Growth Of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Research Articles

Reduction in integrin a3b1 modulates lung cancer motility and invasion through p70S6K-dependent E-cadherin localization.

In the current study, we investigated the effects and action mechanism of integrin a3b1 in modulating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) growth and progression. Reduced expression of integrin a3 by RNA silencing in p53 wild-type A549 NSCLC cells inhibits cell migration and invasion, compared with those in control cells. These anti-migratory and anti-invasive properties in integrin a3-silenced cells were associated with epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) distribution at cell-cell contacts, and these effects require the activation of p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) as evidenced by treatment with rapamycin. Disruption of E-cadherin or blockade of p70S6K activation abrogated the ability of integrin a3-silencing to inhibit cell migration and invasion. In contrast, enhanced proliferation in integrin a3-silenced cells was not affected by the changes in E-cadherin expression. These findings demonstrate the ability of integrin a3b1 to differentially regulate NSCLC cell growth and progression depending on the p53 status, and suggest that integrin a3b1-p70S6K-p53 network may be a promising target for the treatment of NSCLC.

GCC2 promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression by maintaining Golgi apparatus integrity and stimulating EGFR signaling pathways

Fundamental changes in intracellular processes, such as overactive growth signaling pathways, are common in carcinomas and are targets of many cancer therapeutics. GRIP and coiled-coil containing 2 (GCC2) is a trans-Golgi network (TGN) golgin maintaining Golgi apparatus structure and regulating vesicle transport. Here, we found an aberrant overexpression of GCC2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and conducted shRNA-mediated gene knockdown to investigate the role of GCC2 in NSCLC progression. shRNA-mediated GCC2 knockdown suppressed NSCLC cell growth, migration, stemness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. In addition, GCC2 knockdown suppressed cancer cell exosome secretion and the oncogenic capacity of cancer cell-derived exosomes. Mechanistically, GCC2 inhibition decreased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and downstream growth and proliferation signaling. Furthermore, GCC2 inhibition compromised Golgi structural integrity in cancer cells, indicating a functional role of GCC2 in regulating intracellular trafficking and signaling to promote lung cancer progression. Together, these findings suggest GCC2 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.

USP8-mediated PTK7 promotes PIK3CB-related pathway to accelerate the malignant progression of non-small cell lung cancer.

Protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7) has been found to be highly expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its specific molecular mechanism needs to be further explored. PTK7 mRNA expression in NSCLC tumor tissues was examined by quantitative real-time PCR. The protein levels of PTK7, ubiquitin-specific peptidase 8 (USP8), PIK3CB, and PI3K/AKT were determined by western blot. Human monocytes (THP-1) were induced into macrophages and then co-cultured with the conditioned medium of NSCLC cells. Macrophage M2 polarization was assessed by detecting CD206+ cells using flow cytometry. The interaction between PTK7 and USP8 or PIK3CB was assessed by Co-IP assay. Animal study was performed to evaluate the effects of PTK7 knockdown and PIK3CB on NSCLC tumorigenesis in vivo. PTK7 expression was higher in NSCLC tumor tissues and cells. After silencing of PTK7, NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion, and macrophage M2 polarization were inhibited, while cell apoptosis was promoted. USP8 enhanced PTK7 protein expression by deubiquitination, and the repressing effects of USP8 knockdown on NSCLC cell growth, invasion, and macrophage M2 polarization were reversed by PTK7 overexpression. PTK7 interacted with PIK3CB, and PIK3CB overexpression could abolish the regulation of PTK7 silencing on NSCLC cell progression. USP8 positively regulated PIK3CB expression by PTK7, thus activating PI3K/AKT pathway. Downregulation of PTK7 reduced NSCLC tumorigenesis by decreasing PIK3CB expression. USP8-deubiquitinated PTK7 facilitated NSCLC malignant behavior via activating the PIK3CB/PI3K/AKT pathway, providing new idea for NSCLC treatment.

Analysis of Polyphyllin II alters microRNA expression profile in lung cancer A549 cells

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a malignant tumor that threatens the whole world, previous studies found that Polyphyllin II (PPII) can suppress NSCLC cells growth, exhibits significant antitumor activity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the expression of other genes and play a crucial role in the prevention and development of cancer. However, the miRNA portrait of ginsenoside PPII-treated NSCLC A549 cells has not yet been studied. In this work, miRNA-seq analysis was used to determine the changes in miRNA expression profile of NSCLC A549 cells PPII-treaded. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on differentially expressed miRNA target genes. Then, predicted the target genes of miRNA and performed functional enrichment analysis on them. We identified 58 up-regulated and 24 down-regulated miRNAs displaying changes their expression in PPII treated A549 cells were greater than 2-fold. In addition, the expression levels of miRNAs were validated by real-time PCR. Therefore, this work has a certain promoting effect on the study of the anti-cancer mechanism of PPII in lung cells.

The oncogenic axis YAP/MYC/EZH2 impairs PTEN tumor suppression activity enhancing lung tumorigenicity

The tumor suppressor PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted in chromosome 10) is genetically deleted or downregulated in many cancer types. Loss of PTEN protein expression is frequently found in lung cancer while genetic alterations are less abundant. PTEN expression is regulated at multiple genetic and epigenetic levels and even partial reduction of its expression increases cancer occurrence. We show that YAP and TAZ cooperate with EZH2, and MYC to transcriptionally repress onco-suppressor genes, including PTEN, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. YAP/TAZ-EZH2-MYC transcriptional regulators form a nuclear complex that represses PTEN transcription, while their combinatorial targeting restores PTEN expression, attenuates NSCLC cell growth, and prevents compensatory responses induced by single treatments. Datasets analysis of NSCLC patients revealed that PTEN expression is negatively correlated to YAP/TAZ, EZH2 and MYC and that low expression of PTEN is predictive of poor prognosis, especially at earlier stages of the disease. These findings highlight the repressive role of the YAP/TAZ-EZH2-MYC axis on tumor-suppressor genes and offer a potential therapeutic strategy for lung cancer patients with low PTEN levels.

USP5 Stabilizes IKBKG Through Deubiquitination to Suppress Ferroptosis and Promote Growth in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

Ferroptosis, a distinctive modality of cell mortality, has emerged as a critical regulator in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The deubiquitinating enzyme USP5 has established an oncogenic role in NSCLC. However, its biological relevance in NSCLC cell ferroptosis is currently unexplored. Expression analysis was performed by quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunoblotting. Animal xenograft studies were used to detect USP5's role in tumor growth. Cell proliferation, colony formation and apoptotic ratio were assessed by CCK-8, colony formation and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Cell ferroptosis was evaluated by gauging ROS, MDA, GSH, SOD, and Fe2+ contents. The USP5/IKBKG relationship and the ubiquitinated IKBKG were evaluated by Co-IP experiments. USP5 expression was elevated in human NSCLC. USP5 depletion suppressed NSCLC cell in vitro and in vivo growth and enhanced cell apoptosis. Moreover, USP5 depletion induced ferroptosis in NSCLC cell lines. Mechanistically, USP5 could enhance the stability of IKBKG protein through deubiquitination. Re-expression of IKBKG partially but significantly abolished USP5 depletion-mediated anti-growth and pro-ferroptosis effects in NSCLC cells. Our study demonstrates that USP5 suppresses ferroptosis and enhances growth in NSCLC cells by stabilizing IKBKG protein through deubiquitination. Targeting USP5 expression is an encouraging strategy to block NSCLC progression.

Elevated origin recognition complex subunit 6 expression promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell growth

Exploring novel targets for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains of utmost importance. This study focused on ORC6 (origin recognition complex subunit 6), investigating its expression and functional significance within NSCLC. Analysis of the TCGA-lung adenocarcinoma database revealed a notable increase in ORC6 expression in lung adenocarcinoma tissues, correlating with reduced overall survival, advanced disease stages, and other key clinical parameters. Additionally, in patients undergoing surgical resection of NSCLC at a local hospital, ORC6 mRNA and protein levels were elevated in NSCLC tissues while remaining low in adjacent normal tissues. Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses across various cancers suggested that ORC6 might play a significant role in crucial cellular processes, such as mitosis, DNA synthesis and repair, and cell cycle progression. Knocking down ORC6 using virus-delivered shRNA in different NSCLC cells, both primary and immortalized, resulted in a significant hindrance to cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion, accompanied by caspase-apoptosis activation. Similarly, employing CRISPR-sgRNA for ORC6 knockout (KO) exhibited significant anti-NSCLC cell activity. Conversely, increasing ORC6 levels using a viral construct augmented cell proliferation and migration. Silencing or knockout of ORC6 in primary NSCLC cells led to reduced expression of several key cyclins, including Cyclin A2, Cyclin B1, and Cyclin D1, whereas their levels increased in NSCLC cells overexpressing ORC6. In vivo experiments demonstrated that intratumoral injection of ORC6 shRNA adeno-associated virus markedly suppressed the growth of primary NSCLC cell xenografts. Reduced ORC6 levels, downregulated cyclins, and increased apoptosis were evident in ORC6-silenced NSCLC xenograft tissues. In summary, elevated ORC6 expression promotes NSCLC cell growth.

E3 ubiquitin ligase DTX2 fosters ferroptosis resistance via suppressing NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy in non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the foremost contributor to cancer-related fatalities globally, with limited effective therapeutic modalities. Recent research has shed light on the role of ferroptosis in various types of cancers, offering a potential avenue for improving cancer therapy. Herein, we identified E3 ubiquitin ligase deltex 2 (DTX2) as a potential therapeutic target candidate implicated in promoting NSCLC cell growth by inhibiting ferroptosis. Our investigation revealed a significant upregulation of DTX2 in NSCLC cells and tissues, which was correlated with poor prognosis. Downregulation of DTX2 suppressed NSCLC cell growth both in vitro and in vivo, while its overexpression accelerated cell proliferation. Moreover, knockdown of DTX2 promoted ferroptosis in NSCLC cells, which was mitigated by DTX2 overexpression. Mechanistically, we uncovered that DTX2 binds to nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), facilitating its ubiquitination and degradation via the K48 chain, which subsequently dampens NCOA4-driven ferritinophagy and ferroptosis in NSCLC cells. Notably, DTX2 knockdown promotes cisplatin-induced ferroptosis and overcomes drug resistance of NSCLC cells. These findings underscore the critical role of DTX2 in regulating ferroptosis and NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Fascin Inhibitor NP-G2-044 Decreases Cell Metastasis and Increases Overall Survival of Mice-Bearing Lung Cancers.

Fascin is an actin-binding protein that promotes tumor metastasis. The inhibition of fascin on the progress of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not very clear. Hence, this study explored the potential effect of NP-G2-044, a novel fascin inhibitor, in human NSCLC lines and the Lewis lung cancer (LCC) mice model. The growth of cells was analyzed via CCK-8 assays, and the flow cytometry was adopted for cell cycle and apoptosis analysis, as well as the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells with or without NP-G2-044. The therapy of NP-G2-044, which synergizes with cisplatin and PD-1, was evaluated in the established xenograft Lewis's lung cancer of mice. Fascin was overexpressed in human NSCLC cells, and inhibition of fascin by NP-G2-044 attenuated NSCLC cell growth and remarkably undermined the ability of migration and invasion in vitro, which was related to the reduced epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) including downregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin, and upregulation of E-cadherin. Further results implied that the above changes may be partially mediated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In vivo, NP-G2-044 slowed down tumor development and enhanced overall survival alone, leading to synergistic anticancer effects with cisplatin or PD-1 inhibitor. Fascin inhibition could inhibit the metastasis of NSCLC and has the potential to enhance the efficacy of cisplatin and PD-1 inhibitors by blocking the Wnt/β- catenin pathway.

Homoharringtonine promotes non-small-cell lung cancer cell death via modulating HIF-1α/ERβ/E2F1 feedforward loop.

Hypoxia conditions promote the adaptation and progression of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF). HIF-1α may regulate estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and promote the progression of NSCLC. The phytochemical homoharringtonine (HHT) exerts strong inhibitory potency on NSCLC, with molecular mechanism under hypoxia being elusive. The effects of HHT on NSCLC growth were determined by cell viability assay, colony formation, flow cytometry, and H460 xenograft models. Western blotting, molecular docking program, site-directed mutagenesis assay, immunohistochemical assay, and immunofluorescence assay were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms of HHT-induced growth inhibition in NSCLC. HIF-1α/ERβ signaling-related E2F1 is highly expressed and contributes to unfavorable survival and tumor growth. The findings in hypoxic cells, HIF-1α overexpressing cells, as well as ERβ- or E2F1-overexpressed and knockdown cells suggest that the HIF-1α/ERβ/E2F1 feedforward loop promotes NSCLC cell growth. HHT suppresses HIF-1α/ERβ/E2F1 signaling via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, which is dependent on the inhibition of the protein expression of HIF-1α and ERβ. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that HHT binds to the GLU305 site of ERβ. HHT inhibits cell proliferation and colony formation and promotes apoptosis in both NSCLC cells and xenograft models. The formation of the HIF-1α/ERβ/E2F1 feedforward loop promotes NSCLC growth and reveals a novel molecular mechanism by which HHT induces cell death in NSCLC.

Deoxybouvardin targets EGFR, MET, and AKT signaling to suppress non-small cell lung cancer cells

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a significant challenge, as it is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, and the development of resistance to anticancer therapy makes it difficult to treat. In this study, we investigated the anticancer mechanism of deoxybouvardin (DB), a cyclic hexapeptide, in gefitinib (GEF)-sensitive and -resistant NSCLC HCC827 cells. DB inhibited the viability and growth of HCC827 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In vitro kinase assay showed DB inhibited epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), and AKT, and their phosphorylation was suppressed in HCC827 cells treated with DB. A molecular docking model suggested that DB interacts with these kinases in the ATP-binding pockets. DB induces ROS generation and cell cycle arrest. DB treatment of HCC827 cells leads to mitochondrial membrane depolarization. The induction of apoptosis through caspase activation was confirmed by Z-VAD-FMK treatment. Taken together, DB inhibited the growth of both GEF-sensitive and GEF-resistant NSCLC cells by targeting EGFR, MET, and AKT and inducing ROS generation and caspase activation. Further studies on DB can improve the treatment of chemotherapy-resistant NSCLC through the development of effective DB-based anticancer agents.

Knockdown of HM13 Inhibits Metastasis, Proliferation, and M2 Macrophage Polarization of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Suppressing the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway.

An upregulated histocompatibility minor 13 (HM13) has been studied in various tumors, yet the exact mechanism of HM13 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. In view of same, the present study investigates crucial role and action mechanism of HM13 in human NSCLC. HM13 expression was higher in NSCLC tissue and cells through the Western blotting technique along with qRT-PCR. As per data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), NSCLC patients having high HM13 expression show lower overall survival. 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and transwell tests were assessed for NSCLC cell growth, and invasion, and we found that silencing of HM13 inhibited the NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion. Additionally, to investigate the effects of HM13 on THP-1 macrophage polarization, a co-culture model of NSCLC and THP-1 macrophages were used. The CD206 + macrophages were examined using flow cytometry. As the markers of M2 macrophage, the mRNA levels of IL-10 and TGF-β of THP-1 cells were also detected by qRT-PCR. Knockdown of HM13 could inhibit the M2 polarization. Further experiments demonstrated that downregulated HM13 could inhibit the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. RO8191 (activator of JAK/STAT3 pathway) influenced the invasion, proliferation, and expression of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers induced by HM13 silencing. HM13 knockdown also inhibited the tumor growth in vivo by xenograft nude mouse model. By inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, HM13 knockdown inhibited the NSCLC cell proliferation, metastasis tumor growth, and tumor-associated macrophage M2 polarization. In NSCLC, HM13 could be a therapeutic target to treat the NSCLC.

Inhibition of STRA6 suppresses NSCLC growth via blocking STAT3/SREBP-1c axis-mediated lipogenesis.

Dysregulation in lipid metabolism is among the most prominent metabolic alterations in cancer. Stimulated by retinoic acid 6 (STRA6), a vitamin A transporter has shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of cancers. Nevertheless, the function of STRA6 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression remains undefined. We obtained cancer and adjacent tissues from NSCLC patients and conducted functional experiments on STRA6 on NSCLC cell lines and mice. High STRA6 expression is correlated with poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Results from in vitro and in vivo animal studies showed that STRA6 knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo through regulation of lipid synthesis. Mechanistically, STRA6 activated a Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2-STAT3) signaling cascade which inducing the expression of STAT3 target gene. By inducing the expression of the target gene of STAT3, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), STRA6 promotes SREBP-1-mediated adipogenesis and provides energy for NSCLC cell growth. Our study uncovers a novel STRA6/STAT3/SREBP-1 regulatory axis that enhances NSCLC metastasis by reprogramming of lipid metabolism. These results demonstrate the potential use of STRA6 as a biomarker for diagnosing NSCLC, which may therefore potentially serve as a therapeutic target for NSCLC.

C-Myc-XRCC2-FOS axis promotes the proliferation and the resistance to Doxorubicin of NSCLC

Lung cancer represents one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms, commanding an alarming incidence and mortality rate globally. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), constituting approximately 80 %-90 % of all lung cancer cases, is the predominant pathological manifestation of this disease, with a disconcerting 5-year survival rate scarcely reaching 10 %. Extensive prior investigations have elucidated that the aberrant expression of X-ray repair cross-complementing gene 2 (XRCC2), a critical meiotic gene intricately involved in the DNA damage repair process, is intimately associated with tumorigenesis. Nevertheless, the precise roles and underlying mechanistic pathways of XRCC2 in NSCLC remain largely elusive. In the present study, we discerned an overexpression of XRCC2 within NSCLC patient tissues, particularly in high-grade samples, when juxtaposed with normal tissues. Targeted knockdown of XRCC2 notably impeded the proliferation of NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. Comprehensive RNA sequencing and flow rescue assays unveiled that XRCC2 augments the proliferation of NSCLC cells through the down-regulation of FOS expression. Moreover, the c-Myc gene was definitively identified as an XRCC2 transcriptional factor by means of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays, whereby pharmacological attenuation of c-Myc expression, in conjunction with Doxorubicin, synergistically curtailed NSCLC cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings proffer critical insights into the novel c-Myc-XRCC2-FOS axis in promoting both proliferation and resistance to Doxorubicin in NSCLC cells, thereby extending a promising avenue for potential new diagnostic strategies and therapeutic interventions in NSCLC.

Auriculasin induces mitochondrial oxidative stress and drives ferroptosis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway in non-smallcelllungcancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of cases of lung cancer with poor outcomes. Auriculasin is a prenylated isoflavone abundant in the root of F. philippinensis with multiple pharmacological effects, including anticancer role. However, its roles in NSCLC remain largely unknown. NSCLC A549 cells were treated with auriculasin in vitro, and used to induce xenograft models. Cell viability was detected via CCK-8 assay. Mitochondrial oxidative stress was analyzed by JC-1 staining, ROS staining, and levels of MDA, SOD and GSH. Ferroptosis was assessed via iron content, and levels of ACSL4, PTGS2, FSP1 and GPX4. The phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt were measured by western blot. Auriculasin reduced NSCLC cell viability. Auriculasin promoted mitochondrial oxidative stress by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, SOD and GSH levels, and enhancing ROS and MDA contents. In addition, auriculasin induced ferroptosis via increasing iron, ACSL4 and PTGS3 levels, and decreasing FSP1 and GPX4 levels. Furthermore, the potential targets of auriculasin in NSCLC were enriched in PI3K/Akt signaling. Auriculasin blunted PI3K/Akt pathway activation by blocking the phosphorylation. Activated PI3K/Akt signaling by activator 740Y-P reversed the effects of auriculasin on mitochondrial oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Finally, auriculasin reduced NSCLC cell growth in xenograft models. Auriculasin facilitates mitochondrial oxidative stress and induces ferroptosis through inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway in NSCLC.

METTL3/IGF2BP1 influences the development of non-small-cell lung cancer by mediating m6A methylation modification of TRPV1.

Methyltransferase 3 (METTL3) accelerates N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications and affects cancer progression, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we aimed to explore the regulatory mechanisms of METTL3 underling NSCLC. Immunohistochemical assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)assay, and western blot assay were conducted for gene expression. MTT assay and colony formation assay were performed to explore cell proliferation capacity. Cell apoptosis and THP-1 cell polarization were estimated by flow cytometry analysis. Cell migration and invasion capacities were evaluated by transwell assay. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assay, dual-luciferase reporter assay, actinomycin D treatment and RIP assay were performed to analyze the relationships of METTL3, insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1). The functions of METTL3 and TRPV1 in vivo were investigated through establishing the murine xenograft model. TRPV1 expression was upregulated in NSCLC and related poor prognosis. TRPV1 silencing inhibited NSCLC cell growth and metastasis, induced NSCLC cell apoptosis, and repressed M2 macrophage polarization. The results showed that METTL3 and IGF2BP1 could regulate TRPV1 expression through m6A methylation modification. Moreover, METTL3 deficiency inhibited NSCLC cell growth, metastasis, and M2 macrophage polarization and facilitated NSCLC cell apoptosis, while TRPV1 overexpression restored the impacts. In addition, METTL3 knockdown restrained tumor growth in vivo via regulating TRPV1 expression. METTL3 bound to IGF2BP1 and enhanced IGF2BP1's m6A recognition of TRPV1 mRNA, thereby promoting NSCLC cell growth and metastasis, and inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization.

Pulsatillic acid as a potential inhibitor of protein kinase C-alpha in non-small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a global health concern with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Small molecule inhibitors targeting genetic mutations like EGFR and ALK have shown promise in NSCLC treatment. This study focuses on Protein Kinase C-alpha (PKCα), implicated in NSCLC pathogenesis. Overexpression of PKCα correlates with advanced disease stages. Preclinical studies suggest its inhibition can suppress NSCLC cell growth. The research employs molecular docking to identify Pulsatillic acid (PA) as a potential PKCα inhibitor. ADMET predictions support PA's candidacy and PASS analysis and Swiss Target Prediction reveal its biological properties. Fluorescence-based binding assays demonstrate PA's inhibitory potency on PKCα, aligning with molecular docking findings. Cytotoxicity assays show PA's minimal impact on HEK-293 cell viability, with an IC50 of 21.03 μM in A549 cells. mRNA expression analysis in A549 cells indicates PA's potential inhibitory effect on PKCα. In conclusion, this study highlights that PA may emerge as a promising therapeutic candidate for NSCLC, emphasizing the need for further research, validation, and exploration of its translational potential. The study contributes valuable insights into NSCLC treatment strategies, emphasizing the significance of targeting PKCα.

Adiponectin Receptor Agonist AdipoRon Inhibits Proliferation and Drives Glycolytic Dependence in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells.

Despite the countless therapeutic advances achieved over the years, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. To this primacy contribute both non-oncogene addicted and advanced NSCLCs, in which conventional therapies are only partially effective. The adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoRon has revealed antiproliferative action in different cancers, including osteosarcoma and pancreatic cancer. Herein, we investigated its potential anticancer role in NSCLC for the first time. We proved that AdipoRon strongly inhibits viability, growth and colony formation in H1299 and A549 NSCLC cells, mainly through a slowdown in cell cycle progression. Along with the biological behaviors, a metabolic switching was observed after AdipoRon administration in NSCLC cells, consisting of higher glucose consumption and lactate accumulation. Remarkably, both 2-Deoxy Glucose and Oxamate glycolytic-interfering agents greatly enhanced AdipoRon's antiproliferative features. As a master regulator of cell metabolism, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was activated by AdipoRon. Notably, the ablation of AdipoRon-induced AMPK phosphorylation by Compound-C significantly counteracted its effectiveness. However, the engagement of other pathways should be investigated afterwards. With a focus on NSCLC, our findings further support the ability of AdipoRon in acting as an anticancer molecule, driving its endorsement as a future candidate in NSCLC therapy.

EIF4A3-Induced CircDHTKD1 regulates glycolysis in non-small cell lung cancer via stabilizing PFKL.

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the malignancies with the highest incidence and mortality in the world, approximately 85% of which is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert multiple roles in NSCLC occurrence and development. The sequencing results in previous literature have illustrated that multiple circRNAs exhibit upregulation in NSCLC. We attempted to figure out which circRNA exerts an oncogenic role in NSLCL progression. RT-qPCR evaluated circDHTKD1 level in NSCLC tissue specimens and cells. Reverse transcription as well as RNase R digestion assay evaluated circDHTKD1 circular characterization in NSCLC cells. FISH determined circDHTKD1 subcellular distribution in NSCLC cells. Loss- and gain-of-function assays clarified circDHTKD1 role in NSCLC cell growth, tumour growth and glycolysis. Bioinformatics and RIP and RNA pull-down assessed association of circDHTKD1 with upstream molecule Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-III (EIF4A3) or downstream molecule phosphofructokinase-1 liver type (PFKL) and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) in NSCLC cells. Rescue assays assessed regulatory function of PFKL in circDHTKD1-meidated NSCLC cellular phenotypes. CircDHTKD1 exhibited upregulation and stable circular nature in NSCLC cells. EIF4A3 upregulated circDHTKD1 in NSCLC cells. CircDHTKD1 exerted a promoting influence on NSCLC cell malignant phenotypes and tumour growth. CircDHTKD1 exerted a promoting influence on NSCLC glucose metabolism. CircDHTKD1 exerts a promoting influence on NSCLC glucose metabolism through PFKL upregulation. RIP and RNA pull-down showed that circDHTKD1 could bind to IGF2BP, PFKL could bind to IGF2BP2, and circDHTKD1 promoted the binding of PFKL to IGF2BP2. In addition, RT-qPCR showed that IGF2BP2 knockdown promoted PFKL mRNA degradation, suggesting that IGF2BP2 stabilized PFKL in NSCLC cells. CircDHTKD1 exhibits upregulation in NSCLC. We innovatively validate that EIF4A3-triggered circDHTKD1 upregulation facilitates NSCLC glycolysis through recruiting m6A reader IGF2BP2 to stabilize PFKL, which may provide a new direction for seeking targeted therapy plans of NSCLC.

Circ6834 suppresses non-small cell lung cancer progression by destabilizing ANHAK and regulating miR-873-5p/TXNIP axis

BackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in cancer progression and metastasis. However, the expression profiles and biological roles of circRNAs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear.MethodsIn this study, we identified a novel circRNA, hsa_circ_0006834 (termed circ6834), in NSCLC by RNA-seq and investigated the biological role of circ6834 in NSCLC progression in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the molecular mechanism of circ6834 was revealed by tagged RNA affinity purification (TRAP), western blot, RNA immunoprecipitation, dual luciferase reporter gene assays and rescue experiments.ResultsOur results showed that circ6834 was downregulated in NSCLC tumor tissues and cell lines. Circ6834 overexpression inhibited NSCLC cell growth and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo, while circ6834 knockdown had the opposite effect. We found that TGF-β treatment decreased circ6834 expression, which was associated with the QKI reduction in NSCLC cells and circ6834 antagonized TGF-β-induced EMT and metastasis in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, circ6834 bound to AHNAK protein, a key regulator of TGF-β/Smad signaling, and inhibited its stability by enhancing TRIM25-mediated ubiquitination and degradation. In addition, circ6834 acted as a miRNA sponge for miR-873-5p and upregulated TXNIP gene expression, which together inactivated the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in NSCLC cells.ConclusionIn conclusion, circ6834 is a tumor-suppressive circRNA that inhibits NSCLC progression by forming a negative regulatory feedback loop with the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and represents a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC.