Tumor Protein P53 Research Articles

NFKBIE is a predictive factor of survival and is correlated with immune infiltration and antigen processing and presentation in hepatocellular carcinoma.

The important role of the nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathway in tumour development has long been recognized; however, the role of the NFκB inhibitor family in liver cancer has not been elucidated. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious public health burden with a high incidence, poor prognosis, and early detection, especially in Asia, where hepatitis is prevalent. In the present study, the mRNA expression level of the NFκB inhibitor family was assessed in HCC and normal tissues using the Metabolic Gene Rapid Visualizer, University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer Data Analysis Portal, and the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database (TIMER). Survival curves of nuclear factor of κ light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor (NFKBI)E were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method. Genes co-expressed with NFKBIE in HCC samples were studied using data from the LinkedOmics and the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Databases. Protein-protein interaction networks, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment pathway analyses were used to assess the NFKBIE mechanism in HCC. Using the TIMER database, the association between immune infiltration and NFKBIE was determined. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to evaluate the function of NFKBIE in HCC and its impact on proliferation and migration. Western blotting was used to confirm the expression of NFKBIE in HCC cell lines. In addition, NFKBIE overexpression in HCC was demonstrated using tissue microarrays encompassing 80 pairs of HCC and normal liver tissues. NFKBIE was the only NFκB inhibitor with high expression and an improved prognosis in HCC compared with other NFκB inhibitors. NFKBIE was correlated with clinical characteristics, such as tumour grade, tumour protein P53 mutation status and tumour stage. Data obtained from Gene Set Cancer Analysis suggested that NFKBIE may inhibit the PI3K/AKT, RAS/MAPK, RTK and TSC/mTOR pathways. In addition, NFKBIE was significantly associated with B-cell immune infiltration and the RNA-seq data demonstrated that knockdown of NFKBIE significantly affected 'Antigen processing and presentation' and 'hepatocellular carcinoma' pathways. Immunohistochemistry of microarrays of tissue samples revealed that NFKBIE was overexpressed in several stages of HCC. Finally, inhibition of NFKBIE decreased the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. In conclusion, due to its prognostic value and overexpression in HCC, NFKBIE distinguished itself from other NFκB inhibitors. As such, it may provide a novel prognostic indicator and immunotherapeutic target for HCC.

Exploring Candidate Gene Studies and Alexithymia: A Systematic Review.

Alexithymia is a trait involving difficulties in processing emotions. Genetic association studies have investigated candidate genes involved in alexithymia's pathogenesis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the genetic background associated with alexithymia. A systematic review of genetic studies of people with alexithymia was conducted. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for the study purpose. We used the words "Alexithymia", "gene", "genetics", "variants", and "biomarkers". The present systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. We found only candidate gene studies. A total of seventeen studies met the eligibility criteria, which comprised 22,361 individuals. The candidate genes associated with alexithymia were the serotoninergic pathway genes solute carrier family 6 member 4 (SLC6A4), serotonin 1A receptor (HTR1A), and serotonin 1A receptor (HTR2A); the neurotransmitter metabolism genes dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1), catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and oxytocin receptor (OXTR); and other pathway genes, vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), tumor protein P53 regulated apoptosis inducing protein 1 (TP53AIP1), Rho GTPase Activating Protein 32 (ARHGAP32), and transmembrane protein 88B (TMEM88B). The results of this study showed that only case-control gene studies have been performed in alexithymia. On the basis of our findings, the majority of alexithymia genes and polymorphisms in this study belong to the serotoninergic pathway and neurotransmitter metabolism genes. These data suggest a role of serotoninergic neurotransmission in alexithymia. Nevertheless, more and future research is required to learn about the role of these genes in alexithymia.

Correlation between the Long Head of the Biceps Microscopic Degeneration and Extent of Apoptotic Process.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between microscopic degeneration in the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) and the apoptotic process. Methods: This study included 26 consecutive patients who had undergone arthroscopic biceps tenodesis or tenotomy for symptomatic LHBT with or without concomitant rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Histological examination of the specimens under a light microscope was conducted after staining with hematoxylin, eosin, and the Alcian blue. Histopathological changes were assessed using the original Bonar score and the modified Bonar score and then correlated with the expression of the subsequent apoptosis markers: activated caspase-3 (casp3), tumor protein p53 (p53), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2). Results: The mean original Bonar score was 8.65 (range 5-11), while the modified Bonar score was 7.61. There was no correlation between the original Bonar score and the age of the patients, but a positive correlation was found between the modified Bonar score and the age of the patients (p = 0.0022). There was no correlation between the age of patients and the expression indexes of BCL-2 and casp3. However, the expression of the p53 index showed a positive correlation with patient aging (p = 0.0441). Furthermore, there was no correlation observed between the expression of apoptotic indexes and both the original and modified Bonar scale. Conclusions: In LHB tendinopathy, the expression of apoptosis does not seem to directly correlate with the extent of degeneration, particularly in the late stages of tendinopathy. However, the transformations observed in collagen and ground substance were significantly associated with age, as well as tendinous tissue degeneration quantified according to modified Bonar score. The age of patients was also linked with the expression of the p53 index, as an increased apoptosis in the studied population.

Pathologic and Molecular Features of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma Based on U-P Point Division.

The Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery guidelines propose a classification scheme that differs from the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) system, in which the anatomic U-P point is the boundary between intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PCC). To investigate whether this classification system improves clinicopathologic and genomic differentiation. Fifty-eight PCC cases defined by the UICC system were collected and classified into intrahepatic PCC (IPCC) and extrahepatic PCC (EPCC) categories using U-P point division. They were analyzed by next-generation sequencing using a panel that targeted 425 cancer-related genes. The IPCC group exhibited a significant larger tumor size compared with the EPCC group (4.67 ± 2.44 cm versus 2.50 ± 0.91 cm, P = .002). The mutation frequency of KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase (KRAS) Q61 was also significantly higher in the IPCC group than in the EPCC group (16.7% versus 0.0%, P = .03). There were no statistically significant differences in other pathologic features or genomic characteristics, including tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability. Significant differences in gene mutation rates, such as phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA; 0.0% versus 15.8%, P = .01) and tumor protein p53 (TP53; 34.5% versus 63.2%, P = .04), were observed between PCC and adjacent biliary tract cancers. This study offers valuable insight into the clinicopathologic and genomic features of PCC. It is proposed that the U-P point division may have limited potential to refine the characterization of PCC regarding these features, and that the UICC classification system can readily demonstrate the molecular specificity of PCC.

Abstract Tu094: p53 Regulates the Extent of Fibroblast Proliferation and Fibrosis in Left Ventricle Pressure Overload

Background: Cardiomyopathy is characterized by the pathological accumulation of resident cardiac fibroblasts that deposit ECM (extracellular matrix) and generate a fibrotic scar. However, the mechanisms that control the timing and extent of cardiac fibroblast proliferation and ECM production are not known, hampering the development of antifibrotic strategies to prevent heart failure. Methods: We used the Tcf21 (transcription factor 21) MerCreMer mouse line for fibroblast-specific lineage tracing and p53 (tumor protein p53) gene deletion. We characterized cardiac physiology and used single-cell RNA-sequencing and in vitro studies to investigate the p53-dependent mechanisms regulating cardiac fibroblast cell cycle and fibrosis in left ventricular pressure overload induced by transaortic constriction. Results: Cardiac fibroblast proliferation occurs primarily between days 7 and 14 following transaortic constriction in mice, correlating with alterations in p53-dependent gene expression. p53 deletion in fibroblasts led to a striking accumulation of Tcf21- lineage cardiac fibroblasts within the normal proliferative window and precipitated a robust fibrotic response to left ventricular pressure overload. However, excessive interstitial and perivascular fibrosis does not develop until after cardiac fibroblasts exit the cell cycle. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed p53 null fibroblasts unexpectedly express lower levels of genes encoding important ECM proteins while they exhibit an inappropriately proliferative phenotype. in vitro studies establish a role for p53 in suppressing the proliferative fibroblast phenotype, which facilitates the expression and secretion of ECM proteins. Importantly, Cdkn2a (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2a) expression and the p16Ink4a-retinoblastoma cell cycle control pathway is induced in p53 null cardiac fibroblasts, which may eventually contribute to cell cycle exit and fulminant scar formation. Conclusions: This study reveals a mechanism regulating cardiac fibroblast accumulation and ECM secretion, orchestrated in part by p53-dependent cell cycle control that governs the timing and extent of fibrosis in left ventricular pressure overload.

Clinicohistopathological Correlation and Prognostic Significance of Molecular Biomarkers in Urinary Bladder Neoplasms: A Comprehensive Analysis.

Urinary bladder neoplasms constitute a heterogeneous group of tumors with diverse clinical behaviors and outcomes. Understanding the correlation between clinicopathological characteristics and the prognostic significance of molecular biomarkers in bladder cancer is vital for personalized treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes. This prospective observational studyaimed to comprehensively investigate the clinicopathological correlations and prognostic significance of molecular biomarkers in urinary bladder neoplasms. A cohort of 174 patients diagnosed with urinary bladder neoplasm participated in this study. Clinicopathological data, including demographic information, medical history, imaging findings, and histopathological reports, were collected from the patient records. Tissue samples obtained from transurethral resection or biopsy were subjected to molecular biomarker analysis using immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and molecular profiling techniques. Longitudinal follow-up assessments were conducted to monitor disease progression, recurrence, and overall survival. Out of 174 patients diagnosed with bladder neoplasms, the mean age of the patients was 62.4 years (±8.7), indicating that the study cohort primarily comprised elderly individuals. The majority of patients were male (126, 72.4%), reflecting the higher prevalence of bladder cancer among men compared to women. Preliminary analysis revealed significant associations between clinicopathological parameters, molecular biomarker expression profiles, and clinical outcomes in patients with urinary bladder neoplasms. Elevated expression levels of specific biomarkers such as tumor protein p53 (p53), Ki-67, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR) were observed in advanced tumor stages (p < 0.001) and higher histological grades (p < 0.05), indicating their potential prognostic significance. Furthermore, genetic alterations detected using molecular profiling techniques, including chromosomal gains and losses, were significantly correlated with aggressive disease phenotypes and increased recurrence risk (p < 0.01). Longitudinal follow-up data demonstrated that patients with elevated biomarker expression levels or genetic alterations had poorer treatment responses and shorter overall survival durations than those with lower biomarker expression levels. This study highlights the importance of integrating clinicopathological parameters and molecular biomarker data for the risk stratification, treatment selection, and prognostic assessment of urinary bladder neoplasms.

Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: Imaging Features and Guidelines.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare autosomal dominant familial cancer syndrome caused by germline mutations of the tumor protein p53 gene (TP53), which encodes the p53 transcription factor, also known as the "guardian of the genome." The most common types of cancer found in families with LFS include sarcomas, leukemia, breast malignancies, brain tumors, and adrenocortical cancers. Osteosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma are the most common sarcomas. Patients with LFS are at increased risk of developing early-onset gastric and colon cancers. They are also at increased risk for several other cancers involving the thyroid, lungs, ovaries, and skin. The lifetime risk of cancer in individuals with LFS is greater than 70% in males and greater than 90% in females. Some patients with LFS develop multiple primary cancers during their lifetime, and guidelines have been established for screening these patients. Whole-body MRI is the preferred modality for annual screening of these patients. The management guidelines for patients with LFS vary, as these individuals are more susceptible to developing radiation-induced cancers-for example, women with LFS and breast cancer are treated with total mastectomy instead of lumpectomy with radiation to the breast. The authors review the role of imaging, imaging guidelines, and imaging features of tumors in the setting of LFS. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Cucurbitacin I exerts its anticancer effects by inducing cell cycle arrest via the KAT2a-ube2C/E2F1 pathway and inhibiting HepG2-induced macrophage M2 polarization

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies globally, particularly prevalent in China, where it accounts for nearly half of the world's new cases and deaths each year, but has limited therapeutic options. This study systematically investigated the impact of cucurbitacin I on HCC cell lines including SK-Hep-1, Huh-7, and HepG2. The results revealed that cucurbitacin I not only inhibited cell proliferation, cell migration and colony formation, but also induced apoptosis in HCC cells. The apoptotic induction was accompanied by a decrease in the expression of the anti-apoptotic factor B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), and an elevation in the expression levels of pro-apoptotic factors, including tumor protein p53 (P53), bcl2 associated X-apoptosis regulator (Bax), and caspase3 (Cas3). Additionally, cucurbitacin I caused cell cycle arrest by modulating the lysine acetyltransferase 2A (KAT2A)-E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1)/Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 C (UBE2C) signaling axis. In terms of regulation on tumor microenvironment, cucurbitacin I was demonstrated the ability to inhibit HCC cell-induced M2 polarization of macrophages. This comprehensive study unveils the multifaceted anti-cancer mechanisms of cucurbitacin I, providing robust support for its potential application in the treatment of HCC, offering new avenues for the future development of HCC treatment strategies.

Evaluation of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 (FGFR3) and Tumor Protein P53 (TP53) as Independent Prognostic Biomarkers in High-Grade Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

Introduction Bladder cancer is a significant health issue with an increased recurrence and progression rate, requiring invasive follow-up, which shows a poor prognosis. In addition, the prognostic role of mutant fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) and tumor protein P53 (TP53) is controversial; therefore, we investigated the methylation status and their altered gene expression in low- and high-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) subjects. Materials and methods This case-control study was conducted between 2020 and 2023, in which n = 115 tumor tissues (NMIBC n = 85) and (controls n =30) were examined for FGFR3 and FGFR promoter methylation and expression using methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and real-time PCR. The multivariate regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier (KM) plots were used to establish the association of FGFR3 and TP53 with clinicopathological features and survival outcomes of NMIBC patients. Results High-grade NMIBC tumors showed substantial methylation patterns, with TP53 hypomethylated (p = 0.034) and FGFR3 hypermethylated (p = 0.046), as well as significant mRNA expression of Tp53 and FGFR3 (p = 0.001). The multivariate analysis shows FGFR3 and Tp53 were associated with recurrence-free survival with sensitivity (p = 0.045 (78%); 0.034 (70.7%)) and progression-free survival (p = 0.022(61.5%); 0.038 (69.2%)). Conclusion The findings of this investigation indicate that FGFR3 hypermethylation and TP53 hypomethylation are independent prognostic indicators that aid in the evaluation of disease outcomes in high-grade NMIBC tumors.

CDC7 inhibition impairs neuroendocrine transformation in lung and prostate tumors through MYC degradation

Neuroendocrine (NE) transformation is a mechanism of resistance to targeted therapy in lung and prostate adenocarcinomas leading to poor prognosis. Up to date, even if patients at high risk of transformation can be identified by the occurrence of Tumor Protein P53 (TP53) and Retinoblastoma Transcriptional Corepressor 1 (RB1) mutations in their tumors, no therapeutic strategies are available to prevent or delay histological transformation. Upregulation of the cell cycle kinase Cell Division Cycle 7 (CDC7) occurred in tumors during the initial steps of NE transformation, already after TP53/RB1 co-inactivation, leading to induced sensitivity to the CDC7 inhibitor simurosertib. CDC7 inhibition suppressed NE transdifferentiation and extended response to targeted therapy in in vivo models of NE transformation by inducing the proteasome-mediated degradation of the MYC Proto-Oncogen (MYC), implicated in stemness and histological transformation. Ectopic overexpression of a degradation-resistant MYC isoform reestablished the NE transformation phenotype observed on targeted therapy, even in the presence of simurosertib. CDC7 inhibition also markedly extended response to standard cytotoxics (cisplatin, irinotecan) in lung and prostate small cell carcinoma models. These results nominate CDC7 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to constrain lineage plasticity, as well as to effectively treat NE tumors de novo or after transformation. As simurosertib clinical efficacy trials are ongoing, this concept could be readily translated for patients at risk of transformation.

Research on the mechanism of shengxian and jinshuiliujun decoction in treating silicosis based on network pharmacology

Objective: To explore the active ingredients of shengxian and jinshuiliujun decoction with the method of network pharmacology, and to verify the experimental mechanism of its treatment of silicosis. Methods: In May 2023, the active ingredients and targets of drugs in shengxian and jinshuiliujun decoction were obtained through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database. The target of silicosis disease was screened by databases such as Genecards, Disease Gene Network (DisGeNET), Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), etc. The screened drug targets and disease targets were intersected to obtain the target set of shengxian and jinshuiliujun decoction for the treatment of silicosis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed on the target set through STRING database, and core target genes were screened. GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis of intersection genes were performed based on Metascape database, and molecular docking verification of key components and targets of shengxian and jinshuiliujun decoction was carried out. Twenty-four adult male SD rats with SPF grade were randomly divided into control group, model group and TCM intervention group, with 8 rats in each group. The dust-stained rat model was prepared by non-tracheal exposure of 1 ml silica suspension (50 mg/ml) in one go, and TCM intervention group was given shengxian and jinshuiliujun decoction[6 g/ (kg·d) ] on the second day. The CT of the lungs of each group was observed 28 days after the dust-stained rat model. Paraffin sections of rat lung tissues were prepared and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) and Masson. Western blot was used to verify the expression of core target-related proteins in rat lung tissues after the intervention of shengxian and jinshuiliujun decoction for 28 days, and the differences in protein expression between groups were compared by one-way analysis of variance. Results: A total of 205 active ingredients and 3345 active compounds were selected from shengxian and jinshuiliujun decoction, corresponding to 281 targets, among which 240 targets were related to silicosis. Serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), tumor protein p53 (TP53), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL) 6 may be the key targets of shengxian and jinshuiliujun decoction in the treatment of silicosis. Through enrichment analysis, 30 GO entries and 20 potential signaling pathways were screened according to P-value, including nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cancer signaling pathways. Molecular docking showed that the active compounds of shengxian and jinshuiliujun decoction had good binding with the core target proteins, and the strongest binding properties were beta-sitosterol and TNF-α (-10.45 kcal/mol). In animal experiments, the inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis of lung tissue of rats in TCM intervention group were significantly improved. Compared with control group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and NF-κB in lung tissue of model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the lung injury of rats in TCM intervention group was significantly improved, and the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and NF-κB were significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Shengxian and jinshuiliujun decoction in the treatment of silicosis may play an anti-fibrosis role by inhibiting the NF-κB signal transduction pathway mediated by inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-1β, which provides a reference for further exploring the material basis and mechanism of its action.

The genetic duet of concurrent RASAL1 and PTEN alterations promotes cancer aggressiveness by cooperatively activating the PI3K-AKT pathway.

The significance of the prominent tumor suppressor gene for RAS protein activator-like 1 (RASAL1) could be better understood by combined genetic, clinical, and functional studies. Here, we investigated the oncogenic and clinical impacts of genetic alterations of RASAL1, particularly when coexisting with genetic alterations of the gene for phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), in 9924 cancers of 33 types in the TCGA database. We found common concurrent genetic alterations of the two genes, which were cooperatively associated with activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT pathway, with cancer progression and mortality rates being 46.36% and 31.72% with concurrent gene alterations, versus 29.80% and 16.93% with neither gene alteration (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.46-1.84 and 1.77, 95% CI 1.53-2.05), respectively. This was enhanced by additional tumor protein p53 (TP53) gene alterations, with cancer progression and mortality rates being 47.65% and 34.46% with coexisting RASAL1, PTEN, and TP53 alterations versus 25.30% and 13.11% with no alteration (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.92-2.56 and 2.76, 95% CI 2.31-3.30), respectively. In the case of breast cancer, this genetic trio was associated with a triple-negative risk of 68.75% versus 3.83% with no genetic alteration (RR 17.94, 95% CI 9.60-33.51), consistent with the aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer. Mice with double knockouts of Rasal1 and Pten displayed robust Pi3k pathway activation, with the development of metastasizing malignancies, while single gene knockout resulted in only benign neoplasma. These results suggest that RASAL1, like PTEN, is a critical player in negatively regulating the PI3K-AKT pathway; defect in RASAL1 causes RAS activation, thus initiating the PI3K-AKT pathway signaling, which cannot terminate with concurrent PTEN defects. Thus, the unique concurrent RASAL1 and PTEN defects drive oncogenesis and cancer aggressiveness by cooperatively activating the PI3K-AKT pathway. This represents a robust genetic mechanism to promote human cancer.

Adenocarcinoma of unknown primary with TP53 gene polymorphism: a rare case report with literature review

BackgroundCancer of unknown primary (CUP) is an orphan disease generally presented by undifferentiated and aggressive morphological phenotype. The treatment of CUP is solely dependent upon the origin of cancer. Despite extensive diagnostic testing, in most of the cases the primary site remains unidentifiable.Case presentationThis case demonstrates a 75-year-old male patient, who initially presented with the complaints of swelling over right side of the neck since 2 months. A cervical lymph node biopsy was taken for immunohistochemistry, which revealed cytokeratin (CK) and CK7 markers to be positive. Computerized tomography (CT) of Thorax showed subcentimetric subpleural nodules in bilateral lungs fields, predominantly in lower lobes (metastatic in nature). A subsequent pulmoCORE 12 gene panel test was recommended, and patient was discharged with tablet gefitinib 250mg and capsule containing vitamins plus minerals. After one month, patient revisited with the pulmoCORE 12 gene test report which revealed polymorphism in TP53. A pathogenic variant of tumor protein p53 (TP53), i.e., p.Glu198Ter (amino acid alteration) and c.592G > T (coding) variant, was detected, which has 17.2% variant allele frequency. There are no treatment guidelines for TP53 mutation; therefore, the patient was treated with injection paclitaxel 70mg and carboplatin 100mg for 12 cycles along with palliative radiotherapy of 20 Gy for 5 fractions. The overall prognosis of patient was found to be favorable.ConclusionsThere is a need for development of comprehensive guidelines and new molecularly targeted therapies for treatment of CUP which can be tailored for each patient and achieve precise therapeutic outcome.

Incense-burning smoke ingredient Auramine enhances lincRNA-p21 expression for chemosensitization in p53-mutated non-small cell lung cancer

Incense-burning smoke is a deleterious air pollutant that initiates cytotoxic effects by inducing apoptosis in lung epithelial cells and also acts as a risk factor for lung cancers. Auramine, an ingredient of incense smoke, has been implicated in tumor progression and cellular sensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) towards anti-cancer agents through unclear mechanisms. Tumor protein p53 (TP53)-activated long intergenic non-coding RNA-p21 (lincRNA-p21) undertakes a pivotal role in regulating cell apoptosis and chemosensitivity. TP53 mutations prevalent in 50% of NSCLC, contribute to diminished therapeutic efficacy. However, the influence of auramine on chemotherapy-induced lincRNA-p21 expression and apoptosis in NSCLC with different TP53 genetic statuses remains unexplored. This study disclosed that both wild-type p53 (wtp53) and mutant p53 (mutp53) mediate lincRNA-p21 expression, albeit through distinct promoter enhancers, p53-response element (p53RE) and non-B DNA structure G-quadruplex (GQ), respectively. Intriguingly, auramine functions as an effective stabilizer of the GQ structure, augmenting mutp53-mediated lincRNA-p21 expression and enhancing apoptosis and cellular sensitivity to chemotherapy in mutp53-expressing NSCLC cells. These findings suggest a mechanism by which mutp53, in the presence of auramine, is endowed with tumor-suppressing function akin to wtp53, thereby aiding in combating chemoresistance in NSCLC cells harboring TP53 mutations.

Effects of dietary salidroside on intestinal health, immune parameters and intestinal microbiota in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

The largemouth bass has become one of the economically fish in China, according to the latest China Fishery Statistical Yearbook. The farming scale is constantly increasing. Salidroside has been found in past studies to have oxidative stress reducing and immune boosting properties. In this study, the addition of six different levels of salidroside supplements were 0、40、80、120、160 and 200 mg/kg. A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of salidroside on the intestinal health, immune parameters and intestinal microbiota composition of largemouth bass. Dietary addition of salidroside significantly affected the Keap-1β/Nrf-2 pathway as well as significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities resulting in a significant increase in antioxidant capacity of largemouth bass. Dietary SLR significantly reduced feed coefficients. The genes related to tight junction proteins (Occludin, ZO-1, Claudin-4, Claudin-5) were found to be significantly upregulated in the diet supplemented with salidroside, indicating that salidroside can improve the intestinal barrier function (p < 0.05). The dietary administration of salidroside was found to significantly reduce the transcription levels of intestinal tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, salidroside was observed to reduce the transcription levels of intestinal apoptosis factor Bcl-2 associated death promoter (BAD) and recombinant Tumor Protein p53 (P53) (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, the beneficial bacteria, Fusobacteriota and Cetobacterium, was significantly increased in the SLR12 group, while that of pathogenic bacteria, Proteobacteria, was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the medium-sized largemouth bass optimal dosage of salidroside in the diet is 120mg/kg−1.

Moringa oleifera seed methanol extract with consolidated antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities.

The wide biological activity of the Moringa oleifera represents a potential opportunity for developing selective cancer treatment drugs. The bioactive phytochemicals in Moringa seed extract (MSE) indicated large numbers of phytochemicals (21 compounds) with dominant abundance for cycloisolongifolene, 8,9-dehydro-9-vinyl, and chamazulene accounting for 12.7% and 12.19% of the total detected compounds. The MSE showed a potent anticancer effect toward Caco-2, MDA, and HepG-2 cells with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 9.15±1.18, 4.85±0.11, and 7.36±0.22µg/mL, respectively, with higher safety (≥31-folds) toward normal human cells (IC50 of 150.7±11.11µg/mL). It appears that MSE stimulates selective-dose-dependent cell shrinkage, and nuclear condensation in the tumor cells, which finally induces the apoptosis pathway to increase its anticancer action. Additionally, MSE showed a potent capability to stimulate cell cycle arrest in both main checkpoint phases (G0/G1 and G2/M) of cell population growth. The apoptotic death stimulation was confirmed through upregulation of tumor protein p53 (p53) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 (p21) expression by more than three- to sixfold and downregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 expression (threefold) in MSE-treated cells compared to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-treated tumor cells. Furthermore, the MSE revealed strong anti-inflammatory activity with significant antioxidant activity by lowering nitric oxide levels and enhancing the superoxide dismutase activity. On the other hand, the MSE revealed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity in a dose-dependent manner against Staphylococcus aureus minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC of 1.25mg/mL), followed by Salmonella typhimurium (MIC of 1.23mg/mL), whereas Escherichia coli was the least sensitive to MSE activity (MIC of 22.5mg/mL) with significant antibiofilm activity against sensitive pathogens.

Therapeutic potential of ethoxy mansonone G: A comprehensive exploration of its anticancer actions in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and non-small cell lung carcinoma.

Mansonone G (MG), a 1,2-naphthoquinones with antiestrogenic, antimicrobial, and anti-adipogenic activities, is derived from the heartwood of Mansonia gagei Drumm. Ethoxy mansonone G (EMG), an essential derivative of MG, has anticancer and antioxidant agent. EMG also has antiestrogen activity and is demonstrated to lower estrogen receptorexpression in endocrine-resistant cells. EMG significantly inhibits cell division, invasion, and anchorage-dependent growth in all cancer types. Through the stimulation of the tumor protein (p53) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascades, it also causes apoptosis. Moreover, it manifests its anti-cancerous effects in toll-like receptor pathways, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (c-JNK), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). EMG inhibits the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3), Erk, protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). By interfering with molecular cascades, EMG significantly reduces the metabolism of cancer cells. This paper focuses on the potential use of EMG in cancer treatment. Moreover, it states the methodology by which specific assays establish the anti-cancerous role of EMG. Breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and colorectal cancer are only a few of the cancers for which EMG was shown to be effective. Through further research, EMG may be developed as a therapeutic solution to complications caused by cancer. This study presents EMG as a novel candidate for cancer therapy, offering a unique combination of pharmacological advantages and mechanistic insights that warrant further exploration and development toward addressing the complexities of cancer treatment.

Piracetam mitigates nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin via the AMPK-mediated PI3K/Akt and MAPK/JNK/ERK signaling pathways

AimsCisplatin (CDDP) is commonly employed as an antineoplastic agent, but its use is significantly limited by the occurrence of dose-dependent nephrotoxicity, the detailed mechanisms of which remain unclear. This research is aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of Piracetam (PIR)’s protective effects on nephrotoxicity resulting from CDDP exposure and to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for these effects. Main methodsPIR was given in dosages of 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight for a duration of 15 days; concurrently, on the last day, a single 10 mg/kg dose of CDDP was delivered via intraperitoneal injection. Forty-eight hours post-CDDP injection, the animals were sacrificed to assess nephrotoxicity. Blood samples and renal tissues were taken for biochemical and histopathological investigations. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), caspase-9 and nuclear factor kappa b p65 (NF-κB p65) were assessed by immunohistochemistry method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis was employed to determine cytochrome c (Cyt. c), Bcl-2-associated X-protein (BAX), caspase-3, nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels in renal tissue homogenates. The mRNA levels of tumor protein P53 (TP53), phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) were tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Additionally, histopathological evaluations of the renal tissues and the binding affinity of PIR to AMPK by molecular docking were also performed. Key findingsPre-treatment with PIR enhanced renal function markers such as urea and creatinine, mitigated histological damage, and diminished inflammatory cell presence in renal tubules. PIR demonstrated antioxidant effects by reestablishing the equilibrium between pro-oxidants and antioxidants such as MPO, HO-1, Nrf2, as well as SOD. Furthermore, PIR inhibited the inflammatory pathways through the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Additionally, PIR counteracted the CDDP-induced decline in PI3K/Akt activity and hindered caspase-dependent apoptotic processes. SignificanceIn summary, PIR appears to be an effective therapeutic strategy for reducing CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity, attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms. Consequently, PIR may serve as a complementary treatment alongside CDDP to alleviate nephrotoxicity associated with CDDP.

Cytoplasmic TP53INP2 acts as an apoptosis partner in TRAIL treatment: the synergistic effect of TRAIL with venetoclax in TP53INP2-positive acute myeloid leukemia

BackgroundAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematopoietic malignancy with poor outcomes, especially in older AML patients. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is considered a promising anticancer drug because it selectively induces the extrinsic apoptosis of tumor cells without affecting normal cells. However, clinical trials have shown that the responses of patients to TRAIL are significantly heterogeneous. It is necessary to explore predictable biomarkers for the preselection of AML patients with better responsiveness to TRAIL. Here, we investigated the critical role of tumor protein p53 inducible nuclear protein 2 (TP53INP2) in the AML cell response to TRAIL treatment.MethodsFirst, the relationship between TP53INP2 and the sensitivity of AML cells to TRAIL was determined by bioinformatics analysis of Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia datasets, Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, flow cytometry (FCM) and cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) mouse models. Second, the mechanisms by which TP53INP2 participates in the response to TRAIL were analyzed by Western blot, ubiquitination, coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays. Finally, the effect of TRAIL alone or in combination with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax (VEN) on cell survival was explored using colony formation and FCM assays, and the effect on leukemogenesis was further investigated in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model.ResultsAML cells with high TP53INP2 expression were more sensitive to TRAIL in vitro and in vivo. Gain- and loss-of-function studies demonstrated that TP53INP2 significantly enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis, especially in AML cells with nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutations. Mechanistically, cytoplasmic TP53INP2 maintained by mutant NPM1 functions as a scaffold bridging the ubiquitin ligase TRAF6 to caspase-8 (CASP 8), thereby promoting the ubiquitination and activation of the CASP 8 pathway. More importantly, simultaneously stimulating extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis signaling pathways with TRAIL and VEN showed strong synergistic antileukemic activity in AML cells with high levels of TP53INP2.ConclusionOur findings revealed that TP53INP2 is a predictor of responsiveness to TRAIL treatment and supported a potentially individualized therapeutic strategy for TP53INP2-positive AML patients.

Impacts of cytoplasmic p53 aggregates on the prognosis and the transcriptome in lung squamous cell carcinoma.

The tumor suppressor TP53 gene, the most frequently mutated gene in human cancers, produces the product tumor protein p53, which plays an essential role in DNA damage. p53 protein mutations may contribute to tumorigenesis by loss of tumor suppressive functions and malignancy of cancer cells via gain-of-oncogenic functions. We previously reported that mutant p53 proteins form aggregates and that cytoplasmic p53 aggregates were associated with poor prognosis in human ovarian cancer. However, the prognostic impact of p53 aggregation in other tumors including lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that lung SCC cases with cytoplasmic p53 aggregates had a significantly poor clinical prognosis. Analysis via patient-derived tumor organoids (PDOs) established from lung SCC patients and possessing cytoplasmic p53 aggregates showed that eliminating cytoplasmic p53 aggregates suppressed cell proliferation. RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis of p53 aggregate-harboring PDOs indicated multiple candidate pathways involved in p53 aggregate oncogenic functions. With lung SCC-derived cell lines, we found that cytoplasmic p53 aggregates contributed to cisplatin resistance. This study thus shows that p53 aggregates are a predictor of poor prognosis in lung SCC and suggests that detecting p53 aggregates via p53 conventional immunohistochemical analysis may aid patient selection for platinum-based therapy.