Modifications of Plasma Membrane Organization in Cancer Cells for Targeted Therapy

Modifications of the composition or organization of the cancer cell membrane seem to be a promising targeted therapy. This approach can significantly enhance drug uptake or intensify the response of cancer cells to chemotherapeutics. There are several methods enabling lipid bilayer modifications, e.g., pharmacological, physical, and mechanical. It is crucial to keep in mind the significance of drug resistance phenomenon, ion channel and specific receptor impact, and lipid bilayer organization in planning the cell membrane-targeted treatment. In this review, strategies based on cell membrane modulation or reorganization are presented as an alternative tool for future therapeutic protocols.

Alternations of NF-κB Signaling by Natural Compounds in Muscle-Derived Cancers

The NF-κB-signaling pathway plays a crucial role in cancer progression, including muscle-derived cancers such as rhabdomyosarcoma or sarcoma. Several natural compounds have been studied for their ability to alter NF-κB signaling in these types of cancers. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge on the effects of natural compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and berberine, on NF-κB signaling in muscle-derived cancers. These compounds have been shown to inhibit NF-κB signaling in rhabdomyosarcoma cells through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting the activation of the IKK complex and the NF-κB transcription factor. These findings suggest that natural compounds could be potential therapeutic agents for muscle-derived cancers. However, further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications.

RCCS Bioreactor-Based Modeled Microgravity Affects Gastric Cancer Cells and Improves the Chemotherapeutic Effect

(1) Background: The main purpose of the study was to determine whether altered gravity might alter cell viability, improve drug delivery and modulate the expression of drug resistance-related genes. (2) Methods: This study investigated the intracellular mechanisms activated by microgravity in human resistant and sensitive gastric cancer cells (EPG85-257 RDB) and (EPG85-257 P). We used a rotary cell culture system (RCCS) developed by NASA to expose cells to altered gravity. The antitumor potential of microgravity was simulated by the RCCS bioreactor, and its effectiveness was evaluated in sensitive cell lines compared to chemotherapy-resistant cells concerning drug-sensitive cancer cells. Microgravity with chemotherapy was estimated by the viability assay, cytoskeleton imaging, MDR (multidrug resistance) gene expression analysis, MTCO-1 (mitochondrially encoded cytochrome C oxidase I), and 8-OHdG immunocytochemical analysis. (3) Results: We found that altered gravity combined with doxorubicin was cytotoxic to cancer cells. Cells following simulated microgravity revealed decreased expression of genes related to drug resistance and increased DNA/RNA damage marker expression. Cytoskeleton evaluation demonstrated significant reorganization of F-actin fibers after exposure to changed gravity conditions. (4) Conclusions: Intracellular alterations caused by simulated microgravity can increase gastric cancer cells’ sensitivity to chemotherapy. We have obtained satisfactory results showing the correlation between altered gravity and MDR phenomena which seems promising in future therapeutic applications.

Susceptibility of various human cancer cell lines to nanosecond and microsecond range electrochemotherapy: Feasibility of multi-drug cocktails

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) involves combining anticancer drugs with electroporation, which is induced by pulsed electric fields (PEFs), while the effects vary in effectiveness based on the specific parameters of the electrical pulses and susceptibility of the cells to a specific drug. In this work, we utilized conventional microsecond electroporation protocols (0.8 - 1.5 kV/cm × 100 μs × 8, 1 Hz) and the new modality of nanosecond pulses (4 and 8 kV/cm × 500 ns × 100, 1 kHz and 1 MHz), which are compressed into a high frequency burst. Sensitive and resistant lung, breast and ovarian human cancer cell lines were used in the study. In order to overcome drug-resistance, we have investigated the feasibility to use anticancer drug cocktails i.e., bleomycin and cisplatin combinations with metformin, vinorelbine and Dp44mT. The different susceptibility of various human cancer cells lines to electric pulses was determined, the efficacy of ECT was characterized and the type of cell death depending on the combinations of drugs was investigated. The results indicate that synergistic effects of PEFs with drug cocktails may be used to overcome drug-resistance in cancer, while the application of nsPEF provides more flexibility in parametric protocols and modulation of cancer cell death.

The Role of RAC2 and PTTG1 in Cancer Biology

Several molecular pathways are likely involved in the regulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) via Ras-associated C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2, RAC2, and pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 product, PTTG1, given their roles in cellular signaling, survival, proliferation, and metastasis. RAC2 is a member of the Rho GTPase family and plays a crucial role in actin cytoskeleton dynamics, reactive oxygen species production, and cell migration, contributing to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune evasion, and therapy resistance. PTTG1, also known as human securin, regulates key processes such as cell cycle progression, apoptosis suppression, and EMT, promoting metastasis and enhancing cancer cell survival. This article aims to describe the molecular pathways involved in the proliferation, invasiveness, and drug response of cancer cells through RAC2 and PTTG1, aiming to clarify their respective roles in neoplastic process dependencies. Both proteins are involved in critical signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, TGF-β, and NF-κB, which facilitate tumor progression by modulating CSC properties, angiogenesis, and immune response. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms by which RAC2 and PTTG1 influence tumorigenesis and describes their potential and efficacy as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in managing various neoplasms.

Irreversible Electroporation in Pancreatic Cancer-An Evolving Experimental and Clinical Method

Pancreatic cancer has no symptoms until the disease has advanced and is aggressive cancer with early metastasis. Up to now, the only curative treatment is surgical resection, which is possible in the early stages of the disease. Irreversible electroporation treatment offers new hope for patients with unresectable tumors. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a type of ablation therapy that has been explored as a potential treatment for pancreatic cancer. Ablation therapies involve the use of energy to destroy or damage cancer cells. IRE involves using high-voltage, low-energy electrical pulses to create resealing in the cell membrane, causing the cell to die. This review summarizes experiential and clinical findings in terms of the IRE applications. As was described, IRE can be a non-pharmacological approach (electroporation) or combined with anticancer drugs or standard treatment methods. The efficacy of irreversible electroporation (IRE) in eliminating pancreatic cancer cells has been demonstrated through both in vitro and in vivo studies, and it has been shown to induce an immune response. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to assess its effectiveness in human subjects and to comprehensively understand IRE's potential as a treatment option for pancreatic cancer.