Identification of potential regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targets for lung cancer

Lung cancer poses a significant health threat globally, especially in regions like India, with 5-year survival rates remain alarmingly low. Our study aimed to uncover key markers for effective treatment and early detection. We identified specific genes related to lung cancer using the BioXpress database and delved into their roles through DAVID enrichment analysis. By employing network theory, we explored the intricate interactions within lung cancer networks, identifying ASPM and MKI67 as crucial regulator genes. Predictions of microRNA and transcription factor interactions provided additional insights. Examining gene expression patterns using GEPIA and KM Plotter revealed the clinical relevance of these key genes. In our pursuit of targeted therapies, Drug Bank pointed to methotrexate as a potential drug for the identified key regulator genes. Confirming this, molecular docking studies through Swiss Dock showed promising binding interactions. To ensure stability, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations using the AMBER 16 suite. In summary, our study pinpoints ASPM and MKI67 as vital regulators in lung cancer networks. The identification of hub genes and functional pathways enhances our understanding of molecular processes, offering potential therapeutic targets. Importantly, methotrexate emerged as a promising drug candidate, supported by robust docking and simulation studies. These findings lay a solid foundation for further experimental validations and hold promise for advancing personalized therapeutic strategies in lung cancer.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

RIPOR2 Expression Decreased by HPV-16 E6 and E7 Oncoproteins: An Opportunity in the Search for Prognostic Biomarkers in Cervical Cancer

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main risk factor for cervical cancer (CC) development, where the continuous expression of E6 and E7 oncoproteins maintain the malignant phenotype. In Mexico, around 70% of CC cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, impacting the survival of patients. The aim of this work was to identify biomarkers affected by HPV-16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins that impact the prognosis of CC patients. Expression profiles dependent on E6 and E7 oncoproteins, as well as their relationship with biological processes and cellular signaling pathways, were analyzed in CC cells. A comparison among expression profiles of E6- and E7-expressing cells and that from a CC cohort obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) demonstrated that the expression of 13 genes impacts the overall survival (OS). A multivariate analysis revealed that the downregulated expression of RIPOR2 was strongly associated with a worse OS. RIPOR2, including its transcriptional variants, were overwhelmingly depleted in E6- and E7-expressing cells. Finally, in a Mexican cohort, it was found that in premalignant cervical lesions, RIPOR2 expression decreases as the lesions progress; meanwhile, decreased RIPOR2 expression was also associated with a worse OS in CC patients.

Using Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis to Identify Increased MND1 Expression as a Predictor of Poor Breast Cancer Survival

Objective

We used bioinformatics analysis to identify potential biomarker genes and their relationship with breast cancer (BC).

Materials and Methods

We used a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to create a co-expression network based on the top 25% genes in the GSE24124, GSE33926, and GSE86166 datasets obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus. We used the DAVID online platform to perform GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses and the Cytoscape CytoHubba plug-in to screen the potential genes. Then, we related the genes to prognostic values in BC using the Oncomine, GEPIA, and Kaplan–Meier Plotter databases. Findings were validated by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in the Human Protein Atlas and the TCGA-BRCA cohort. LinkedOmics identified the interactive expressions of hub genes. We used UALCAN to evaluate the methylation levels of these hub genes. MethSurv and SurvivalMeth were used to assess the multilevel prognostic value. Finally, we assessed hub gene association with immune cell infiltration using TIMER.

Results

The mRNA levels of MKI67, UBE2C, GTSE1, CCNA2, and MND1 were significantly upregulated in BC, whereas ESR1, THSD4, TFF1, AGR2, and FOXA1 were significantly downregulated. The DNA methylation signature analysis showed a better prognosis in the low-risk group. Further subgroup analyses revealed that MND1 might serve as an independent risk factor for unfavorable BC prognosis. Additionally, MND1 expression levels positively correlate with the immune infiltration statuses of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and macrophages.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the ten hub genes may be involved in BC’s carcinogenesis, development, or metastasis, and MND1 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for BC.

Cervical Carcinoma: Oncobiology and Biomarkers

Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of carcinomas causing morbidity and mortality in women in all countries of the world. At the moment, the oncology, oncobiology, and oncomorphology of cervical cancer are characterized by the accumulation of new information; various molecular biological, genetic, and immunohistochemical methods of investigation of the mechanisms of cervical carcinogenesis are tested and applied; targeted antitumour drugs and diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers are being searched for. Many issues of the etiopathogenesis of cervical cancer have not been sufficiently studied, and the role of many biomarkers characterizing various stages of cervical carcinogenesis remains unclear. Therefore, the target of this review is to systematize and understand several problems in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer and to evaluate the significance and role of biomarkers in cervical carcinogenesis.

Fascin-1 is associated with recurrence in solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma

Fascin-1, an actin-bundling protein, is associated with poor prognosis in patients with various types of human carcinoma. However, research is limited on the role of fascin-1 in sarcoma. Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) and hemangiopericytoma (HPC) are rare sarcomas derived from the mesenchyme. Although the prognosis of SFT/HPC is generally favorable, fatalities are possible with repeated recurrence and distant metastasis. The current study included a total of 20 Japanese patients, who were diagnosed with SFT/HPC and underwent surgery at Kochi University Hospital from January 2000 to December 2019. The statistical relationship between recurrence and the following variables were examined: Sex, age of onset, tumor origin, tumor size, necrosis, mitosis ≥1/10 high power field (HPF; magnification, x400), Ki-67 >5% and Fascin-1. A significant association was determined between recurrence and necrosis, mitosis ≥1/10 HPF (magnification, x400), Ki-67 >5%, and Fascin-1 ≥‘strongly positive’ (P<0.05). The results demonstrated that Fascin-1 immunostaining may be a highly effective and useful evaluation factor for predicting poor prognosis in patients with SFT/HPC, a fatal sarcoma of humans.

Preliminary Study on the Expression of Testin, p16 and Ki-67 in the Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers in women worldwide. The 5-year survival rate is 65%; nevertheless, it depends on race, age, and clinical stage. In the oncogenesis of cervical cancer, persistent HPV infection plays a pivotal role. It disrupts the expression of key proteins as Ki-67, p16, involved in regulating the cell cycle. This study aimed to identify the potential role of testin in the diagnosis of cervical precancerous lesions (CIN). The study was performed on selected archival paraffin-embedded specimens of CIN1 (31), CIN2 (75), and CIN3 (123). Moderate positive correlation was observed between testin and Ki-67 as well as testin and p16 expression in all dysplastic lesions (r = 0.4209, r = 0.5681; p < 0.0001 for both). Statistical analysis showed stronger expression of the testin in dysplastic lesions vs. control group (p < 0.0001); moreover, expression was significantly higher in HSIL than LSIL group (p < 0.0024). In addition, a significantly stronger expression of testin was observed in CIN3 vs. CIN1 and CIN3 vs. CIN2. In our study, expression of Ki-67, p16, and testin increased gradually as the lesion progressed from LSIL to HSIL. The three markers complemented each other effectively, which may improve test sensitivity and specificity when used jointly.

Significant decrease of a master regulator of genes (REST/NRSF) in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and cervical cancer

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Ki-67 labelling index is related to the risk classification and prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumours: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the digestive tract with malignant potential. The current risk classification standard is unable to accurately evaluate the invasiveness and clinical outcomes of GISTs. Ki-67 labelling index (LI) may be an effective indicator in assessing tumour invasiveness and prognosis, however, its exact value in GISTs is still uncertain. The aims of our study were to evaluate the correlation of the Ki-67 LI and clinicopathological features of GISTs and to assess the potential value of the Ki-67 LI in GISTs classification and prognosis.

METHODS

The clinical, pathological and prognostic data were collected and analysed to identify the independent influential factors of GISTs risk stratification and the predictors of GISTs prognosis.

RESULTS

The Ki-67 LI was significantly associated with the clinicopathological features of tumour progression (P<0.05). It was an independent influential factor of GISTs risk classification (odds ratio: 1.322; 95% confidence interval: 1.031-1.696) (P=0.028), and the area under the curve (AUC) value of the Ki-67 LI on the discrimination ability of GISTs risk stratification was 0.906 (P<0.001). The optimal cutoff value of the Ki-67 LI was 6% (sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 76.2%), and patients with Ki-67 LI≥6% exhibited significantly poorer progression-free survival (PFS) than those with Ki-67 LI<6% (P<0.001). The AUC value of the Ki-67 LI for predicting PFS in postoperative patients was 0.813 (P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The Ki-67 LI has appreciated value to predict the risk grade and prognosis of GISTs. Patients with Ki-67 LI≥6% are prone to recurrence and metastasis after operation and may need a close follow-up.

Overexpression of programmed cell death ligand 1 in patients with CIN and its correlation with human papillomavirus infection and CIN persistence

Backround

HPV causes specific cell-mediated immunity in the cervix. Mononuclear cells such as helper T cells (CD4+), cytotoxic T cells (CD8+), and dendritic cells play a critical role in the initiation of the HPV-specific immune response and destruction of virus-infected cervical epithelial cells. The programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) gene encodes an immune inhibitory receptor ligand and overexpression of PD-L1 inhibits T-cell activation and cytokine production. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of PD-L1 in cervical tissue and its correlation with clinicopathological findings.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 94 women who were referred for colposcopy due to abnormal Papanicolaou (PAP) test results and/or HPV positivity were evaluated. The presence of HR-HPV-DNA was analyzed using type- and gene-specific primers along with commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction. The cervical examination was done with a colposcope. Cervical biopsies were obtained from the areas that were evaluated as abnormal during the colposcopy. Histopathological result of cervical biopsies were defined as no intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 0), mild CIN (CIN I), and moderate-to-high CIN (CIN II-III). All women were classified into four groups based on their HR-HPV positivity and cervical biopsy results: Group I (controls; n = 29), HR-HPV (-) CIN 0; Group II (n = 21), HR-HPV (+) CIN 0; Group III (n = 20), HR-HPV (+) CIN I; and Group IV (n = 24), HR-HPV (+) CIN II-III. A semi-quantitative scoring system was used to evaluate the degree of Ki-67, p16, and PD-L1 immunoreactivity in the cervical tissue samples.

Results

We found that PD-L1 expression in both mononuclear cells and in cervical epithelial cells gradually increases from the HR-HPV (-), CIN 0 group to the HR-HPV (+), CIN II-III group (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0394, respectively) and mononuclear PD-L1 expression was correlated with HPV type, initial Pap test results, HPV persistence, and CIN persistence or recurrence (p = 0.0180, p = 0.0109, p = 0.0042, and p = 0.0189, respectively). Moreover, mononuclear PD-L1 expression was also correlated with Ki-67 and p16 immunoreactivity (p = 0.0432 and p = 0.0166, respectively). Epithelial PD-L1 expression was only correlated with HPV type and the presence of HPV persistence (p = 0.0122 and p = 0.0292, respectively).

Conclusion

During the initial evaluation of the cervical histology results, the assessment of PD-L1 expression-especially in mononuclear cells in cervical tissue samples-may provide more information on the progression of HR-HPV infection and its persistence.

Ki-67/MKI67 as a Predictive Biomarker for Clinical Outcome in Gastric Cancer Patients: an Updated Meta-analysis and Systematic Review involving 53 Studies and 7078 Patients

Gastric cancer (GC) threatens human health worldwide and we performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical value of Ki-67/MKI67 in patients with GC. The combined hazard ratio (HR), odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to assess the relationships of Ki-67/MKI67 expression with prognoses and clinicopathological characteristics. Genes co-expressed with MKI67 were collected for Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses. In total, 53 studies with 7078 patients were included in this study. The pooled HRs indicated that an elevated expression of Ki-67/MKI67 predicted an unfavorable overall survival (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.33-1.78, P<0.0001) and disease-free survival (HR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.43-3.64, P<0.0001) in GC patients. Additionally, in patients with advanced GC, a high Ki-67/MKI67 expression was also significantly connected with OS (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.18-1.60, P<0.0001). The combined ORs showed that Ki-67/MKI67 expression was related to TNM stage (stage III/IV versus stage I/II: OR=1.93, 95% CI=1.34-2.78, P<0.0001), tumor differentiation (poor versus well/moderate: OR=1.94, 95% CI=1.32-2.85, P=0.001), lymph node metastasis (yes versus no: OR=1.67, 95% CI=1.23-2.25, P=0.001), distant metastasis (yes versus no: OR=1.67, 95% CI=1.24-2.26, P=0.001) and tumor invasion depth (T3/T4 versus T_is/T1/T2: OR=1.98, 95% CI=1.60-2.44, P<0.0001). The results of GO, KEGG pathway and PPI network analyses indicated that Ki-67/MKI67 may be involved in the development of GC via influencing P53 signaling pathway. Ki-67/MKI67 could be a potential indicator to predict the prognosis of patients with GC and identify high-risk cases. Detecting Ki-67/MKI67 expression in clinic may be helpful in optimizing individual treatment and further improving the survival expectancy of patients with GC.

Progress in immunocytochemical staining for cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. In recent years, the implementation of cervical cancer screening has resulted in the effective control of cervical cancer incidence. However, many deficiencies still exist in the current screening techniques and strategies. With advancements in cervical cancer screening research, immunochemical staining to determine cervical cytology has shown a broader application prospect in the early screening for cervical cancer, especially for triage in cervical cancer screening.

Cancer molecular markers: A guide to cancer detection and management

Cancer is generally caused by the molecular alterations which lead to specific mutations. Advances in molecular biology have provided an impetus to the study of cancers with valuable prognostic and predictive significance. Over the hindsight various attempts have been undertaken by scientists worldwide, in the management of cancer; where, we have witnessed a number of molecular markers which allow the early detection of cancers and lead to a decrease in its mortality rate. Recent advances in oncology have led to the discovery of cancer markers that has allowed early detection and targeted therapy of tumors. In this context, current review provides a detail outlook on various molecular markers for diagnosis, prognosis and management of therapeutic response in cancer patients.

Human thymic stromal lymphopoietin promotes the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells by downregulating microRNA-132 expression

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), produced by cervical cancer (CC) cells, promotes angiogenesis, and the recruitment and functional regulation of eosinophils. It has been reported that microRNA (miR)-132 is aberrantly decreased in CC tissues. However, the function and mechanism of TSLP on the biological behaviors of CC cells is largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of TSLP on the expression of miR-132 and the proliferation and invasion in vitro of CC cell lines, namely, HeLa and SiHa cells. The transcrpitional level of miR-132 was analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chaon reaction. The proliferation, invasion, and the expression of proliferation and invasion-related molecules in HeLa and SiHa cells in vitro were evaluated using bromodeoxyuridine cell proliferation, Matrigel invasion assays, flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. Here, it was revealed that recombinant human TSLP (rhTSLP) downregulated the expression levels of miR-132 in HeLa and SiHa cells, and by contrast, the neutralizing antibodies for TSLP or TSLP receptor (TSLPR) upregulated miR-132 expression levels in HeLa and SiHa cells. The overexpression of miR-132 resulted in a lowered proliferation and invasiveness, decreased levels of proliferation-associated molecules marker of proliferation Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and the decreased production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 in HeLa and SiHa cells. Compared with the control group, there was a higher level of proliferation and invasion in HeLa and SiHa cells following stimulation with rhTSLP. However, these effects induced by rhTSLP were significantly impaired in HeLa and SiHa cells with miR-132 overexpression. The results of the present study indicated that TSLP produced by CC cells downregulated miR-132 expression, and stimulated the proliferation and invasion of CC cells, thereby further promoting the development of CC.

Ki-67 labeling index may be a promising indicator to identify "very high-risk" gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a multicenter retrospective study of 1022 patients

We sought to determine whether Ki-67 labeling index (LI) was an independent prognostic factor for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). A multicenter cohort of 1022 patients undergoing surgical resection of primary GIST between August 2004 and October 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to evaluate expression of Ki-67 in their paraffin-embedded tissue samples. The optimal cutoff value of Ki-67 LI was determined as 6% by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that Ki-67 LI was a significant predictor of overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio: 1.793; 95% confidence interval, 1.240-2.593; P=.002). When stratified by modified National Institutes of Health classification, it was still independently associated with OS in high-risk and non-high-risk patients (P=.001 and P=.055, respectively). Of note, the prognostic significance of Ki-67 LI was also maintained when stratified by tumor size, mitotic index, tumor site, and histological subtype (all Ps<.05). In addition, high-risk patients with Ki-67 LI >6% exhibited a significantly poorer OS rate than those with Ki-67 LI ≤6% (53.6% versus 88.7%, respectively; P=.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for Ki-67 LI was higher than that of modified National Institutes of Health classification component in high-risk patients (P=.029). Therefore, Ki-67 LI is a promising predictor of outcome in GIST, especially in high-risk patients, and it may have important clinical utility in identifying "very high-risk" patients for rational targeted therapy.

Combined Ki67 and ERCC1 for prognosis in non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma underwent chemoradiotherapy

This study aimed to assess the predictive value of combined Ki67 and ERCC1 in distant metastasis-free nasopharyngeal carcinoma. 334 such cases were retrospectively assessed. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate Ki67 and ERCC1 protein levels in tumor tissues. Associations of Ki67 and ERCC1 amounts with clinical characteristics and survival were analyzed. Medium follow-up was 48.7 months; overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) were 91.3%, 76.0%, 82.0%, and 91.9%, respectively. High Ki67 expression was found in 35.6% patients, and positively correlated with clinical- and N- staging (P = 0.005, P < 0.001); 4-year OS, DFS, and DMFS were significantly lower in the high Ki67 group than patients with low-medium expression (P = 0.001, P = 0.012, P = 0.007). High ERCC1 expression was found in 35.3% of patients, and positively correlated with clinical- and T- staging. Compared with low ERCC1 expression cases, 4-year OS, DFS, DMFS, and LRFS were decreased significantly in those with high levels. High Ki67 and ERCC1 levels were related to adverse prognoses of OS (HR=4.977, 95% CI 2.31–12.292, P<0.001), DFS (HR = 4.178, 95% CI 2.421–7.212, P < 0.001), DMFS (HR = 3.722, 95% CI 2.028–7.015, P < 0.001), and LRFS (HR = 3.689, 95% CI 1.423–9.566, P = 0.007). Compared with the low-medium Ki67 and low ERCC1 groups, no significant difference in survival prognosis was obtained in the low-medium Ki67 and high ERCC1 groups, and patients with high Ki67 and low ERCC1 levels. Combined Ki67 and ERCC1 can better predict nasopharyngeal carcinoma prognosis than individual parameters.

Immunohistochemical expression of p16, Ki-67 and p53 in cervical lesions - A systematic review

This study evaluated the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of p16, p53 and Ki-67 in precancerous lesions and in cervical cancer (CC). Identification and review of publications assessing IHC expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and CC until February 15, 2017. Systematic review of studies in women with and without cervical lesions in order to evaluate whether there is overexpression of these biomarkers. A total of 28 publications met the criteria which included 6005 patients. The analysis showed that there is higher IHC expression of these biomarkers associated with the more severe lesions. Nineteen out of 22 evaluated studies have shown that there is a higher p16 expression in more severe lesions (CC), while in p53 expression only 4 out of the 9 studies showed a higher expression among more severe cases. Regarding the Ki-67 expression, it was observed that 9 out of 14 studies showed higher expression in more severe lesions. A complete absence of or just minimal IHC expression was observed in the normal cervical epithelium, whilst a significant increase in the expression of these biomarkers was detected according to the severity of lesions. Results suggest that these biomarkers can be considered useful tools for discriminating between the stages of the progressive cervical disease.