Ovarian cancer is a lethal gynecological malignancy, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and poor prognosis. MicroRNA-597-3p (miR-597-3p) has been identified as a tumor suppressor in several cancers, while metastasis-associated colon cancer 1 (MACC1) functions as an oncogene that promotes metastasis. This study investigated the role of miR-597-3p and its regulation of MACC1 in ovarian cancer progression.

CD81 is a cell surface protein that plays an important part in tumor development. Several studies have shown that CD81 plays a role in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, particularly in leukemia. It has been reported that CD81 is overexpressed in non-Down syndrome acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (non-DS AMKL). In this article, we hypothesize that CD81 may play a vital role in acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL). We constructed the CD81 knockdown cell line using shRNA and found that CD81 knockout can inhibit the proliferation of AMKL and increase the apoptosis of AMKL in vitro. Therefore, CD81 may be a target of AMKL.

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) achieve selective cytolysis via tumor-specific entry receptor. However, the prevalence of OVs receptors in malignant tumors has not been fully determined yet. Here, we systematically identify and characterize critical cellular entry receptors for clinically relevant OVs, particularly focusing on SCARB2 expression and its potential therapeutic implications for oncolytic Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) therapy in glioma.

Background & Aims: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) remains a highly lethal malignancy with limited therapeutic options, primarily due to the absence of reliable prognostic biomarkers. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) plays a pivotal role in anti-tumor immunity and has potential as both a prognostic marker and a predictor of immunotherapy response. This study aimed to identify ICD-related hub genes and establish a robust prognostic gene signature for PAAD using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Methods & Results: Transcriptomic and clinical data of PAAD patients were obtained from the TCGA and GEO databases. ICD enrichment scores were calculated using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), and ICD-associated gene modules were identified through WGCNA. A prognostic ICD-related gene signature was then constructed, and patients were stratified into high- and low-score groups based on the median risk score. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using the Molecular Signatures Database (MsigDB). Correlations between the signature score, immune cell infiltration, and drug sensitivity (IC50 values from the GDSC2 database) were further assessed. Among the identified genes, AJM1 emerged as a key prognostic marker, validated in an independent PAAD cohort and through in vitro functional assays. Conclusion: This study developed and validated an ICD-related gene signature capable of predicting prognosis and immunotherapy responsiveness in PAAD. The identification and validation of AJM1 highlight its potential role as a prognostic biomarker and a novel contributor to the pathogenesis of PAAD.

Glioblastoma (GB) is a highly aggressive brain cancer with poor prognosis and a five-year survival rate of only 4-5%, largely due to challenges in surgical removal and radiotherapy limitations. Corosolic acid (CA), a natural pentacyclic triterpene, exhibits promising anti-cancer activity against GB. In this study, we founded that GBM8401-derived cancer stem cells (GBM8401-CSCs) display increased stemness, proliferation, migration, invasion, and elevated cancer stemness factors (Nestin, OCT4, CD133) compared to parental cells. CA treatment dose-dependently inhibited these malignant features and downregulated key cancer stemness genes. Combined with Temozolomide (TMZ), CA synergistically suppressed GBM8401-CSCs growth, colony formation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis more effectively than either CA or TMZ alone and significantly reduced sphere formation and cancer stemness gene expression. Molecular docking results show a strong affinity of TMZ and CA for CD133 and OCT4 proteins, highlighting distinct molecular interactions. These results suggest that CA, especially in combination with TMZ, holds therapeutic potential for targeting human GB-CSCs.

Background: Dysregulation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification plays a critical role in the development and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: To explore the m6A modification landscape in NSCLC, we utilized direct RNA nanopore sequencing (dRNA-seq) to compare m6A patterns between NSCLC and adjacent normal tissues. Results: Our analysis revealed distinct m6A modification differences, with tumor tissues showing reduced m6A density compared to normal tissues. Aberrantly modified genes, such as SOX2 and TOP2A, exhibited hypomethylated m6A modifications and were upregulated in NSCLC tissues. We identified 14,419 differentially methylated m6A sites, with 49.5% hypermethylated and 50.5% hypomethylated. Functional enrichment analysis showed that hypermethylated genes were involved in DNA replication and transcription regulation, while hypomethylated genes were linked to cell migration and MAPK signaling. The expression patterns of m6A regulators, including METTL3, METTL16, CBLL1, FTO, ALKBH5, and ELAVL1, were consistent across NSCLC subtypes. Furthermore, correlation with clinical data from the TCGA database revealed that m6A-associated DEGs, such as HMGA1, ERO1A, LRFN4, SNTN, SLC2A1, DNASE2B, and VSIG2, were prognostically significant in NSCLC. Conclusions: This study underscores the pivotal role of m6A modifications in NSCLC and highlights the potential of dRNA-seq for identifying RNA epigenetic changes that may serve as novel therapeutic targets.

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) being the most aggressive subtype. Evodiamine (EVO), a bioactive compound derived from Evodia rutaecarpa, possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, though its effects on ATC remain underexplored. This study investigated the anticancer potential of EVO using ARO and SW579 ATC cell lines in both in vitro and in vivo models. EVO significantly inhibited cell proliferation, induced G2/M phase arrest, and increased the sub-G1 population, indicating growth inhibition and cell death. Mechanistically, EVO activated the intrinsic caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway and triggered autophagy, as shown by autophagosome accumulation and elevated LC3-II levels. Importantly, blocking autophagy attenuated caspase activation, suggesting that autophagy contributes to EVO-induced apoptosis. Moreover, oral EVO administration markedly suppressed tumor growth in a nude mouse xenograft model without causing liver or kidney toxicity. TUNEL assay further confirmed enhanced tumor cell apoptosis in vivo. These results highlight EVO as a promising therapeutic candidate for ATC by simultaneously activating autophagy and apoptosis pathways.

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), currently more accurately named NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN), is classified as a multiple tumor syndrome, caused by impaired expression of the merlin protein. Approximately 50% of affected individuals inherit a germline mutation from their parents, while reports on the somatic mutation landscape of other genes are infrequent. Aim: To further explore the somatic mutations of NF2-SWN and provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of NF2-SWN. Design: A retrospective study was conducted to follow up on NF2-SWN patients who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Neurosurgery of Xiangya Hospital. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on patients with a clear family history. Methods: This study compiled clinical data from 29 patients diagnosed with NF2-SWN, conducted WES on 7 patients with well-documented genetic histories, and subsequently analyzed their genetic mutations. Results: Whole-exome sequencing identified frequent somatic mutations in genes such as TTN, FLG, CR2, and FSIP2. Missense mutations and C>T transitions were the most common alteration types. Conclusion: TTN, CR2, FLG, and FSIP2 demonstrated elevated mutation frequencies in these familial NF2-SWN patients, indicating that these mutations may contribute to the development and progression of familial NF2-SWN.

Hericium erinaceus, renowned for its pharmaceutical potential, is particularly notable for its isolated diterpenoid derivative, erinacine S. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers, characterized by CSC that contribute to chemoresistance and sustained tumor growth. While various drugs have been explored, the precise mechanism underlying multifaceted functions of erinacine S in inhibiting chemoresistant human CRC cells remains elusive. By using annexin-V/propidium iodide staining and a Fluo-3 fluorescence staining assay, the cell death and viability in cancer cells and an in vivo xenograft mouse model were measured by western blots and an immunohistochemical assay. This study unequivocally demonstrates that erinacine S treatment significantly induces apoptosis and suppresses the aggressiveness of chemoresistant human CRC cells. Erinacine S also exhibits remarkable inhibitory effects on tumor growth in an in vivo xenograft mouse model. Immunohistochemical analyses unveiled that erinacine S treatment significantly upregulates the expression of TRAIL, TNFR1, and DR5 proteins while downregulating p-AKT, p-ERK, HIF1α, PCNA, and NFκB levels in the xenograft mouse model of chemoresistant human CRC cells. Erinacine S treatment of HCT-116/FUR cells triggered the activation of extrinsic apoptosis pathways (TRAIL, TNFR1, DR5, and caspase-3) and exerted a time-dependent suppression on the expression of anti-apoptotic molecules like Bcl-2 in intrinsic pathway. The activation of the p-PAK/FAK/p300 pathways was intricately involved in erinacine S-induced transcriptional activation; this was evidenced by histone H3K9K14ac (Acetyl Lys9/Lys14) modifications in the promoters of TRAIL, TNFR1, and DR5. The inactivation of the CXCR4/PI3K/Akt/HIF-1 pathway played a pivotal role in mediating the capacity of erinacine S to inhibit chemoresistant CRC growth while enhancing tumor apoptosis. Thus, erinacine S demonstrates notable inhibitive effects, both in vitro and in vivo, through the inhibition of invasion, migration, and proliferation in human chemoresistant cell lines, and holds promise as a natural agent for clinical therapy of patients with CRC.

Background: Second primary malignancy (SPM) significantly impacts the survival of patients. This study endeavors to identify risk and prognostic factors of developing SPM after the first primary kidney cancer (FPKC), develop nomograms and explore potential mechanisms to optimize treatment strategies. Methods: Data of patients diagnosed with FPKC between 2000 and 2020 were obtained from the SEER database. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated to assess the relative risk of developing SPM in FPKC patients. Competing risk model as well as Cox regression analyses were employed to identify independent risk and prognostic factors, and nomograms were constructed and evaluated. Finally, to understand how FPKC influences the risk of developing SPM, we carried out Mendelian randomization (MR) and transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) analyses. Results: A total of 72408 and 5295 patients were included in stage I and II analysis, respectively. Risk distribution analysis revealed that FPKC patients exhibited a higher SPM risk than general population (SIR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.40-1.44). Independent predictive factors were identified for model construction, and nomograms were developed. AUC of ROC, calibration curves and DCA illustrated excellent calibration and clinical applicability of the models. MR analyses indicated that kidney cancer might causally increase the risk of cancer in stomach, colon, rectum, lung, prostate, bladder, skin and eye. TWAS analysis identified 19 susceptibility genes associated with four types of cancers. Conclusion: This study successfully established nomograms, delving into the potential mechanisms of developing SPM after FPKC. All these findings will promote the optimization of treatment strategies.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a pivotal role in tumor progression. As research in tumor biology advances, the relationship between ER stress and tumor initiation, development, and immune regulation has increasingly attracted attention. ER stress activates the unfolded protein response (UPR), thereby affecting key processes in tumor cells, including metabolism, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Moreover, it modulates tumor immune responses by regulating the functions of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. This review consolidates the concept of ER stress as a central signaling hub that dictates cell fate and extensively remodels the tumor ecosystem. From a clinical perspective, this understanding provides a strong rationale for therapeutically targeting the UPR, suggesting that combining ER stress modulators with immunotherapy represents a promising strategy to overcome therapeutic resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, continues to pose significant clinical challenges globally. Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), a central component of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), possesses histone methyltransferase activity through its SET domain and is frequently overexpressed in various cancers. Nevertheless, the precise role and regulatory mechanisms of EZH2 in HCC remain inadequately defined. In this research, we evaluated the expression levels of EZH2 at the mRNA and protein stages in HCC samples and examined their correlation with clinical features and patient survival outcomes. Patients were categorized into early- and late-stage groups based on tumor grade. Our methylation analyses pinpointed two specific CpG sites within the EZH2 gene, cg08558971 and cg18416251, which exhibited inverse methylation patterns between tumor stages. One patient subgroup displayed high methylation at cg08558971 during early-stage disease and reduced methylation at cg18416251 during late-stage disease, while another subgroup demonstrated the reverse pattern. Further pathway enrichment analysis suggested these methylation variations might influence enhanced T-cell differentiation and suppress metabolic pathways. Additionally, correlation analyses consistently linked EZH2 expression to genes involved in these immune and metabolic pathways. Collectively, our data propose that EZH2 could serve as a meaningful independent prognostic biomarker for HCC, regulated by stage-dependent epigenetic changes that may drive tumor progression by modulating immune response and cellular metabolism.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Prognostic prediction in HCC is complicated by its heterogeneity, and current treatment strategies are limited to surgical resection and targeted therapies. Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor and the first-line systemic therapy for advanced HCC, offers modest survival benefits and often induces resistance during long-term administration. Therefore, elucidating the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance is critical for improving therapeutic outcomes. Triptolide is a diterpenoid triepoxide extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic properties in various cancer types. CARMA3 (CARD10), a membrane-associated scaffold protein, has recently emerged as a key oncogenic regulator in solid tumors. This study demonstrates that CARMA3 contributes to chemoresistance in HCC and that triptolide enhances chemosensitivity by downregulating CARMA3 expression and promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Our findings suggest that triptolide functions as a chemosensitizing agent by modulating CARMA3-mediated ROS accumulation and ferroptosis resistance, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for overcoming HCC drug resistance.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive malignancy and represents the most common form of adenocarcinoma in the hepatobiliary system. Placental alkaline phosphatase (ALPP), a member of the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzyme family, catalyzes phosphate ester hydrolysis under alkaline conditions. While ALPP overexpression has been observed in various germ cell tumors and specific cancers, its functional relevance and regulatory mechanisms in CCA remain poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated ALPP expression in CCA patient cohorts and explored its correlation with clinicopathological features and patient prognosis. We further assessed the relationship between ALPP expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, focusing on B cells and dendritic cells (DCs). To elucidate ALPP-associated molecular networks, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed, followed by functional enrichment analyses using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. The methylation landscape of the ALPP gene was also examined. Our findings demonstrated that elevated ALPP expression is significantly associated with increased serum CA19-9 levels and reduced overall survival in CCA patients. Immune infiltration analyses revealed a positive correlation between ALPP expression and the abundance of infiltrating B cells and DCs. WGCNA identified a gene module associated with ALPP that was highly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, hypomethylation of a specific CpG site (cg19654061) within the ALPP gene was significantly associated with its upregulation. Collectively, these results suggest that ALPP functions as a potential prognostic biomarker in CCA and may contribute to disease progression through modulation of the immune microenvironment and activation of oncogenic signaling pathways.

Autophagy is a highly conserved cellular process crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis by degrading damaged organelles and misfolded proteins. Emerging evidence highlights its pivotal role in endometrial diseases, including endometriosis, endometritis, and endometrial cancer, where dysregulated autophagy contributes to pathogenesis through mechanisms such as altered hormone signaling, inflammation, and metabolic reprogramming. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the molecular machinery of autophagy, its regulatory networks, and its dual roles in endometrial physiology and pathology. Furthermore, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying autophagy in endometrial diseases, and the therapeutic potential of targeting autophagy pathways. By integrating recent advances, this review provides insights into autophagy's complex interplay with endometrial diseases and its implications for future research and therapeutic applications.

This study aimed to explore the potential of LINC01214 in providing prognostic and therapeutic insights, thereby offering valuable references for the research of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Kinetochore localized astrin/SPAG5 binding protein (KNSTRN) is a protein-coding gene pivotal for the mitotic spindle's operation, ensuring accurate chromosome separation and transition into anaphase. Existing literature indicates that it is associated with a variety of cancers. However, there is a lack of research to confirm that it is related to the malignant phenotype and immune infiltration of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The objective of this study was to ascertain the potential role of KNSTRN in TNBC prognosis, immune infiltration and progression.

HOXA5 (homeobox A5) exhibits context-dependent roles in cancer, but its pan-cancer spatial immune regulatory functions and therapeutic potential remain poorly understood.

The disease burden of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) continues to pose a significant public health challenge globally. Mitochondria play a critical role in tumor development and progression by influencing bioenergetics, biosynthesis, and signaling pathways. However, the prognostic significance and therapeutic implications of mitochondrial function in AML warrant further investigation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major global health challenge, characterised by limited therapeutic options and high mortality rates. Despite significant progress in systemic and immune-based therapies, many patients develop resistance or fail to respond, highlighting the need for new molecular targets. Lysosomal ion channels have recently emerged as important regulators of cancer biology; however, their involvement in tumour-immune interactions is still poorly understood.