair of DNA damage and the survival of tumor cells post-radiation in ESCA, which might contribute to the development of radiation resistance during the radiotherapy process. More detailed investigations on the downstream molecular pathway suggested that radiation could increase the phosphorylation level of JAK2 and STAT3 by increasing SPP1 expression. Further in vivo validation using a mouse ESCA xenograft model showed that SPP1 overexpression significantly increased tumor volume while either SPP1 knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway reduced tumor volume in a synergistic manner with radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings suggested that the SPP1/JAK2/STAT3 axis is a critical player in ESCA progression and radiation resistance, which is a potential therapeutic target for combined therapy with the standard radiotherapy regimen to improve curative effect and increase patients' survival with ESCA.

A novel ribosomal protein S6 kinase 2 inhibitor attenuates the malignant phenotype of cutaneous malignant melanoma cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

Malignant melanoma (MM) is a highly life-threatening tumor causing the majority of the cutaneous cancer-related deaths. Previously, ribosomal protein S6 kinase 2 (RSK2), the downstream effector of the MAPK pathway, represents a therapeutic target in melanoma. AE007 is discovered as a targeted RSK2 inhibitor, and subsequent results showed that AE007 inhibits RSK2 by directly binding to its protein kinase domain. AE007 causes cell cycle arrest and cellular apoptosis, thereby dramatically inhibiting proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells. Nevertheless, melanocytes and keratinocytes are not affected by this compound. In addition, suppression of RSK2 abrogates the inhibitory effect of AE007 on melanoma cell proliferation. AE007 treatment significantly inhibits the expression of Cyclin D1, Cyclin B1, CDK2, and Bcl-2, while raises the cleavage of PARP. Moreover, RNA sequencing results show that AE007 treatment can affect the genes expression profile, including the expression of cell cycle and DNA replication genes. In conclusion, AE007 is a promising melanoma therapeutic agent by targeting RSK2.

EEF2K silencing inhibits tumour progression through repressing SPP1 and synergises with BET inhibitors in melanoma

BACKGROUND

Despite the remarkable breakthroughs achieved in the management of metastatic melanoma using immunotherapy and targeted therapies, long-term clinical efficacy is often compromised due to dose-limiting toxicity and innate or acquired resistance. Therefore, it is of vital importance to further explore the molecular mechanisms underlying melanoma progression and identify new targeted therapeutic approaches.

METHODS

The function of eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (EEF2K) in melanoma were investigated in vitro and in vivo. RNA-seq and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were undertaken to explore the mechanisms. The antitumor effect of bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) inhibitors combined with cytarabine were assessed in melanoma both in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

EEF2K silencing markedly attenuated the malignant phenotypes of melanoma cells, including proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. In contrast, EEF2K overexpression promoted melanoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that EEF2K upregulates the phosphorylation of STAT3 (p-STAT3) at Tyr705, which binds to the promoter region of SPP1 and enhances its transcription, thus facilitating melanoma progression. Transfection-induced re-expression of SPP1 partly negated the inhibitory effect of EEF2K silencing on melanoma, whereas inhibition of SPP1 or STAT3 significantly abolished the efficacy of EEF2K on melanoma cells. Intriguingly, EEF2K silencing combined with BET inhibitor treatment further inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in melanoma. We further screened the US FDA-approved antitumour drug library and identified cytarabine as a potential clinically applicable EEF2K inhibitor that could synergise with BET inhibitors in melanoma treatment.

CONCLUSION

EEF2K/p-STAT3/SPP1 may be a novel oncogenic pathway in melanoma progression, which could be a target for novel combination therapy for melanoma.

Association of Angiogenesis Gene Expression With Cancer Prognosis and Immunotherapy Efficacy

Background: Several new blood vessels are formed during the process of tumor development. These new blood vessels provide nutrients and water for tumour growth, while spreading tumour cells to distant areas and forming new metastases in different parts of the body. The available evidence suggests that tumour angiogenesis is closely associated with the tumour microenvironment and is regulated by a variety of pro-angiogenic factors and/or angiogenic inhibitors.

Methods: In the present study, a comprehensive characterization of angiogenesis genes expression was performed in a pan-cancer analysis across the 33 human cancer types. Further, genetic data from several public databases were also used in the current study. An angiogenesis score was assigned to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) pan-cancer data, with one angiogenesis score as per sample for each tumour.

Results: It was found that angiogenesis genes vary across cancer types, and are associated with a number of genomic and immunological features. Further, it was noted that macrophages and iTreg infiltration were generally higher in tumours with high angiogenesis scores, whereas lymphocytes and B cells showed the opposite trend. Notably, NK cells showed significantly different correlations among cancer types. Furthermore, results of the present study showed that a high angiogenesis score was associated with poor survival and aggressive types of cancer in most of the cancer types.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the current study evidently showed that the expression of angiogenesis genes is a key feature of tumour biology that has a major impact on prognosis of patient with cancers.

Effects of alternative splicing events and transcriptome changes on kidney stone formation

During the development of urinary stone disease, the formation of tiny crystals that adhere to the renal tubular epithelium induces epithelial cell damage. This damage and repair of the epithelium is associated with the establishment of more crystal adhesion sites, which in turn stimulates further crystal adhesion and, eventually, stone formation. Deposited crystals typically cause changes in epithelial cell gene expression, such as transcriptome changes and alternative splicing events. Although considered important for regulating gene expression, alternative splicing has not been reported in studies related to kidney stones. To date, whether alternative splicing events are involved in the regulation of stone formation and whether crystallographic cell interactions are regulated by alternative splicing at the transcriptional level have remained unknown. Therefore, we conducted RNA sequencing and alternative splicing-related bioassays by modeling the in vitro stone environment. Many alternative splicing events were associated with crystallographic cell interactions. Moreover, these events regulated transcription and significantly affected the capacity of crystals to adhere to renal tubular epithelial cells and regulate apoptosis.

The Prognostic Significance of Baseline Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Melanoma Patients Receiving Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment in metastatic melanoma, but alternative biomarkers that are economical, simple and reliable still need to be clarified. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively analyze the prognostic significance of baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in melanoma patients with immunotherapy. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library until September 16, 2020. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to investigate the association of baseline NLR with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Sensitivity analysis, subgroup analyses, publication bias assessment, and the Duval and Tweedie trim-and-fill method were used to evaluate the stability of results. A total of 18 studies including 2054 patients were included in our analysis. Pooled data demonstrated that higher baseline NLR was associated with a poorer OS (HR=2.46, 95% CI=1.77, 3.43) and PFS (HR=2.38, 95% CI=1.95, 2.89) of melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy. Subgroup analysis according to immunotherapy type showed that the prognostic effects of baseline NLR existed in all the subtypes of immunotherapy, including anticytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 therapy (OS HR=2.26, 95% CI=1.43, 3.59; PFS HR=2.68, 95% CI=1.79, 4.02), antiprogrammed cell death-1 therapy (OS HR=3.08, 95% CI=2.21, 4.27; PFS HR=2.01, 95% CI=1.64, 2.47), and combination therapy (OS HR=1.75, 95% CI=1.13, 2.72; PFS HR=3.13, 95% CI=1.63, 6.03). Conclusions were still consistent in subgroup analyses stratified by study year, region, study type, sample size, analysis of HR and cuttoff of baseline NLR. Altogether, baseline NLR is a promising prognostic biomarker for melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy.

The binding mechanism of NHWD-870 to bromodomain-containing protein 4 based on molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculation

Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT) are epigenetic readers with tandem bromodomains.

Shared Gene Expression and Immune Pathway Changes Associated with Progression from Nevi to Melanoma

Simple Summary

Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer, and the incidence of melanoma is rising. Chemoprevention, using small molecule drugs to prevent the development of cancer, is a key strategy that could reduce the burden of melanoma on society. The long-term goal of our study is to develop a gene signature biomarker of progression from nevi to melanoma. We found that a small number of genes can distinguish nevi from melanoma and identified shared genes and immune-related pathways that are associated with progression from nevi to melanoma across independent datasets. This study demonstrates (1) a novel approach to aid melanoma chemoprevention trials by using a gene signature as a surrogate endpoint and (2) the feasibility of determining a gene signature biomarker of melanoma progression.

Abstract

There is a need to identify molecular biomarkers of melanoma progression to assist the development of chemoprevention strategies to lower melanoma incidence. Using datasets containing gene expression for dysplastic nevi and melanoma or melanoma arising in a nevus, we performed differential gene expression analysis and regularized regression models to identify genes and pathways that were associated with progression from nevi to melanoma. A small number of genes distinguished nevi from melanoma. Differential expression of seven genes was identified between nevi and melanoma in three independent datasets. C1QB, CXCL9, CXCL10, DFNA5 (GSDME), FCGR1B, and PRAME were increased in melanoma, and SCGB1D2 was decreased in melanoma, compared to dysplastic nevi or nevi that progressed to melanoma. Further supporting an association with melanomagenesis, these genes demonstrated a linear change in expression from benign nevi to dysplastic nevi to radial growth phase melanoma to vertical growth phase melanoma. The genes associated with melanoma progression showed significant enrichment of multiple pathways related to the immune system. This study demonstrates (1) a novel application of bioinformatic approaches to aid clinical trials of melanoma chemoprevention and (2) the feasibility of determining a gene signature biomarker of melanomagenesis.

The BRD9/7 Inhibitor TP-472 Blocks Melanoma Tumor Growth by Suppressing ECM-Mediated Oncogenic Signaling and Inducing Apoptosis

Melanoma accounts for the majority of all skin cancer-related deaths and only 1/3rd of melanoma patients with distal metastasis survive beyond five years. However, current therapies including BRAF/MEK targeted therapies or immunotherapies only benefit a subset of melanoma patients due to the emergence of intrinsic or extrinsic resistance mechanisms. Effective treatment of melanoma will thus require new and more effective therapeutic agents. Towards the goal of identifying new therapeutic agents, we conducted an unbiased, druggable epigenetic drug screen using a library of 32 epigenetic inhibitors obtained from the Structural Genome Consortium that targets proteins encoding for epigenetic regulators. This chemical genetic screening identified TP-472, which targets bromodomain-7/9, as the strongest inhibitor of melanoma growth in both short- and long-term survival assays and in mouse models of melanoma tumor growth. Mechanistically, using a transcriptome-wide mRNA sequencing profile we identified TP-472 treatment downregulates genes encoding various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including integrins, collagens, and fibronectins. Reactome-based functional pathway analyses revealed that many of the ECM proteins are involved in extracellular matrix interactions required for cancer cell growth and proliferation. TP-472 treatment also upregulated several pro-apoptotic genes that can inhibit melanoma growth. Collectively, our results identify BRD7/9 inhibitor TP-472 as a potentially useful therapeutic agent for melanoma therapy.