Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most prevalent form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, exhibiting significant molecular and clinical heterogeneity. Advances in classification integrating phenotypic, genetic, and transcriptomic features have improved diagnosis and prognosis. However, a comprehensive and integrated molecular characterization of DLBCL cell lines is still lacking, which limits their optimal use as reliable experimental models. We employed fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and targeted DNA and RNA sequencing to identify genetic subtypes and determine the cell of origin, providing a comprehensive characterization of 29 DLBCL cell lines through the integration of phenotypic, genomic, and transcriptomic data. Principal component analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), differential expression profiling, and regulon analysis enabled us to dissect molecular heterogeneity. We achieved high concordance in genetic subtype assignment using multiple classification algorithms (2-S, LymphGen, and DLBclass). The DHIT/DZ signature and transcriptional profiling further revealed additional molecular complexity. Some DLBCL-NOS cases exhibited high-grade features, suggesting that gene expression signatures may capture biological aggressiveness better than cytogenetic methods. GSEA confirmed the relevance of signaling pathways across DLBCL subtypes, and regulatory network analysis identified specific transcription-factor activities that support these pathways. MCD cell lines showed increased NF-κB and STAT signaling, while EZB/MYC+ cell lines demonstrated increased proliferation and cell cycle regulation, along with decreased NF-κB/STAT activity. Our study offers a detailed molecular overview of DLBCL cell lines, underscoring their relevance for mechanistic and therapeutic research. The data highlights how integrating genetic and transcriptomic analyses can refine disease classification and guide personalized therapy strategies.

SCF (Skp1-Cullin1-Fbox protein) is a multi-subunit RING-type E3 ligase and plays critical roles in various pivotal physiological and pathological processes by mediating the ubiquitination and degradation of key proteins. F-box proteins directly bind substrates, thereby determining their specificity, stability, and function. However, the regulatory mechanisms of FBXO21 degradation in human cancers remain largely elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that Neddylation-ROC1 E3 ligase regulates the protein level of FBXO21. Mechanistic studies revealed that Neddylation-ROC1 targeted FBXO21 for ubiquitination and degradation. Moreover, we found that FBXO21 depletion increased p53 protein stability by delaying its degradation, followed by increasing the transcriptional level of p21. Taken together, our findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism by which FBXO21 is regulated by Neddylation modification and regulates the p53-p21 signaling pathway.

Real-world longitudinal data documenting the diagnostic impact of DNA methylation array (MA) profiling in pediatric ependymoma remain sparse. We report a single-center retrospective analysis evaluating MA-driven reclassification, molecular subgroup distribution, and long-term survival outcomes in a national pediatric referral cohort.

Hyperthermia is a potential therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, cell resistance to hyperthermia remains challenging. This study investigated the role of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in regulating small ubiquitin-like modifier modification (SUMOylation) of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the resistance of NSCLC cells to hyperthermia.

Functional imaging is central to the diagnosis and management of phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of different functional imaging modalities for the detection of primary and metastatic PPGL.

B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (preB-ALL) is characterized by pathogenic variants currently used in precision oncology. However, the mutational landscape of Mexican children with preB-ALL has not yet been thoroughly explored and defined in terms of the clinical significance. We used a custom-designed next-generation sequencing exome panel, along with high-resolution chromosome microarrays and gene fusion-targeted assays, to characterize the mutational landscape of 73 Mexican children with preB-ALL, exploring the profile of clinically significant variants. We classified the variants following the AMP-ASCO-CAP 2017 and ACMG-CG 2019 guidelines recommendations. The mutational landscape includes a broad molecular spectrum of variants affecting cell cycle regulation, B-cell development, kinase signaling, and epigenetic regulation genes. Tier 1 diagnostic variants allowed the identification of pre-B ALL genetic subtypes, diminishing the preB-ALL NOS group from 63% to 37%. Furthermore, 37% of cases presented Tier 1 variants conferring intermediate to adverse prognoses (primarily involving CRLF2 gene fusions, as well as PAX5, IKZF1, and TP53 inactivating mutations). Notably, these patients exhibited high-risk clinical features and a lower event free survival rate than patients without these variants (60% versus 41.2%; p = 0.046; 95% CI). Between 19% and 42% of patients had Tier 2 variants targetable with JAK-STAT or RAS-MAPK signaling inhibitors. These patients showed a lower overall survival rate than patients without these variants (64% versus 90%; p = 0.048; 95% CI). Tier 1 potential germline variants in cancer predisposition genes (mainly BRCA1/2 and CHEK2) were observed in 10% of patients, some of whom had a family history of cancer. This highlights the importance of genetic counseling for patients and their families. Finally, 33% of patients had Tier 3 variants that were predicted to be deleterious and potentially upgraded to pathogenic with plausible clinical relevance. In conclusion, the mutational landscape analysis revealed variants useful for oncologic management and genetic counseling of Mexican children with preB-ALL.

Alcohol drinking is a major risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer, yet the nature of risk differences across drinking patterns remains unclear.

Chondrosarcomas are malignant cartilage-forming bone tumors with heterogeneous behavior, making prognostication and clinical management challenging. Histological grading is the primary tool for predicting clinical outcomes in conventional chondrosarcoma. However, its high interobserver variability limits reliable distinction between low- and high-risk patients, potentially leading to suboptimal clinical management. Given the increasing use of DNA methylation profiling as a valuable tool in surgical pathology for tumor classification, we investigated its prognostic value in central conventional chondrosarcoma. We generated methylation data from 69 primary central conventional chondrosarcomas profiled with Illumina's Human MethylationEPIC Array (850 k sites), and identified methylation sites individually linked to patient outcome. A LASSO Cox regression model was applied to these methylation sites to identify an optimal set of eight informative sites. With the regression coefficients of these methylation sites, we constructed a risk score that predicts central conventional Chondrosarcoma Risk Outcome from Methylation (CHROME). CHROME stratifies patients into High or Low risk groups for disease recurrence, onset of metastasis and disease-specific mortality. Survival analysis in an independent validation cohort (n = 68) demonstrated strong discriminatory performance of CHROME, with complete separation of outcomes and no adverse events observed in the Low risk group. Overview of the clinico-pathological information showed that a low grade (ACT/G1) case with an event was correctly assigned to the High risk group, while nine high grade cases without events were classified as Low risk. CHROME provides accurate risk stratification in central conventional chondrosarcoma and may represent a valuable tool for improving its prognostication and clinical management.

Upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma (UATSCC) is often easy to recognize in its conventional form. However, a subset of tumors loses histologic evidence of squamous differentiation and, instead, become sarcomatoid (spindled). These cases may be difficult or impossible to appropriately classify on biopsy material, even with immunohistochemistry. DNA methylation has emerged as a tool to help in classifying undifferentiated malignancies. We sought to explore whether conventional and sarcomatoid UATSCC harbor the same epigenetic signature.

All individuals with colorectal cancer (CRC) should undergo genetic cancer risk assessment given its implications for personalized treatment, surveillance, risk-reduction strategies, and cascade testing. Universal screening using immunohistochemistry (IHC) for mismatch repair (MMR) proteins in tumor tissue, when combined with clinical criteria, is essential for identifying individuals at higher risk for carrying germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in resource limited countries.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common skin cancer, is driven by UV-induced DNA damage and shaped by immune surveillance. Although GWAS has identified over 140 risk loci, their cell-type-specific effects remain obscured by tissue-level averaging.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare but aggressive malignancy with poor survival and limited treatment options. To comprehensively characterize its molecular landscape and identify clinically relevant subtypes, we performed an integrated genomic analysis - including whole-exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and copy number variation profiling - on 61 Chinese patients with ACC. We identified recurrent mutations in TP53 (25%), CTNNB1 (15%), ZNRF3 (10%), and MEN1 (8%). Unsupervised clustering of transcriptomic data revealed four distinct molecular subtypes: cortisol-driven (CD, 14%), immune-suppressed (IS, 40%), cell cycle-altered (CCA, 22%), and immunomodulatory (IM, 24%). The CD subtype exhibited steroidogenic pathway activation; the IS subtype showed T cell receptor downregulation and the worst disease-free survival; the CCA subtype was marked by chromosomal instability and cell cycle gene overexpression; and the IM subtype displayed enriched immune signaling and favorable outcomes. Copy number analysis further uncovered focal amplifications (e.g. TERT, CDK4) and HLA-II deletions. This study establishes a novel molecular classification of ACC, providing a framework for subtype-specific therapeutic strategies, such as CDK4/6 inhibition for CCA and immunotherapy for IM tumors, while highlighting the clinical challenges of immune-cold IS tumors.

Activating mutations of Notch are drivers of the blood cell cancer, T-ALL, and some solid tumours. The negative regulatory region (NRR) of the extracellular domain (ECD) and the PEST region of the intracellular domain (ICD) are mutation hot spots which can act synergistically in T-ALL. The NRR, comprised of a heterodimerisation domain (HD) and three Lin12/Notch repeats (LNR A-C), masks the S2 cleavage site, normally only exposed following ligand binding and cleaved as the first step that ultimately leads to ICD release. Drosophila mutants have played a key role in analysing Notch structure/function, but there have been few mutational studies of the NRR. Here, we expressed, in S2 cells, over 20 cancer mutations located in the HD, LNR and LNR/HD interface, introduced into Drosophila Notch. Mutations in the HD domain core did not activate, likely due to absence in Drosophila of an S1 cleavage within the HD required for mammalian Notch activity. In contrast, mutations in the LNR/HD interface behaved similarly to T-ALL, activating constitutively with no further ligand induction and were synergistic with PEST deletion. Mutations of surface-exposed residues of LNR-C also activated constitutively but remained inducible both by ligand and by an intracellular endocytic regulator, Deltex, and were not synergistic with PEST deletions. These mutations caused elevated Notch levels and decreased turnover, suggesting a novel regulatory mechanism. Our results, therefore, uncover a variety of outcomes arising from perturbations of the NRR and will facilitate the establishment of Drosophila cancer models and the development of mutant-specific approaches to effective therapies.

Despite major advances inimmunotherapy, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most immunotherapy-resistant solid tumors. This review aims to summarize the key biological mechanisms underlying immune resistance in PDAC and to evaluate established and emerging biomarkers that may guide immunotherapy strategies.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) involves metabolic reprogramming alongside genetic alteration. ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), the rate-limiting enzyme of de novo lipogenesis, is a validated target of microRNA-22 (miR-22) in tumor tissue. We asked whether both are dysregulated in the circulation of patients with CRC and whether they carry diagnostic value.

Genetic testing in ovarian carcinoma (OC) patients is very important for patients and their relatives. The Tumor-First workflow uses a tumor DNA test to stratify germline testing for hereditary cancer predisposition as well as treatment options with PARP inhibitors. This workflow is adopted and successfully implemented nationwide. Here, we evaluated recent tumor DNA testing rates in the Netherlands to identify untested OC patient groups and optimize tumor DNA testing rates. OC patients diagnosed in 2023 or 2024 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. We analyzed patient characteristics associated with the likelihood of tumor DNA testing using multivariable logistic regression. Tumor-First testing was performed for 1765 out of the 2221 (79%) OC patients. Patients diagnosed with advanced stage OC were more likely to receive tumor DNA testing (OR = 2.5, p < 0.001) than those with low-stage disease. Compared with patients who underwent surgery as primary treatment, those who received chemotherapy or no primary treatment were less likely to be tested (OR = 0.21 and OR = 0.07, respectively, p < 0.001). Patients who died within 100 days were less likely to receive testing (OR = 0.57, p = 0.003). Patients without resection after diagnosis on biopsy/cytology had the lowest Tumor-First testing rates (58% vs. 87-95%, χ2 p < 0.001). Tumor-First testing rates are high. However, OC patients that do not undergo a resection are less likely to undergo testing. With these data strategies to identify hereditary cancer predisposition in patients and their relatives can be further improved.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of endogenous non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and participate in various biological processes. circRNAs play a critical role in bladder cancer (BCa) development. circ_0001495, generated by back-splicing of exons 6 and 7 of the CCNB1 pre-mRNA, remains uncharacterized in BCa pathogenesis. This study explored the functional role and molecular mechanism of circ_0001495 in BCa. Using qRT-PCR, we detected circ_0001495 expression in BCa tissues and analyzed its correlation with clinical parameters. Sanger sequencing validated its circular structure, while fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed predominant cytoplasmic localization. Bioinformatics analyses predicted its potential as a microRNA sponge, confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assays showing direct binding to miR-1184. CCK-8, EdU incorporation, and colony formation assays evaluated cell proliferation and clonogenic capacity. Results showed that circ_0001495 correlated with tumor grade (p = 0.016) and was significantly upregulated in BCa tissues, exhibiting preliminary diagnostic potential for early-stage BCa (AUC = 0.739, sensitivity = 0.906, specificity = 0.562). Functional experiments demonstrated that circ_0001495 silencing inhibited BCa cell proliferation and colony formation. Mechanistically, circ_0001495 acted as a sponge for miR-1184, thereby activating key components of the MAPK signaling pathway (p-ERK, p-JUN, and p-JNK). Collectively, these findings indicate that circ_0001495 may serve as a potential diagnostic/prognostic biomarker for BCa and promotes tumor progression by activating the miR-1184/MAPK signaling axis.

To clarify the role of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-mediated ferroptosis in curcumin-treated papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cells and explore the underlying mechanisms. GPX4 expression and clinical relevance were analysed in 54 PTC tissues by immunohistochemistry. B-CPAP cells were used to assess proliferation, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle after curcumin treatment. Ferroptosis was evaluated by detecting malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), Fe2⁺ and glutathione (GSH) levels, with ferrostatin 1 (Fer-1) and agonists (RSL3) used for validation. Molecular docking and Western blot were performed to analyse GPX4 interaction and expression. A nude mouse xenograft model was established to evaluate in vivo effects. Elevated GPX4 expression correlated with poor prognosis in PTC, including increased lymph node and distant metastasis and reduced progression-free survival. In vitro studies showed that curcumin downregulated GPX4 and induced ferroptotic features, including increased MDA and ROS, elevated Fe2⁺ and decreased GSH. These changes were accompanied by inhibited proliferation and migration, as well as G2/M arrest. Importantly, the ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 reversed curcumin-induced cell death and partially restored migration, confirming ferroptosis as the primary anticancer mechanism. Molecular docking analysis suggested a possible interaction between curcumin and the GPX4 protein at the Gln-55 and Pro-155 residues; however, this prediction was not experimentally validated in the present study. Importantly, GPX4 overexpression partially rescued curcumin-induced loss of cell viability and lipid peroxidation, supporting a functional role for GPX4 in curcumin-induced ferroptosis. In vivo experiments showed that curcumin significantly suppressed tumour growth in the xenograft model without observable organ toxicity and reduced GPX4 expression in tumour tissues. This study shows that curcumin inhibits PTC progression via GPX4-mediated ferroptosis; GPX4 overexpression partially reversed these effects, supporting its functional role. These findings identify curcumin as a promising therapeutic agent for PTC treatment and suggest GPX4 as a potential therapeutic target.

Resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) remains a major clinical challenge in lung cancer. Osteopontin (OPN) is frequently overexpressed in lung tumors and correlates with poor prognosis, yet its mechanistic role in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment remains incompletely defined.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) development in Lynch syndrome (LS) has long been regarded to follow an adenoma-carcinoma sequence accelerated in comparison to microsatellite-stable (MSS) CRC development. Yet, several clinical observations challenged this hypothesis, most notably the persistently high CRC incidence under colonoscopy surveillance, a non-measurable benefit from shorter screening intervals, and substantial differences in cancer risk between carriers of the different mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Advances in the last decade have produced new hypotheses, highlighting the distinct biology of LS CRC and unravelling several co-existing pathways to cancer. Alongside the genomic heterogeneity, the immunogenic load created by the accumulation of frameshift mutations imposing selective pressure and leading to immune evasion, appears to be a critical step for cancer manifestation. We discuss potential clinical implications of these advances in understanding CRC pathogenesis for cancer prevention in LS and outline open questions that remain.