Elevated translationally controlled tumour protein promotes oral cancer progression and poor outcome.

BACKGROUND: Translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) is a multifunctional protein elevated in multiple cancers. However, studies on its role in oral carcinogenesis and prognosis are rare. We recently reported the role of its interacting partner, MCL1, in oral cancer progression and outcome. Hence, the present study aimed to assess TCTP expression in oral tumorigenesis and its association with patient outcomes alone and in combination with MCL1. METHODS: TCTP expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting in oral tissues and cells, respectively. Cell viability post siRNA/dihydroartemisinin treatment was analysed by tetrazolium salt assay. Cell survival, invasion and tumorigenic potential post TCTP knockdown were assessed by clonogenic, Matrigel and soft-agar assays, respectively. The association of TCTP with patient outcome was analysed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. RESULTS: TCTP was significantly overexpressed in oral premalignant lesions (p < 0.0001), oral tumours (p < 0.0001) and oral dysplastic and cancer cells versus normal oral mucosa and also in recurrent (p < 0.05) versus non-recurrent oral tumours. Further, elevated TCTP was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with poor recurrence free survival (RFS) and poor overall survival (OS; hazard ratio = 2.29; p < 0.05). Intriguingly, the high co-expression of TCTP and MCL1 further reduced the RFS (p < 0.05) and OS (p < 0.05; hazard-ratio = 3.49; p < 0.05). Additionally, TCTP knockdown decreased survival (p < 0.05), invasion (p < 0.01) and in vitro tumorigenic potential (p < 0.0001). Dihydroartemisinin treatment reduced TCTP levels and viability of oral cancer cells. CONCLUSION: Our studies demonstrate an oncogenic role of TCTP in oral cancer progression and poor outcome. Thus, TCTP may be a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target in oral cancers.

Anti-barnacle biofouling coatings for the protection of marine vessels: synthesis and progress.

Marine biofouling has gnawed both mobile and non-mobile marine structures since time immemorial, leading to the deterioration of designed operational capabilities as well as a loss of valuable economic revenues. Mitigation of biofouling has been the primary focus of researchers and scientists from across the globe to save billions of dollars wasted due to the biological fouling of marine structures. The availability of an appropriate environment along with favorable substrata initiates biofilm formation within a few minutes. The crucial element in establishing a gelatinous biofilm is the excreted metabolites of destructive nature and exopolymeric substances (EPSs). These help in securing as well as signaling numerous foulants to establish themselves on this substrate. The larvae of various benthic invertebrates adhere to these suitable surfaces and transform from juveniles to adult barnacles depending upon the environment. Despite biofouling being characteristically witnessed for a month or lengthier timeframe, the preliminary phases of the fouling process typically transpire on a much lesser timescale. A few natural and synthetic additives had demonstrated excellent non-toxic anti barnacle establishment capability; however, further development into commercial products is still far-fetched. This review collates the specific anti-barnacle coatings, emphasizing natural additives, their sources of extraction, general life cycle analysis, and concluding future perspectives of this niche product.

Elevated USP9X drives early-to-late-stage oral tumorigenesis via stabilisation of anti-apoptotic MCL-1 protein and impacts outcome in oral cancers.

BACKGROUND: Overexpression of anti-apoptotic MCL-1 protein in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is linked to disease progression, therapy resistance and poor outcome. Despite its characteristic short half-life owing to ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation, oral tumours frequently show elevated MCL-1 protein expression. Hence, we investigated the role of deubiquitinase USP9X in stabilising MCL-1 protein and its contribution to oral tumorigenesis. METHODS: Expression of MCL-1 and USP9X was assessed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry in oral cancer cell lines and tissues. The association between MCL-1 and USP9X was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. Cell death assessment was performed by MTT, flow cytometry and clonogenic assays. RESULTS: Both USP9X and MCL-1 are significantly elevated in oral premalignant lesions and oral tumours versus normal mucosa. USP9X interacts with and deubiquitinates MCL-1, thereby stabilising it. Pharmacological inhibition of USP9X potently induced cell death in OSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. The elevated expression of USP9X and MCL-1 correlated with poor prognosis in OSCC patients. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate the oncogenic role of USP9X in driving early-to-late stages of oral tumorigenesis via stabilisation of MCL-1, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in oral cancers.