Article
Developmental Biology
Daniel B. Dranow, Pierre Le Pabic, Thomas F. Schilling
Summary: Non-canonical/beta-catenin-independent Wnt signaling is crucial for tissue/cell polarity in epithelia, but its role in mesenchymal tissues like the skeleton is not well studied. Mutations in non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway genes cause skeletal diseases in humans, disrupting bone growth. Ror2 is a non-canonical Wnt receptor/co-receptor. Zebrafish with ror2-/- mutation show craniofacial skeletal defects and chondrocyte polarity disruptions. The proline-rich domain of Ror2 is required for its function in rescuing the defects.
Article
Cell Biology
Barnabas Irmer, Janes Efing, Lea Elisabeth Reitnauer, Allegra Angenendt, Saskia Heinrichs, Antonia Schubert, Matthias Schulz, Claudia Binder, Joke Tio, Uwe Hansen, Christiane Geyer, Mirjam Gerwing, Annalen Bleckmann, Kerstin Menck
Summary: EVs can transfer oncogenic Wnt receptors ROR1/2 to the surface of ROR-negative cancer cells, inducing an aggressive phenotype that supports tumor progression. This transfer was observed both in vitro and in vivo, and ROR-positive EVs were also found to be significantly elevated in the plasma of breast cancer patients.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chongbiao Huang, Hui Li, Yang Xu, Chao Xu, Huizhi Sun, Zengxun Li, Yi Ge, Hongwei Wang, Tiansuo Zhao, Song Gao, Xiuchao Wang, Shengyu Yang, Peiqing Sun, Zhe Liu, Jing Liu, Antao Chang, Jihui Hao
Summary: VEGF inhibitors have been successful in treating solid tumors, but pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) cells can activate VEGF-independent pathways to reinstate tumor angiogenesis, leading to resistance to VEGF inhibitors. BICC1 is a top gene involved in PAAD-specific angiogenesis. Overexpression of BICC1 in human PAAD tissues is associated with increased microvessel density, tumor growth, and worse prognosis. BICC1 promotes angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer through a VEGF-independent mechanism. Its binding to LCN2 mRNA up-regulates LCN2 expression, leading to the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway and increased production of the angiogenic factor CXCL1. Blocking the BICC1/LCN2 signaling reduces microvessel density and tumor volume, and enhances the suppressive effect of gemcitabine. BICC1/LCN2 signaling may be a promising therapeutic target for anti-angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer patients.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Dakota Doucet, Connor Brubaker, Donald Turner, Carl A. A. Gregory
Summary: Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) has a dual role as either a driver or suppressor in tumor growth. The tissue origin of the tumor can predict the role of Dkk-1 in tumor progression. Dkk-1 is more likely to serve as a suppressor in ectodermal and endodermal tumors, while it is more likely to serve as a driver in mesodermal tumors. High Dkk-1 expression is generally associated with poor prognosis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Bin Zhang, Xiang Cheng, Sudong Zhan, Xin Jin, Tao Liu
Summary: Despite advances in cancer treatment, pancreatic cancer prognosis remains poor. Research reveals the importance of the MIB1/ST7/IQGAP1 axis in pancreatic cancer progression, suggesting MIB1 inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Jing Zhang, Pengfei Li, Ting Li, Zhiqin Zhou, Huiling Wu, Lei Zhang
Summary: The study reveals that CORO6 is highly expressed in HCC samples with higher grades and correlates with poor patient outcomes. Depletion of CORO6 significantly impairs the cell survival, migratory, and invasive abilities of HCC cells, and enhances Wnt signaling in these cells.
Article
Oncology
Marzieh Shirin, Sajedeh Madadi, Noshad Peyravian, Zahra Pezeshkian, Leili Rejali, Masoumeh Hosseini, Afshin Moradi, Binazir Khanabadi, Ghazal Sherkat, Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei, Ehsan Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad
Summary: This study investigated the correlation between eight candidate genes and colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, as well as their association with clinicopathological variables and prognosis. The study found positive or negative correlations among several pairs of genes, and the expression levels of certain genes were associated with the TNM stage of the tumor.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiang Jiang, Jin Peng, Yuanyuan Xie, Yanchao Xu, Qi Liu, Chunxiao Cheng, Peng Yan, Shoujing Xu, Ye Wang, Laizhu Zhang, Huan Li, Yunzheng Li, Binghua Li, Junhai Han, Decai Yu
Summary: Oxoglutarate dehydrogenase-like (OGDHL) is an isoenzyme of oxyglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH) that regulates glutamine metabolism to suppress HCC progression. This study demonstrates that OGDHL induces DNA damage in HCC cells by binding to CDK4 in the nucleus and inhibiting E2F1 signaling, leading to downregulation of pyrimidine and purine synthesis and depletion of dNTP.
CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Dianyun Ren, Yan Sun, Dan Li, Heshui Wu, Xin Jin
Summary: PTEN is a dual lipid and protein phosphatase that plays a crucial role in pancreatic cancer. USP22 has been identified as a novel modifying enzyme of PTEN, enhancing p21 expression and inhibiting cancer progression. Moreover, ANKHD1 and MDM2 could be potential therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer treatment.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bin Yan, Li Liu, Lian Zhao, Ulf Hinz, Yiqiao Luo, Xuefeng An, Jury Gladkich, Carolina de la Torre, Zhenhua Huang, Daniel Schrapel, Wolfgang Gross, Franco Fortunato, Michael Schaefer, Matthias M. Gaida, Ingrid Herr
Summary: This study reveals that elevated expression of COL8A1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with migration, invasion, and gemcitabine resistance in PDAC cells. Inhibition of COL8A1 reduces these phenotypes and affects downstream signaling pathways. Moreover, COL8A1 expression in PDAC patient tissues correlates with clinicopathological data, suggesting its potential as a new biomarker for PDAC progression.
Article
Oncology
Jiao Li, Jing Chang, Jinghan Wang, Dapeng Xu, Minwei Yang, Yongsheng Jiang, Junfeng Zhang, Xiaohua Jiang, Yongwei Sun
Summary: Although HOXA10 has been shown to play an important role in pancreatic development, its involvement in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression remains unclear. In this study, we found that HOXA10 expression increased in PDAC with higher tumor stage and poor patient survival. HOXA10 promoted PDAC cell proliferation, colony formation, and xenograft growth by activating the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Specifically, HOXA10 up-regulated IKK beta gene transcription and sustained NF-kappa B activation in PDAC cells. Our findings suggest that HOXA10 functions as an oncoprotein in PDAC and may serve as a potential prognosis biomarker.
Article
Cell Biology
Leifeng Chen, Zheng Xu, Qing Li, Qian Feng, Cihua Zheng, Yunyan Du, Rongfa Yuan, Xiaogang Peng
Summary: Ubiquitin-specific protease 28 (USP28) is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer compared to normal tissues, and its overexpression is correlated with malignant phenotype and shorter survival in patients with PC. USP28 promotes PC cell growth by facilitating cell cycle progression and inhibiting apoptosis, and it stabilizes FOXM1 to activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, ultimately contributing to PC pathogenesis.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Khurram Aamir, Gautam Sethi, Mst. Rejina Afrin, Chowdhury Faiz Hossain, Patricia Regina Jusuf, Satyajit D. Sarker, Aditya Arya
Summary: In this study, the effects of arjunolic acid (AA) on insulin signaling and TLR-4-Wnt crosstalk in type 2 diabetic rats were examined. AA was found to have potential in regulating insulin signaling and the interaction between TLR-4 and Wnt pathways.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yu -Chun Lin, Ya-Chin Hou, Hao-Chen Wang, Yan-Shen Shan
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy due to late diagnosis and resistance to current therapies. Abnormal interaction between adipose tissue and pancreatic tumor cells leads to dysfunction of adipocytes, resulting in the release of various adipokines that promote tumor progression and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells.
Article
Cell Biology
Cheng Xiong, Youwei Zhu, Meilin Xue, Yongsheng Jiang, Yiming Zhong, Lingxi Jiang, Minmin Shi, Hao Chen
Summary: This study revealed that TAMs promote PDAC progression through the TGF-beta signaling pathway, and the pro-tumorigenic effects of TAMs or TAM-CM can be abolished by inhibiting the TGF-beta signaling pathway or neutralizing TGF-beta antibody.
Letter
Surgery
Corrado Pedrazzani, Cristian Conti, Angelo Di Vittori, Giulia Turri, Laura Bernardoni, Andrea Mafficini, Claudio Luchini, Armando Gabbrielli, Aldo Scarpa, Alfredo Guglielmi
ASIAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Elena Carrara, Elisa Razzaboni, Anna Maria Azzini, Maria Elena De Rui, Mariana Nunes Pinho Guedes, Anna Gorska, Maddalena Giannella, Linda Bussini, Michele Bartoletti, Federica Arbizzani, Zaira R. Palacios-Baena, Giulia Caponcello, Natalia Maldonado, Jesus Rodriguez-Bano, Carlo Visco, Mauro Krampera, Evelina Tacconelli
Summary: The main aim of this systematic review is to quantify the risk and identify predictors of clinical progression of SARS-CoV-2 in hematological patients compared to different control populations. The study found that hematological patients had a higher risk of COVID-19-related mortality, hospitalization, intensive-care admission, and mechanical ventilation compared to controls. Older age, male sex, and hypertension were significantly related to worse clinical outcomes in hematological patients with COVID-19.
HEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Hematology
Antonio Recchiuti, Enrica Federti, Alessandro Matte, Filippo Mazzi, Jacopo Ceolan, Annamaria Porreca, Marta Di Nicola, Sofia Menotti, Stefano Alivernini, Lucia De Franceschi
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michele Bevere, Anastasios Gkountakos, Filippo Maria Martelli, Aldo Scarpa, Claudio Luchini, Michele Simbolo
Summary: Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) are rare tumors originating from islets of the Langerhans in the pancreas. They can be classified into functioning and nonfunctioning PanNENs based on peptide hormone secretion. Surgery is currently the only curative treatment for PanNENs, despite advancements in therapeutic and molecular aspects. The development of high-throughput techniques has increased understanding of the molecular biology and potential vulnerabilities of PanNENs, but there is still limited knowledge about functioning PanNEN subgroups. Combining high-throughput platforms with new diagnostic tools may help characterize the differences among functioning PanNEN subgroups more efficiently.
Article
Oncology
Letizia Procaccio, Valeria Merz, Morena Fasano, Vanja Vaccaro, Elisa Giommoni, Andrea Pretta, Silvia Noventa, Maria Antonietta Satolli, Guido Giordano, Clizia Zichi, Carmine Pinto, Camilla Zecchetto, Giulia Barsotti, Ferdinando De Vita, Michele Milella, Lorenzo Antonuzzo, Mario Scartozzi, Alberto Zaniboni, Rosella Spadi, Simona Casalino, Francesca Bergamo, Chiara De Toni, Davide Melisi, Sara Lonardi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the real-world efficacy and safety of 5-FU/LV-nal-IRI in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. The results showed that 5-FU/LV-nal-IRI demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety to NAPOLI-I trial in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Matteo Maule, Bianca Olivieri, Gabriella Guarnieri, Lucia De Franceschi, Nicola Martinelli, Rachele Vaia, Giuseppe Argentino, Andrea Vianello, Gianenrico Senna, Marco Caminati
Summary: Bronchial asthma, the most common inflammatory non-communicable disease affecting the airways globally, often coexists with other respiratory or systemic conditions. Recent research has revealed the pathobiological interactions between asthma and other organs, suggesting a shared immunological background. The bidirectional relationship between asthma and common diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative diseases, as well as rare disorders, has significant implications for the diagnosis and long-term management of asthma patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Nicolo Caldonazzi, Paola Chiara Rizzo, Albino Eccher, Ilaria Girolami, Giuseppe Nicolo Fanelli, Antonio Giuseppe Naccarato, Giuseppina Bonizzi, Nicola Fusco, Giulia d'Amati, Aldo Scarpa, Liron Pantanowitz, Stefano Marletta
Summary: The assessment of lymph node metastases is important in cancer staging and prognosis. By applying artificial intelligence to whole slide images, the automatic detection of metastatic cells can be achieved, leading to increased diagnostic quality. This study reviews the literature on using AI for the assessment of metastases in lymph nodes in whole slide images.
Review
Oncology
Anastasios Gkountakos, Filippo M. M. Martelli, Nicola Silvestris, Michele Bevere, Mario De Bellis, Laura Alaimo, Elena Sapuppo, Francesca Masetto, Aldo Mombello, Michele Simbolo, Elena Bariani, Michele Milella, Matteo Fassan, Aldo Scarpa, Claudio Luchini
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) are aggressive tumors with limited treatment options. They share histomolecular features, making differential diagnosis challenging, but also have significant differences with clinical implications. PDAC and dCCA have different prognosis and oncogenic targets, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and targeted treatments.
Article
Oncology
Giada Dal Collo, Paul Takam Kamga
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Michele Bevere, Francesca Masetto, Maria Elena Carazzolo, Alice Bettega, Anastasios Gkountakos, Aldo Scarpa, Michele Simbolo
Summary: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases with different behavior and clinical manifestations. However, current mono-analyte biomarkers are ineffective in describing these complex tumors, while multi-analytical biomarkers like NETest are emerging as more effective tools for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This review analyzes the capabilities and limitations of different circulating biomarkers in accurate diagnosis, monitoring disease progression and response to therapy, and detecting early relapse.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Maria Bencivenga, Lorena Torroni, Mariagiulia Dal Cero, Alberto Quinzii, Camilla Zecchetto, Valeria Merz, Simona Casalino, Francesco Taus, Silvia Pietrobono, Domenico Mangiameli, Federica Filippini, Mariella Alloggio, Claudia Castelli, Mar Iglesias, Manuel Pera, Davide Melisi
Summary: This study found that the activation of the YAP pathway is associated with poor prognosis in poorly cohesive gastric cancer, suggesting its important role in the development of this type of cancer.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Chiara Frascarelli, Giuseppina Bonizzi, Camilla Rosella Musico, Eltjona Mane, Cristina Cassi, Elena Guerini Rocco, Annarosa Farina, Aldo Scarpa, Rita Lawlor, Luca Reggiani Bonetti, Stefania Caramaschi, Albino Eccher, Stefano Marletta, Nicola Fusco
Summary: This paper explores how AI and machine learning can respond to the digital evolution of biobanks. By leveraging AI, biobanks can address the challenges faced in translational and clinical research, enhancing their capabilities in data management, analysis, and interpretation. The application of AI can unlock valuable insights from biobank repositories, enabling the identification of novel biomarkers and prediction of treatment responses, and ultimately facilitating the development of personalized cancer therapies.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Danzi, Raffaella Pacchiana, Andrea Mafficini, Maria T. Scupoli, Aldo Scarpa, Massimo Donadelli, Alessandra Fiore
Summary: Tumour cells possess the ability to reprogram their metabolism in order to support tumor growth, progression, and resistance. This reprogramming involves significant changes in bioenergetic, biosynthetic, and redox status to meet the increased energetic demands of the cells. Recent advancements in biochemical technologies, such as metabolomics and fluxomics, have provided researchers with powerful tools to study cancer metabolism and gain a better understanding of its complex activities on both qualitative and mechanistic levels. Additionally, the development of single-cell analysis technologies and functional genomic screening have further enhanced our ability to investigate cancer biology, identify biomarkers, and discover new therapeutic targets and treatment strategies.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Davide Melisi, Camilla Zecchetto, Valeria Merz, Giuseppe Malleo, Luca Landoni, Alberto Quinzii, Simona Casalino, Federica Fazzini, Marina Gaule, Camilla Pesoni, Luca Casetti, Alessandro Esposito, Giovanni Marchegiani, Cristiana Piazzola, Mirko D'Onofrio, Riccardo de Robertis, Armando Gabbrielli, Laura Bernardoni, Stefano F. Crino, Silvia Pietrobono, Claudio Luchini, Camillo Aliberti, Guido Martignoni, Stefano Milleri, Giovanni Butturini, Aldo Scarpa, Roberto Salvia, Claudio Bassi
Summary: This study evaluated the safety and activity of liposomal irinotecan in the perioperative treatment of resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (rPDAC) patients. The results showed that NALIRIFOX has manageable and active outcomes, and should be further investigated in randomized trials comparing it to standard upfront surgery followed by adjuvant therapy.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2024)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Giovan Battista Ruffo, Rodolfo Russo, Tommaso Casini, Letizia Lombardini, Valeria Orecchia, Vincenzo Voi, Raffaella Origa, Gian Luca Forni, Monia Marchetti, Antonia Gigante, Giacomo Garibotto, Aurelio Maggio, Lucia De Franceschi
Summary: This article reviews the literature on kidney alterations and kidney diseases in patients with hemoglobinopathies, and provides recommendations for follow-up and therapy. The importance of improving clinical management and the quality of care is emphasized.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)