Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yi-Ting Gong, Li -Jun Zhang, Yi-Chen Liu, Min Tang, Jia-Yi Lin, Xin-Yi Chen, Yi-Xu Chen, Yue Yan, Wei-Dong Zhang, Jin-Mei Jin, Xin Luan
Summary: This review summarizes the evidence regarding the close relationship between neutrophils and breast cancer, emphasizing the critical roles of neutrophils in regulating metabolic and immune pathways. Clinical trials targeting neutrophils have been conducted, but their clinical efficacy remains suboptimal.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lu Cao, Kim R. Bridle, Ritu Shrestha, Prashanth Prithviraj, Darrell H. G. Crawford, Aparna Jayachandran
Summary: Gallbladder cancer is a highly aggressive form of biliary tract cancer, and current clinical trials are examining the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors as monotherapy. However, only select patients respond to these treatments. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms that contribute to resistance to immune checkpoint blockade and identifies epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells as key factors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Xiangyu Chu, Dan Wei, Xinxin Liu, Di Long, Xiaodong Tian, Yinmo Yang
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is often associated with the initiation, progression, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. This review discusses the potential of integrating miRNAs into the treatment of pancreatic cancer and offers insights for the development of precision medicine.
CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Jun Jiang, Fang Zhang, Yi Wan, Ke Fang, Ze-dong Yan, Xin-ling Ren, Rui Zhang
Summary: Semaphorins play important roles in regulating angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion in cancer. Dysregulation of semaphorins affects immune cell activation, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Semaphorins can be promising therapeutic targets for cancer.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Atonu Chakrabortty, Daniel J. J. Patton, Bruce F. F. Smith, Payal Agarwal
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression, with potential implications in both human and canine diseases, including cancer. Altered levels of miRNAs have been observed in many types of cancer, making them potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. Furthermore, miRNA-based therapies have shown promise in clinical settings, providing measurable benefits to patients. Understanding the biogenesis and regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in cancer can also help in developing personalized cancer treatments and overcoming chemotherapy resistance.
Review
Cell Biology
Dillon S. Richardson, Jonathan M. Spehar, David T. Han, Prathik A. Chakravarthy, Steven T. Sizemore
Summary: RALA and RALB, highly homologous small G proteins belonging to the RAS superfamily, play important roles in regulating cellular functions and cancer development. Despite their similarities, they often display functional disparities in cancer, which remains an unanswered question.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Rong Li, Yu Li, Xiao Liang, Lu Yang, Min Su, Keng Po Lai
Summary: Niacin may have potential therapeutic effects for CRC/COVID-19 by exerting cytoprotection, enhancing immunologic functions, inhibiting inflammatory reactions, and regulating the cellular microenvironment. Five core pharmacological targets of niacin in CRC/COVID-19 were identified.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Yuying Zhang, Jingyan Luo, Weikang Yang, Wen-Chu Ye
Summary: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are highly stable, conserved, and abundantly expressed in various organs and tissues. Abnormal circRNA expression has been found in CRC patients' blood/serum, cells, CRC tissues, and exosomes, and circRNAs play crucial roles in the development of CRC by acting as microRNA sponges, RNA-binding protein sponges, regulators of gene splicing and transcription, and protein/peptide translators. These characteristics make circRNAs potential markers for CRC diagnosis and prognosis, potential therapeutic targets, and circRNA-based therapies. However, further studies are needed to improve the understanding of the roles and biological mechanisms of circRNAs in CRC development.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Pouria Samadi, Meysam Soleimani, Fatemeh Nouri, Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh, Rezvan Najafi, Akram Jalali
Summary: This study using a systems biology approach investigated potential molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets related to the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) from early stages to metastasis. The results identified several potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers, with lncRNA LINC00974 found to be an important and novel biomarker.
Review
Oncology
Wenkai Jiang, Xin Li, Caifei Xiang, Wence Zhou
Summary: Neutrophils play a significant role in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, affecting angiogenesis, tumor progression, and immunosuppression. Neutrophils may also be a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Yan Tie, Fan Tang, Yu-quan Wei, Xia-wei Wei
Summary: Immunotherapies are effective for treating advanced cancers, but some patients are resistant to these therapies. Targeting immunosuppressive cells and related signals is a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies.
JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xizhe Zhang, Chunyu Pan, Xinru Wei, Meng Yu, Shuangjie Liu, Jun An, Jieping Yang, Baojun Wei, Wenjun Hao, Yang Yao, Yuyan Zhu, Weixiong Zhang
Summary: The study focused on cancerous cells and genes that maintained abnormal cell growth, known as cancer-keeper genes (CKGs). Intervening CKGs can rectify aberrant cell growth, making them potential cancer therapeutic targets. In bladder cancer, all genes on the cell-cycle and p53 pathways were identified as CKGs, highlighting their importance in cancer.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mansour Haddad, Federica Cherchi, Mohammad Alsalem, Yousef M. Al-saraireh, Saba Madae'en
Summary: This review presents new findings on the role of adenosine and its receptors in neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Adenosine receptor ligands have shown promising efficacy and safety in clinical research and could be used as therapeutic targets for various pain disorders. The review also discusses the latest studies on adenosine receptor ligands in different pain models and the potential of newly synthesized allosteric adenosine receptor modulators.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Siyang Zhang, Han Wang, Jiao Liu, Tao Tao, Zhi Zeng, Min Wang
Summary: This study identified RGS1 as a core gene associated with immune status and FIGO stage in cervical cancer patients. Interaction analysis revealed significant associations between RGS1 and CD4 and RGS2. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes were related to T cell activation. High expression of RGS1 was associated with increased immune infiltration and higher expressions of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targets. RGS1 was found to be upregulated in cervical cancer tissues, especially in HPV-E6 positive cancer tissues. Knockdown of RGS1 inhibited cell activities and promoted apoptosis in cervical cancer cell lines.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liping Yan, Jian Zheng, Qingyu Wang, Hua Hao
Summary: The article reviews the role and potential therapeutic targets of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment, aiming to promote future research on CAFs and tumors.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Michael Nazmifar, Cheyenne Williams, Aurash Naser-Tavakolian, John Heard, Charles Rosser, Dan Theodorescu, Michael Ahdoot
Summary: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of various therapeutic agents for high-grade nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer following failed bacillus Calmette-Guerin treatment. A systematic review of available clinical trials was conducted, and a total of 70 studies evaluating 27 treatment options were analyzed. Intravesical chemotherapy and hyperthermia paired with chemotherapy demonstrated high complete response rates, while immunotherapy and novel agents also showed promising results. The treatments had low toxicity profiles and complication rates.
JOURNAL OF UROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christian Soehngen, David J. Thomas, Margaretha A. Skowron, Felix Bremmer, Markus Eckstein, Anja Stefanski, Marc D. Driessen, Gamal A. Wakileh, Kai Stuehler, Peter Altevogt, Dan Theodorescu, Ruediger Klapdor, Axel Schambach, Daniel Nettersheim
Summary: This study aimed to understand the molecular function of CD24 in vitro and evaluate the cytotoxic capacity of NK cell CAR against CD24 in urological tumor cells. The results showed that CD24 interacts with proteins involved in cell adhesion, ATP binding, phosphoprotein binding, and post-translational modifications. Treatment with NK-CD24-CAR cells significantly decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis specifically in CD24(+) tumor cells. This study provides a promising novel target for immune therapeutic approaches against urological malignancies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hany A. Abdel-Hafiz, Johanna M. Schafer, Xingyu Chen, Tong Xiao, Timothy D. Gauntner, Zihai Li, Dan Theodorescu
Summary: Loss of the Y chromosome (LOY) correlates with poor prognoses in bladder cancer patients. LOY mutations alter T cell function, promoting T cell exhaustion and sensitizing them to PD-1-targeted immunotherapy.
Article
Neurosciences
Zhang-Peng Chen, Suji Wang, Xiansen Zhao, Wen Fang, Zhengge Wang, Haojie Ye, Meng-Ju Wang, Ling Ke, Tengfei Huang, Pin Lv, Xiaohong Jiang, Qipeng Zhang, Liang Li, Shu-Tao Xie, Jing-Ning Zhu, Chunhua Hang, Dijun Chen, Xiangyu Liu, Chao Yan
Summary: Chen et al. have identified a new subtype of reactive astrocyte, called lipid-accumulated reactive astrocytes (LARAs), which are formed by APOE-mediated lipid accumulation in individuals with epilepsy and mouse models. These LARAs aggravate seizure symptoms and could be potential therapeutic targets for epilepsy.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shu-Tao Xie, Wen-Chu Fan, Xian-Sen Zhao, Xiao-Yang Ma, Ze-Lin Li, Yan-Ran Zhao, Fa Yang, Ying Shi, Hui Rong, Zhi-San Cui, Jun-Yi Chen, Hong-Zhao Li, Chao Yan, Qipeng Zhang, Jian-Jun Wang, Xiao-Yang Zhang, Xiao-Ping Gu, Zheng-Liang Ma, Jing-Ning Zhu
Summary: Specific medications for cerebellar ataxias are still lacking, but the activation of cerebellar microglia has been found to be common in ataxic patients and rodent models. This study provides direct evidence that activating cerebellar microglia induces ataxia symptoms and worsens motor deficits in a mouse model of cerebellar ataxia. The activation of microglia leads to the hyperexcitation of Purkinje cells which triggers ataxia, and inhibiting microglia activation can alleviate motor deficits in mice.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Florus C. de Jong, Teemu D. Laajala, Robert F. Hoedemaeker, Kimberley R. Jordan, Angelique C. J. van der Made, Egbert R. Boeve, Deric K. E. van der Schoot, Bart Nieuwkamer, Emiel A. M. Janssen, Tokameh Mahmoudi, Joost L. Boormans, Dan Theodorescu, James C. Costello, Tahlita C. M. Zuiverloon
Summary: The recommended treatment for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients is tumor resection followed by adjuvant Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) bladder instillations. However, only 50% of patients benefit from this therapy. Identifying tumors unlikely to respond to BCG can lead to alternative treatments for these patients.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Peris R. Castaneda, Dan Theodorescu, Charles J. Rosser, Michael Ahdoot
Summary: Bladder cancer is a complex disease with variable prognosis, and recent studies have identified frequent genetic alterations and molecular subtypes. Personalized treatment strategies and the development of biomarkers to predict response and guide therapy in bladder cancer have become a focus of research. In this review, we summarize the latest studies on novel biomarkers in bladder cancer, specifically those intended to improve risk stratification and treatment selection, based on a search of recently published PubMed articles using relevant keywords.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Thomas W. Flaig, Catherine M. Tangen, Siamak Daneshmand, Ajjai Shivaram Alva, M. Scott Lucia, David James McConkey, Dan Theodorescu, Amir Goldkorn, Matthew I. Milowsky, Rick Bangs, Gary R. MacVicar, Bruno R. Bastos, Jared S. Fowles, Daniel L. Gustafson, Melissa Plets, Ian M. Thompson Jr, Seth P. Lerner
Summary: This article mainly evaluated the predictive role of the COXEN gene expression model in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for bladder cancer, and conducted a secondary analysis of the association between COXEN scores and event-free survival and overall survival.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Lars Dyrskjot, Donna E. Hansel, Jason A. Efstathiou, Margaret A. Knowles, Matthew D. Galsky, Jeremy Teoh, Dan Theodorescu
Summary: Bladder cancer is a global health issue with distinct molecular subtypes and pathogenic pathways. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Treatment options vary depending on the invasion level and include surgery and immunotherapy. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach that considers patient characteristics and molecular disease characteristics.
NATURE REVIEWS DISEASE PRIMERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hany A. Abdel-Hafiz, Saravana Kumar Kailasam Mani, Wesley Huang, I. I. I. Kenneth H. Gouin, Yuzhou Chang, Tong Xiao, Qin Ma, Zihai Li, Simon R. V. Knott, Dan Theodorescu
Summary: In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing was used to characterize cell-type specific transcriptional differences between male and female BBN-induced tumors. Proportional and gene expression differences were found in epithelial and non-epithelial subpopulations between male and female tumors. Several genes were found to predict sex-specific survival in human BLCA datasets. Novel and clinically relevant sex-specific transcriptional signatures were identified, including immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. It validated the relevance of the BBN model for studying sex differences in human BLCA.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Huanhuan Hu, Rongjie Cheng, Yanbo Wang, Xiaojun Wang, Jianzhuang Wu, Yan Kong, Shoubin Zhan, Zhen Zhou, Hongyu Zhu, Ranran Yu, Gaoli Liang, Qingyan Wang, Xiaoju Zhu, Chen-Yu Zhang, Rong Yin, Chao Yan, Xi Chen
Summary: KRAS is a frequently activated oncogene in human cancers. This study reveals that mutant KRAS activates CD47 expression and suppresses phagocytosis of cancer cells by macrophages, leading to tumor evasion from innate immune surveillance.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Jun Gong, Daniel M. Kim, Michael R. Freeman, Hyung Kim, Leigh Ellis, Bethany Smith, Dan Theodorescu, Edwin Posadas, Robert Figlin, Neil Bhowmick, Stephen J. Freedland
Summary: Black men with prostate cancer have biologically distinct cancers compared to white men, including genetic alterations, protein differences, and tumor microenvironment. Socioeconomic status partially explains the disparities, but not completely. Further research on these biological differences can guide efforts to improve treatment outcomes for Black men.
NATURE REVIEWS UROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Rongjie Cheng, Fanying Li, Maolei Zhang, Xin Xia, Jianzhuang Wu, Xinya Gao, Huangkai Zhou, Zhi Zhang, Nunu Huang, Xuesong Yang, Yaliang Zhang, Shunli Shen, Tiebang Kang, Zexian Liu, Feizhe Xiao, Hongwei Yao, Jianbo Xu, Chao Yan, Nu Zhang
Summary: This study identifies RASON as a positive regulator of oncogenic RAS signaling and reveals its aberrant overexpression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. RASON promotes tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth by sustaining the hyperactive state of KRAS through inhibiting GTP hydrolysis. Deprivation of RASON sensitizes KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer cells to EGFR inhibitors.
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Ping Shen, Wei Li, Ling-Zhu Pei, Jun Yin, Shu-Tao Xie, Hong-Zhao Li, Chao Yan, Jian-Jun Wang, Qipeng Zhang, Xiao-Yang Zhang, Jing-Ning Zhu
Summary: The study found that oxytocin receptors are present in the cerebellar lobule Crus I of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. However, activation of these receptors did not affect normal functioning and did not improve abnormal behaviors in an autism mouse model. Therefore, the researchers concluded that oxytocin signaling in this area may not be involved in the pathophysiology of autism.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chenwen Shao, Yani Liu, Zhangpeng Chen, Yajuan Qin, Xueao Wang, Xueting Wang, Chao Yan, Hai-Liang Zhu, Jing Zhao, Yong Qian
Summary: The study presents a fluorescent probe for imaging changes of Fe2+ flux in the living epileptic mouse brain, revealing abnormal elevation of Fe2+. The compound dihydroartemisinin (DHA) was found to play a critical role in modulating iron homeostasis and potentially exert its antiepileptic effects by regulating iron homeostasis and inhibiting ferroptosis.
CELL CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)