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Frontiers in Oncology 2024B7-H3 (CD276), an immune checkpoint molecule, is overexpressed in various types of cancer and their tumor vasculature, demonstrating significant associations with... (Review)
Review
B7-H3 (CD276), an immune checkpoint molecule, is overexpressed in various types of cancer and their tumor vasculature, demonstrating significant associations with adverse clinical outcomes. In addition to its well-known immune functions, B7-H3 exhibits dual co-stimulatory/co-inhibitory roles in normal physiology and the tumor microenvironment. The non-immune functions of B7-H3 in tumor cells and the tumor vasculature, including promoting tumor cell anti-apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, migration, drug resistance, radioresistance, as well as affecting cellular metabolism and angiogenesis, have increasingly gained attention from researchers. Particularly, the co-expression of B7-H3 in both tumor cells and tumor endothelial cells highlights the higher potential and clinical utility of therapeutic strategies targeting B7-H3. This review aims to summarize the recent advances in understanding the non-immune functions of B7-H3 in tumors and provide insights into therapeutic approaches targeting B7-H3, focusing on its co-expression in tumor cells and endothelial cells. The aim is to establish a theoretical foundation and practical reference for the development and optimization of B7-H3-targeted therapies.
PubMed: 38952550
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1408051 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024The substantial heterogeneity exhibited by head and neck cancer (HNC), encompassing diverse cellular origins, anatomical locations, and etiological contributors,... (Review)
Review
The substantial heterogeneity exhibited by head and neck cancer (HNC), encompassing diverse cellular origins, anatomical locations, and etiological contributors, combined with the prevalent late-stage diagnosis, poses significant challenges for clinical management. Genomic sequencing endeavors have revealed extensive alterations in key signaling pathways that regulate cellular proliferation and survival. Initiatives to engineer therapies targeting these dysregulated pathways are underway, with several candidate molecules progressing to clinical evaluation phases, including FDA approval for agents like the EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibody cetuximab for K-RAS wild-type, EGFR-mutant HNSCC treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), owing to their enhanced stability in biological fluids and their important roles in intracellular and intercellular signaling within HNC contexts, are now recognized as potent biomarkers for disease management, catalyzing further refined diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, edging closer to the personalized medicine desideratum. Enhanced comprehension of the genomic and immunological landscapes characteristic of HNC is anticipated to facilitate a more rigorous assessment of targeted therapies benefits and limitations, optimize their clinical deployment, and foster innovative advancements in treatment approaches. This review presents an update on the molecular mechanisms and mutational spectrum of HNC driving the oncogenesis of head and neck malignancies and explores their implications for advancing diagnostic methodologies and precision therapeutics.
PubMed: 38952548
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1373821 -
Molecular Imaging 2024To investigate the performance of diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) and hydrogen proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS) parameters in predicting the...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the performance of diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) and hydrogen proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS) parameters in predicting the immunohistochemistry (IHC) biomarkers of glioma.
METHODS
Patients with glioma confirmed by pathology from March 2015 to September 2019 were analyzed, the preoperative DTI and H-MRS images were collected, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA), in the lesion area were measured, the relative values relative ADC (rADC) and relative FA (rFA) were obtained by the ratio of them in the lesion area to the contralateral normal area. The peak of each metabolite in the lesion area of H-MRS image: N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), and creatine (Cr), and metabolite ratio: NAA/Cho, NAA/(Cho + Cr) were selected and calculated. The preoperative IHC data were collected including CD34, Ki-67, p53, S-100, syn, vimentin, NeuN, Nestin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein.
RESULTS
One predicting parameter of DTI was screened, the rADC of the Ki-67 positive group was lower than that of the negative group. Two parameters of H-MRS were found to have significant reference values for glioma grades, the NAA and Cr decreased as the grade of glioma increased, moreover, Ki-67 Li was negatively correlated with NAA and Cr.
CONCLUSION
NAA and Cr have potential application value in predicting glioma grades and tumor proliferation activity. Only rADC has predictive value for Ki-67 expression among DTI parameters.
Topics: Humans; Glioma; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Immunohistochemistry; Brain Neoplasms; Diffusion Tensor Imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Aged; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Young Adult
PubMed: 38952400
DOI: 10.1177/15353508241261583 -
Heliyon Jun 2024To obtain insight into the molecular process implicated in venous malformations (VMs) and identify potential targets for treatment of VMs, this study profiled the gene...
OBJECTIVE
To obtain insight into the molecular process implicated in venous malformations (VMs) and identify potential targets for treatment of VMs, this study profiled the gene expression pattern in VMs, investigated alterations of syndecan-1 (SDC1) expression in VMs, and tested the hypothesis that aberrant SDC1 expression triggers abnormal angiogenesis and VM development.
METHODS
Microarray analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) on a transcriptome-wide level in VMs and conjunctive normal. Gene Ontology molecular functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were carried out to establish enhancement of biological signaling pathways involved in VMs. Among the DEGs, we focused on SDC1, which is involved in matrix remodeling, cell proliferation and invasion, and angiogenesis. SDC1 expression in VMs was verified by qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Loss-of-function of SDC1 was achieved in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by siRNA to investigate the roles of SDC1 in cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis.
RESULTS
Compared with control tissue, the transcriptome study identified 274 upregulated DEGs and 3 downregulated DEGs. The transcript and protein levels of SDC1 were significantly decreased in VMs compared with normal tissue. Inhibition of SDC1 enhanced HUVEC migration, invasion, and angiogenesis.
CONCLUSION
Our genome-wide microarray analysis suggests the involvement of numerous genes in VMs. Among them, SDC1 plays a substantial role in the process of angiogenesis and development of VMs. SDC1 may represent a potential target for a molecular therapy for VMs.
PubMed: 38952376
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32690 -
Heliyon Jun 2024DIP2B is related to cancer progression. This study investigated the roles and pathways of DIP2B in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).
Downregulation of DIP2B as a prognostic marker inhibited cancer proliferation and migration and was associated with immune infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma via CCND1 and MMP2.
BACKGROUND
DIP2B is related to cancer progression. This study investigated the roles and pathways of DIP2B in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).
METHODS
DIP2B expression and the relationship between survival time of cancer patients and DIP2B expression were analyzed. The relationship between DIP2B expression and survival time in LUAD patients was evaluated by a meta-analysis. Cox and survival analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic factors and construct a prognostic nomogram. The mechanisms and effects of DIP2B and the relationship between DIP2B expression and the immune microenvironment were investigated using bioinformatics, CCK-8, western blotting, and transwell experiments.
RESULTS
DIP2B was overexpressed in LUAD tissues. DIP2B overexpression was associated with shorter prognosis and was an unfavorable risk factor for prognosis in LUAD patients. DIP2B co-expressed genes were involved in cell division, DNA repair, cell cycle, and others. Inhibition of DIP2B expression could downregulate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD A549 and H1299 cells, which was related to the decrease in CCND1 and MMP2 protein expression. BRCA1 overexpression was associated with short prognosis, and the nomogram formed by DIP2B and BRCA1 was associated with a poor prognosis in LUAD patients. DIP2B expression correlated with immune cells (such as CD8 T cells, Tcm, and iDCs) and cell markers.
CONCLUSION
DIP2B is a potential biomarker of poor prognosis and the immune microenvironment in LUAD. Inhibition of DIP2B expression downregulated cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which might be related to the decrease in CCND1 and MMP2 protein expression. DIP2B-related nomograms might be useful tools for predicting the prognosis of LUAD patients.
PubMed: 38952374
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32025 -
European Journal of Translational... Jul 2024Azoospermia, or the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate, affects about 1% of men worldwide and is a significant fertility challenge. This study investigates...
Azoospermia, or the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate, affects about 1% of men worldwide and is a significant fertility challenge. This study investigates Linc00513, a long non-coding RNA, and its potential role in regulating the TGF-β signaling pathway, a key player in spermatogenesis, in the context of azoospermia. We show that Linc00513 expression is significantly lower in testicular tissues from azoospermic patients than in HS1 controls. Linc00513 interacts directly with microRNA-7 (miR-7) via complementary base pairing, acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). This interaction effectively inhibits miR-7's inhibitory action on the TGF-β receptor 1 (TGFBR1), a critical component of the TGF-β signaling cascade. Downregulating Linc00513 reduces TGFBR1 repression and increases TGF-β signaling in azoospermic testes. Functional assays with spermatogonial cell lines support these findings. Silencing Linc00513 leads to increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis, similar to TGF-β inhibition. Overexpression of miR-7 inhibits the effects of Linc00513 on TGF-β signaling. Our study sheds new light on how Linc00513, miR-7, and the TGF-β signaling pathway interact in azoospermia. Linc00513 regulates TGFBR1 expression and thus influences spermatogonial cell fate by acting as a miR-7 ceRNA. These findings identify a potential therapeutic target for azoospermia treatment, paving the way for future research into restoring fertility in affected individuals.
PubMed: 38952199
DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2024.12516 -
Molecular Oncology Jul 2024Retraction: C. Jin, J. Zhao, Z-P. Zhang, M. Wu, J. Li, B. Liu, X-B. Liao, Y-X. Liao, and J-P. Liu, "CircRNA EPHB4 modulates stem properties and proliferation of gliomas...
Retraction: C. Jin, J. Zhao, Z-P. Zhang, M. Wu, J. Li, B. Liu, X-B. Liao, Y-X. Liao, and J-P. Liu, "CircRNA EPHB4 modulates stem properties and proliferation of gliomas via sponging miR-637 and up-regulating SOX10," Molecular Oncology 15, no. 2 (2020): 596-622, https://doi.org/10.1002/1878-0261.12830. The above article, version of record published online on 16 December 2020 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Kevin Ryan; FEBS Press; and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The journal began an investigation following a report from a third party regarding image duplication in Figure 14H between this article and the following articles: Gong et al. [1] and Zhao, et al. [2]. The authors did not respond to requests by the journal and the publisher for original data and an explanation. The retraction has been agreed because the evidence of image duplication across other articles substantially compromises the conclusions of the article. The authors did not respond to our notice of retraction. References [1] H. Gong , Y. Tao , S. Xiao , X. Li , K. Fang , J. Wen , P. He , and Ming, Z. "LncRNA KIAA0087 suppresses the progression of osteosarcoma by mediating the SOCS1/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway," Experimental & Molecular Medicine 55 (2023): 831-843, https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-023-00972-8. [2] Y. Zhao , C. Li , Y. Zhang , and Z. Li . "CircTMTC1 contributes to nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression through targeting miR-495-MET-eIF4G1 translational regulation axis," Cell Death & Disease 13, no. 250 (2022), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-022-04686-z.
PubMed: 38952175
DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13693 -
FEBS Open Bio Jul 2024Glucose is essential for energy metabolism, and its usage can determine other cellular functions, depending on the cell type. In some pathological conditions, cells are...
Glucose is essential for energy metabolism, and its usage can determine other cellular functions, depending on the cell type. In some pathological conditions, cells are exposed to high concentrations of glucose for extended periods. In this study, we investigated metabolic, oxidative stress, and cellular senescence pathways in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) cultured in media with physiologically low (5 mm) and high (12.5 mm) glucose concentrations. HBECs exposed to 12.5 mm glucose showed increased glucose routing toward the pentose phosphate pathway, lactate synthesis, and glycogen, but not triglyceride synthesis. These metabolic shifts were not associated with changes in cell proliferation rates, oxidative stress, or cellular senescence pathways. Since hyperglycemia is associated with fibrosis in the lung, we asked whether HBECS could activate fibroblasts. Primary human lung fibroblasts cultured in media conditioned by 12.5 mm glucose-exposed HBECs showed a 1.3-fold increase in the gene expression of COL1A1 and COL1A2, along with twofold increased protein levels of smooth muscle cell actin and 2.4-fold of COL1A1. Consistently, HBECs cultured with 12.5 mm glucose secreted proteins associated with inflammation and fibrosis, such as interleukins IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-13, CC chemokine ligands CCL2 and CCL24, and with extracellular matrix remodeling, such as metalloproteinases (MMP)-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13 and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP)-1 and -2. This study shows that HBECs undergo metabolic reprogramming and increase the secretion of profibrotic mediators following exposure to high concentrations of glucose, and it contributes to the understanding of the metabolic crosstalk of neighboring cells in diabetes-associated pulmonary fibrosis.
PubMed: 38952051
DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13852 -
Microbiome Jul 2024Endometrial cancer is a multifactorial disease with inflammatory, metabolic and potentially microbial cues involved in disease pathogenesis. The endometrial cancer...
BACKGROUND
Endometrial cancer is a multifactorial disease with inflammatory, metabolic and potentially microbial cues involved in disease pathogenesis. The endometrial cancer microbiome has been poorly characterised so far and studies have often overestimated bacterial biomass due to lack of integration of appropriate contamination controls. There is also a scarcity of evidence on the functionality of microbial microenvironments in endometrial cancer. This work addresses that knowledge gap by interrogating the genuine, contamination-free microbial signatures in the female genital tract and rectum of women with endometrial cancer and the mechanistic role of microbiome on carcinogenic processes.
RESULTS
Here we sampled different regions of the reproductive tract (vagina, cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes and ovaries) and rectum of 61 patients (37 endometrial cancer; 24 benign controls). We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V1-V2 hypervariable regions and qPCR of the 16S rRNA gene to qualitatively and quantitatively assess microbial communities and used 3D benign and endometrial cancer organoids to evaluate the effect of microbial products of L. crispatus, which was found depleted in endometrial cancer patients following primary analysis, on endometrial cell proliferation and inflammation. We found that the upper genital tract of a subset of women with and without endometrial cancer harbour microbiota quantitatively and compositionally distinguishable from background contaminants. Endometrial cancer was associated with reduced cervicovaginal and rectal bacterial load together with depletion of Lactobacillus species relative abundance, including L. crispatus, increased bacterial diversity and enrichment of Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Peptoniphilus and Anaerococcus in the lower genital tract and endometrium. Treatment of benign and malignant endometrial organoids with L. crispatus conditioned media exerted an anti-proliferative effect at high concentrations but had minimal impact on cytokine and chemokine profiles.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings provide evidence that the upper female reproductive tract of some women contains detectable levels of bacteria, the composition of which is associated with endometrial cancer. Whether this is a cause or consequence of cancer pathophysiology and what is the functional significance of this finding remain to be elucidated to guide future screening tools and microbiome-based therapeutics. Video Abstract.
Topics: Humans; Female; Endometrial Neoplasms; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Microbiota; Middle Aged; Bacteria; Endometrium; Aged; Rectum; Vagina; Adult
PubMed: 38951935
DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01821-0 -
Cancer Cell International Jun 2024Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. Current therapies are unsatisfactory and novel cures are urgently needed. In a previous...
BACKGROUND
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. Current therapies are unsatisfactory and novel cures are urgently needed. In a previous drug screening, we identified thonzonium bromide (TB) as one of the most active compounds against MPM cells. Since the biological effects of TB are poorly known, in this work we departed from some hints of previous studies and investigated several hypotheses. Moreover, we evaluated the efficacy of TB in an in vivo xenograft rodent model.
METHODS
In vitro assessment was made on five MPM (Mero-14, Mero-25, Ren, NCI-H28, MSTO-211H) and one SV40-immortalized mesothelial cell line (MeT-5A). We evaluated TB ability to affect proliferation, apoptosis, mitochondrial functions and metabolism, and the mevalonate pathway. In vivo assay was carried out on MPM-xenograft NOD-SCID mice (4 mg/kg delivered intraperitoneally, twice a week for 4 weeks) and the overall survival was analysed with Kaplan-Meier curves.
RESULTS
After TB treatment, we observed the suppression of ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, the increase of BAX expression and p38 phosphorylation. TB affected Ca homeostasis in both mitochondrial and cytosolic compartments, it regulated the mitochondrial functioning, respiration, and ATP production as well as the mevalonate pathway. The in vivo study showed an increased overall survival for TB treated group vs. vehicle control group (P = 0.0076).
CONCLUSIONS
Both in vitro and in vivo results confirmed the effect of TB on MPM and unravelled novel targets with translational potential.
PubMed: 38951927
DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03400-7