Helena Branco , Cristina P.R. Xavier , Chiara Riganti , M. Helena Vasconcelos
{"title":"Hypoxia as a critical player in extracellular vesicles-mediated intercellular communication between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment","authors":"Helena Branco , Cristina P.R. Xavier , Chiara Riganti , M. Helena Vasconcelos","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the past years, increasing attention has been paid to the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as mediators of intercellular communication in cancer. These small size particles mediate the intercellular transfer of important bioactive molecules involved in malignant initiation and progression. Hypoxia, or low partial pressure of oxygen, is recognized as a remarkable feature of solid tumors and has been demonstrated to exert a profound impact on tumor prognosis and therapeutic efficacy. Indeed, the high-pitched growth rate and chaotic neovascular architecture that embodies solid tumors results in a profound reduction in oxygen pressure within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In response to oxygen-deprived conditions, tumor cells and their surrounding <em>milieu</em> develop homeostatic adaptation mechanisms that contribute to the establishment of a pro-tumoral phenotype. Latest evidence suggests that the hypoxic microenvironment that surrounds the tumor bulk may be a clincher for the observed elevated levels of circulating EVs in cancer patients. Thus, it is proposed that EVs may play a role in mediating intercellular communication in response to hypoxic conditions. This review focuses on the EVs-mediated crosstalk that is established between tumor cells and their surrounding immune, endothelial, and stromal cell populations, within the hypoxic TME.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189244"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142822986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Avaniyapuram Kannan Murugan , Siddarth Kannan , Ali S. Alzahrani
{"title":"TERT promoter mutations in gliomas: Molecular roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic targeting, and drug resistance","authors":"Avaniyapuram Kannan Murugan , Siddarth Kannan , Ali S. Alzahrani","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), a critical player in cellular immortalization, has emerged as a focal point of investigation due to its frequent promoter mutations in various human malignancies. <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations exhibit a significant role in tumorigenesis, fostering unbridled cellular proliferation and survival. This comprehensive review delves into the landscape of <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations and their profound implications in cancer, particularly within the context of gliomas. This article meticulously examines the intricate interplay between <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations and the metastatic cascade, shedding light on their capacity to orchestrate invasive behavior in gliomas. Moreover, this review describes the recent trends in therapeutic targeting of the TERT and dissects the evolving landscape of drug resistance associated with <em>TERT</em> mutations, providing insights into potential therapeutic challenges. In addition, the diagnostic and prognostic implications of <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations in gliomas are scrutinized, unraveling their potential as robust biomarkers. It also discusses the recent advancements in molecular diagnostics, illustrating the promise of <em>TERT</em> mutations as diagnostic tools and prognostic indicators. This review collectively aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations in gliomas, offering a foundation for future research endeavors and paving the way for innovative strategies in glioma management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189243"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142824905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuan Ren , Xiaodan Mao , Wenyu Lin , Yi Chen , Rongfeng Chen , Pengming Sun
{"title":"Targeting estrogen-related receptors to mitigate tumor resistance: A comprehensive approach to bridging cellular energy metabolism","authors":"Yuan Ren , Xiaodan Mao , Wenyu Lin , Yi Chen , Rongfeng Chen , Pengming Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The war between humanity and malignant tumors has been ongoing, with continuous advancements in classic chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens, targeted drugs, endocrine therapy, and immunotherapy. However, tumor cells can develop primary or secondary resistance to these treatment options, making the issue of tumor resistance a major factor affecting patient prognosis and leading to recurrence. Estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, primarily involved in regulating glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, serving as a central hub for intracellular energy metabolism. ERRs not only mediate insulin resistance but also participate in the mechanisms of drug resistance in various tumors, including breast cancer, osteosarcoma, endometrial cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer, and even mediate resistance to radiation and immunotherapy. They mainly resist tumor treatment methods through metabolic reprogramming within cells, affecting mitochondrial energy metabolism, regulating metabolites such as cholesterol, glutamine, and lactate, or other signaling pathways, or by influencing the immune microenvironment. ERRs are promising targets for addressing the dilemma of tumor resistance. Currently, electrochemical luminescence biosensors for detecting ERRα in bodily fluids have been developed, making large-scale, low-cost detection of ERRα possible. Additionally, targeted inhibitors of ERRs have shown significant effects in suppressing cancer cell proliferation and reversing tumor resistance. This article reviews the research progress of ERRs in tumor resistance, providing important references for developing more effective anti-tumor treatment strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189256"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142916562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chenshuang Dong , Yan Zhao , Yecheng Han , Ming Li , Guiling Wang
{"title":"Targeting glutamine metabolism crosstalk with tumor immune response","authors":"Chenshuang Dong , Yan Zhao , Yecheng Han , Ming Li , Guiling Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189257","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189257","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Glutamine, akin to glucose, is a fundamental nutrient for human physiology. Tumor progression is often accompanied by elevated glutamine consumption, resulting in a disrupted nutritional balance and metabolic reprogramming within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, immune cells, which depend on glutamine for metabolic support, may experience functional impairments and dysregulation. Although the role of glutamine in tumors has been extensively studied, the specific impact of glutamine competition on immune responses, as well as the precise cellular alterations within immune cells, remains incompletely understood. In this review, we summarize the consequences of glutamine deprivation induced by tumor-driven glutamine uptake on immune cells, assessing the underlying mechanisms from the perspective of various components of the immune microenvironment. Additionally, we discuss the potential synergistic effects of glutamine supplementation and immunotherapy, offering insights into future research directions. This review provides compelling evidence for the integration of glutamine metabolism and immunotherapy as a promising strategy in cancer therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189257"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142924182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhengguang Zhang , Haitao Wu , Min Li , Fuqiong Zhou , Yan Huang
{"title":"From natural herbal wisdom to nano innovation: Revolutionizing tumor treatment through intervening in metabolic reprogramming","authors":"Zhengguang Zhang , Haitao Wu , Min Li , Fuqiong Zhou , Yan Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189263","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189263","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, with the deepening understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, metabolic reprogramming has emerged as a pivotal process in cancer initiation, progression, and treatment resistance, gradually paving the way for new avenues in precision oncology. Natural herbal ingredients, characterized by their multi-target engagement, low toxicity, and wide-ranging biological activities, exhibit unique advantages in anti-cancer therapy. Nonetheless, the clinical application of these components has been constrained by issues such as poor solubility, low bioavailability, and inadequate stability when administered through traditional delivery methods. The advent of multifunctional nanoformulations has offered solutions to these challenges, substantially advancing the utilization of natural herbal components in precision therapy targeting tumor metabolic reprogramming. This article provides a comprehensive review of the multidimensional features of cancer metabolic reprogramming and its intricate regulatory network, highlighting the latest advancements in metabolic regulation, targeted delivery, and precision therapy achieved through natural herbs and their multifunctional nanomedicines. It also offers insights into future directions in this field. We are justified in believing that continued breakthroughs in this area will usher in safer and more effective treatment options for cancer patients, heralding a new chapter in cancer therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189263"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142973791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rui Tao , Yichuan Li , Song Gong , Qi Zhang , Zhanyong Zhu
{"title":"Unveiling intricating roles and mechanisms of ferroptosis in melanoma","authors":"Rui Tao , Yichuan Li , Song Gong , Qi Zhang , Zhanyong Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189234","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189234","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Melanoma is a highly invasive malignant tumor originating from melanocytes, with increasing incidence in recent years. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent and non-apoptotic form of programmed cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and reactive oxygen species. Morphologically, ferroptosis exhibits the alteration in cells, such as reduced mitochondrial volume, increased density of bilayer membrane, and a decrease or disappearance of mitochondrial cristae. Ferroptosis has shown tremendous potential and applicability in regulating the development of melanoma. As melanoma progresses, certain biomarkers associated with ferroptosis display characteristic patterns of expression. These changes not only reveal the sensitivity of tumor cells to ferroptosis but also provide potential targets for diagnosis and treatment. Besides, inducing ferroptosis has been well-documented to inhibit the growth of melanoma and enhance the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. Hence, this review emphasizes the roles and regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis in melanoma development, the involved immune regulation, as well as the potential for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. The continuous explorations will endow novel strategies for developing ferroptosis-based therapies for melanoma.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189234"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142792990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muluembet Akele , Matteo Iervolino , Siska Van Belle , Frauke Christ , Zeger Debyser
{"title":"Role of LEDGF/p75 (PSIP1) in oncogenesis. Insights in molecular mechanism and therapeutic potential","authors":"Muluembet Akele , Matteo Iervolino , Siska Van Belle , Frauke Christ , Zeger Debyser","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aberrant gene expression due to dysfunction in proteins involved in transcriptional regulation is a hallmark of tumor development. Indeed, targeting transcriptional regulators represents an emerging approach in cancer therapeutics. Lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75, PSIP1) is a co-transcriptional activator that tethers several proteins to the chromatin. LEDGF/p75 has been implicated in diseases such as HIV infection and KMT2A-rearranged leukemia. Notably, LEDGF/p75 is upregulated in various human cancers including prostate and breast cancer. In this review, we discuss the essential role of LEDGF/p75 in different malignancies and explore its mechanistic contribution to tumorigenesis revealing its potential as a therapeutic target for chemotherapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189248"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142866351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unraveling the tumor microenvironment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through single-cell sequencing: A comprehensive review","authors":"Lingyu Qi, Jiaxin Wang, Songyuan Hou, Siying Liu, Qian Zhang, Shengtao Zhu, Si Liu, Shutian Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly heterogeneous and aggressive malignancy. The progression, invasiveness, and metastatic potential of ESCC are shaped by a multitude of cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME), including tumor cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, as well as fibroblasts and other cell types. Recent advancements in single-cell sequencing technologies have significantly enhanced our comprehension of the diverse landscape of ESCC. Single-cell multi-omics technology, particularly single-cell transcriptome sequencing, have shed light on the expression profiles of individual cells and the molecular characteristics of distinct tumor cell populations. This review summarizes the latest literature on single-cell research in the field of ESCC, aiming to elucidate the heterogeneity of tumor cells, immune cells, and stromal cells at the single-cell level. Furthermore, it explores the impact of cellular interactions within the TME on the progression of ESCC. By compiling a comprehensive overview of single-cell omics research on ESCC, this article aims to enhance our understanding of ESCC diagnosis and treatment by elucidating the intricate interplay within the TME. It explores the cellular composition, spatial arrangement, and functional attributes of the ESCC TME, offering potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for personalized treatment strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189264"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142980755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pankaj Garg , Gargi Singhal , Siddhika Pareek , Prakash Kulkarni , David Horne , Aritro Nath , Ravi Salgia , Sharad S. Singhal
{"title":"Unveiling the potential of gene editing techniques in revolutionizing Cancer treatment: A comprehensive overview","authors":"Pankaj Garg , Gargi Singhal , Siddhika Pareek , Prakash Kulkarni , David Horne , Aritro Nath , Ravi Salgia , Sharad S. Singhal","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189233","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189233","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gene editing techniques have emerged as powerful tools in biomedical research, offering precise manipulation of genetic material with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of gene editing technologies, including CRISPR-Cas systems, base editing, prime editing, and synthetic gene circuits, highlighting their applications and potential in cancer therapy. It discusses the mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of each gene editing approach, emphasizing their transformative impact on targeting oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and drug resistance mechanisms in various cancer types. The review delves into population-level interventions and precision prevention strategies enabled by gene editing technologies, including gene drives, synthetic gene circuits, and precision prevention tools, for controlling cancer-causing genes, targeting pre-cancerous lesions, and implementing personalized preventive measures. Ethical considerations, regulatory challenges, and future directions in gene editing research for cancer treatment are also addressed. This review highlights how gene editing could revolutionize precision medicine by enhancing patient care and advancing cancer treatments with targeted, personalized methods. For these benefits to be fully realized, collaboration among researchers, doctors, regulators, and patient advocates is crucial in fighting cancer and meeting clinical needs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189233"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142788090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yue Yan , Yiting Gong , Xiaohui Liang , Qingyi Xiong, Jiayi Lin, Ye Wu, Lijun Zhang, Hongzhuan Chen, Jinmei Jin, Xin Luan
{"title":"Decoding β-catenin associated protein-protein interactions: Emerging cancer therapeutic opportunities","authors":"Yue Yan , Yiting Gong , Xiaohui Liang , Qingyi Xiong, Jiayi Lin, Ye Wu, Lijun Zhang, Hongzhuan Chen, Jinmei Jin, Xin Luan","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189232","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189232","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The hyperactive Wnt/β-catenin signaling circuit has been proven to be closely related to the progression of various cancers, with β-catenin serving as a central regulator of pro-tumorigenic processes. Preclinical evidences strongly support β-catenin as a promising therapeutic target. However, it has long been considered “undruggable” due to challenges such as the lack of crystal structures for its N- and C-terminal domains, high mutation rates, and limited availability of inhibitors. Notably, the network of β-catenin-associated protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is vital in the progression of multiple diseases. These interactions form a cancer-specific network that participates in all phases of oncogenesis, from cell metastasis to immunosuppressive microenvironment formation. Thus, researches on these PPIs are essential for unraveling the molecular mechanisms behind tumors with aberrant β-catenin activation, as well as for developing new targeted therapies. In this review, we delve into how β-catenin's PPIs orchestrate cancer progression and highlight biological and clinical dilemmas, proposing frontier technologies and potential challenges in targeting β-catenin for cancer therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189232"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142792985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}