Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rama Rao Malla, P. Kiran
Summary: This review discusses the heterogeneous and complex nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in breast cancer metastasis. The cross-regulation of signaling pathways such as Hedgehog, Wnt, Notch, and NF-kB is crucial in promoting breast cancer progression and metastasis. The importance of stromal and immune cells, as well as their interaction, in bridging the metastasis is highlighted. The role of Hh, Notch, Wnt, and NF-kappa B pathways in supporting TME and controlling various aspects of breast cancer progression is also discussed. Additionally, the involvement of exosomes and miRNAs in the cross-regulation of TME cells and pathways is explored. The review concludes with an examination of targeted small molecule inhibitors and natural compounds as potential therapeutics targeting TME.
Article
Cell Biology
Davide Vecchiotti, Daniela Verzella, Mauro Di Vito Nolfi, Daniel D'Andrea, Irene Flati, Barbara Di Francesco, Jessica Cornice, Edoardo Alesse, Daria Capece, Francesca Zazzeroni
Summary: The NF-kappa B-SHh-GLI1 axis plays an important role in advanced prostate cancer and its elevation is associated with worse prognosis, suggesting it could be a target for treating aggressive prostate cancer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuai Qiu, Yimeng Zhou, Jin Tae Kim, Cheng Bao, Hong Jin Lee, Jing Chen
Summary: The study demonstrated that amentoflavone inhibited the migration and invasion of TNF alpha-induced breast cancer cells by modulating the AKT/mTOR/S6K1 signaling pathway, ultimately reducing the invasiveness of human breast cancer cells. Amentoflavone may be considered as a potent food ingredient for slowing down mammary tumorigenesis.
Review
Cell Biology
Kamalakshi Deka, Yinghui Li
Summary: The NF-kappa B signaling pathway plays a major role in inflammation and innate immunity, and is also crucial for cancer initiation and progression. It consists of canonical and non-canonical pathways, with the canonical pathway being prevalent in various human malignancies and inflammation-related diseases. The non-canonical pathway is also increasingly recognized in disease pathogenesis.
Article
Oncology
Vivien Koh, Jayati Chakrabarti, Meaghan Torvund, Nina Steele, Jennifer A. Hawkins, Yoshiaki Ito, Jiang Wang, Michael A. Helmrath, Juanita L. Merchant, Syed A. Ahmed, Asim Shabbir, Jimmy Bok Yan So, Wei Peng Yong, Yana Zavros
Summary: The study shows that PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer is mediated by Hh and mTOR signaling pathways. Patient-derived organoid/immune cell co-cultures can be used to study immunosuppressive MDSC function. DSP analysis reveals infiltration of immunosuppressive MDSCs in gastric cancer tissues.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lin Gao, Shanze Chen, Malin Hong, Wenbin Zhou, Bilan Wang, Junying Qiu, Jinquan Xia, Pan Zhao, Li Fu, Jigang Wang, Yong Dai, Ni Xie, Qinhe Yang, Hsien-Da Huang, Xiang Gao, Chang Zou
Summary: The study identified KTN1 as a carcinogenic promoter in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), with high KTN1 expression associated with poor prognosis. Functional experiments revealed that KTN1 promotes TNBC tumorigenesis and progression through upregulation of the CXCL8 gene. These findings suggest that targeting KTN1 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Uwe Lendeckel, Carmen Wolke
Summary: Cancer stem cells are a subset of cells with tumor-initiating and treatment-resistant abilities, and their stemness is maintained by low levels of reactive oxygen species, resulting in resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vikas Daggubati, David R. Raleigh, Navdar Sever
Summary: This article discusses the role of the Hedgehog (Hh) family of lipid-modified signaling proteins in embryonic tissue patterning and postembryonic tissue homeostasis, as well as the involvement of dysregulated Hh signaling in familial and sporadic cancers. It also explores the binding and modulation of SMO activity by endogenous cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol derivatives. The article proposes models of sterol regulation of SMO and discusses the potential utility of steroidal SMO ligands or inhibitors of enzymes involved in sterol metabolism as cancer therapeutics.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Xiaoxuan Guo, Jing Qiu, Yongzhong Qian
Summary: 6-Shogaol exhibited preventive effects on sepsis-induced liver injury by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and oxidative enzyme damage, as confirmed by transcriptomic analysis. Overlapping genes related to inflammation pathways were identified in different treatment groups, indicating the potential mechanism of action for 6-shogaol in treating liver disorders associated with sepsis.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ali Mussa, Hafeez Abiola Afolabi, Nazmul Huda Syed, Mustafa Talib, Ahmad Hafiz Murtadha, Khalid Hajissa, Noor Fatmawati Mokhtar, Rohimah Mohamud, Rosline Hassan
Summary: Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women, and there is a need for a deeper understanding of its molecular etiology to develop more effective treatments. The activation of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB is frequently observed in breast cancer and is associated with cell survival, metastasis, proliferation, and therapy resistance. Vitamin C has been found to regulate NF-κB activation and may be used as a natural pro-oxidant therapy for breast cancer treatment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wan-shuang Cao, Meng-jiu Zhao, Yue Chen, Jian-yun Zhu, Chun-feng Xie, Xiao-ting Li, Shan-shan Geng, Cai-yun Zhong, Jin-yan Fu, Jie-shu Wu
Summary: This study found that low-dose exposure to phthalates (PAE) can promote the stem cell properties of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) through the regulation of ANp63 alpha and the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway. The importance of this study lies in revealing the mechanism of PAE exposure on BCSCs and providing a theoretical basis for further investigation of the lowest observed effect concentrations of PAE and its relevance.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ching-In Lau, Diana C. Yanez, Eleftheria Papaioannou, Susan Ross, Tessa Crompton
Summary: Epithelial barrier tissues such as the skin and airway play a crucial role in protecting the host from external insults and allergens. Sonic Hedgehog morphogen and Shh signaling pathways are important in maintaining barrier function and preventing inflammatory disorders like atopic dermatitis and asthma in postnatal skin and lung tissues.
Review
Cell Biology
A. Denise R. Garcia
Summary: The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) molecular signaling pathway is a key regulator of neurodevelopment, with diverse functions in various cell types and developmental stages. In addition to its roles in development, Shh signaling continues into adulthood and is now recognized as an important regulator of astrocyte function. Astrocytes play essential roles in nervous system functions, including synapse formation, coordination of CNS inflammatory responses, and Shh signaling mediates communication between neurons and astrocytes, influencing astrocyte identity, synaptic organization, and inflammation regulation.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chuli Jiang, Xingyue Wang, Biyun Teng, Zhe Wang, Fenghe Li, Yu Zhao, Yuan Guo, Qiu Zeng
Summary: In this study, a peptide-functionalized dual-targeting delivery system encapsulating paclitaxel and GANT61 in tLyP-1 peptide-modified reconstituted high-density lipoprotein nanoparticles was designed for metastatic TNBC treatment. The nanoparticles targeted tumor cells and facilitated drug delivery, resulting in enhanced suppression of metastasis-related tumor cell activities. The dual-targeting tLyP-1-rHDL nanoparticles showed superior efficiency in disrupting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in tumor cells compared to drug solutions, providing a promising strategy for metastatic TNBC treatment.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Dominique Manikowski, Philipp Kastl, Sabine Schuermann, Kristina Ehring, Georg Steffes, Petra Jakobs, Kay Grobe
Summary: The study reveals that C-terminal cholesteroylation of Hedgehog is essential for early steps of production and maturation, but dispensable for signal reception at receiving cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)