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Background: Lung cancer is one of the major threats to human life worldwide. MiR-190 has been found to perform essential roles in multiple cancer progression; however, there have been no studies focused on its function and underlying regulatory mechanism in lung cancer., Method: The miR-190 expression was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The cell functional experiments, including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation and transwell assay were conducted in vitro, as well as animal experiments performed in vivo. The regulation and potential binding sites of CBX4 on miR-190 were predicted by TCGA data set and JASPAR website and verified by ChIP assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay. The prospects binding site of miR-190-3p on CBX4 3'UTR region was predicted by StarBase and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay., Results: MiR-190 was decreased in lung cancer cells. The overexpression of miR-190 had no effects on cell proliferation, but significantly inhibited cancer metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, miR-190 expression could be transcriptionally inhibited by CBX4, and CBX4 was the direct target of miR-190-3p., Conclusion: MiR-190 served as a cancer metastasis inhibitor in lung cancer and formed a regulatory loop with CBX4. These findings provided emerging insights into therapeutic targets and strategies for metastatic lung cancer., (© 2024 The Author(s). Thoracic Cancer published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background: The highly metastatic nature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and the difficulty to achieve favorable patient outcomes emphasize the need for novel therapeutic solutions. For preclinical evaluations, genetically engineered mouse models are often used to mimic human PDAC but frequently fail to replicate synchronous development and metastatic spread. This study aimed to develop a transplantation model to achieve synchronous and homogenous PDAC growth with controlled metastatic patterns in the liver., Methods: To generate an orthotopic PDAC model, the DT6606 cell line was injected into the pancreas head of C57BL/6 mice, and their survival was monitored over time. To generate a heterotopic transplantation model, growing doses of three PDAC cell lines (DT6606, DT6606lm, and K8484) were injected into the portal vein of mice. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor metastatic progression, and histologic analysis was performed., Results: Orthotopically injected mice succumbed to the tumor within an 11-week period (average survival time, 78.2 ± 4.45 days). Post-mortem examinations failed to identify liver metastasis. In the intraportal model, 2 × 10 5 DT6606 cells resulted in an absence of liver metastases by day 21, whereas 5 × 10 4 DT6606lm cells and 7 × 10 4 K8484 cells resulted in steady metastatic growth. Higher doses caused significant metastatic liver involvement. The use of K8484 cells ensured the growth of tumors closely resembling the histopathologic characteristics of human PDAC., Conclusions: This report details the authors' efforts to establish an "optimal" murine model for inducing metastatic PDAC, which is critical for advancing our understanding of the disease and developing more effective treatments., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Gastric cancer poses a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge as surgical resection provides the only opportunity for a cure. Specific labeling of gastric cancer could distinguish resectable and nonresectable disease and facilitate an R0 resection, which could improve survival., Methods: Two patient-derived gastric cancer lines, KG8 and KG10, were established from surgical specimens of two patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. Harvested tumor fragments were implanted into the greater curvature of the stomach to establish patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) models. M5A (humanized anti-CEA antibody) or IgG control antibodies were conjugated with the near-infrared dye IRDye800CW. Mice received 50 µg of M5A-IR800 or 50 µg of IgG-IR800 intravenously and were imaged after 72 hr. Fluorescence imaging was performed by using the LI-COR Pearl Imaging System. A tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) was calculated by dividing the mean fluorescence intensity of the tumor versus adjacent stomach tissue., Results: M5A-IR800 administration resulted in bright labeling of both KG8 and K10 tumors. In the KG8 PDOX models, the TBR for M5A-IR800 was 5.85 (SE ± 1.64) compared with IgG-IR800 at 0.70 (SE ± 0.17). The K10 PDOX models had a TBR of 3.71 (SE ± 0.73) for M5A-IR800 compared with 0.66 (SE ± 0.12) for IgG-IR800., Conclusions: Humanized anti-CEA (M5A) antibodies conjugated to fluorescent dyes provide bright and specific labeling of gastric cancer PDOX models. This tumor-specific fluorescent antibody is a promising potential clinical tool to detect the extent of disease for the determination of resectability as well as to visualize tumor margins during gastric cancer resection., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

While hyperthermia has been shown to induce a variety of cytotoxic and sensitizing effects on cancer tissues, the thermal dose–effect relationship is still not well quantified, and it is still unclear how it can be optimally combined with other treatment modalities. Additionally, it is speculated that different methods of applying hyperthermia, such as water bath heating or electromagnetic energy, may have an effect on the resulting biological mechanisms involved in cell death or in sensitizing tumor cells to other oncological treatments. In order to further quantify and characterize hyperthermia treatments on a cellular level, in vitro experiments shifted towards the use of 3D cell spheroids. These are in fact considered a more representative model of the cell environment when compared to 2D cell cultures. In order to perform radiofrequency (RF)-induced heating in vitro, we have recently developed a dedicated electromagnetic field applicator. In this study, using this applicator, we designed and validated an experimental setup which can heat 3D cell spheroids in a conical polypropylene vial, thus providing a reliable instrument for investigating hyperthermia effects at the cellular scale.

Since hepatic cancer incidence and mortality continue to grow worldwide, it is necessary to develop the biomimetic tumor models for drug development and tumor therapeutics. Cellular spheroids as an excellent simple 3D model can bridge the gap between 2D cell culture and live tissue. In this study, we proposed a biological methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel-based microplatform for the massive generation of hepatocellular spheroids and downstream investigation of drug resistance. Micropatterned GelMA hydrogel microwell chip (GHM-chip) with tunable array was easily achieved in standard 24-culture well plates through the micro-molding fabrication strategy. The fabricated GHM-chip induced multicellular self-assembly behavior within the defined topography and further formed spheroidal structure. By regulating cell seeding density and designing microwell size, uniform hepatic cancer spheroids with tunable diameters were obtained in a simplicity, stability and controllable manner. In addition, the screening chemotherapy study of anti-cancer drug was completed through non-destructive recovery of spheroids from the GHM-chip. Beyond that, the recovered functional spheroids have potential application value in various biomedical fields such as tumor biology, pharmacology, and tissue microengineering. Finally, the proposed GHM-chip incorporated into standard cell culture plates with easy to manufacture and operate properties, may be an efficient culture microplatform for cancer research applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The spices and aromatic herbs were used not only in cooking to add flavour and smell to dishes but also for medicinal use. Nigella sativa, also called black cumin, is one of the species that contains an important bioactive component, thymoquinone (TQ), which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects. Curcuma longa, which also includes curcumin, has numerous anti-cancer properties. However, the bioavailability of curcumin is lower than that of its analogs. An analog of curcumin (EF-24), which has better bioavailability than curcumin, is capable of exerting a high anti-cancer effect. In our study, we determined the effects of PON1 enzyme activity on the proliferation and aggressiveness of glioblastoma cancer treated with TQ and EF-24 from lysates of the glioblastoma cell line U87MG. The results were determined as increased PON1 activity after treatment with TQ and EF-24 in the U87MG cell line ( p  < 0.0001).

In the last decade, an increasing interest in compounds containing pyrazolo[4,3- e ][1,2,4]triazine moiety is observed. Therefore, the aim of the research was to synthesise a novel sulphonyl pyrazolo[4,3- e ][1,2,4]triazines ( 2a , 2b ) and pyrazolo[4,3- e ]tetrazolo[1,5- b ][1,2,4]triazine sulphonamide derivatives ( 3a , 3b ) to assess their anticancer activity. The MTT assay showed that 2a , 2b , 3a , 3b have stronger cytotoxic activity than cisplatin in both breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and exhibited weaker effect on normal breast cells (MCF-10A). The obtained results showed that the most active compound 3b increased apoptosis via caspase 9, caspase 8, and caspase 3/7. It is worth to note that compound 3b suppressed NF-κB expression and promoted p53, Bax, and ROS which play important role in activation of apoptosis. Moreover, our results confirmed that compound 3b triggers autophagy through increased formation of autophagosomes, expression of beclin-1 and mTOR inhibition. Thus, our study defines a possible mechanism underlying 3b -induced anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cell lines.

Objective To explore the expression of long non⁃coding RNA (lncRNA) SNORD3A in glioma tissues and cell lines and its effect on proliferation and invasion of glioma cells. Methods We analyzed the differentially expressed lncRNAs in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GEO (GSE58276) by bioinformatics. A total of 30 glioma tissue specimen were collected from June 2017 to August 2019, lncRNA SNORD3A expression was detected by real⁃time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The si⁃SNORD3A was transfected into T98G and U251 cells. CCK⁃8 was used to analyze the proliferative capacity of cells. Transwell assay was used to detect cell invasion changes. The expression of c⁃Myc protein was detected by Western blotting. Results Compared with the control group, the expression level of lncRNA SNORD3A in glioma tissue was increased (P = 0.000). Compared with HEB cells, the expression levels of T98G, U87, U251 and U373 lncRNA SNORD3A in glioma cell lines were elevated (P < 0.05, for all). The expression levels of lncRNA SNORD3A in T98G cells (P = 0.001, 0.007) and U251 cells (P = 0.002, 0.009) in si⁃SNORD3A⁃1 group and si⁃SNORD3A⁃2 group were lower than those in control group. At 24, 48 and 72 h after transfection, the proliferation capacity of T98G cells (P = 0.000, for all) and U251 cells (P = 0.000, for all) in si⁃SNORD3A⁃1 and si⁃SNORD3A⁃2 groups were lower than those in control group. At 48 h after transfection, the number of T98G and U251 cells passing through the chamber in si⁃SNORD3A⁃1 and si⁃SNORD3A⁃2 groups were less than those in control group (P = 0.000, for all), and the levels of c⁃Myc mRNA and protein expression were lower than control group (P < 0.01, for all). Conclusions lncRNA SNORD3A promotes proliferation and invasion of T98G and U251 cells by partly targeting c⁃Myc. DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1672⁃6731.2019.12.007

Objective To investigate the expression heterogeneity of transforming growth factor⁃β⁃induced protein (TGFBI) in glioblastoma (GBM) multiform and the mechanism of its promotion on malignancy of glioma stem cells (GSCs) in vitro. Methods Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), REMBRANDT and Oncomine database to analyse the potential associations between grades, subtypes, overall survival (OS) of GBM and the expression level of TGFBI and the correlation between TGFBI and tumor⁃associated macrophages (TAMs) marker CD11b and CD163. Treating human monocytes cell line U937 with sequential peripheral blood mononuclear cells and IL⁃4 to get Primed⁃and M2⁃TAMs, quantitative real⁃time polymerase chain reaction (qRT⁃PCR) were used to detect the expression level of markers for M1 ⁃, M2 ⁃ TAMs and TGFBI. Performing immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical stain to reveal the distribution of TGFBI, M2⁃TAMs and GSCs in specimen of GBM patients, adding rhTGFBI to the culture medium to see its impacts on the sphere formation and invasion capacity of NCH⁃421K. Results According to the RNA⁃seq and microarray data of GBM patients in each database, expression level of TGFBI positively correlated to GBM grades and negatively to OS, Futhermore, expression level of TGFBI were strongly correlate with either pan TAMs marker CD11b or M2⁃TAMs marker CD163, and as the induction of U937⁃derived M2⁃TAMs, the expression level of M2⁃TAMs marker and TGFBI increased accompanied by decreasingly M1⁃TAMs marker. Also, we found an obvious co⁃location between TGFBI and CD163, SOX2 in frozen and paraffin sections of GBM specimens. Lastly, we demonstrate that rhTGF86BI could enhance the sphere formation and invasion capacity of NCH⁃421K in vitro. Conclusions M2⁃TAMs secrete TGFBI to promote the sphere formation and invasion capacity of GSCs in GBM. DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1672⁃6731.2019.12.006

Purpose: Retinoblastoma (RB) is one of the most common intraocular cancers, with the highest prevalence among infants and young children under the age five. Numerous findings across the literature illustrate the involvement and significance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in human malignancies, including RB. The current investigation attempted to decipher the exact roles and underlying mechanisms of a novel circRNA, hsa&#95;circ&#95;0078136, in RB progression., Methods: The hsa&#95;circ&#95;0078136 expression was evaluated in RB tumors and cell lines via qRT-PCR. The significance of hsa&#95;circ&#95;0078136 in RB was examined by performing CCK8 assay, transwell assays, western blotting of apoptotic and IL-17 signaling ligand molecules, and a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model. In addition, the interaction of circRNA and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3) was determined with bioinformatics, western blot, and RIP assay., Results: The hsa&#95;circ&#95;0078136 expression was reduced in RB tumor samples and cells. Additionally, its overexpression restricted the oncogenic properties of RB cells in vitro. Moreover, hsa&#95;circ&#95;0078136 overexpression lowered the protein levels of cytokine ligand molecules of IL-17 signaling pathway in RB cell lines. In vivo, hsa&#95;circ&#95;0078136 overexpression in subcutaneous tumor xenografts reduced tumor growth. We also observed that EIF4A3 binds to the downstream flanking sequence of hsa&#95;circ&#95;0078136 in the SHRPH pre-mRNA transcript, and EIF4A3 overexpression reduced hsa&#95;circ&#95;0078136 expression, suggesting that EIF4A3 inhibited hsa&#95;circ&#95;0078136 formation., Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that hsa&#95;circ&#95;0078136 is regulated by EIF4A3 and functions as a tumor suppressor via the IL-17 signaling pathway in RB., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Introduction: Bladder cancer (BC) is a prevalent malignancy with high recurrence rates. Patient-derived bladder cancer organoids (BCO) pose as a promising approach in both, disease modeling and individualized treatment screening. The aim of this study was to investigate the transcriptomic plasticity in BCOs as a function of cultivation times to define ideal time periods for the applications envisioned., Methods: Tumor samples of three patients with pathologically confirmed non-muscle invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer were included in this study and expanded as BCOs. RNA expression was investigated at different time periods of cells in culture using differential gene expression for overall transcript expression and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for pathological relevant markers., Results: Differential gene expression of the BCO lines was investigated across passages 1-4, in passages 5-9 and above 9, respectively. Analysis of the entire transcriptome of the respective BCO lines revealed consistent profiles without significant alterations throughout the cultivation and expansion procedure. Notably, key transcripts like TP53, PIK3CA, BRCA1, among others, exhibited stable expression levels in the quantitative RNA analysis during the cultivation period., Conclusion: The robust transcriptome during BCO cultivation advocates for the use of earlier passages of BCOs in personalized medicine providing a time-efficient drug screening option to accelerate the counseling of patients' treatment options. Higher passages of BCOs still hold the potential in topics demanding for expanded cell masses such as medical device development and others., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Hypoxia is a pathological hallmark in most cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM). Hypoxic signaling activation and post-translational modification (PTM) of oncogenic proteins are well-studied in cancers. Accumulating studies indicate glycolytic enzyme PGK1 plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unknown., Methods: We first used ChIP assays to uncover the crosstalk between HIF1α and ATF3 and their roles in P4HA1 regulation. Protein degradation analysis, LC-MS/MS, and in vitro succinate production assays were performed to examine the effect of protein succinylation on GBM pathology. Seahorse assay measured the effects of PGK1 succinylation at K191/K192 or its mutants on glucose metabolism. We utilized an in vivo intracranial mouse model for biochemical studies to elucidate the impact of ATF3 and P4HA1 on aerobic glycolysis and the tumor immune microenvironment., Results: We demonstrated that HIF1α and ATF3 positively and negatively regulate the transcription of P4HA1, respectively, leading to an increased succinate production and increased activation of HIF1α signaling. P4HA1 expression elevated the succinate concentration, resulting in the enhanced succinylation of PGK1 at the K191 and K192 sites. Inhibition of proteasomal degradation of PGK1 by succinylation significantly increased aerobic glycolysis to generate lactate. Furthermore, ATF3 overexpression and P4HA1 knockdown reduced succinate and lactate levels in GBM cells, inhibiting immune responses and tumor growth., Conclusions: Together, our study demonstrates that HIF1α/ATF3 participated in P4HA1/succinate signaling, which is the major regulator of succinate biosynthesis and PGK1 succinylation at K191 and K192 sites in GBM. The P4HA1/succinate pathway might be a novel and promising target for aerobic glycolysis in GBM., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Cellular functions hinge on the meticulous orchestration of protein transport, both spatially and temporally. Central to this process is retrograde trafficking, responsible for targeting proteins to the nucleus. Despite its link to many diseases, the implications of retrograde trafficking in glioblastoma (GBM) are still unclear., Methods: To identify genetic drivers of TMZ resistance, we conducted comprehensive CRISPR-knockout screening, revealing ADP-ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4), a regulator of retrograde trafficking, as a major contributor., Results: Suppressing ARF4 significantly enhanced TMZ sensitivity in GBM patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, leading to improved survival rates (P < .01) in both primary and recurrent lines. We also observed that TMZ exposure stimulates ARF4-mediated retrograde trafficking. Proteomics analysis of GBM cells with varying levels of ARF4 unveiled the influence of this pathway on EGFR signaling, with increased nuclear trafficking of EGFR observed in cells with ARF4 overexpression and TMZ treatment. Additionally, spatially resolved RNA-sequencing of GBM patient tissues revealed substantial correlations between ARF4 and crucial nuclear EGFR (nEGFR) downstream targets, such as MYC, STAT1, and DNA-PK. Decreased activity of DNA-PK, a DNA repair protein downstream of nEGFR signaling that contributes to TMZ resistance, was observed in cells with suppressed ARF4 levels. Notably, treatment with DNA-PK inhibitor, KU-57788, in mice with a recurrent PDX line resulted in prolonged survival (P < .01), highlighting the promising therapeutic implications of targeting proteins reliant on ARF4-mediated retrograde trafficking., Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that ARF4-mediated retrograde trafficking contributes to the development of TMZ resistance, cementing this pathway as a viable strategy to overcome chemoresistance in GBM., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs), including diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), are aggressive pediatric tumors with one of the poorest prognoses. Delta-24-RGD and ONC201 have shown promising efficacy as single agents for these tumors. However, the combination of both agents has not been evaluated., Methods: The production of functional viruses was assessed by immunoblotting and replication assays. The antitumor effect was evaluated in a panel of human and murine pHGG and DMG cell lines. RNAseq, the seahorse stress test, mitochondrial DNA content, and γH2A.X immunofluorescence were used to perform mechanistic studies. Mouse models of both diseases were used to assess the efficacy of the combination in vivo. The tumor immune microenvironment was evaluated using flow cytometry, RNAseq, and multiplexed immunofluorescence staining., Results: The Delta-24-RGD/ONC201 combination did not affect the virus replication capability in human pHGG and DMG models in vitro. Cytotoxicity analysis showed that the combination treatment was either synergistic or additive. Mechanistically, the combination treatment increased nuclear DNA damage and maintained the metabolic perturbation and mitochondrial damage caused by each agent alone. Delta-24-RGD/ONC201 cotreatment extended the overall survival of mice implanted with human and murine pHGG and DMG cells, independent of H3 mutation status and location. Finally, combination treatment in murine DMG models revealed a reshaping of the tumor microenvironment to a proinflammatory phenotype., Conclusions: The Delta-24-RGD/ONC201 combination improved the efficacy compared to each agent alone in in vitro and in vivo models by potentiating nuclear DNA damage and in turn improving the antitumor (immune) response to each agent alone., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology.)

Background: The mesenchymal (MES) subtype of glioblastoma (GBM) is believed to be influenced by both cancer cell-intrinsic alterations and extrinsic cellular interactions, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unexplored., Methods: Identification of microglial heterogeneity by bioinformatics analysis. Transwell migration, invasion assays, and tumor models were used to determine gene function and the role of small molecule inhibitors. RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to explore the underlying regulatory mechanisms., Results: We identified the inflammatory microglial subtype of tumor-associated microglia (TAM) and found that its specific gene integrin beta 2 (ITGB2) was highly expressed in TAM of MES GBM tissues. Mechanistically, the activation of ITGB2 in microglia promoted the interaction between the SH2 domain of STAT3 and the cytoplasmic domain of ITGB2, thereby stimulating the JAK1/STAT3/IL-6 signaling feedback to promote the MES transition of GBM cells. Additionally, microglia communicated with GBM cells through the interaction between the receptor ITGB2 on microglia and the ligand ICAM-1 on GBM cells, while an increased secretion of ICAM-1 was induced by the proinflammatory cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Further studies demonstrated that inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 substantially reduced the recruitment of SNW1 to the super-enhancer of LIF, resulting in transcriptional inhibition of LIF. We identified notoginsenoside R1 as a novel LIF inhibitor that exhibited synergistic effects in combination with temozolomide., Conclusions: Our research reveals that the epigenetic-mediated interaction of GBM cells with TAM drives the MES transition of GBM and provides a novel therapeutic avenue for patients with MES GBM., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Curcumin (Cur) is a heavily used complementary derived drug from cancer patients. Spheroid samples derived from 82 patients were prepared and treated after 48 h with two Cur formulations (CurA, CurB) in mono- and combination therapy. After 72 h, cell viability and morphology were assessed. The Cur formulations had significant inhibitory effects of -8.47% ( p < 0.001), CurA of -10.01% (-50.14-23.11%, p = 0.001) and CurB of -6.30% (-33.50-19.30%, p = 0.006), compared to their solvent controls Polyethylene-glycol, β-Cyclodextrin (CurA) and Kolliphor-ELP, Citrate (CurB). Cur formulations were more effective in prostate cancer (-19.54%) and less effective in gynecological non-breast cancers (0.30%). CurA showed better responses in samples of patients <40 (-13.81%) and >70 years of age (-17.74%). CurB had stronger effects in metastasized and heavily pretreated tumors. Combinations of Cur formulations and standard therapies were superior in 20/47 samples (42.55%) and inferior in 7/47 (14.89%). CurB stimulated chemo-doublets more strongly than monotherapies (-0.53% vs. -6.51%, p = 0.022) and more effectively than CurA (-6.51% vs. 3.33%, p = 0.005). Combinations of Cur formulations with Artesunate, Resveratrol and vitamin C were superior in 35/70 (50.00%) and inferior in 16/70 (22.86%) of samples. Cur formulations were significantly enhanced by combination with Artesunate ( p = 0.020). Cur formulations showed a high variance in their anti-cancer effects, suggesting a need for individual testing before administration.

Background: Hypoxia is associated with poor prognosis in many cancers including glioblastoma (GBM). Glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) often reside in hypoxic regions and serve as reservoirs for disease progression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in GBM. However, the lncRNAs that modulate GSC adaptations to hypoxia are poorly understood. Identification of these lncRNAs may provide new therapeutic strategies to target GSCs under hypoxia., Methods: lncRNAs induced by hypoxia in GSCs were identified by RNA-seq. Lung cancer-associated transcript-1 (LUCAT1) expression was assessed by qPCR, RNA-seq, Northern blot, single molecule FISH in GSCs, and interrogated in IvyGAP, The Cancer Genome Atlas, and CGGA databases. LUCAT1 was depleted by shRNA, CRISPR/Cas9, and CRISPR/Cas13d. RNA-seq, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, co-IP, ChIP, ChIP-seq, RNA immunoprecipitation, and proximity ligation assay were performed to investigate mechanisms of action of LUCAT1. GSC viability, limiting dilution assay, and tumorigenic potential in orthotopic GBM xenograft models were performed to assess the functional consequences of depleting LUCAT1., Results: A new isoform of Lucat1 is induced by Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in GSCs under hypoxia. LUCAT1 is highly expressed in hypoxic regions in GBM. Mechanistically, LUCAT1 formed a complex with HIF1α and its co-activator CBP to regulate HIF1α target gene expression and GSC adaptation to hypoxia. Depletion of LUCAT1 impaired GSC self-renewal. Silencing LUCAT1 decreased tumor growth and prolonged mouse survival in GBM xenograft models., Conclusions: A HIF1α-LUCAT1 axis forms a positive feedback loop to amplify HIF1α signaling in GSCs under hypoxia. LUCAT1 promotes GSC self-renewal and GBM tumor growth. LUCAT1 is a potential therapeutic target in GBM., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Backgrounds: F-box protein 45 ( FBXO45 ) has been implicated in the progression of several diseases. Whether FBXO45 is involved in the development of bladder cancer remains unclear. Thus, this study focused on the effect of FBXO45 on the malignant progression of bladder cancer cells., Methods: FBXO45 small-interference fragment was transfected into RT4 and 5637 cells by liposome-mediated transfection, and the knockdown efficiency of FBXO45 was verified by Western blot assay. The growth rate between FBXO45 knockdown cell lines and control cell lines was compared by counting kit 8 and plate cloning experiments. The motility of bladder cancer cells was observed via the Transwell test and Wound healing test. The effects of FBXO45 silencing on apoptosis and cell division were confirmed by flow cytometry. Western blot assay was performed to determine the function of FBXO45 knockdown on key proteins of cell apoptosis and the ERK/Cyclin D1/CDK4 pathway., Results: After FBXO45 knockdown, the proliferation of bladder cancer cells was blocked ( p < 0.01), and the migration and invasion abilities were reduced ( p < 0.01). FBXO45 knockdown reduced the number of S-phase cells (RT4, p < 0.01; 5637, p < 0.05) and enhanced the apoptotic rate ( p < 0.01). FBXO45 knockdown decreased the levels of p-ERK1/2, CDK4 and Cyclin D1 ( p < 0.01)., Conclusions: This study revealed that FBXO45 plays a carcinogenic role in bladder cancer via the ERK/Cyclin D1/CDK4 pathway, which provides a reference for the clinical treatment of patients with bladder cancer., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) significantly contributes to global cancer-related mortality and morbidity. Callyspongia siphonella (Callyspongia sp.), a Red Sea sponge, has shown promising activity as an anticancer extract and a source of anticancer-active compounds. This study sought to determine the effects of Callyspongia siphonella and its metabolites on HCT-116 colon cancer cells. Cell viability assays showed that Callyspongia sp. inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, the growth of HCT-116 cell lines with IC50 values of 64.8±17 ug/ml on 2D culture and 141.1±6.8 ug/ml on 3D culture. The purified compounds Sipholenol-A and Sipholenone-A have an IC50 of 48.9±2.2 uM and 47.1±1.2 uM respectively. Following Callyspongia sp. treatment of HCT-116, cell cycle analysis showed arrest at G2/M.flow cytometry analysis showed an increase in total apoptosis due to Callyspongia sp treatment. Moreover, mitochondria membrane potential has been reported to be depolarized due to Callyspongia sp. which is an extra sign of apoptosis. Further investigations are needed to explain the particular underlying mechanisms of Callyspongia sp. extract and its metabolites Sipholenol-A and Sipholenone-A to explore their therapeutic potential in treating colon cancer.

Objective: According to an international survey, the cancer occurrence in the breast is the foremost in women. Surgery and chemotherapy remain the definitive treatment for the breast cancer. The bio-green methods of synthesizing silver nanoparticles are cost-effective and eco-friendly when parallel to physical and chemical methods. In addition, they effectively control pathogenic microorganisms. Former research studies reveal that kalijiri a common name for Centratherum anthelminticum is used as a traditional medicine for various ailments including anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antidiabetic and anticancer. Our present research study focal points on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous seed extract of Centratherum anthelminticum and the evaluation of their antioxidant and cytotoxic activity., Methods: An aqueous extract of seeds from Centratherum anthelminticum was prepared by boiling it with distilled water. The silver nanoparticles were synthesized from the seeds of Centratherum anthelminticum and characterized by various methods such as UV-Visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, Transmission electron microscopy, DLS and X-ray diffraction to confirm the formation of nanoparticles., Results: The cytotoxic analysis of MDA-MB-231 cells was tested with the synthesized silver nanoparticles complex. The observed result was IC50 of 35.06±1.2 and it was not shown any toxicity to the non-cancerous cell line., Conclusion: In a nutshell, the synthesized silver nanoparticles from the seeds of Centratherum anthelminticum may be used for the treatment of breast cancer. Further studies are warranted to furnish the mechanism of action.

Extracellular ATP is a dynamic signaling molecule that modulates myriad of cellular functions through P2 purinergic receptors activation and is cytotoxic to a variety of cells at high concentration. But the mechanism of this extracellular ATP/ATP analogs- elicited cytotoxicity is not fully understood. In this study we aim to investigate whether there is differential sensitivity towards induction of apoptosis by ATP analogs (2'-Me ATP and 3'-Me ATP) and its effect on receptor mediated or extrinsic and mitochondria mediated or intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways. Our findings demonstrated that the IC50 values for 2'-Me ATP and 3'-Me ATP were 3mM and 2mM, respectively, in Hep2, and SiHa cells. The downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, along with a significant increase in the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax (p<0.05), indicated the involvement of both pro- and anti-apoptotic factors in HeP2 cells, whereas in SiHa cells, a downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL was observed, whereas the expression level of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax remained unaffected. Furthermore, an upregulation of p53 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) was observed in HeP2 cells (p<0.05) whereas, an upregulation of p53 was observed while no change was seen on the level of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) was observed in SiHa cells. Additionally, there was a notable rise in caspase-3 and -9 activities, PARP cleavage, and the release of cytochrome c (p<0.05) from the mitochondria to the cytosol in both cells. Collectively, our study suggests that 3'-Me ATP induces apoptosis in Hep2 and SiHa cells through the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway.

Cancer research involves significant animal consumption and suffering. Tumor cells can be differentiated in vitro into three-dimensional organoids that resemble the primary tumor. In basic cancer research, however, tumor organoids are usually only used alongside animal experiments. We have established an easy-to-perform protocol that allows to culture KRAS-driven lung tumor cells as organoids for extended periods of time. Like the corresponding tumors in mice, the organoids produce surfactant protein C but no markers of airway epithelial cells (e.g. SCGB1A1, KRT5). The organoids can be passaged as single cell suspensions. Our organoid model contributes to replace animal experiments with cell culture systems and can be used for drug testing or functional studies in cancer research., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper, (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

Indocyanine green (ICG) is an FDA-approved medical diagnostic agent that is widely used as a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent imaging molecular probe. However, ICG tends to aggregate to form dimers or H-aggregates in water and lacks physical and optical stability, which greatly decreases its absorbance and fluorescence intensity in various applications. Additionally, ICG has no tissue- or tumor-targeting properties, and its structure is not easy to modify, which has further limited its application in cancer diagnosis. In this study, we addressed these challenges by developing a supramolecular colloidal carrier system that targets tumor cells. To this end, we synthesized a water-soluble β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) polymer conjugated with folate (FA), denoted PCD-FA, which is capable of forming inclusion complexes with ICG in water through host-guest interactions between the β-CD moieties and ICG molecules. The inclusion complexes formed by PCD-FA and ICG, called ICG@PCD-FA, dispersed stably in solution as colloidal nanoparticles, greatly improving the physical and optical properties of ICG by preventing ICG dimer formation, where ICG appeared as monomers and even J-aggregates. This resulted in stronger and more stable absorption at a longer wavelength of 900 nm, which may allow for deeper tissue penetration and imaging with reduced interference from biological tissues' autofluorescence. Moreover, ICG@PCD-FA showed a targeting effect on folate receptor-positive (FR+) tumor cells, which specifically highlighted FR+ cells via NIR endoscopic imaging. Notably, ICG@PCD-FA further improved permeation and accumulation in FR+ 3D tumor spheroids. Therefore, this ICG@PCD-FA supramolecular colloidal system may have a great potential for use in tumor NIR imaging and diagnostic applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Activated B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL) is driven by aberrant activation of the B-cell receptor (BCR) and the TLR/MyD88 signaling pathways. The heat-shock protein HSP110 is a candidate for their regulation as it stabilizes MyD88. However, its role in overall BCR signaling remains unknown. Here, we used first-in-class HSP110 inhibitors to address this question. HSP110 inhibitors decreased the survival of several ABC-DLBCL cell lines in vitro and in vivo, and reduced the phosphorylation of BCR signaling kinases, including BTK and SYK. We identified an interaction between HSP110 and SYK and demonstrated that HSP110 promotes SYK phosphorylation. Finally, the combination of the HSP110 inhibitor with the PI3K inhibitor copanlisib decreases SYK/BTK and AKT phosphorylation synergistically, leading to suppression of tumor growth in cell line xenografts and strong reduction in patient-derived xenografts. In conclusion, by regulating the BCR/TLR signaling pathway, HSP110 inhibitors are potential drug candidates for ABC-DLBCL patients., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

At least one-third of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) present ascites at diagnosis and almost all have ascites at recurrence especially because of the propensity of the OC cells to spread in the abdominal cavity leading to peritoneal metastasis. The influence of ascites on the development of pre-metastatic niches, and on the biological mechanisms leading to cancer cell colonization of the mesothelium, remains poorly understood. Here, we show that ascites weakens the mesothelium by affecting the morphology of mesothelial cells and by destabilizing their distribution in the cell cycle. Ascites also causes destabilization of the integrity of mesothelium by modifying the organization of cell junctions, but it does not affect the synthesis of N-cadherin and ZO-1 by mesothelial cells. Moreover, ascites induces disorganization of focal contacts and causes actin cytoskeletal reorganization potentially dependent on the activity of Rac1. Ascites allows the densification and reorganization of ECM proteins of the mesothelium, especially fibrinogen/fibrin, and indicates that it is a source of the fibrinogen and fibrin surrounding OC spheroids. The fibrin in ascites leads to the adhesion of OC spheroids to the mesothelium, and ascites promotes their disaggregation followed by the clearance of mesothelial cells. Both αV and α5β1 integrins are involved. In conclusion ascites and its fibrinogen/fibrin composition affects the integrity of the mesothelium and promotes the integrin-dependent implantation of OC spheroids in the mesothelium., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 CY Cergy Paris University. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Appendiceal cancer (AC) excessive mucin production is a barrier to heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) drug delivery. Bromelain is a pineapple stem extract with mucolytic properties. We explored bromelain treatment effects against mucinous AC in a patient-derived tumor organoid (PTO) model and an AC cell line., Patients and Methods: PTOs were fabricated from tumor specimens obtained from patients with AC undergoing cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC. PTOs underwent HIPEC treatment with bromelain, cisplatin, and mitomycin C (MMC) at 37 °C and 42 °C with and without bromelain pretreatment., Results: From October 2020 to May 2023, 16 specimens were collected from 13 patients with low-grade (12/16, 75%) and high-grade AC (4/16, 25%). The mucin-depleting effects of bromelain were most significant in combination with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) compared with bromelain (47% versus 10%, p = 0.0009) or NAC alone (47% versus 12.8%, p = 0.0027). Bromelain demonstrated > 31% organoid viability reduction at 60 min (p < 0.001) and > 66% in 48 h (p < 0.0001). Pretreatment with bromelain increased cytotoxicity of both cisplatin and MMC HIPEC conditions by 31.6% (p = 0.0001) and 35.5% (p = 0.0001), respectively. Ki67, CK20, and MUC2 expression decreased after bromelain treatment; while increased caspase 3/7 activity and decreased Bcl-2 (p = 0.009) and Bcl-xL (p = 0.01) suggest induction of apoptosis pathways. Furthermore, autophagy proteins LC3A/B I (p < 0.03) and II (p < 0.031) were increased; while ATG7 (p < 0.01), ATG 12 (p < 0.04), and Becline 1(p < 0.03), expression decreased in bromelain-treated PTOs., Conclusions: Bromelain demonstrates cytotoxicity and mucolytic activity against appendiceal cancer organoids. As a pretreatment agent, it potentiates the cytotoxicity of multiple HIPEC regimens, potentially mediated through programmed cell death and autophagy., (© 2024. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor progression. This study aims to explore the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in GC and the underlying mechanism., Methods: Cell viability, proliferation, invasion and migration were assessed by MTT, EdU, transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Sphere formation assay was used to evaluate cell stemness. Glucose consumption, lactate production and ATP consumption were measured to assess glycolysis. In addition, The RNA and protein expression were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. The interaction between wingless Type MMTV Integration Site Family, Member 5 A (WNT5A) and hexokinase 2 (HK2) was verified by Co-immunoprecipitation. The xenograft model was established to explore the function of CAFs on GC tumor growth in vivo., Results: CAFs promoted the proliferation, metastasis, stemness and glycolysis of GC cells. WNT5A was upregulated in CAFs, and CAFs enhanced WNT5A expression in GC cells. Knockdown of WNT5A in either GC cells or CAFs repressed the progression of GC cells. In addition, WNT5A promoted HK2 expression, and overexpression of HK2 reversed the effect of WNT5A knockdown in CAFs on GC cells. Besides, knockdown of WNT5A in CAFs inhibits tumor growth in vivo., Conclusion: CAF-derived WNT5A facilitates the progression of GC via regulating HK2 expression., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage of gastric cancer (GC) is one of the main factors affecting clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the targets related to TNM stage of GC, and screening natural bioactive drug., Methods: RNA sequencing data of the TCGA-STAD cohort were downloaded from UCSC database. Genes associated with TNM staging were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Univariate Cox regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), extreme gradient boosting (Xgboost), random forest (RF) and cytohubba plug-in of cytoscope were applied to screen hub genes. Natural bioactive ingredients were available from the HERB database. Molecular docking was used to evaluate the binding activity of active ingredients to the hub protein. CCK-8, flow cytometry, transwell and Western blot assays were used to analyze the effects of diosgenin on GC cells., Results: 898 TNM-related genes were screened out through WGCNA. Three genes associated with GC progression/prognosis were identified, including nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 2 (NR3C2), solute carrier family 1 member 5 (SLC1A5) and FAT atypical cadherin 1 (FAT1) based on the machine learning algorithms and hub co-expression network analysis. Diosgenin had good binding activity with SLC1A5. SLC1A5 was highly expressed in GC and was closely associated with tumor stage, overall survival and immune infiltration of GC patients. Diosgenin could inhibit cell viability and invasive ability, promote apoptosis and induce cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. In addition, diosgenin promoted cleaved caspase 3 expression and inhibited Ki67, cyclin D1, p-S6K1, and SLC1A5 expression levels, while the mTORC1 activator (MHY1485) reversed this phenomenon., Conclusion: For the first time, this work reports diosgenin may inhibit the activation of mTORC1 signaling through targeting SLC1A5, thereby inhibiting the malignant behaviors of GC cells., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2024 Cui and Ding.)

Biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy are an unmet medical need. The group of Daniela Thommen at the NKI recently reported on novel methodologies based on short-term cultures of patient-derived tumor fragments whose cytokine concentrations in the supernatants and activation markers on infiltrating T cells were associated with clinical response to PD-1 blockade. We set up a similar culture technology with tumor-derived fragments using mouse tumors transplanted into syngeneic immunocompetent mice to test an agonist anti-CD137 mAb and its combinations with anti-PD-1 and/or anti-TGF-β. Increases in IFNγ concentrations in the tissue culture supernatants were detected upon in-culture activation with the anti-CD137 and anti-PD-1 mAb combinations or concanavalin A as a positive control. No other cytokine from a wide array was informative of stimulation with these mAbs. Interestingly, increases in Ki67 and other activation markers were substantiated in lymphocytes from cell suspensions gathered at the end of 72 h cultures. In mice bearing bilateral tumors in which one was excised prior to in vivo anti-CD137 + anti-PD-1 treatment to perform the fragment culture evaluation, no association was found between IFNγ production from the fragments and the in vivo therapeutic outcome in the non-resected contralateral tumors. The experimental system permitted freezing and thawing of the fragments with similar functional outcomes. Using a series of patient-derived tumor fragments from excised solid malignancies, we showed IFNγ production in a fraction of the studied cases, that was conserved in frozen/thawed fragments. The small tumor fragment culture technique seems suitable to preclinically explore immunotherapy combinations., Competing Interests: I. E.-S., I. R., C. H.-M., E. F.-P., A. A., S. S.-G., E. B., G. G., P. M.-G., E. C., J. A. M., S. C, F. D.-C., C. A. and A. T. declare no conflicts of interest. M. F. S. reports grants from Bristol Myers Squibb and Roche during the conduct of the study, as well as grants and personal fees from Roche and Bristol Myers Squibb, and personal fees from Numab outside the submitted work. I. M. reports grants and personal fees from Genmab during the conduct of the study, as well as grants and personal fees from Bristol Myers Squibb, Roche, AstraZeneca, and Pharmamar and personal fees from F-Star, Numab, Pieris, Boehringer Ingelheim, Gossamer, Alligator, Hotspot, Biolinerx, Bioncotech, Dompe, Highlight Therapeutics, Bright Peaks and Boston Therapeutics outside the submitted work., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.)

Background: Precision treatment of glioblastoma is increasingly focused on molecular subtyping, with the mesenchymal subtype particularly resistant to temozolomide. Here, we aim to develop a targeted therapy for temozolomide resensitization in the mesenchymal subtype., Methods: We integrated kinomic profiles and kinase inhibitor screens from patient-derived proneural and mesenchymal glioma-propagating cells and public clinical datasets to identify key protein kinases implicated in temozolomide resistance. RNAseq, apoptosis assays, and comet assays were used to examine the role of p38MAPK signaling and adaptive chemoresistance in mesenchymal cells. The efficacy of dual p38MAPK and MEK/ERK inhibition using ralimetinib (selective orally active p38MAPK inhibitor; phase I/II for glioblastoma) and binimetinib (approved MEK1/2 inhibitor for melanoma; phase II for high-grade glioma) in primary and recurrent mesenchymal tumors was evaluated using an intracranial patient-derived tumor xenograft model, focusing on survival analysis., Results: Our transcriptomic-kinomic integrative analysis revealed p38MAPK as the prime target whose gene signature enables patient stratification based on their molecular subtypes and provides prognostic value. Repurposed p38MAPK inhibitors synergize favorably with temozolomide to promote intracellular retention of temozolomide and exacerbate DNA damage. Mesenchymal cells exhibit adaptive chemoresistance to p38MAPK inhibition through a pH-/calcium-mediated MEK/ERK pathway. Dual p38MAPK and MEK inhibition effectively maintain temozolomide sensitivity in primary and recurrent intracranial mesenchymal glioblastoma xenografts., Conclusions: Temozolomide resistance in mesenchymal glioblastoma is associated with p38MAPK activation. Adaptive chemoresistance in p38MAPK-resistant cells is mediated by MEK/ERK signaling. Adjuvant therapy with dual p38MAPK and MEK inhibition prolongs temozolomide sensitivity, which can be developed into a precision therapy for the mesenchymal subtype., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology.)

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) commonly displays epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) alterations (mainly amplification and EGFRvIII) and TAT-Cx43266-283 is a Src-inhibitory peptide with antitumor properties in preclinical GBM models. Given the link between EGFR and Src, the aim of this study was to explore the role of EGFR in the antitumor effects of TAT-Cx43266-283., Methods: The effect of TAT-Cx43266-283, temozolomide (TMZ), and erlotinib (EGFR inhibitor) was studied in patient-derived GBM stem cells (GSCs) and murine neural stem cells (NSCs) with and without EGFR alterations, in vitro and in vivo. EGFR alterations were analyzed by western blot and fluorescence in situ hybridization in these cells, and compared with Src activity and survival in GBM samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas., Results: The effect of TAT-Cx43266-283 correlated with EGFR alterations in a set of patient-derived GSCs and was stronger than that exerted by TMZ and erlotinib. In fact, TAT-Cx43266-283 only affected NSCs with EGFR alterations, but not healthy NSCs. EGFR alterations correlated with Src activity and poor survival in GBM patients. Finally, tumors generated from NSCs with EGFR alterations showed a decrease in growth, invasiveness, and vascularization after treatment with TAT-Cx43266-283, which enhanced the survival of immunocompetent mice., Conclusions: Clinically relevant EGFR alterations are predictors of TAT-Cx43266-283 response and part of its mechanism of action, even in TMZ- and erlotinib-resistant GSCs. TAT-Cx43266-283 targets NSCs with GBM-driver mutations, including EGFR alterations, in an immunocompetent GBM model in vivo, suggesting a promising effect on GBM recurrence. Together, this study represents an important step toward the clinical application of TAT-Cx43266-283., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology.)

Background: Meningioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor with a high frequency of postoperative recurrence, yet the biology of the meningioma malignancy process is still obscure., Methods: To identify potential therapeutic targets and tumor suppressors, we performed single-cell transcriptome analysis through meningioma malignancy, which included 18 samples spanning normal meninges, benign and high-grade in situ tumors, and lung metastases, for extensive transcriptome characterization. Tumor suppressor candidate gene and molecular mechanism were functionally validated at the animal model and cellular levels., Results: Comprehensive analysis and validation in mice and clinical cohorts indicated clusterin (CLU) had suppressive function for meningioma tumorigenesis and malignancy by inducing mitochondria damage and triggering type 1 interferon pathway dependent on its secreted isoform, and the inhibition effect was enhanced by TNFα as TNFα also induced type 1 interferon pathway. Meanwhile, both intra- and extracellular CLU overexpression enhanced macrophage polarization towards M1 phenotype and TNFα production, thus promoting tumor killing and phagocytosis., Conclusions: CLU might be a key brake of meningioma malignance by synchronously modulating tumor cells and their microenvironment. Our work provides comprehensive insights into meningioma malignancy and a potential therapeutic strategy., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Camptothecin (CPT), a pentacyclic alkaloid with antitumor properties, is derived from the Camptotheca acuminata. Topotecan and irinotecan (CPT derivatives) were first approved by the Food and Drug Administration for cancer treatment over 25 years ago and remain key anticancer drugs today. However, their use is often limited by clinical toxicity. Despite extensive development efforts, many of these derivatives have not succeeded clinically, particularly in their effectiveness against pancreatic cancer which remains modest., Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic activity of FLQY2, a CPT derivative synthesized in our laboratory, against pancreatic cancer, comparing its efficacy and mechanism of action with those of established clinical drugs., Methods: The cytotoxic effects of FLQY2 on cancer cells were assessed using an MTT assay. Patient-derived organoid (PDO) models were employed to compare the sensitivity of FLQY2 to existing clinical drugs across various cancers. The impact of FLQY2 on apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in Mia Paca-2 pancreatic cancer cells was examined through flow cytometry. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms of FLQY2's antitumor activity. Western blotting was used to determine the levels of proteins regulated by FLQY2. Additionally, the antitumor efficacy of FLQY2 in vivo was evaluated in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model., Results: FLQY2 demonstrated (1) potent cytotoxicity; (2) superior tumor-suppressive activity in PDO models compared to current clinical drugs such as gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, paclitaxel, ivosidenib, infinitinib, and lenvatinib; (3) significantly greater tumor inhibition than paclitaxel liposomes in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model; (4) robust antitumor effects, closely associated with the inhibition of the TOP I and PDK1/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. In vitro studies revealed that FLQY2 inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, induced apoptosis, and caused cell cycle arrest at nanomolar concentrations. Furthermore, the combination of FLQY2 and gemcitabine exhibited significant inhibitory and synergistic effects., Conclusion: The study confirmed the involvement of topoisomerase I and the PDK1/AKT/mTOR pathways in mediating the antitumor activity of FLQY2 in treating Mia Paca-2 pancreatic cancer. Therefore, FLQY2 has potential as a novel therapeutic option for patients with pancreatic cancer., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Among mucus-producing lung cancers, invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung is a rare and unique subtype of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Notably, mucus production may also be observed in the five subtypes of adenocarcinoma grouped under the higher-level diagnosis of Invasive Non-mucinous Adenocarcinomas (NMA). Overlapping pathologic features in mucus-producing tumors can cause diagnostic confusion with significant clinical consequences. In this study, we established lung tumoroids, PDT-LUAD#99, from a patient with NMA and mucus production. The tumoroids were derived from the malignant pleural effusion of a patient with lung cancer and have been successfully developed for long-term culture (> 11 months). Karyotyping by fluorescence in situ hybridization using an alpha-satellite probe showed that tumoroids harbored aneuploid karyotypes. Subcutaneous inoculation of PDT-LUAD#99 lung tumoroids into immunodeficient mice resulted in tumor formation, suggesting that the tumoroids were derived from cancer. Xenografts from PDT-LUAD#99 lung tumoroids reproduced the solid adenocarcinoma with mucin production that was observed in the patient's metastatic lymph nodes. Immunoblot analysis showed MUC5AC secretion into the culture supernatant of PDT-LUAD#99 lung tumoroids, which in contradistinction was barely detected in the culture supernatants of NCI-A549 and NCI-H2122 pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells known for their mucin-producing abilities. Here, we established a novel high-mucus-producing lung tumoroids from a solid adenocarcinoma. This preclinical model may be useful for elucidating the pathogenesis of mucus-producing lung cancer., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises from hepatocytes and accounts for 90% of primary liver cancer. Reasons for HCC prognosis remaining dismal are that HCC is asymptomatic in its early stages, leading to late diagnosis, and it is markedly resistant to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy. In this study, we investigated RNA interference (RNAi)-based treatment for HCC by targeting MDK., Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate MDK serum levels as a diagnostic biomarker for HCC detection and the effect of MDK silencing by RNAi on HCC., Subjects and Methods: A total of 140 participants, including 120 patients diagnosed with HCC and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study, all patients who underwent liver resection were sampled for tumor and adjacent non-tumor liver tissues, in addition to 5 ml of blood sample. Midkine expression levels were evaluated by ELISA and by qRT-PCR. The in vitro transfection and gene knockdown efficiency of midkine by MDK-siRNA was detected by qRT-PCR and ELISA. Gene knockdown effect at the molecule level on the proliferation of HepG2 in vitro was determined by cell counting., Results: The results showed that the expression of MDK was significantly increased in the serum of HCC patients compared to control serum samples with P<0.001 and significant elevated expression levels of MDK in tumor tissues compared to non-tumor ones with P<0.001. It also showed that down-regulation of MDK using RNAi can significantly inhibit HepG2 cells., Conclusion: Molecular targeting of MDK using RNAi interference decreases proliferation and could be a therapeutic target.

Objective: Now a day's cancerous diseases are the most prevalent life threatening that spreading because of the lifestyle. Its due to uncontrolled growth of cell which can be cured if diagnosed in early stage. Treatment of cancer depends on the various internal and external factors causing cancer. The main objective of this study is using herbal based medicine to manage breast cancer, the second most common type of cancer in the world., Methods: In this study, the anticancer effect of two Iraqi date palm part extracts (leaves and fruits) against panel of breast cancer cell lines (AMJ13و MCF7, MDA-MB-231, CAL51) in vitro to evaluate their possible antitumor effect and their safety on normal cell line (MEF)., Results: The Phoenix dactylifera (dray Zahdi) fresh leave extract showed highly cytotoxic effects in all breast cancer cell lines. The leaves extract was showed concentration dependent cytotoxicity effects after 72 h exposure time. Leave extracts was effective against AMJ13 cell line. The effective concentrations in both cancer cells ranged from 2500-20000 μg/ ml with inhibition percentage against AMJ13 was (66.7, 70.6, 53, and 54%). While the effect against MCF7, MDA-MB, and CAL51 cell lines were less with significant effect only at two concentrations (10000- 20000 μg/ ml) causing 64.3, and 64.3% growth inhibition respectively in MCF7, and 40, and 50% respectively in MDA-MB, and 44.0, and 52.0% respectively in CAL51. The dray date fruit extract has no significant cytotoxicity against all the cancer cells. Both extracts have no effect against normal fibroblast cells., Conclusion: In conclusion, Phoenix dactylifera fresh leave extract shows promising anticancer properties while the fruit extract has no direct anticancer effect.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a tumour entity with unmet medical need. To assess the therapeutic potential of oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) against PDAC, different oncolytic viruses (OVs) are currently investigated in clinical trials. However, systematic comparisons of these different OVs in terms of efficacy against PDAC and biomarkers predicting therapeutic response are lacking., Methods: We screened fourteen patient-derived PDAC cultures which reflect the intra- and intertumoural heterogeneity of PDAC for their sensitivity to five clinically relevant OVs, namely serotype 5 adenovirus Ad5-hTERT, herpes virus T-VEC, measles vaccine strain MV-NIS, reovirus jin-3, and protoparvovirus H-1PV. Live cell analysis, quantification of viral genome/gene expression, cell viability as well as cytotoxicity assays and titration of viral progeny were conducted. Transcriptome profiling was employed to identify potential predictive biomarkers for response to OV treatment., Findings: Patient-derived PDAC cultures showed individual response patterns to OV treatment. Twelve of fourteen cultures were responsive to at least one OV, with no single OV proving superior or inferior across all cultures. Known host factors for distinct viruses were retrieved as potential biomarkers. Compared to the classical molecular subtype, the quasi-mesenchymal or basal-like subtype of PDAC was found to be more sensitive to H-1PV, jin-3, and T-VEC. Generally, expression of viral entry receptors did not correlate with sensitivity to OV treatment, with one exception: Expression of Galectin-1 (LGALS1), a factor involved in H-1PV entry, positively correlated with H-1PV induced cell killing. Rather, cellular pathways controlling immunological, metabolic and proliferative signaling appeared to determine outcome. For instance, high baseline expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) correlated with relative resistance to oncolytic measles virus, whereas low cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) expression was associated with exceptional response. Combination treatment of MV-NIS with a cGAS inhibitor improved tumour cell killing in several PDAC cultures and cells overexpressing cGAS were found to be less sensitive to MV oncolysis., Interpretation: Considering the heterogeneity of PDAC and the complexity of biological therapies such as OVs, no single biomarker can explain the spectrum of response patterns. For selection of a particular OV, PDAC molecular subtype, ISG expression as well as activation of distinct signaling and metabolic pathways should be considered. Combination therapies can overcome resistance in specific constellations. Overall, oncolytic virotherapy is a viable treatment option for PDAC, which warrants further development. This study highlights the need for personalised treatment in OVT. By providing all primary data, this study provides a rich source and guidance for ongoing developments., Funding: German National Science Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG), German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe), German National Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes), Survival with Pancreatic Cancer Foundation., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests A.M. is inventor on several PV-related patents and patent applications. G.U. acts as CMO, CSO, and COO of CanVirex, a company developing oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy. C.E.E. is listed as inventor on patent applications filed by her institution related to the development of RNA viruses for cancer immunotherapy. S.H. reports an advisory role and honoraria from Amgen. L.J.A.C.H. received a grant from Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (HBC18-2002) for the development of a PDXO drug screening platform., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Colorectal cancer is a significant global health concern with high mortality rates. Silibinin is a compound derived from milk thistle with anticancer properties and may be a potential treatment option for colorectal cancer. Its poor solubility limits its clinical application, but various strategies, such as nanoparticle encapsulation, have shown promise. In this study, a PEGylated niosomal drug delivery system was used to enhance the solubility of silibinin, and its anti-proliferative effects were evaluated against human colorectal cancer cell lines., Methods: The silibinin-loaded PEGylated niosomal nanoparticles (NIO-SIL) were fabricated using the thin-film hydration method and characterized with dialysis bag, AFM, SEM, DLS, and FTIR systems. Finally, the cancerous cells and human normal cells were treated with NIO-SIL and pure silibinin. The proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of these cells were evaluated. Subsequently, the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, p53, and cyclin D1 genes was measured using real-time PCR., Result: The drug release profile, size, morphology, and chemical interactions of the synthesized PEGylated niosomal nanoparticles were suitable for use as a drug delivery system. Both pure silibinin and NIO-SIL could reduce the proliferation of cancerous cells, induce apoptosis, and cause cell cycle arrest, with no significant negative effects reported on human normal cells. Both pure silibinin and NIO-SIL reduced the expression of the Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 genes while increasing the expression of Bax and p53. (p-value < 0.05 *)., Conclusion: The outcomes of this study indicate the high potential of PEGylated niosomal nanoparticles for encapsulation and delivery of silibinin to cancer cells, with no negative effects on normal cells.

Background: At present, it has been found that many patients have acquired resistance to radiotherapy, which greatly reduces the effect of radiotherapy and further affects the prognosis. CircRNAs is involved in the regulation of radiosensitivity of many kinds of tumor cells. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to explore the regulatory effect of CircRNA&#95;101491 on radiosensitivity of ESCC and its related mechanism., Methods: We established ESCC radiation-resistant cell line (KYSE150R cell) by gradient dose method, and tested the difference of KYSE150 between KYSE150R cell and parent cell in vitro. Then, after knocking down the expression of CircRNA&#95;101491, a series of in vitro experiments were conducted to verify the effects of CircRNA&#95;101491 on the phenotype and radiosensitivity of KYSE150R cells, and further analyzed the related regulatory mechanism. In addition, we also used the model of transplanted tumor in nude mice to investigate the effect of CircRNA&#95;101491 on the radiosensitivity of ESCC in vivo., Results: According to a series of in vitro experiments, we confirmed that KYSE150R cells lost the epithelial phenotype and obtained interstitial cell-like phenotype, and found that CircRNA&#95;101491 was highly expressed in KYSE150R cells. In addition, we found that knocking down the expression of CircRNA&#95;101491 will lift the inhibition of miR-125a-5p, and then reverse the process of EMT, accelerate the process of apoptosis, thus play a role in radiosensitization. The in vivo experiment of transplanted tumor in nude mice also showed that knocking down the expression of CircRNA&#95;101491 could enhance the radiosensitivity of ESCC., Conclusion: In conclusion, we confirmed that interfering with the expression of CircRNA&#95;101491 can relieve the inhibition of miR-125a-5p, thus reverse the process of interstitial phenotype, accelerate the process of apoptosis, and enhance the radiosensitivity of ESCC., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a rare but aggressive hematological cancer that occurs primarily in children and adolescents. Here, we present a protocol for in vitro co-culture assay that enables robust expansion of primary T-ALL cells. We describe steps for seeding T-ALL and stromal cells in 3D organoids and subsequent flow analysis to capture the T-ALL cell growth for long-term culture. This protocol provides a valuable platform for in vitro functional studies and drug screenings using patient-derived cells. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Rivera et al. 1 ., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the deadliest human cancers and represents <2% of thyroid carcinomas. A therapeutic target for ATC is represented by anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements, involved in tumor growth. Crizotinib is an oral small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the ALK, MET, and ROS1 kinases, approved in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Until now, the effect of crizotinib in "primary human ATC cells" (pATCs) with transforming striatin (STRN)-ALK fusion has not been reported in the literature. In this study, we aimed to obtain pATCs with STRN-ALK in vitro and evaluate the in vitro antineoplastic action of crizotinib. Thyroid surgical samples were obtained from 12 ATC patients and 6 controls (who had undergone parathyroidectomy). A total of 10/12 pATC cultures were obtained, 2 of which with transforming STRN-ALK fusion (17%). Crizotinib inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased apoptosis in 3/10 pATC cultures (2 of which with/1 without STRN-ALK), particularly in those with STRN-ALK. Moreover, crizotinib significantly inhibited the proliferation of AF cells (a continuous cell line obtained from primary ATC cells). In conclusion, the antineoplastic activity of crizotinib has been shown in human pATCs (with STRN-ALK) in preclinical studies in vitro, opening the way to future clinical evaluation in these patients.

Background: Although sorafenib has been consistently used as a first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), most patients will develop resistance, and the mechanism of resistance to sorafenib needs further study., Methods: Using KAS-seq technology, we obtained the ssDNA profiles within the whole genome range of SMMC-7721 cells treated with sorafenib for differential analysis. We then intersected the differential genes obtained from the analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients in GSE109211 who were ineffective and effective with sorafenib treatment, constructed a PPI network, and obtained hub genes. We then analyzed the relationship between the expression of these genes and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients., Results: In this study, we identified 7 hub ERGs (ACTB, CFL1, ACTG1, ACTN1, WDR1, TAGLN2, HSPA8) related to drug resistance, and these genes are associated with the cytoskeleton., Conclusions: The cytoskeleton is associated with sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Using KAS-seq to analyze the early changes in tumor cells treated with drugs is feasible for studying the drug resistance of tumors, which provides reference significance for future research., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Compared to minimally invasive brain metastases (MI BrM), highly invasive (HI) lesions form abundant contacts with cells in the peritumoral brain parenchyma and are associated with poor prognosis. Reactive astrocytes (RAs) labeled by phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) have recently emerged as a promising therapeutic target for BrM. Here, we explore whether the BrM invasion pattern is influenced by pSTAT3+ RAs and may serve as a predictive biomarker for STAT3 inhibition., Methods: We used immunohistochemistry to identify pSTAT3+ RAs in HI and MI human and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) BrM. Using PDX, syngeneic, and transgenic mouse models of HI and MI BrM, we assessed how pharmacological STAT3 inhibition or RA-specific STAT3 genetic ablation affected BrM growth in vivo. Cancer cell invasion was modeled in vitro using a brain slice-tumor co-culture assay. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of human BrM and adjacent brain tissue., Results: RAs expressing pSTAT3 are situated at the brain-tumor interface and drive BrM invasive growth. HI BrM invasion pattern was associated with delayed growth in the context of STAT3 inhibition or genetic ablation. We demonstrate that pSTAT3+ RAs secrete Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1), which is a known STAT3 transcriptional target. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing identified CHI3L1-expressing RAs in human HI BrM. STAT3 activation, or recombinant CHI3L1 alone, induced cancer cell invasion into the brain parenchyma using a brain slice-tumor plug co-culture assay., Conclusions: Together, these data reveal that pSTAT3+ RA-derived CHI3L1 is associated with BrM invasion, implicating STAT3 and CHI3L1 as clinically relevant therapeutic targets for the treatment of HI BrM., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: The cell cycle is tightly regulated by checkpoints, which play a vital role in controlling its progression and timing. Cancer cells exploit the G2/M checkpoint, which serves as a resistance mechanism against genotoxic anticancer treatments, allowing for DNA repair prior to cell division. Manipulating cell cycle timing has emerged as a potential strategy to augment the effectiveness of DNA damage-based therapies., Methods: In this study, we conducted a forward genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening with repeated exposure to the alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) to investigate the mechanisms underlying tumor cell survival under genotoxic stress., Results: Our findings revealed that canonical DNA repair pathways, including the Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)/Fanconi and mismatch repair, determine cell fate under genotoxic stress. Notably, we identified the critical role of PKMYT1, in ensuring cell survival. Depletion of PKMYT1 led to overwhelming TMZ-induced cytotoxicity in cancer cells. Isobologram analysis demonstrated potent drug synergy between alkylating agents and a Myt1 kinase inhibitor, RP-6306. Mechanistically, inhibiting Myt1 forced G2/M-arrested cells into an unscheduled transition to the mitotic phase without complete resolution of DNA damage. This forced entry into mitosis, along with persistent DNA damage, resulted in severe mitotic abnormalities. Ultimately, these aberrations led to mitotic exit with substantial apoptosis. Preclinical animal studies demonstrated that the combination regimen involving TMZ and RP-6306 prolonged the overall survival of glioma-bearing mice., Conclusions: Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of targeting cell cycle timing through Myt1 inhibition as an effective strategy to enhance the efficacy of current standard cancer therapies, potentially leading to improved disease outcomes., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology 2023.)

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is characterized by chromosome 7 copy number gains, notably 7q34, potentially contributing to therapeutic resistance, yet the underlying oncogenes have not been fully characterized. Pertinently, the significance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this context has gained attention, necessitating further exploration., Methods: FAM131B-AS2 was quantified in GBM samples and cells using qPCR. Overexpression and knockdown of FAM131B-AS2 in GBM cells were used to study its functions in vivo and in vitro. The mechanisms of FAM131B-AS2 were studied using RNA-seq, qPCR, Western blotting, RNA pull-down, coimmunoprecipitation assays, and mass spectrometry analysis. The phenotypic changes that resulted from FAM131B-AS2 variation were evaluated through CCK8 assay, EdU assay, comet assay, and immunofluorescence., Results: Our analysis of 149 primary GBM patients identified FAM131B-AS2, a lncRNA located in the 7q34 region, whose upregulation predicts poor survival. Mechanistically, FAM131B-AS2 is a crucial regulator of the replication stress response, stabilizing replication protein A1 through recruitment of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 7 and activating the ataxia telangiectasia and rad3-related protein kinase pathway to protect single-stranded DNA from breakage. Furthermore, FAM131B-AS2 overexpression inhibited CD8+ T-cell infiltration, while FAM131B-AS2 inhibition activated the cGAS-STING pathway, increasing lymphocyte infiltration and improving the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors., Conclusions: FAM131B-AS2 emerges as a promising indicator for adjuvant therapy response and could also be a viable candidate for combined immunotherapies against GBMs., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Tongue cancer is the most prevalent type of oral cancer. Recently, natural compounds have been considered important resources for several anticancer drugs. Thymoquinone (TQ) exhibits a potent anti-cancer effect. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapeutic drug that has been utilized in the treatment of cancer. Recently, combination therapy has gained popularity as a treatment option for patients with cancer., Objectives: The present study was carried out to assess the cytotoxic effect of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), Thymoquinone (TQ), and their combination on tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line (HNO-97)., Methods: Tongue carcinoma cell line (HNO-97) was maintained in cultured flasks and the cells were divided into four groups; group Ι: control untreated group, group ΙΙ: HNO-97-treated cells with different concentrations of 5-FU from 0.5 µM/ml to 3µM/ml, group ΙIΙ: HNO-97-treated cells with different concentrations of TQ from 7.25µM/ml to 23.05µM/ml, and group ΙV: HNO-97-treated cells with both 5-FU and TQ in serial concentrations  till (IC50) in a dose of 27.44 µM/ml. Determination of the cytotoxic effect of the tested agents on the HNO-97 cell line was done using methyl thiazole tetrazolium assay, nuclear morphometric analysis, microscopic examination, and annexin-v/ propidium iodide staining assay., Result: The findings revealed that the cytotoxic effect of 5-FU, TQ, and their combination on tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line (HNO-97) was dose-dependent. The microscopic examination revealed that 5-FU, TQ alone, or their combination induced apoptotic cell death. P-value < 0.05 was statistically significant., Conclusion: The combination of 5-FU and TQ produced a marked cytotoxic effect on HNO-97 cells.

Background: As one of the main molecules in BCR-ABL signaling, c-Myc acts as a pivotal key in disease progression and disruption of long-term remission in patients with CML., Objectives: To clarify the effects of c-Myc inhibition in CML, we examined the anti-tumor property of a well-known small molecule inhibitor of c-Myc 10058-F4 on K562 cell line., Methods: This experimental study was conducted in K562 cell line for evaluation of cytotoxic activity of 10058-F4 using Trypan blue and MTT assays. Flow cytometry and Quantitative RT-PCR analysis were also conducted to determine its mechanism of action. Additionally, Annexin/PI staining was performed for apoptosis assessment., Results: The results of Trypan blue and MTT assay demonstrated that inhibition of c-Myc, as shown by suppression of c-Myc expression and its associated genes PP2A, CIP2A, and hTERT, could decrease viability and metabolic activity of K562 cells, respectively. Moreover, a robust elevation in cell population in G1-phase coupled with up-regulation of p21 and p27 expression shows that 10058-F4 could hamper cell proliferation, at least partly, through induction of G1 arrest. Accordingly, we found that 10058-F4 induced apoptosis via increasing Bax and Bad; In contrast, no significant alterations were observed NF-KB pathway-targeted anti-apoptotic genes in the mRNA levels. Notably, disruption of the NF-κB pathway with bortezomib as a common proteasome inhibitor sensitized K562 cells to the cytotoxic effect of 10058-F4, substantiating the fact that the NF-κB axis functions probably attenuate the K562 cells sensitivity to c-Myc inhibition., Conclusions: It can be concluded from the results of this study that inhibition of c-Myc induces anti-neoplastic effects on CML-derived K562 cells as well as increases the efficacy of imatinib. For further insight into the safety and effectiveness of 10058-F4 in CML, in vivo studies will be required.

Objective: Breast cancer is one of the most widespread tumors among women worldwide, which is difficult to treat due to the presence of chemoresistance and the risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis. There is a pressing necessity to develop efficient treatments to improve response for treatment and increase prolong survival of breast cancer patients. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted interest for its features as a noninvasive and relatively selective cancer treatment. This method relies on light-activated photosensitizers that, upon absorbing light, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) with powerful cell-killing outcomes. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a transcription factor, plays a key role in cancer development by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Inhibiting NF-κB can sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an NF-κB inhibitor approved by the FDA for multiple sclerosis treatment, has further shown promise in suppressing breast cancer cell growth in vitro. We hypothesized that combining PDT with Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) could further enhance therapeutic efficacy for both treatment modalities., Methods: In the current study, we explored the PDT effect of 1 and 2 mM aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) and low-power He-Ne laser irradiation combined with different concentrations of DMF (2.5, 1.25, or 0.652 µg/ml) against hormone nonresponsive AMJ13 breast cancer cell line that is derived from Iraqi patient., Results: Our results demonstrated that co-administration with all tested DMF concentrations significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of PDT antitumor effect. The combination index analysis showed presence of synergism in combining PDT with DMF., Conclusion: This finding suggests that the combination of PDT with DMF could be a promising novel strategy against triple negative breast cancer that could be applied clinically due to the fact that both of these treatments are already clinically approved therapies.

Objective: To establish and characterize a diverse library of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) cultures using conditional reprogramming (CR)., Methods: Patients enrolled on an IRB-approved protocol to generate tumor cell cultures using CR methods. Tumor and blood samples were collected and clinical information was recorded. Successful CR cultures were validated against banked reference tumors with short tandem repeat genotyping. Cell morphology was archived with photodocumentation. Clinical and demographic factors were evaluated for associations with successful establishment of CR culture. Human papilloma virus (HPV) genotyping, clonogenic survival, MTT assays, spheroid growth, and whole exome sequencing were carried out in selected cultures., Results: Forty four patients were enrolled, with 31 (70%) successful CR cultures, 32% derived from patients who identified as Black and 61% as Hispanic. All major head and neck disease sites were represented, including 15 (48%) oral cavity and 8 (26%) p16-positive oropharynx cancers. Hispanic ethnicity and first primary tumors (vs. second primary or recurrent tumors) were significantly associated with successful CR culture. HPV expression was conserved in CR cultures, including CR-024, which carried a novel HPV-69 serotype. CR cultures were used to test cisplatin responses using MTT assays. Previous work has also demonstrated these models can be used to assess response to radiation and can be engrafted in mouse models. Whole exome sequencing demonstrated that CR cultures preserved tumor mutation burden and driver mutations., Conclusion: CR culture is highly successful in propagating HNSCC cells. This study included a high proportion of patients from underrepresented minority groups., Level of Evidence: Not Applicable Laryngoscope, 134:2748-2756, 2024., (© 2024 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Background: High skeletal muscle mass might be a prognostic factor for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); however, the underlying reason is unclear. We hypothesized that myokines, which are cytokines secreted by the skeletal muscle, function as suppressors of PDAC. We specifically examined irisin, a myokine, which plays a critical role in the modulation of metabolism, to clarify the anticancer mechanisms., Methods: First, the effect of the conditioned medium (CM) from skeletal muscle cells and from irisin-knockdown skeletal muscle cells on PDAC cell lines was evaluated. We then investigated the effects and anticancer mechanism of irisin in PDAC cells, and evaluated the anticancer effect of recombinant irisin in a PDAC xenograft mouse model. Finally, patients undergoing pancreatic resection for PDAC were divided into two groups based on their serum irisin level, and the long-term outcomes were evaluated., Results: The CM enhanced gemcitabine sensitivity by inducing apoptosis and decreasing cell migration by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PDAC cell lines. The CM derived from irisin-knockdown skeletal muscle cells did not affect the PDAC cell lines. The addition of recombinant irisin to PDAC cell lines facilitated sensitivity to gemcitabine by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and decreased migration by inhibiting EMT via the transforming growth factor-β/SMAD pathway. Xenografts injected with gemcitabine and recombinant irisin grew slower than the xenografts injected with gemcitabine alone. The overall survival was prolonged in the high-irisin group compared with that in the low-irisin group., Conclusions: Skeletal muscle-derived irisin may affect PDAC by enhancing its sensitivity to gemcitabine and suppressing EMT., (© 2024. Society of Surgical Oncology.)