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Cell Death & Disease Aug 2023Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators during the development of breast cancer (BC) and thus may be viable treatment targets. In this study, we found that the...
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators during the development of breast cancer (BC) and thus may be viable treatment targets. In this study, we found that the expression of the long intergenic non-coding RNA 01016 (LINC01016) was significantly higher in BC tissue samples with positive lymph node metastasis. LINC01016, which is activated by the transcription factor ETS-1, contributes to the overt promotion of cell proliferation activity, enhanced cell migratory ability, S phase cell cycle arrest, and decreased apoptosis rate. By RNA pull-down assays and mass spectrometry analyses, we determined that LINC01016 competitively bound and stabilized DHX9 protein by preventing the E3 ubiquitin ligase RFFL from binding to DHX9, thereby inhibiting DHX9 proteasomal degradation. This ultimately led to an increase in intracellular DHX9 expression and activated PI3K/AKT signaling, with p-AKT, Bcl-2, and MMP-9 involvement. This is the first study to reveal that the LINC01016/DHX9/PI3K/AKT axis plays a critical role in the progression of BC, and thus, LINC01016 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for patients with BC.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; DEAD-box RNA Helicases; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Neoplasm Proteins; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; RNA, Long Noncoding; Ubiquitination; Proto-Oncogene Protein c-ets-1; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
PubMed: 37550275
DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06016-3 -
Molecular Biology Reports Aug 2023Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is a well-recognized molecule for its oncogenic potential. Since its identification, various cancer-promoting roles of MDM2 such as growth... (Review)
Review
Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is a well-recognized molecule for its oncogenic potential. Since its identification, various cancer-promoting roles of MDM2 such as growth stimulation, sustained angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, apoptosis evasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression have been established. Alterations in the expression levels of MDM2 occur in multiple types of cancers resulting in uncontrolled proliferation. The cellular processes are modulated by MDM2 through transcription, post-translational modifications, protein degradation, binding to cofactors, and subcellular localization. In this review, we discuss the precise role of deregulated MDM2 levels in modulating cellular functions to promote cancer growth. Moreover, we also briefly discuss the role of MDM2 in inducing resistance against anti-cancerous therapies thus limiting the benefits of cancerous treatment.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2; Carcinogenesis; Neoplasms; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
PubMed: 37314603
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08512-3 -
Molecular Oncology Mar 2024The median age of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) at diagnosis is 71 years; however, around 10% present with early-onset pancreatic cancer...
The median age of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) at diagnosis is 71 years; however, around 10% present with early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC), i.e., before age 50. The molecular mechanisms underlying such an early onset are unknown. We assessed the role of common PDAC drivers (KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A and SMAD4) and determined their mutational status and protein expression in 90 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, including multiple primary and matched metastases, from 37 EOPC patients. KRAS was mutated in 88% of patients; p53 was altered in 94%, and p16 and SMAD4 were lost in 86% and 71% of patients, respectively. Meta-synthesis showed a higher rate of p53 alterations in EOPC than in late-onset PDAC (94% vs. 69%, P = 0.0009) and significantly higher loss of SMAD4 (71% vs. 44%, P = 0.0025). The majority of EOPC patients accumulated aberrations in all four drivers; in addition, high tumour heterogeneity was observed across all tissues. The cumulative effect of an exceptionally high rate of alterations in all common PDAC driver genes combined with high tumour heterogeneity suggests an important mechanism underlying the early onset of PDAC.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Middle Aged; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); Pancreatic Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Mutation
PubMed: 38145461
DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13576 -
Cancer Treatment Reviews Jan 2024Well-differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcomas (WDLPS and DDLPS) are rare tumors that arise from lipocytes in soft tissue. There is a high unmet need in patients... (Review)
Review
Well-differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcomas (WDLPS and DDLPS) are rare tumors that arise from lipocytes in soft tissue. There is a high unmet need in patients with these liposarcomas given poor outcomes, particularly for DDLPS. WDLPS and DDLPS share important genetic and histological characteristics - most notably, the amplification of the 2 genes MDM2 and CDK4. Both genes are considered oncogenes because of their ability to shut down tumor suppressor pathways. There are multiple therapeutic approaches that aim to target MDM2 and CDK4 activity for the purpose of restoring intrinsic tumor suppressor cellular response and terminating oncogenesis. However, current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in WDLPS and DDLPS pathology is limited. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to refine and implement targeted therapy for this patient population. The use of patient-derived cell and tumor xenograft models has been an important tool for recapitulating WDLPS and DDLPS biology. These models also offer valuable insights for drug development and drug combination studies. Here we offer a review of the current understanding of WDLPS and DDLPS biology and its therapeutic implications.
Topics: Humans; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4; Liposarcoma; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
PubMed: 38104352
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102668 -
Urologia Feb 2024The major barriers to phytonutrients in prostate cancer therapy are non-specific mechanisms and bioavailability issues. Studies have pointed to a synergistic combination... (Review)
Review
The major barriers to phytonutrients in prostate cancer therapy are non-specific mechanisms and bioavailability issues. Studies have pointed to a synergistic combination of curcumin (CURC) and ursolic acid (UA). We investigate this combination using a systematic review process to assess the most likely mechanistic pathway and human testing in prostate cancer. We used the PRISMA statement to screen titles, abstracts, and the full texts of relevant articles and performed a descriptive analysis of the literature reviewed for study inclusion and consensus of the manuscript. The most common molecular and cellular pathway from articles reporting on the pathways and effects of CURC ( = 173) in prostate cancer was NF-κB ( = 25, 14.5%). The most common molecular and cellular pathway from articles reporting on the pathways and effects of UA ( = 24) in prostate cancer was caspase 3/caspase 9 ( = 10, 41.6%). The three most common molecular and cellular pathway from articles reporting on the pathways and effects of both CURC and UA ( = 193) in prostate cancer was NF-κB ( = 28, 14.2%), Akt ( = 22, 11.2%), and androgen ( = 19, 9.6%). Therefore, we have identified the potential synergistic target pathways of curcumin and ursolic acid to involve NF-κB, Akt, androgen receptors, and apoptosis pathways. Our review highlights the limited human studies and specific effects in prostate cancer.
Topics: Male; Humans; Ursolic Acid; Curcumin; NF-kappa B; Signal Transduction; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Apoptosis; Triterpenes; Prostatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 37776274
DOI: 10.1177/03915603231202304 -
Oncology Reports Nov 2023Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog () is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in solid tumors. More than 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)... (Review)
Review
Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog () is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in solid tumors. More than 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are driven by mutations in the gene, suggesting the importance of targeting this oncogene in PDAC. Initial efforts to target KRAS have been unsuccessful due to its small size, high affinity for guanosine triphosphate/guanosine diphosphate, and lack of distinct drug‑binding pockets. Therefore, much of the focus has been directed at inhibiting the activation of major signaling pathways downstream of KRAS, most notably the PI3K/AKT and RAF/MAPK pathways, using tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. While preclinical studies showed promising results, clinical data using the inhibitors alone and in combination with other standard therapies have shown limited practicality, largely due to the lack of efficacy and dose‑limiting toxicities. Recent therapeutic approaches for KRAS‑driven tumors focus on mutation‑specific drugs such as selective inhibitors and son of sevenless 1 pan‑KRAS inhibitors. While inhibitors showed great promise against patients with non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring mutations, they were not efficacious in PDAC largely because the major mutant isoforms in PDAC are G12D, G12V, and G12R. As a result, and pan‑KRAS inhibitors are currently under investigation as potential therapeutic options for PDAC. The present review summarized the importance of KRAS oncogenic signaling, challenges in its targeting, and preclinical and clinical targeted agents including recent direct KRAS inhibitors for blocking KRAS signaling in PDAC.
Topics: Humans; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Mutation
PubMed: 37800636
DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8643 -
Biochemia Medica Jun 2024Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) represents 2% of all leukemia cases, with men aged above 55 years being the most affected. The most common symptoms of this type of leukemia... (Review)
Review
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) represents 2% of all leukemia cases, with men aged above 55 years being the most affected. The most common symptoms of this type of leukemia include splenomegaly, monocytopenia, and neutropenia. In the basic blood count examination, leukopenia with monocytopenia and granulocytopenia, as well as aplastic anemia and/or thrombocytopenia occur. The mutation of β-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma () proto-oncogene, which can be found in nearly 100% of patients, is an important feature of HCL. Immunophenotypic analysis of the HCL cells reveals high expression of B-lineage antigens, including CD19, CD20, and CD22. Additionally, CD11c, CD25, CD103, and CD123 belong to specific markers of HCL. Lactate dehydrogenase activity and β-2-microglobulin concentration are also important in the patient's assessment. The differential diagnosis between HCL, hairy cell leukemia variant (HCL-V) and splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is of first importance. Currently, the main treatment for HCL involves the use of purine analogues, excluding pregnant women, individuals with severe infections, and those with relapsing HCL.
Topics: Humans; Male; Diagnosis, Differential; Leukemia, Hairy Cell; Mutation; Proto-Oncogene Mas; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; Sex Factors
PubMed: 38882583
DOI: 10.11613/BM.2024.020502 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the replacement term for what used to be called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It is characterized by... (Review)
Review
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the replacement term for what used to be called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It is characterized by inflammation and injury of the liver in the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors and may eventually result in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer. Several pathogenic mechanisms are involved in the transition from MASH to HCC, encompassing metabolic injury, inflammation, immune dysregulation and fibrosis. In this context, Gas6 (Growth Arrest-Specific 6) and TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK) receptors may play important roles. The Gas6/TAM family is involved in the modulation of inflammation, lipid metabolism, fibrosis, tumor progression and metastasis, processes which play an important role in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic liver diseases. In this review, we discuss MASH-associated HCC and the potential involvement of the Gas6/TAM system in disease development and progression. In addition, since therapeutic strategies for MASH and HCC are limited, we also speculate regarding possible future treatments involving the targeting of Gas6 or TAM receptors.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Liver Neoplasms; Inflammation; Fibrosis; Fatty Liver
PubMed: 38298195
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1332818 -
Pathology Oncology Research : POR 2024The complex therapeutic strategy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has changed significantly in recent years. Disease-free survival increased significantly with... (Review)
Review
The complex therapeutic strategy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has changed significantly in recent years. Disease-free survival increased significantly with immunotherapy and chemotherapy registered in perioperative treatments, as well as adjuvant registered immunotherapy and targeted therapy (osimertinib) in case of EGFR mutation. In oncogenic-addictive metastatic NSCLC, primarily in adenocarcinoma, the range of targeted therapies is expanding, with which the expected overall survival increases significantly, measured in years. By 2021, the FDA and EMA have approved targeted agents to inhibit EGFR activating mutations, T790 M resistance mutation, BRAF V600E mutation, ALK, ROS1, NTRK and RET fusion. In 2022, the range of authorized target therapies was expanded. With therapies that inhibit KRASG12C, EGFR exon 20, HER2 and MET. Until now, there was no registered targeted therapy for the KRAS mutations, which affect 30% of adenocarcinomas. Thus, the greatest expectation surrounded the inhibition of the KRAS G12C mutation, which occurs in ∼15% of NSCLC, mainly in smokers and is characterized by a poor prognosis. Sotorasib and adagrasib are approved as second-line agents after at least one prior course of chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. Adagrasib in first-line combination with pembrolizumab immunotherapy proved more beneficial, especially in patients with high expression of PD-L1. In EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation of lung adenocarcinoma, amivantanab was registered for progression after platinum-based chemotherapy. Lung adenocarcinoma carries an EGFR exon 20, HER2 insertion mutation in 2%, for which the first targeted therapy is trastuzumab deruxtecan, in patients already treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Two orally administered selective c-MET inhibitors, capmatinib and tepotinib, were also approved after chemotherapy in adenocarcinoma carrying MET exon 14 skipping mutations of about 3%. Incorporating reflex testing with next-generation sequencing (NGS) expands personalized therapies by identifying guideline-recommended molecular alterations.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Adenocarcinoma of Lung; Mutation; Adenocarcinoma; ErbB Receptors; Acetonitriles; Piperazines; Pyrimidines
PubMed: 38605928
DOI: 10.3389/pore.2024.1611715 -
Cell Reports Oct 2023Regulatory T (Treg) cells exhibit immunosuppressive phenotypes and particular metabolic patterns with certain degrees of plasticity. Previous studies of the effects of...
Regulatory T (Treg) cells exhibit immunosuppressive phenotypes and particular metabolic patterns with certain degrees of plasticity. Previous studies of the effects of the co-stimulatory molecule CD226 on Treg cells are controversial. Here, we show that CD226 primarily maintains the Treg cell stability and metabolism phenotype under inflammatory conditions. Conditional deletion of CD226 within Foxp3 cells exacerbates symptoms in murine graft versus host disease models. Treg cell-specific deletion of CD226 increases the Treg cell percentage in immune organs but weakens their immunosuppressive function with a T helper 1-like phenotype conversion under inflammation. CD226-deficient Treg cells exhibit reduced oxidative phosphorylation and increased glycolysis rates, which are regulated by the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/myelocytomatosis oncogene (Myc) pathway, and inhibition of Myc signaling restores the impaired functions of CD226-deficient Treg cells in an inflammatory disease model of colitis. This study reveals an Myc-mediated CD226 regulation of Treg cell phenotypic stability and metabolism, providing potential therapeutic strategies for targeted interventions of Treg cell-specific CD226 in inflammatory diseases.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Mammals; Phenotype; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc; Signal Transduction; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
PubMed: 37864795
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113306