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Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024This study investigated the mechanism by which tazarotene-induced gene 1 (TIG1) inhibits melanoma cell growth. The main focus was to analyze downstream genes regulated...
BACKGROUND
This study investigated the mechanism by which tazarotene-induced gene 1 (TIG1) inhibits melanoma cell growth. The main focus was to analyze downstream genes regulated by TIG1 in melanoma cells and its impact on cell growth.
METHODS
The effects of TIG1 expression on cell viability and death were assessed using water-soluble tetrazolium 1 (WST-1) mitochondrial staining and lactate dehydrogenase release assays. RNA sequencing and Western blot analysis were employed to investigate the genes regulated by TIG1 in melanoma cells. Additionally, the correlation between expression and its downstream genes was analyzed in a melanoma tissue array.
RESULTS
TIG1 expression in melanoma cells was associated with decreased cell viability and increased cell death. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), quantitative reverse transcription PCR (reverse RT-QPCR), and immunoblots revealed that TIG1 expression induced the expression of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress response-related genes such as Homocysteine-responsive endoplasmic reticulum-resident ubiquitin-like domain member 1 (HERPUD1), Binding immunoglobulin protein (BIP), and DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3). Furthermore, analysis of the melanoma tissue array revealed a positive correlation between expression and the expression of , , and . Additionally, attenuation of the ER stress response in melanoma cells weakened the impact of TIG1 on cell growth.
CONCLUSIONS
TIG1 expression effectively hinders the growth of melanoma cells. TIG1 induces the upregulation of ER stress response-related genes, leading to an increase in caspase-3 activity and subsequent cell death. These findings suggest that the ability of retinoic acid to prevent melanoma formation may be associated with the anticancer effect of TIG1.
Topics: Humans; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Melanoma; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Cell Death; Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Membrane Proteins
PubMed: 38940043
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906233 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potentials. As such, DPSCs have a wide range of clinical applications. Low-level...
BACKGROUND
Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potentials. As such, DPSCs have a wide range of clinical applications. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has positive photobiostimulatory effects on cell proliferation, angiogenesis, osteogenic differentiation, bone regeneration, and fracture healing. However, there have been few studies on the effect of low-energy lasers on DPSC proliferation.
METHODS
DPSCs were obtained from dental pulp tissue. The effects of LLLT on the proliferation of DPSCs and the associated mechanisms were investigated by culture and laser irradiation.
RESULTS
LLLT with energy densities of 3.5 J/cm2 and 14 J/cm2promoted the proliferation of DPSCs. Differential protein expression studies suggested the stimulation of DPSC proliferation by LLLT involved the PI3K-Akt and Rap1 signaling pathways, as well as the apoptosis-related pathway.
CONCLUSION
This preliminary study demonstrated that low-energy lasers have a pro-proliferative effect on DPSCs, and identified possible associated mechanisms. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of DPSCs and suggest novel strategies for the treatment of related diseases.
Topics: Dental Pulp; Cell Proliferation; Humans; Stem Cells; Low-Level Light Therapy; Cells, Cultured; Signal Transduction; Apoptosis; Cell Differentiation
PubMed: 38940041
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906211 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. Its molecular mechanisms, especially concerning autophagy and various signaling pathways,...
BACKGROUND
Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. Its molecular mechanisms, especially concerning autophagy and various signaling pathways, are not fully understood. Fatty Acid Binding Protein 6 () and RE1 Silencing Transcription Factor () emerge as potential key players in this context. This study sought to analyze the functional relationship of and concerning autophagy and their implications on the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway within GC cells.
METHODS
A comprehensive bioinformatics approach was used to identify key prognostic markers in GC. The effects of and on autophagy along with Akt/mTOR signaling pathways were analyzed by techniques including Western blotting (WB), flow cytometry, Transwell assay, dual luciferase reporter assay, and others.
RESULTS
was identified as overexpressed in GC, linked with poor prognosis. silencing reduces GC cell proliferation, induces S- and G2-phase arrest, and downregulates cyclins CDK2 and CDK4. It also inhibited GC cell invasion/migration and autophagy, effects that were counteracted by MG132. When combined with PI3K inhibitor LY294002c, knockdown showed synergistic anti-proliferative effects, modulating the Akt/mTOR pathway. Besides, the transcription factor has been shown to directly regulate expression, affecting autophagy and the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in a -dependent manner.
CONCLUSIONS
positively regulates autophagy and negatively affects the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in GC cells in a FABP6-dependent manner, providing valuable insights into regulatory networks involving and .
Topics: Humans; Stomach Neoplasms; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Autophagy; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Signal Transduction; Cell Line, Tumor; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; Cell Proliferation; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
PubMed: 38940038
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906212 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... May 2024Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths, with one of the highest incidence and mortality rates of all malignant tumors. Dysregulated expression of...
BACKGROUND
Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths, with one of the highest incidence and mortality rates of all malignant tumors. Dysregulated expression of DEPDC1B has been reported to occur in various tumor types. However, the functional implications of this alteration in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role and clinical significance of DEPDC1B in LUAD.
METHODS
The expression of DEPDC1B in LUAD and its relationship with prognosis were systematically evaluated in several publically available datasets. The effects of DEPDC1B knockdown on the proliferation and motility of LUAD cells were assessed using the JULI Stage Real-time Cell History Recorder, while the effect of knockdown on the cell cycle was studied by flow cytometry. Furthermore, RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis was conducted to identify the downstream target genes and pathways regulated by DEPDC1B. Correlations between the expression of DEPDC1B and immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy resistance, and chemoresistance were also examined. Additionally, molecular biological methods were used to explore the regulatory mechanism of B-Myb on DEPDC1B expression.
RESULTS
DEPDC1B was found to be upregulated in LUAD patients and this was associated with poor clinical outcomes. Knockdown of inhibited cell growth, migration and motility, as well as cell cycle progression. Knockdown also resulted in the down-regulation of several downstream genes, including , , and , as well as the inactivation of multiple critical pathways, such as the ERK and PI3K-AKT pathways. Analysis of the tumor immuno-environment in LUAD revealed that high DEPDC1B expression was associated with an abundance of activated CD4+ memory T cells, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, and CD8+ T cells. Moreover, these tumors responded poorly to immunotherapy. Analysis of chemo-drug sensitivity showed that LUADs with high DEPDC1B expression were more responsive to frontline chemotherapeutic drugs such as Vinorelbine, Cisplatin, and Etoposide. Additionally, mechanistic investigations revealed that DEPDC1B is a direct target gene of B-Myb, and that its knockdown attenuated the proliferation and motility effects of B-Myb.
CONCLUSIONS
In summary, our findings indicate that DEPDC1B is a critical regulator during the malignant progression of LUAD. DEPDC1B could therefore be a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target in LUAD diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Humans; Adenocarcinoma of Lung; GTPase-Activating Proteins; Lung Neoplasms; Cell Proliferation; Cell Movement; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Cell Line, Tumor; Disease Progression; Cell Cycle Proteins; Prognosis; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Male; Gene Knockdown Techniques; Signal Transduction; Neoplasm Proteins; Trans-Activators
PubMed: 38940035
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906204 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024This study investigated the impact of salvianolic acids, derived from Danshen, on melanoma cell growth. Specifically, we assessed the ability of salvianolic acid A (Sal...
BACKGROUND
This study investigated the impact of salvianolic acids, derived from Danshen, on melanoma cell growth. Specifically, we assessed the ability of salvianolic acid A (Sal A) to modulate melanoma cell proliferation.
METHODS
We used human melanoma A2058 and A375 cell lines to investigate the effects of Sal A on cell proliferation and death by measuring bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and lactate dehydrogenase release. We assessed cell viability and cycle progression using water soluble tetrazolium salt-1 (WST-1) mitochondrial staining and propidium iodide. Additionally, we used a phospho-kinase array to investigate intracellular kinase phosphorylation, specifically measuring the influence of Sal A on checkpoint kinase-2 (Chk-2) via western blot analysis.
RESULTS
Sal A inhibited the growth of A2058 and A375 cells dose-responsively and induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Notably, Sal A selectively induces Chk-2 phosphorylation without affecting Chk-1, thereby degrading Chk-2-regulated genes and . However, Sal A does not affect the Chk1-Cdc25C pathway.
CONCLUSIONS
Salvianolic acids, especially Sal A, effectively hinder melanoma cell growth by inducing Chk-2 phosphorylation and disrupting G2/M checkpoint regulation.
Topics: Humans; Checkpoint Kinase 2; cdc25 Phosphatases; Melanoma; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Lactates; Caffeic Acids; Signal Transduction; Phosphorylation; Cell Survival
PubMed: 38940031
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906213 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... May 2024Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone tumor in the pediatric and adolescent populations. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs), such as plasma-cytoma variant...
BACKGROUND
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone tumor in the pediatric and adolescent populations. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs), such as plasma-cytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1), have emerged as significant regulators of OS metastasis. Recent studies have indicated that activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling, which might be controlled by PVT1, inhibits ferroptosis to promote the malignant progression of cancer. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the role of PVT1 in OS pathogenesis and investigate whether PVT1 affects OS progression by regulating STAT3/GPX4 pathway-mediated ferroptosis.
METHODS
The human OS cell line MG63 were transfected with sh-PVT1 plasmid to inhibit PVT1 expression, with or without co-transfection with a STAT3 overexpression plasmid. The expression of PVT1 was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of MG63 cells were determined using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), Fe2+, and glutathione (GSH) were determined by ELISA kits, whereas reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was determined by immunofluorescence. The protein expression levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were detected by western blot (WB).
RESULTS
PVT1 expression was significantly increased in MG63 cells. When knocking down PVT1 with sh-PVT1 plasmid, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MG63 cells were markedly inhibited, while the rate of apoptosis was upregulated. Further investigation revealed that MG63 cells with PVT1 knockdown exhibited elevated levels of MDA, Fe2+, and ROS. In addition, the inhibition of PVT1 expression resulted in decreased levels of GSH and inhibited expression of p-STAT3 and GPX4. When sh-PVT1 was co-transfected with STAT3 overexpression plasmid in MG63 cells, the increased levels of MDA, Fe2+, and ROS were downregulated, and the decreased expressions of GSH, p-STAT3, and GPX4 were upregulated.
CONCLUSION
PVT1 promotes OS metastasis by activating the STAT3/GPX4 pathway to inhibit ferroptosis. Targeting PVT1 might be a novel therapeutic strategy for OS treatment.
Topics: Humans; Osteosarcoma; RNA, Long Noncoding; Ferroptosis; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Cell Line, Tumor; Bone Neoplasms; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase; Cell Proliferation; Reactive Oxygen Species; Signal Transduction; Cell Movement; Disease Progression; Apoptosis; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
PubMed: 38940027
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906207 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024The senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30) is a calcium-binding protein whose expression decreases with age, and is closely associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)...
BACKGROUND
The senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30) is a calcium-binding protein whose expression decreases with age, and is closely associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. The primary goal of this study was to examine the mechanistic effect of SMP30 on HCC migration and invasion.
METHODS
Bioinformatic and immunohistochemical approaches were used to examine the expression of SMP30 in HCC tissues and its relationship to patient survival. We investigated the effects of SMP30 expression on HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle dynamics. cDNA microarray technology was used to determine the gene expression profile of SK-Hep-1 cells following recombinant SMP30 overexpression to identify genes downstream of SMP30 that regulate HCC cell migration and invasion. We identified SMP30 interacting proteins by affinity purification-mass spectrometry (AP-MS) and co-immunoprecipitation/western blotting (COIP-WB).
RESULTS
SMP30 expression was lower in HCC tissues compared with normal liver tissues, and its expression positively correlated with overall survival in HCC patients. Additionally, SMP30 overexpression effectively blocked the migratory and invasive properties of SK-Hep-1 cells, but did not affect either proliferation rates or cell cycle. cDNA microarray results confirmed that many of the differentially expressed genes identified are involved in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). AP-MS and COIP-WB experiments confirmed that Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) interacts with SMP30 in SK-Hep-1 cells, and ROCK1 is known to intimately regulate the EMT process.
CONCLUSION
SMP30 inhibits HCC metastasis by influencing the expression of EMT-related proteins after interacting with ROCK1.
Topics: Humans; rho-Associated Kinases; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Male; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
PubMed: 38940025
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906214 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Mesaconitine (MA), a diester-diterpenoid alkaloid extracted from the medicinal herb , is commonly used to treat various diseases. Previous studies have indicated the...
Mesaconitine (MA), a diester-diterpenoid alkaloid extracted from the medicinal herb , is commonly used to treat various diseases. Previous studies have indicated the potent toxicity of aconitum despite its pharmacological activities, with limited understanding of its effects on the nervous system and the underlying mechanisms. HT22 cells and zebrafish were used to investigate the neurotoxic effects of MA both and , employing multi-omics techniques to explore the potential mechanisms of toxicity. Our results demonstrated that treatment with MA induces neurotoxicity in zebrafish and HT22 cells. Subsequent analysis revealed that MA induced oxidative stress, as well as structural and functional damage to mitochondria in HT22 cells, accompanied by an upregulation of mRNA and protein expression related to autophagic and lysosomal pathways. Furthermore, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) showed a correlation between the expression of autophagy-related genes and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification following MA treatment. In addition, we identified METTL14 as a potential regulator of m6A methylation in HT22 cells after exposure to MA. Our study has contributed to a thorough mechanistic elucidation of the neurotoxic effects caused by MA, and has provided valuable insights for optimizing the rational utilization of traditional Chinese medicine formulations containing aconitum in clinical practice.
PubMed: 38939838
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1393717 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Colorectal cancer is a highly aggressive and metastatic cancer with inadequate clinical outcomes. Given the crucial role of histamine and histamine receptors in...
INTRODUCTION
Colorectal cancer is a highly aggressive and metastatic cancer with inadequate clinical outcomes. Given the crucial role of histamine and histamine receptors in colorectal carcinogenesis, this study aimed at exploring the anticancer effects of terfenadine against colorectal cancer HCT116 cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism.
METHODS
Herein, we examined the effect of terfenadine on growth and proliferation of HCT116 cells and . Various experimental techniques such as flow cytometry, western blot, immunoprecipitation, luciferase assay were employed to unveil the mechanism of cell death triggered by terfenadine.
RESULTS
Terfenadine markedly attenuated the viability of HCT116 cells by abrogating histamine H1 receptor (H1R) signaling. In addition, terfenadine modulated the balance of Bax and Bcl-2, triggering cytochrome c discharge in the cytoplasm, thereby stimulating the caspase cascade and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) degradation. Moreover, terfenadine suppressed murine double minute-2 (Mdm2) expression, whereas p53 expression increased. Terfenadine suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation and expression of its gene products by inhibiting MEK/ERK and JAK2 activation in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, treatment with U0126, a MEK inhibitor, and AG490, a JAK2 inhibitor, dramatically diminished the phosphorylations of ERK1/2 and JAK2, respectively, leading to STAT3 downregulation. Likewise, terfenadine diminished the complex formation of MEK1/2 with β-arrestin 2. In addition, terfenadine dwindled the phosphorylation of PKC substrates. Terfenadine administration (10 mg/kg) substantially retarded the growth of HCT116 tumor xenografts .
CONCLUSION
Terfenadine induces the apoptosis of HCT116 cells by abrogating STAT3 signaling. Overall, this study supports terfenadine as a prominent anticancer therapy for colorectal cancer.
PubMed: 38939837
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1418266 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Pervasive transcription of the eukaryotic genome generates noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), which regulate messenger RNA (mRNA) stability and translation. MicroRNAs...
BACKGROUND
Pervasive transcription of the eukaryotic genome generates noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), which regulate messenger RNA (mRNA) stability and translation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) represent a group of well-studied ncRNAs that maintain cellular homeostasis. Thus, any aberration in miRNA expression can cause diseases, including carcinogenesis. According to microRNA microarray analyses, intronic miR-617 is significantly downregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues compared to normal oral tissues.
METHODS
The miR-617-mediated regulation of is established by performing experiments on OSCC cell lines, patient samples, and xenograft nude mice model. Overexpression plasmid constructs, bisulphite sequencing PCR, bioinformatics analyses, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and cell-based assays are utilized to delineate the role of miR-617 in OSCC.
RESULTS
The present study shows that miR-617 has an anti-proliferative role in OSCC cells and is partly downregulated in OSCC cells due to the hypermethylation of its independent promoter. Further, we demonstrate that miR-617 upregulates gene by interacting with its promoter in a dose-dependent and sequence-specific manner, and this interaction is found to be biologically relevant in OSCC patient samples. Subsequently, we show that miR-617 regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, and anchorage-independent growth of OSCC cells by modulating DDX27 levels. Besides, our study shows that miR-617 exerts its effects through the PI3K/AKT/MTOR pathway via regulating DDX27 levels. Furthermore, the OSCC xenograft study in nude mice shows the anti-tumorigenic potential of miR-617.
CONCLUSION
miR-617-mediated upregulation of DDX27 is a novel mechanism in OSCC and underscores the therapeutic potential of synthetic miR-617 mimics in cancer therapeutics. To the best of our knowledge, miR-617 is the 15th example of a miRNA that upregulates the expression of a protein-coding gene by interacting with its promoter.
PubMed: 38939334
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1411539