Fang F, Zhao M, Meng J
… +7 more, He J, Yang C, Wang C, Wang J, Xie S, Jin X, Shi W
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39930621
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Metastasis is the predominant culprit of cancer-associated mortality in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tweety homolog 3 (TTYH3) reportedly functions vitally in the development of diverse cancers, including NSCLC; ne...Metastasis is the predominant culprit of cancer-associated mortality in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tweety homolog 3 (TTYH3) reportedly functions vitally in the development of diverse cancers, including NSCLC; nevertheless, its role in NSCLC metastasis remains ambiguous. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were initially employed to detect TTYH3 expression in NSCLC and normal lung epithelial cells. Subsequently, A549 and NCI-H1650 cells were chosen as NSCLC models in vitro and transfected with short hairpin RNAs (sh-TTYH3, sh-LUCAT1, and sh-ALYREF) or overexpression plasmids (oe-ALYREF and oe-TTYH3). Transwell assays were used for migrative and invasive tests. Epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT)-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Snail) were measured by western blot. A mouse lung metastasis model was built to define the function of TTYH3 in NSCLC metastasis, followed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, qRT-PCR, western blot, and actinomycin D assays were adopted to determine the relationships among LUCAT1, ALYREF, and TTYH3. TTYH3 was highly expressed in NSCLC cells relative to normal lung cells. Functionally, TTYH3 knockdown restrained NSCLC migration, invasion, EMT, and metastasis. Mechanistic experiments demonstrated that LUCAT1 bound to ALYREF. After LUCAT1 knockdown, TTYH3 expression and mRNA stability were reduced, which was reversed by ALYREF overexpression. Furthermore, ALYREF overexpression counteracted the inhibitory effects of LUCAT1 knockdown on NSCLC cell migration, invasion, and EMT. TTYH3 overexpression eliminated the suppressive functions of ALYREF downregulation in NSCLC progression. LUCAT1 promotes TTYH3 expression via interacting with ALYREF, thereby facilitating NSCLC migration, invasion, and EMT.
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39905687
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Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common leukemia in children, with the T-cell subtype (T-ALL) accounting for 15% of those cases. Despite advancements in the treatment of T-ALL, patients still face a dismal pr...Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common leukemia in children, with the T-cell subtype (T-ALL) accounting for 15% of those cases. Despite advancements in the treatment of T-ALL, patients still face a dismal prognosis following their first relapse. Relapse can be attributed to the inability of chemotherapy agents to eradicate leukemia stem cells (LSC), which possess self-renewal capabilities and are responsible for the long-term maintenance of the disease. Mitochondria have been recognized as a therapeutic vulnerability for cancer stem cells, including LSCs. Mitocans have shown promise in T-ALL both and , with some currently in early-phase clinical trials. However, due to challenges in studying LSCs in T-ALL, our understanding of how mitochondrial function influences self-renewal remains limited. This review highlights the emerging literature on targeting mitochondria in diverse T-ALL models, emphasizing specific mitochondrial vulnerabilities linked to LSC self-renewal and their potential to significantly improve T-ALL treatment.
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39881438
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Membrane-associated RING-CH8 (MARCH8) is a member of the recently discovered MARCH family of ubiquitin ligases. MARCH8 has been shown to participate in immune responses. However, the role of MARCH8 in prognosis and immun...Membrane-associated RING-CH8 (MARCH8) is a member of the recently discovered MARCH family of ubiquitin ligases. MARCH8 has been shown to participate in immune responses. However, the role of MARCH8 in prognosis and immunology in human cancers remains largely unknown. The expression of MARCH8 protein was detected via immunohistochemistry in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and non-cancerous lung tissues. The study investigated the role of MARCH8 in tumor immunity through pan-cancer analysis of multiple databases. MARCH8 genetic alternations and expression were explored with the cBioPortal, GTEx, and TCGA databases. We investigated the role of MARCH8 expression in clinical relevance, prognosis, tumor immune microenvironment, immune checkpoint (ICP) with a series of bioinformatics tools and methods, such as TISIDB database, ESTIMATE, and CIBERSORT method. MARCH8 expression showed cancer-specific dysregulation and was associated with the prognosis of patients in various cancers. MARCH8 was related to the tumor microenvironment and participated in tumor immune regulation. Furthermore, low expression of MARCH8 was associated with poor prognosis and might serve as an independent prognostic biomarker for NSCLC patients. The comprehensive pan-cancer analysis revealed the potential of MARCH8 in tumor-targeted therapy, and suggested MARCH8 as a promising prognostic and immunological pan-cancer biomarker.
Zhang Z, Lin X, Yang Y
… +9 more, Wang X, Wang Y, Huang X, Hong M, Gao W, He H, You MJ, Yang Y, Kong G
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39878157
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Dysfunction or dysregulation of deubiquitination is closely related to the initiation and development of multiple cancers. Targeted regulation of deubiquitination has been recognized as an important strategy in tumor the...Dysfunction or dysregulation of deubiquitination is closely related to the initiation and development of multiple cancers. Targeted regulation of deubiquitination has been recognized as an important strategy in tumor therapy. However, the mechanism by which drugs regulate deubiquitinase is not clear. Here, we identified ubiquitin-specific peptidase 48 (USP48), a member of the ubiquitin-specific protease family highly expressed in various tumors, as a specific substrate for the activated caspase-3. During drug induced apoptosis of AML cells, activated caspase-3 cleaves USP48 through recognizing the conservative motif DEQD located at 611-614 sites of human USP48. Subsequent analysis showed that the cleavage USP48 N-terminal fragment which contains catalytic active domain is easily degraded by ubiquitination. Meanwhile knockdown experiment showed that inhibiting the expression of USP48 could also promotes apoptosis and enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. Altogether, these results suggest that targeting USP48 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy in AML.
Castagnino PA, Haas DA, Musante L
… +8 more, Tancler NA, Tran BV, Kean R, Steck AR, Martinez LA, Mostaghel EA, Hooper DC, Kim FJ
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39863992
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Adaptive immune resistance in cancer describes the various mechanisms by which tumors adapt to evade anti-tumor immune responses. IFN-γ induction of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was the first defined and validated a...Adaptive immune resistance in cancer describes the various mechanisms by which tumors adapt to evade anti-tumor immune responses. IFN-γ induction of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was the first defined and validated adaptive immune resistance mechanism. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is central to adaptive immune resistance as immune modulatory secreted and integral membrane proteins are dependent on ER. Sigma1 is a unique ligand-regulated integral membrane scaffolding protein enriched in the ER of cancer cells. PD-L1 is an integral membrane glycoprotein that is translated into the ER and processed through the cellular secretory pathway. At the cell surface, PD-L1 is an immune checkpoint molecule that binds PD-1 on activated T-cells and blocks anti-tumor immunity. PD-L1 can also be incorporated into cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), and EV-associated PD-L1 can inactivate T-cells within the tumor microenvironment. Here, we demonstrate that a selective small molecule inhibitor of Sigma1 can block IFN-γ mediated adaptive immune resistance in part by altering the incorporation of PD-L1 into cancer cell-derived EVs. Sigma1 inhibition blocked post-translational maturation of PD-L1 downstream of IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling. Subsequently, EVs released in response to IFN-γ stimulation were significantly less potent suppressors of T-cell activation. These results suggest that by reducing tumor derived immune suppressive EVs, Sigma1 inhibition may promote antitumor immunity. Sigma1 modulation presents a novel approach to regulating the tumor immune microenvironment by altering the content and production of EVs. Altogether, these data support the notion that Sigma1 may play a role in adaptive immune resistance in the tumor microenvironment.
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39862423
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OBJECTIVES: Acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a severe hematologic malignancy with limited treatment options and poor long-term survival. This study explores the role of IKZF1 in regulating BCL-2 expression...OBJECTIVES: Acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a severe hematologic malignancy with limited treatment options and poor long-term survival. This study explores the role of IKZF1 in regulating BCL-2 expression in T-ALL. METHODS: CUT&Tag and CUT&Run assays were employed to assess IKZF1 binding to the BCL-2 promoter. IKZF1 overexpression and knockdown experiments were performed in T-ALL cell lines. The effects of CX-4945 and venetoclax, alone and in combination, were evaluated in vitro and in vivo T-ALL models. RESULTS: CUT&Tag sequencing identified IKZF1 binding to the BCL-2 promoter, establishing it as a transcriptional repressor. Functional assays demonstrated that IKZF1 overexpression reduced BCL-2 mRNA levels and increased repressive histone marks at the BCL-2 promoter, while IKZF1 knockdown led to elevated BCL-2 expression. CX-4945, a CK2 inhibitor, could reduced BCL-2 levels in T-ALL cells. Notably, knockdown of IKZF1 partially rescued the CX-4945-induced repression of BCL-2. These results underscore the CK2-IKZF1 signaling axis as a key regulator of BCL-2 expression. In vitro, CX-4945 enhanced the cytotoxicity of venetoclax, with the combination showing significant synergistic effects and increased apoptosis in T-ALL cell lines. In vivo studies with cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models demonstrated that CX-4945 and venetoclax combined therapy provided superior therapeutic efficacy, reducing tumor burden and prolonging survival compared to single-agent treatments. CONCLUSIONS: IKZF1 represses BCL-2 in T-ALL, and targeting the CK2-IKZF1 axis with CX-4945 and venetoclax offers a promising therapeutic strategy, showing enhanced efficacy and potential as a novel treatment approach for T-ALL.
Qi B, Wang Y, Zhu X
… +7 more, Gong Y, Jin J, Wu H, Man X, Liu F, Yao W, Gao J
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39846248
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Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) poses a significant challenge in oncology due to its dismal prognosis and limited therapeutic options. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-301a in facilitating crosstalk...Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) poses a significant challenge in oncology due to its dismal prognosis and limited therapeutic options. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-301a in facilitating crosstalk between the Hedgehog (Hh) and HIPPO/YAP signaling pathways during the progression of PDAC. Our findings revealed that miR-301a served as a central regulatory node, targeting Gli1 within the Hh pathway and STK4 within the HIPPO/YAP pathway. Immunohistochemical and molecular analyses confirmed dysregulation of pathway components in pancreatic cancer, underscoring the pivotal role of miR-301a. Functional assays demonstrated the impact of miR-301a on cell proliferation and apoptosis, particularly in synergy with TNF-α. Overall, our study elucidated the intricate interplay between the Hh and HIPPO/YAP pathways mediated by miR-301a, providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for intervening in PDAC.
Zhang Y, Gao Z, Qi Z
… +6 more, Xu J, Xue J, Xiong L, Wang J, Huang Y, Qin S
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39834121
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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bone metastasis is common for breast cancer and associated with poor prognosis. Currently, radiotherapy (RT) serves as the standard treatment for patients exhibiting symptoms of bone metastasis to...BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bone metastasis is common for breast cancer and associated with poor prognosis. Currently, radiotherapy (RT) serves as the standard treatment for patients exhibiting symptoms of bone metastasis to alleviate pain. Whether earlier application of RT will better control bone metastasis remains unclear. METHODS: We utilized a mouse model of breast cancer bone metastasis by intra-femoral injection of 4T1-luc breast tumor cells. The bone metastasis was treated by RT using various doses, timings, and modalities. Tumor growth was assessed through bioluminescence imaging, and lung metastases was quantified following lung tissue fixation. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze alterations in immune cell populations. RESULTS: Single high-dose RT suppressed tumor growth of bone metastases, but caused severe side effects. Conversely, fractionated RT mitigated tumor growth in bone metastases with fewer adverse effects. Fractioned RT initiated at the early stage of bone metastasis effectively inhibited tumor growth in the bone, suppressed secondary lung metastases, and prolonged mouse survival. In line with the known pro- and anti-metastatic effects of neutrophils and T cells in breast cancer, respectively, earlier fractioned RT consistently decreased the proportions of neutrophils while increased the proportions of T cells in both the bone and the lung tissues. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that fractionated RT can inhibit the progression of early stage of bone metastasis and reduce secondary lung metastasis, leading to favorable outcomes. Therefore, these findings provide preclinical evidence to support the application of fractionated RT to treat patients with bone metastasis as earlier as possible.
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39819193
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OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to investigate the role of extracellular vesicles derived from lung cancer stem cells (lung CSCs-EVs) in lung cancer and to explore their potential mechanisms. METHODS: Lung CS...OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to investigate the role of extracellular vesicles derived from lung cancer stem cells (lung CSCs-EVs) in lung cancer and to explore their potential mechanisms. METHODS: Lung CSCs were first isolated and verified using flow cytometry and RT-qPCR assays. Lung CSCs-EVs were extracted through ultracentrifugation and further characterized using transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting. The interaction between lung CSCs-EVs and lung cancer cells was observed through PKH67 staining. Subsequently, we analyzed the differentially expressed genes in lung CSCs using bioinformatics data analysis and evaluated the prognostic value of ZNF280B in lung cancer with the Kaplan-Meier Plotter. RT-qPCR was utilized to assess the mRNA expression levels of these genes, while Western blotting was used to evaluate the protein expression levels of ZNF280B and P53. Next, CCK-8 and colony formation assays were conducted to assess the effects of lung CSCs-EVs and ZNF280B on cancer cell proliferation, migration (via wound healing assay), and invasion (using transwell assay). Additionally, subcutaneous tumor-bearing experiments in nude mice were performed to evaluate the roles of lung CSCs-EVs in lung cancer progression . RESULTS: The results indicated that lung CSCs-EVs accelerated the progression of lung cancer. Mechanistically, these lung CSCs-EVs transferred ZNF280B into cancer cells, leading to the inhibition of P53 expression. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the manuscript first describes the molecular mechanism by which lung CSCs-EVs promote pro-cancer functions in lung cancer through the ZNF280B/P53 axis.
Zhu Q, Cheng J, Gao Y
… +11 more, Zhang Z, Pan J, Su X, Fei D, Cai L, Yu J, Chen Y, Jiao W, Wu D, Li X, Xiao P
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39800696
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Cell cycle dysregulation and the corresponding metabolic reprogramming play significant roles in tumor development and progression. CDK9, a kinase that regulates gene transcription and cell cycle, also induces oncogene t...Cell cycle dysregulation and the corresponding metabolic reprogramming play significant roles in tumor development and progression. CDK9, a kinase that regulates gene transcription and cell cycle, also induces oncogene transcription and abnormal cell cycle in AML cells. The function of CDK9 for gene regulation in AML cells requires further exploration. In this study, we knocked down the CDK9 to investigate its effects on the growth and survival of AML cells. Through RNA-seq analysis, we identified that in U937 cells CDK9 regulates numerous genes involved in proliferation and apoptosis, including mTOR, SREBF1, and Bcl-2. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that both CDK9 and FASN are crucial for the proliferation and survival of Kasumi-1 and U937 cells. Mechanistically, MCL1, c-Myc, and Akt/mTOR/SREBF1 may be critical factors and pathways in the combined therapy of NVP-2 and Orlistat. In summary, our study revealed that CDK9 and FASN are vital for maintaining AML cell survival and proliferation. Treatment with NVP-2 and Orlistat may be a promising clinical candidate for patients with AML.
Ma J, Yang Y, Wang K
… +5 more, Liu J, Feng J, Wang G, Guo S, Fan L
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39797421
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Ribosomal S6 protein kinase 4 (RSK4), a member of the serine‒threonine kinase family, plays a vital role in the Ras‒MAPK pathway. This kinase is responsible for managing several cellular activities, including cell growth...Ribosomal S6 protein kinase 4 (RSK4), a member of the serine‒threonine kinase family, plays a vital role in the Ras‒MAPK pathway. This kinase is responsible for managing several cellular activities, including cell growth, proliferation, survival, and mobility. In this study, we observed higher RSK4 protein expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) than in normal kidney tissue, and the overexpression of RSK4 might predict poor outcomes for ccRCC patients. Notably, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rich in blood vessels; therefore, this study aimed to explore the biological function of RSK4 in ccRCC progression and its specific regulatory mechanism. We analyzed changes in the expression of target genes through transcriptomic and proteomic assessments. We also conducted tube formation assays and VEGF ELISAs to understand the role of RSK4 in angiogenesis. Additionally, we evaluated the regulatory effect of RUNX1 on EPHA2 transcription using a luciferase reporter gene assay and observed that the effect of RUNX1 on activating EPHA2 transcription was negated after the binding site was mutated. Our findings suggested that RSK4 enhanced tube formation by stimulating VEGF secretion. Concurrently, in vivo experiments confirmed that RSK4 expedited RCC metastasis and angiogenesis. This evidence indicates that RSK4 may serve as a new prognostic marker and play a vital role in RCC metastasis.
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39717890
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PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has proven valuable in treating locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) and is included as a treatment option for patients with clinical T4b colon cancer by the National Comprehensive...PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has proven valuable in treating locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) and is included as a treatment option for patients with clinical T4b colon cancer by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. However, the long-term survival benefit of NAC in LACC remains debated, due to a lack of conclusive clinical trial results identifying the patients who would benefit most from NAC. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of NAC in patients with LACC based on histological subtype. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 3,709 patients with LACC who underwent curative resection at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital between 2014 and 2018. Patients were grouped into two groups: neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for confounders, and survival outcomes of the two groups across different histological subtypes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves and log-rank tests. RESULTS: Patients with non-mucinous adenocarcinoma (NMAC) treated with NAC had a significantly improved 5-year OS rate (76.3% vs. 69.2%, = .039) and DFS rate (67.2% vs. 60.1%, = .041) compared with patients treated with AC. However, there was no significant difference in OS and DFS between the two treatment groups among patients with mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) and signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC). CONCLUSION: In patients with LACC, the prognostic value of NAC varied by histology. NMAC may serve as a predictor of improved long-term survival benefit from NAC in these patients.
Wu S, Ma X, Zhang X
… +6 more, Du K, Shi C, Almaamari AA, Han B, Su S, Liu Y
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39706687
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BACKGROUND: While NDUFAF6 is implicated in breast cancer, its specific role remains unclear. METHODS: The expression levels and prognostic significance of NDUFAF6 in breast cancer were assessed using The Cancer Genome At...BACKGROUND: While NDUFAF6 is implicated in breast cancer, its specific role remains unclear. METHODS: The expression levels and prognostic significance of NDUFAF6 in breast cancer were assessed using The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, Kaplan-Meier plotter and cBio-Portal databases. We knocked down NDUFAF6 in breast cancer cells using small interfering RNA and investigated its effects on cell proliferation and migration ability. We performed gene expression analysis and validated key findings using protein analysis. We also assessed mitochondrial activity and cellular metabolism. RESULTS: NDUFAF6 was highly expressed in breast cancer, which was associated with a poorer prognosis. Knockdown of NDUFAF6 reduced the proliferation and migration ability of breast cancer cells. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2,101 differentially expressed genes enriched in apoptosis and mitochondrial signaling pathways. Western blot results showed NDUFAF6 knockdown enhanced apoptosis. In addition, differential gene enrichment analysis was related to mitochondrial signaling pathways, and western blot results verified that mitophagy was enhanced in NDUFAF6 knockdown breast cancer cells. JC-1 assay also showed that mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species content were increased after knocking down NDUFAF6. In addition, basal and maximal mitochondrial oxygen consumption decreased, and intracellular glycogen content increased. CONCLUSIONS: Knockdown of NDUFAF6 resulted in apoptosis and mitophagy in breast cancer cells and NDUFAF6 may be a potential molecular target for breast cancer therapy.
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39699276
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Lung cancer, one of the most prevalent tumors, remains a clinical challenge with a poor five-year survival rate. Daurisoline, a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived from the traditional Chinese herb Menispermum dauric...Lung cancer, one of the most prevalent tumors, remains a clinical challenge with a poor five-year survival rate. Daurisoline, a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived from the traditional Chinese herb Menispermum dauricum, is known to suppress tumor growth effectively. However, its precise mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that Daurisoline targets glycolysis and reduces the protein level of HK2, thereby inhibiting lung cancer progression. Mechanistic investigations reveal that Daurisoline directly binds to AKT and antagonizes the AKT-GSK3β-c-Myc-HK2 signaling axis. Furthermore, in an animal model, we validate the in vivo anti-tumor effect of Daurisoline without any observable side effects. Overall, our findings suggest that Daurisoline holds potential as an anti-tumor agent through its targeting of glycolysis.
He Q, Liu X, Jiang L
… +10 more, Liu P, Xuan W, Wang Y, Meng R, Feng H, Lv S, Miao Q, Zheng D, Xu Y, Wang M
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2025 Dec · PMID 39681355
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mutations are common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are associated with patient prognosis; however, targeting has faced various difficulties. Currently, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and chemoimmunotherapy pla...mutations are common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are associated with patient prognosis; however, targeting has faced various difficulties. Currently, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and chemoimmunotherapy play pivotal roles in the first-line treatment of -mutated NSCLC. Here, we summarize the current evidence on first-line therapies and compare the treatment outcomes and biomarkers for different regimens. KRAS inhibitors and other emerging alternative treatments are also discussed, as combining these drugs with immunotherapy may serve as a promising first-line treatment for -mutated NSCLC in the future. We hope that this review will assist in first-line treatment choices and shed light on the development of novel agents for -mutated NSCLC.
Ablinger C, Neureiter D, Mähr T
… +10 more, Mayr C, Kiesslich T, Maeding N, Valenta I, Ardelt M, Wilhelm F, Neureiter E, Ritter M, Pachmayr J, Huber-Cantonati P
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39668430
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Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a rare malignancy with rising incidence. The therapeutic options are limited and the overall survival remains poor. Cyclin-dependent kinases, drivers of cell cycle and transcription have num...Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a rare malignancy with rising incidence. The therapeutic options are limited and the overall survival remains poor. Cyclin-dependent kinases, drivers of cell cycle and transcription have numerous biological functions and are known to be dysregulated in numerous tumor entities. Dinaciclib is a selective Cdk1/2/5/9 inhibitor with anti-tumor activity. In the present study, the efficacy of dinaciclib was tested on a comprehensive BTC cell-line model. The results indicate a heterogeneous expression pattern of Cdk1/2/5/9, as well as various differentiation tumor markers in BTC cells. We demonstrated that dinaciclib reduces cell viability, ATP levels, and proliferation rates. Moreover, dinaciclib induces apoptosis via increased caspase 3/7 activity and reduced expression levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 in a concentration- and cell line -dependent manner. 3D cell culture confirms the cytotoxic impact of dinaciclib under more physiologic tumor conditions. Additionally, dinaciclib affects different cell growth regulators like EGFR and STAT3 on gene and protein level, thus decreasing tumor growth. In summary, our study indicates that dinaciclib acts as a promising anti-tumorigenic agent in 2D and 3D BTC models and thus encourages further investigation.
Meng F, Yan Y, Zhou L
… +3 more, Zhao S, Sun L, Yu H
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39635971
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Radiotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment, and reducing radioresistance is still a poorly explored issue in radiotherapy. Our study was designed to explore the possible functions and mechanisms of autophagy in cer...Radiotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment, and reducing radioresistance is still a poorly explored issue in radiotherapy. Our study was designed to explore the possible functions and mechanisms of autophagy in cervical cancer cells treated with radiotherapy. We discovered that autophagy was activated in C33a and HeLa cervical cancer cells in parallel with increased apoptosis and formation of polyploid giant carcinoma cells (PGCCs) after radiation. Inhibition of autophagy significantly enhances radiation-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells and reduces PGCCs formation. Immunoblot analysis, as part of the mechanistic experiments, showed that the phosphorylation levels of Akt, mTOR, and P70S6K were downregulated. Thus, our research demonstrated that inhibiting autophagy enhances the antitumor effects of radiation on cervical cancer cells.
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39620471
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Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a common side effect of cancer treatment, but can manifest into a devastating syndrome for which there is no preventive measure or cure. In rats who perform a repetitive work task, who...Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a common side effect of cancer treatment, but can manifest into a devastating syndrome for which there is no preventive measure or cure. In rats who perform a repetitive work task, who left untreated develop signs and symptoms that resemble repetitive motion disorders in humans, we have shown that manual therapy prevents the development of fibrosis and other key biomarkers. The fibrosis of RIF and repetitive motion disorders has similar biomarkers. In rats, we sought to determine if manual therapy would alter key biomarkers of post-irradiation fibrosis following X-ray irradiation given to the rat forelimb. One limb of rats was given a damaging dose of X-ray irradiation. Some limbs were massaged using a protocol previously described and characterized. Serum inflammatory markers, histological assays of tissue fibrosis and nerve pathology, and electrophysiology for neuropathic discharge were assayed after 8 weeks. We also tested if an experienced therapist could identify the irradiated limb using blinded palpation at the 8 week end-point. While preliminary assays showed robust changes compared to control limbs, the other assays did not show similar pathology. Our therapist could detect each irradiated limb. Serum inflammatory markers were reduced by massage to the irradiated limb. We conclude that blinded palpation is sensitive to detect subtle changes in tissue following irradiation. In contrast to the preliminary studies, the dose of irradiation used was insufficient to induce long-lasting deep fibrosis or nerve degeneration. We suspect that a difference in housing, and thus physical activity, was the plausible reason for this difference.
Gai M, Zhao L, Li H
… +4 more, Jin G, Li W, Wang F, Liu M
Cancer Biol Ther
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39588922
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BACKGROUND: Resistance to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis) remain a major challenge in ovarian cancer (OC) treatment. However, the underlying mechanism of PARPi resistance is still poorly character...BACKGROUND: Resistance to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis) remain a major challenge in ovarian cancer (OC) treatment. However, the underlying mechanism of PARPi resistance is still poorly characterized. Increasing evidence has proven that lymphocyte cytosolic protein 1 (LCP1) promotes tumor progression. The JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway plays an important role in increasing tumor metastatic ability and chemoresistance in cancer by promoting epithelial - mesenchymal transition (EMT). METHODS: We established an olaparib-resistant OC cell line and studied its toxicologic effects through cell survival, Transwell, colony formation, western blotting and flow cytometry assays. RNA sequencing and screening were then performed to identify genes associated with olaparib resistance. Lymphocyte cytosolic protein 1 (LCP1) was found to be overexpressed in olaparib-resistant OC cells. RESULTS: The inhibition of cell survival and promotion of cell apoptosis induced by olaparib in parental cells were significantly attenuated in olaparib-resistant cells. LCP1 was upregulated in olaparib-resistant cells compared with parental OC cells. Moreover, we found that the protein levels of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway components and EMT markers were increased in olaparib-resistant cells. Overexpression of LCP1 increased olaparib resistance in OC cells, and knockdown of LCP1 attenuated olaparib resistance. The changes in the protein levels of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway members and EMT markers between the cell types were similar to the changes in the levels of LCP1. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that LCP1 expression may play an important role in the resistance of OC to olaparib by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and EMT. LCP1 could be a potential therapeutic target for patients with OC who are resistant to olaparib. Our study provides a new mechanism of olaparib resistance.