GPX2 predicts recurrence-free survival and triggers the Wnt/β-catenin/EMT pathway in prostate cancer

Paclitaxel hyperthermia suppresses gastric cancer migration through MiR-183-5p/PPP2CA/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin axis

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC), a prevalent malignant tumor which is a leading cause of death from malignancy around the world. Peritoneal metastasis accounts for the major cause of mortality in patients with GC. Despite hyperthermia intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) improves the therapeutic effect of GC, it's equivocal about the mechanism under HIPEC.

METHODS

MiR-183-5p expression was sifted from miRNA chip and detected in both GC patients and cell lines by qRT-PCR. Gene interference and rescue experiments were performed to identified biological function in vitro and vivo. Next, we affirmed PPP2CA as targeted of miR-183-5p by dual luciferase reporter assay. Finally, the potential relationship between HIPEC and miR-183-5p was explored.

RESULTS

MiR-183-5p is up-regulated in GC and associated with advanced stage and poor prognosis. MiR-183-5p accelerate GC migration in vitro which is influenced by miR-183-5p/PPP2CA/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin Axis. HIPEC exerts migration inhibition via attenuating miR-183-5p expression.

CONCLUSION

MiR-183-5p can be used as a potential HIPEC biomarker in patients with CC.

Glutathione-Dependent Pathways in Cancer Cells

The most abundant tripeptide-glutathione (GSH)-and the major GSH-related enzymes-glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)-are highly significant in the regulation of tumor cell viability, initiation of tumor development, its progression, and drug resistance. The high level of GSH synthesis in different cancer types depends not only on the increasing expression of the key enzymes of the γ-glutamyl cycle but also on the changes in transport velocity of its precursor amino acids. The ability of GPxs to reduce hydroperoxides is used for cellular viability, and each member of the GPx family has a different mechanism of action and site for maintaining redox balance. GSTs not only catalyze the conjugation of GSH to electrophilic substances and the reduction of organic hydroperoxides but also take part in the regulation of cellular signaling pathways. By catalyzing the S-glutathionylation of key target proteins, GSTs are involved in the regulation of major cellular processes, including metabolism (e.g., glycolysis and the PPP), signal transduction, transcription regulation, and the development of resistance to anticancer drugs. In this review, recent findings in GSH synthesis, the roles and functions of GPxs, and GST isoforms in cancer development are discussed, along with the search for GST and GPx inhibitors for cancer treatment.

Machine learning-based integration develops a mitophagy-related lncRNA signature for predicting the progression of prostate cancer: a bioinformatic analysis

Prostate cancer remains a complex and challenging disease, necessitating innovative approaches for prognosis and therapeutic guidance. This study integrates machine learning techniques to develop a novel mitophagy-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) signature for predicting the progression of prostate cancer. Leveraging the TCGA-PRAD dataset, we identify a set of four key lncRNAs and formulate a riskscore, revealing its potential as a prognostic indicator. Subsequent analyses unravel the intricate connections between riskscore, immune cell infiltration, mutational landscapes, and treatment outcomes. Notably, the pan-cancer exploration of YEATS2-AS1 highlights its pervasive impact, demonstrating elevated expression across various malignancies. Furthermore, drug sensitivity predictions based on riskscore guide personalized chemotherapy strategies, with drugs like Carmustine and Entinostat showing distinct suitability for high and low-risk group patients. Regression analysis exposes significant correlations between the mitophagy-related lncRNAs, riskscore, and key mitophagy-related genes. Molecular docking analyses reveal promising interactions between Cyclophosphamide and proteins encoded by these genes, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues. This comprehensive study not only introduces a robust prognostic tool but also provides valuable insights into the molecular intricacies and potential therapeutic interventions in prostate cancer, paving the way for more personalized and effective clinical approaches.

Antioxidant Enzymes and Their Potential Use in Breast Cancer Treatment

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer (BC) is the deadliest and the most common type of cancer worldwide in women. Several factors associated with BC exert their effects by modulating the state of stress. They can induce genetic mutations or alterations in cell growth, encouraging neoplastic development and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are able to activate many signal transduction pathways, producing an inflammatory environment that leads to the suppression of programmed cell death and the promotion of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis; these effects promote the development and progression of malignant neoplasms. However, cells have both non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant systems that protect them by neutralizing the harmful effects of ROS. In this sense, antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and peroxiredoxin (Prx) protect the body from diseases caused by oxidative damage. In this review, we will discuss mechanisms through which some enzymatic antioxidants inhibit or promote carcinogenesis, as well as the new therapeutic proposals developed to complement traditional treatments.

Baicalein targets STMN1 to inhibit the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma via regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUNDS

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common malignancy in the head and neck. Baicalein has been reported to exert the anticancer effects on various cancers. In this study, our aim was to explore the function of baicalein in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and further investigate the potential underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay, EdU assay, sphere formation assay, flow cytometry, and transwell invasion assay were conducted to determine cell proliferation, stemness, apoptosis, and invasion, respectively. Western blot was performed to examine the protein levels of PCNA, MMP9, STMN1, β-catenin, and Wnt3A. The mRNA level of STMN1 was assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Xenograft tumor model was carried out to evaluate the effects of baicalein on tumor growth in vivo. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was used to detect the levels of PCNA, MMP9, and STMN1 in tumor tissues from mice.

RESULTS

Baicalein significantly induced cell apoptosis and impeded cell proliferation, invasion, and stemness of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. STMN1 was highly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and baicalein could directly downregulate STMN1 expression. STMN1 knockdown hampered the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Moreover, the effects of baicalein on cell proliferation, stemness, invasion, and apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells were harbored by STMN1 overexpression. Baicalein regulated STMN1 to inhibit the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. SKL2001, an agonist of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, could reverse the effects of STMN1 knockdown on the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In addition, baicalein markedly impeded tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Baicalein regulated the STMN1/Wnt/β-catenin pathway to restrain the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by Marek's disease virus in vitro and in vivo

Marek's disease virus (MDV) infection causes immunosuppression in the host, ultimately inducing tumor formation and causing significant economic losses to the poultry industry. While the abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is closely associated with the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the relationship between MDV and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway remains unclear. In this study, we found that the MDV RB1B strain, but not the MDV vaccine strain CVI988, activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by increasing the phosphorylation level of GSK-3β in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF). In vivo infection experiments in SPF chickens also confirmed that the RB1B strain activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, while the CVI988 strain did not lead to its activation. Moreover, unlike the Meq protein encoded by the CVI988 strain, the Meq protein encoded by the RB1B strain specifically activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in CEF cells. The findings from these studies extend our understanding of the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by MDV, which make a new contribution to understanding the virus-host interactions of MDV.

Wnt/β-catenin-driven EMT regulation in human cancers

Metastasis accounts for 90% of cancer-related deaths among the patients. The transformation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells with molecular alterations can occur during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The EMT mechanism accelerates the cancer metastasis and drug resistance ability in human cancers. Among the different regulators of EMT, Wnt/β-catenin axis has been emerged as a versatile modulator. Wnt is in active form in physiological condition due to the function of GSK-3β that destructs β-catenin, while ligand-receptor interaction impairs GSK-3β function to increase β-catenin stability and promote its nuclear transfer. Regarding the oncogenic function of Wnt/β-catenin, its upregulation occurs in human cancers and it can accelerate EMT-mediated metastasis and drug resistance. The stimulation of Wnt by binding Wnt ligands into Frizzled receptors can enhance β-catenin accumulation in cytoplasm that stimulates EMT and related genes upon nuclear translocation. Wnt/β-catenin/EMT axis has been implicated in augmenting metastasis of both solid and hematological tumors. The Wnt/EMT-mediated cancer metastasis promotes the malignant behavior of tumor cells, causing therapy resistance. The Wnt/β-catenin/EMT axis can be modulated by upstream mediators in which non-coding RNAs are main regulators. Moreover, pharmacological intervention, mainly using phytochemicals, suppresses Wnt/EMT axis in metastasis suppression.

GPX2 acts as an oncogene and cudraflavone C has an anti-tumor effect by suppressing GPX2-dependent Wnt/β-catenin pathway in colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a common cancer associated with poor prognosis, and cudraflavone C (Cud C) is a natural flavonol with reported anti-CRC capacity. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the anti-CRC effect require further demonstration. The aim of present study was to evaluate the impact of Cud C on the cell viability and apoptosis of CRC cells and to determine the underlying mechanisms. The Human Protein Atlas (THPA) and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases were used to analyze the expression status of glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2) in CRC. Cell viability was examined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Flow cytometry was utilized to evaluate apoptosis. The levels of gene transcription and protein expression of GPX2, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3), β-catenin, and c-Myc were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Our results showed that GPX2 was overexpressed in CRC as compared to normal tissue and the extent of GPX2 overexpression is greatest in CRC when compared with other cancers according to GEPIA and THPA databases. GPX2 knockdown significantly suppressed the cell viability, induced apoptosis of CRC cell lines, and restrained the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Cud C treatment decreased cell viability, induced apoptosis in CRC cell lines, and diminished the expression level of GPX2-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, while such effects can be abolished by GPX2 overexpression. In conclusion, Cud C suppressed GPX2-dependent Wnt/β-catenin pathway to exert anti-CRC function.

Glucan from Oudemansiella raphanipes suppresses breast cancer proliferation and metastasis by regulating macrophage polarization and the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway

Background: The glucan extract of Oudemansiella raphanipes (Orp) has multiple biological properties, similar to extracts of other natural edible fungi. Drugs traditionally used in cancer treatment are associated with several drawbacks, such as side effects, induction of resistance, and poor prognosis, and many recent studies have focused on polysaccharides extracted from natural sources as alternatives. Our study focuses on the therapeutic role and molecular mechanism of action of Orp in breast cancer progression. Methods: MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice were used as the spontaneous breast cancer mice model. Immunoblotting, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the tumor behaviors in breast cancer. The inflammatory cell model was constructed using TNF-α. Macrophage activation and WNT/β-catenin signaling were assayed using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Results: Orp management significantly inhibited tumor growth and promoted tumor cell apoptosis in MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice. Besides, the Orp challenge also attenuated the ability of breast tumors to metastasize into lung tissues. Mechanistically, Orp treatment restrained the polarization of M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages and suppressed WNT/β-catenin signaling in mouse tumor tissues, which implied that Orp-mediated tumor inhibition partly occurred via regulating the inflammatory response. Findings from in vitro experiments confirmed that Orp inhibited the TNF-α-induced nuclear transportation of β-catenin, thus preventing inflammation signaling and the expression of c-Myc in MCF-7 cells. Conclusion: Orp inhibits breast cancer growth and metastasis by regulating macrophage polarization and the WNT/β-catenin signaling axis. The findings of this study suggest that Orp may be a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.

Long non-coding RNA NMRAL2P promotes glycolysis and reduces ROS in head and neck tumors by interacting with the ENO1 protein and promoting GPX2 transcription

Background

Metabolic reprogramming is a key marker in the occurrence and development of tumors. This process generates more reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoting the development of oxidative stress. To prevent ROS from harming tumor cells, tumor cells can increase the production of reducing agents to counteract excessive ROS. NMRAL2P has been shown to promote the production of reductive mRNA and plays an important role in the process of oxidative stress.

Methods

In this study, the clinical data and RNA sequencing of head and neck tumors were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas data set. The long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) related to oxidative stress were then identified using differential and correlation analyses. The differential expression and prognosis of the identified lncRNA were then verified using samples from the library of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University. Only NMRAL2P was substantially expressed in cancer tissues and predicted a poor prognosis. The tumor-promoting impact of NMRAL2P was then confirmed using in vitro functional assays. The data set was then split into high- and low-expression subgroups based on the median gene expression of NMRAL2P to obtain the mRNA that had a large difference between the two groups, and examine the mechanism of NMRAL2P on GPX2 using quantitative real-time PCR, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Mass spectrometry was used to identify NMRAL2P-binding proteins and western blotting was used to investigate probable mechanisms.

Results

The lncRNA NMRAL2P is associated with oxidative stress in head and neck tumors. In vitro functional assays showed that the gene has a cancer-promoting effect, increasing lactic acid and superoxide dismutase production, and reducing the production of ROS and malondialdehyde. NMRAL2P promotes the transcription of GPX2 by binding to transcription factor Nrf2. The gene also inhibits the degradation of ENO1, a crucial enzyme in glycolysis, by binding to protein ENO1.

Conclusions

This study shows that NMRAL2P can promote glycolysis and reduce the harm to tumor cells caused by ROS. The gene can also be used as a possible target for the treatment of head and neck tumors.

Biological and therapeutic viewpoints towards role of miR-218 in human cancers: Revisiting molecular interactions and future clinical translations

Understanding the exact pathogenesis of cancer is difficult due to heterogenous nature of tumor cells and multiple factors that cause its initiation and development. Treatment of cancer is mainly based on surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and their combination, while gene therapy has been emerged as a new kind of therapy for cancer. Post-transcriptional regulation of genes has been of interest in recent years and among various types of epigenetic factors that can modulate gene expression, short non-coding RNAs known as microRNAs (miRNAs) have obtained much attention. The stability of mRNA decreases by miRNAs to repress gene expression. miRNAs can regulate tumor malignancy and biological behavior of cancer cells and understanding their function in tumorigenesis can pave the way towards developing new therapeutics in future. One of the new emerging miRNAs in cancer therapy is miR-218 that increasing evidence highlights its anti-cancer activity, while a few studies demonstrate its oncogenic function. The miR-218 transfection is promising in reducing progression of tumor cells. miR-218 shows interactions with molecular mechanisms including apoptosis, autophagy, glycolysis and EMT, and the interaction is different. miR-218 induces apoptosis, while it suppresses glycolysis, cytoprotective autophagy and EMT. Low expression of miR-218 can result in development of chemoresistance and radio-resistance in tumor cells and direct targeting of miR-218 as a key player is promising in cancer therapy. LncRNAs and circRNAs are nonprotein coding transcripts that can regulate miR-218 expression in human cancers. Moreover, low expression level of miR-218 can be observed in human cancers such as brain, gastrointestinal and urological cancers that mediate poor prognosis and low survival rate.

Nanotechnology-empowered lung cancer therapy: From EMT role in cancer metastasis to application of nanoengineered structures for modulating growth and metastasis

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both males and females, and it is the first causes of cancer-related deaths. Chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy are conventional treatment of lung cancer and recently, immunotherapy has been also appeared as another therapeutic strategy for lung tumor. However, since previous treatments have not been successful in cancer therapy and improving prognosis and survival rate of lung tumor patients, new studies have focused on gene therapy and targeting underlying molecular pathways involved in lung cancer progression. Nanoparticles have been emerged in treatment of lung cancer that can mediate targeted delivery of drugs and genes. Nanoparticles protect drugs and genes against unexpected interactions in blood circulation and improve their circulation time. Nanoparticles can induce phototherapy in lung cancer ablation and mediating cell death. Nanoparticles can induce photothermal and photodynamic therapy in lung cancer. The nanostructures can impair metastasis of lung cancer and suppress EMT in improving drug sensitivity. Metastasis is one of the drawbacks observed in lung cancer that promotes migration of tumor cells and allows them to establish new colony in secondary site. EMT can occur in lung cancer and promotes tumor invasion. EMT is not certain to lung cancer and it can be observed in other human cancers, but since lung cancer has highest incidence rate, understanding EMT function in lung cancer is beneficial in improving prognosis of patients. EMT induction in lung cancer promotes tumor invasion and it can also lead to drug resistance and radio-resistance. Moreover, non-coding RNAs and pharmacological compounds can regulate EMT in lung cancer and EMT-TFs such as Twist and Slug are important modulators of lung cancer invasion that are discussed in current review.

Exploring the role of differentially expressed metabolic genes and their mechanisms in bone metastatic prostate cancer

Background

Approximately 10-20% of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) evolve into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), while nearly 90% of patients with metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) exhibit osseous metastases (BM). These BM are intimately correlated with the stability of the tumour microenvironment.

Purpose

This study aspires to uncover the metabolism-related genes and the underlying mechanisms responsible for bone metastatic prostate cancer (BMPCa).

Methods

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets of PCa and BM were analyzed through R Studio software to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs underwent functional enrichment via Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO), with key factors screened by a random forest utilized to establish a prognostic model for PCa. The study explored the relationship between DEGs and the stability of the immune microenvironment. The action and specificity of CRISP3 in PCa was validated through western blot analysis, CCK-8 assay, scratch assay, and cellular assay.

Results

The screening of GEO and TCGA datasets resulted in the identification of 199 co-differential genes. Three DEGs, including DES, HBB, and SLPI, were selected by random forest classification model and cox regression model. Immuno-infiltration analysis disclosed that a higher infiltration of naïve B cells and resting CD4 memory T cells occurred in the high-expression group of DES, whereas infiltration of resting M1 macrophages and NK cells was greater in the low-expression group of DES. A significant infiltration of neutrophils was observed in the high-expression group of HBB, while greater infiltration of gamma delta T cells and M1 macrophages was noted in the low-expression group of HBB. Resting dendritic cells, CD8 T cells, and resting T regulatory cells (Tregs) infiltrated significantly in the high-expression group of SLPI, while only resting mast cells infiltrated significantly in the low-expression group of SLPI. CRISP3 was established as a critical gene in BMPCa linked to DES expression. Targeting CRISP3, d-glucopyranose may impact tumour prognosis. During the mechanistic experiments, it was established that CRISP3 can advance the proliferation and metastatic potential of PCa by advancing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Conclusion

By modulating lipid metabolism and maintaining immunological and microenvironmental balance, DES, HBB, and SLPI suppress prostate cancer cell growth. The presence of DES-associated CRISP3 is a harbinger of unfavorable outcomes in prostate cancer and may escalate tumor proliferation and metastatic capabilities by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition.