DriverDBv4: a multi-omics integration database for cancer driver gene research.

Advancements in high-throughput technology offer researchers an extensive range of multi-omics data that provide deep insights into the complex landscape of cancer biology. However, traditional statistical models and databases are inadequate to interpret these high-dimensional data within a multi-omics framework. To address this limitation, we introduce DriverDBv4, an updated iteration of the DriverDB cancer driver gene database (http://driverdb.bioinfomics.org/). This updated version offers several significant enhancements: (i) an increase in the number of cohorts from 33 to 70, encompassing approximately 24 000 samples; (ii) inclusion of proteomics data, augmenting the existing types of omics data and thus expanding the analytical scope; (iii) implementation of multiple multi-omics algorithms for identification of cancer drivers; (iv) new visualization features designed to succinctly summarize high-context data and redesigned existing sections to accommodate the increased volume of datasets and (v) two new functions in Customized Analysis, specifically designed for multi-omics driver identification and subgroup expression analysis. DriverDBv4 facilitates comprehensive interpretation of multi-omics data across diverse cancer types, thereby enriching the understanding of cancer heterogeneity and aiding in the development of personalized clinical approaches. The database is designed to foster a more nuanced understanding of the multi-faceted nature of cancer.

LipidSig: a web-based tool for lipidomic data analysis.

With the continuing rise of lipidomic studies, there is an urgent need for a useful and comprehensive tool to facilitate lipidomic data analysis. The most important features making lipids different from general metabolites are their various characteristics, including their lipid classes, double bonds, chain lengths, etc. Based on these characteristics, lipid species can be classified into different categories and, more interestingly, exert specific biological functions in a group. In an effort to simplify lipidomic analysis workflows and enhance the exploration of lipid characteristics, we have developed a highly flexible and user-friendly web server called LipidSig. It consists of five sections, namely, Profiling, Differential Expression, Correlation, Network and Machine Learning, and evaluates lipid effects on cellular or disease phenotypes. One of the specialties of LipidSig is the conversion between lipid species and characteristics according to a user-defined characteristics table. This function allows for efficient data mining for both individual lipids and subgroups of characteristics. To expand the server's practical utility, we also provide analyses focusing on fatty acid properties and multiple characteristics. In summary, LipidSig is expected to help users identify significant lipid-related features and to advance the field of lipid biology. The LipidSig webserver is freely available at http://chenglab.cmu.edu.tw/lipidsig.

DriverDBv3: a multi-omics database for cancer driver gene research.

An integrative multi-omics database is needed urgently, because focusing only on analysis of one-dimensional data falls far short of providing an understanding of cancer. Previously, we presented DriverDB, a cancer driver gene database that applies published bioinformatics algorithms to identify driver genes/mutations. The updated DriverDBv3 database (http://ngs.ym.edu.tw/driverdb) is designed to interpret cancer omics' sophisticated information with concise data visualization. To offer diverse insights into molecular dysregulation/dysfunction events, we incorporated computational tools to define CNV and methylation drivers. Further, four new features, CNV, Methylation, Survival, and miRNA, allow users to explore the relations from two perspectives in the 'Cancer' and 'Gene' sections. The 'Survival' panel offers not only significant survival genes, but gene pairs synergistic effects determine. A fresh function, 'Survival Analysis' in 'Customized-analysis,' allows users to investigate the co-occurring events in user-defined gene(s) by mutation status or by expression in a specific patient group. Moreover, we redesigned the web interface and provided interactive figures to interpret cancer omics' sophisticated information, and also constructed a Summary panel in the 'Cancer' and 'Gene' sections to visualize the features on multi-omics levels concisely. DriverDBv3 seeks to improve the study of integrative cancer omics data by identifying driver genes and contributes to cancer biology.

Monte Carlo Simulation of Double-Strand Break Induction and Conversion after Ultrasoft X-rays Irradiation.

This paper estimates the yields of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by ultrasoft X-rays and uses the DSB yields and the repair outcomes to evaluate the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of ultrasoft X-rays. We simulated the yields of DSB induction and predicted them in the presence and absence of oxygen, using a Monte Carlo damage simulation (MCDS) software, to calculate the RBE. Monte Carlo excision repair (MCER) simulations were also performed to calculate the repair outcomes (correct repairs, mutations, and DSB conversions). Compared to 60Co γ-rays, the RBE values for ultrasoft X-rays (titanium K-shell, aluminum K-shell, copper L-shell, and carbon K-shell) for DSB induction were respectively 1.3, 1.9, 2.3, and 2.6 under aerobic conditions and 1.3, 2.1, 2.5, and 2.9 under a hypoxic condition (2% O2). The RBE values for enzymatic DSBs were 1.6, 2.1, 2.3, and 2.4, respectively, indicating that the enzymatic DSB yields are comparable to the yields of DSB induction. The synergistic effects of DSB induction and enzymatic DSB formation further facilitate cell killing and the advantage in cancer treatment.

Local Interleukin-12 Treatment Enhances the Efficacy of Radiation Therapy by Overcoming Radiation-Induced Immune Suppression.

Radiation therapy (RT) recruits myeloid cells, leading to an immunosuppressive microenvironment that impedes its efficacy against tumors. Combination of immunotherapy with RT is a potential approach to reversing the immunosuppressive condition and enhancing tumor control after RT. This study aimed to assess the effects of local interleukin-12 (IL-12) therapy on improving the efficacy of RT in a murine prostate cancer model. Combined treatment effectively shrunk the radioresistant tumors by inducing a T helper-1 immune response and influx of CD8+ T cells. It also delayed the radiation-induced vascular damage accompanied by increased α-smooth muscle actin-positive pericyte coverage and blood perfusion. Moreover, RT significantly reduced the IL-12-induced levels of alanine aminotransferase in blood. However, it did not further improve the IL-12-induced anti-tumor effect on distant tumors. Upregulated expression of T-cell exhaustion-associated genes was found in tumors treated with IL-12 only and combined treatment, suggesting that T-cell exhaustion is potentially correlated with tumor relapse in combined treatment. In conclusion, this study illustrated that combination of radiation and local IL-12 therapy enhanced the host immune response and promoted vascular maturation and function. Furthermore, combination treatment was associated with less systemic toxicity than IL-12 alone, providing a potential option for tumor therapy in clinical settings.

Radiation-Induced Metabolic Shifts in the Hepatic Parenchyma: Findings from 18F-FDG PET Imaging and Tissue NMR Metabolomics in a Mouse Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: By taking advantage of 18F-FDG PET imaging and tissue nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics, we examined the dynamic metabolic alterations induced by liver irradiation in a mouse model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: After orthotopic implantation with the mouse liver cancer BNL cells in the right hepatic lobe, animals were divided into two experimental groups. The first received irradiation (RT) at 15 Gy, while the second (no-RT) did not. Intergroup comparisons over time were performed, in terms of 18F-FDG PET findings, NMR metabolomics results, and the expression of genes involved in inflammation and glucose metabolism. RESULTS: As of day one post-irradiation, mice in the RT group showed an increased 18F-FDG uptake in the right liver parenchyma compared with the no-RT group. However, the difference reached statistical significance only on the third post-irradiation day. NMR metabolomics revealed that glucose concentrations peaked on day one post-irradiation both, in the right and left lobes-the latter reflecting a bystander effect. Increased pyruvate and glutamate levels were also evident in the right liver on the third post-irradiation day. The expression levels of the glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1) genes were down-regulated on the first and third post-irradiation days, respectively. Therefore, liver irradiation was associated with a metabolic shift from an impaired gluconeogenesis to an enhanced glycolysis from the first to the third post-irradiation day. CONCLUSION: Radiation-induced metabolic alterations in the liver parenchyma occur as early as the first post-irradiation day and show dynamic changes over time.

Diffusion-weighted MRI and 18F-FDG PET correlation with immunity in early radiotherapy response in BNL hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model: timeline validation.

PURPOSE: Imaging probes/biomarkers that are correlated with molecular or microenvironmental alterations in tumors have been used not only in diagnosing cancer but also in assessing the efficacy of cancer treatment. We evaluated the early response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to radiation treatment using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). METHODS: Orthotopic HCC tumors were established in the right liver lobe of Balb/c mice. Mice were longitudinally scanned using T2-weighted/DW MRI and 18F-FDG PET 1 day before and on days 1, 3, 6, 9 and 13 after irradiation with 15 Gy to the right liver lobe to determine tumor size, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and maximum standardized uptake value. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to validate the tumor microenvironment. RESULTS: Irradiation markedly retarded tumor growth in the orthotopic HCC model and led to increaes in ADC values as early as on day 1 after irradiation. Irradiation also resulted in increases in 18F-FDG uptake on day 1 that were sustained until the end of the observation period. IHC staining revealed a decrease in the number of proliferative cells and a continuous macrophage influx into irradiated tumors, which dramatically altered the tumor microenvironment. Lastly, in vitro coculture of HCC cells and macrophages led to interaction between the cells and enhanced the cellular uptake of 18F-FDG. CONCLUSION: ADC values and 18F-FDG uptake measured using DW MRI and 18F-FDG PET serve as potential biomarkers for early assessment of HCC tumor responses to radiation therapy.

New Digital Plug and Imaging Sensor for a Proton Therapy Monitoring System Based on Positron Emission Tomography.

One of the most challenging areas of sensor development for nuclear medicine is the design of proton therapy monitoring systems. Sensors are operated in a high detection rate regime in beam-on conditions. We realized a prototype of a monitoring system for proton therapy based on the technique of positron emission tomography. We used the Plug and Imaging (P&I) technology in this application. This sensing system includes LYSO/silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) detection elements, fast digital multi voltage threshold (MVT) readout electronics and dedicated image reconstruction algorithms. In this paper, we show that the P&I sensor system has a uniform response and is controllable in the experimental conditions of the proton therapy room. The prototype of PET monitoring device based on the P&I sensor system has an intrinsic experimental spatial resolution of approximately 3 mm (FWHM), obtained operating the prototype both during the beam irradiation and right after it. The count-rate performance of the P&I sensor approaches 5 Mcps and allows the collection of relevant statistics for the nuclide analysis. The measurement of both the half life and the relative abundance of the positron emitters generated in the target volume through irradiation of 10 10 protons in approximately 15 s is performed with 0.5% and 5 % accuracy, respectively.

Dual roles of tumour cells-derived matrix metalloproteinase 2 on brain tumour growth and invasion.

BACKGROUND: A previous study on a murine astrocytoma cell-line ALTS1C1 showed a highly invasive pattern similar to clinical anaplastic astrocytoma in vivo. This cell-line also expressed a high level of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). This study aimed to verify the role of MMP2 in brain tumour progression. METHODS: ALTS1C1 and MMP2 knockdown (MMP2kd) cells were inoculated intracranially, and tumour microenvironment was assessed by immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: MMP2 expression was co-localised with CD31-positive cells at invading the tumour front and correlated with an invasive marker GLUT-1. The suppression of MMP2 expression prolonged the survival of tumour-bearing mice associated with tumours having smoother tumour margins, decreased Ki67-proliferating index, and down-regulated GLUT-1 antigen. Although the reduction of MMP2 expression did not alter the vessel density in comparison to parental ALTS1C1 tumours, vessels in MMP2kd tumours were less functional, as evidenced by the low ratio of pericyte coverage and reduction in Hoechst33342 dye perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrated that tumour-derived MMP2 has at least two roles in tumour malignancy; to enhance tumour invasiveness by degrading the extracellular matrix and to enhance tumour growth by promoting vessel maturation and function.

Diffusion radiomics analysis of intratumoral heterogeneity in a murine prostate cancer model following radiotherapy: Pixelwise correlation with histology.

PURPOSE: To investigate the biological meaning of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in tumors following radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five mice bearing TRAMP-C1 tumor were half-irradiated with a dose of 15 Gy. Diffusion-weighted images, using multiple b-values from 0 to 3000 s/mm2 , were acquired at 7T on day 6. ADC values calculated by a two-point estimate and monoexponential fitting of signal decay were compared between the irradiated and nonirradiated regions of the tumor. Pixelwise ADC maps were correlated with histological metrics including nuclear counts, nuclear sizes, nuclear spaces, cytoplasmic spaces, and extracellular spaces. RESULTS: As compared with the nonirradiated region, the irradiated region exhibited significant increases in ADC, extracellular space, and nuclear size, and a significant decrease in nuclear counts (P < 0.001 for all). Optimal ADC to differentiate the irradiated from nonirradiated regions was achieved at a b-value of 800 s/mm2 by the two-point method and monoexponential curve fitting. ADC positively correlated with extracellular spaces (r = 0.74) and nuclear sizes (r = 0.72), and negatively correlated with nuclear counts (r = -0.82, P < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION: As a radiomic biomarker, ADC maps correlating with histological metrics pixelwise could be a means of evaluating tumor heterogeneity and responses to radiotherapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:483-489.

Circulating M-MDSC Levels as an Assessment Marker for Post-Treatment Tumor Progression in Recurrent HNC Patients Following Radiation Therapy: A Case Series.

Background: In advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, 50-60% experience loco-regional relapse and distant metastasis. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has shown remarkable therapeutic response in recurrent HNC, but there is still a 70% chance of local recurrence. This study aimed to identify a suitable liquid biomarker to assess patient response following BNCT. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immune-suppressive cells that inhibit cytotoxic T cells. Circulating MDSC levels have been linked to the clinical stage and prognosis in HNSCC. Methods: Five patients with recurrent head and neck cancer underwent a treatment regimen that commenced with BNCT, followed by fractionated image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT). Liquid biopsy analysis via flow cytometry and tumor volume analysis by clinical imaging were conducted at three stages: before BNCT, before the first fraction of IG-IMRT, and one month after the last fraction of IG-IMRT. Results: Compared to other MDSC subtypes, monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) exhibited a notable correlation with tumor volume. This strong correlation was observed at all testing time points except one month after BNCT treatment. Conclusions: This case series highlights a strong link between tumor size and circulating M-MDSC levels before BNCT and one month after the last IG-IMRT treatment in recurrent head and neck cancer patients. These results suggest that the level of circulating M-MDSCs could be a marker for monitoring tumor progression in recurrent HNC patients following radiation therapy, including BNCT.

Power-Doppler-based NH002 microbubble sonoporation with chemotherapy relieves hypoxia and enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy for pancreatic tumors.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) poses challenges due to late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment response, often attributed to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME). Sonoporation, combining ultrasound and microbubbles, holds promise for enhancing therapy. However, additional preclinical research utilizing commercially available ultrasound equipment for PDAC treatment while delving into the TME's intricacies is necessary. This study investigated the potential of using a clinically available ultrasound system and phase 2-proven microbubbles to relieve tumor hypoxia and enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in a murine PDAC model. This approach enables early PDAC detection and blood-flow-sensitive Power-Doppler sonoporation in combination with chemotherapy. It significantly extended treated mice's median survival compared to chemotherapy alone. Mechanistically, this combination therapy enhanced tumor perfusion and substantially reduced tumor hypoxia (77% and 67%, 1- and 3-days post-treatment). Additionally, cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8) T-cell infiltration increased four-fold afterward. The combined treatment demonstrated a strengthening of the anti-programmed death-ligand 1(αPDL1) therapy against PDAC. Our study illustrates the feasibility of using a clinically available ultrasound system with NH-002 microbubbles for early tumor detection, alleviating hypoxic TME, and improving chemotherapy and immunotherapy. It suggests the development of an adjuvant theragnostic protocol incorporating Power-Doppler sonoporation for pancreatic tumor treatment.

Targeting M-MDSCs enhances the therapeutic effect of BNCT in the 4-NQO-induced murine head and neck squamous cell carcinoma model.

Purpose: Malignant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by a poor prognosis and resistance to conventional radiotherapy. Infiltrating myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) is prominent in HNSCC and is linked to immune suppression and tumor aggressiveness. This study aimed to investigate the impact of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) on the MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment and peripheral blood and to explore the potential for MDSCs depletion combined with BNCT to reactivate antitumor immunity. Methods and materials: Carcinogen, 4-NQO, -induced oral tumors were irradiated with a total physical dose of 2 Gy BNCT in Tsing Hua Open Reactor (THOR). Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry accessed the dynamics of peripheral MDSCs and infiltrated MDSCs within the tumor microenvironment. Mice were injected with an inhibitor of CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R), PLX3397, to determine whether modulating M-MDSCs could affect mice survival after BNCT. Results: Peripheral CD11b+Ly6ChighLy6G- monocytic-MDSCs (M-MDSCs), but not CD11b+Ly6CloLy6Ghigh polymorphonuclear-MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs), increased as tumor progression. After BNCT treatment, there were temporarily decreased and persistent increases of M-MDSCs thereafter, either in peripheral blood or in tumors. The administration of PLX-3397 hindered BNCT-caused M-MDSCs infiltration, prolonged mice survival, and activated tumor immunity by decreasing tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and increasing CD8+ T cells. Conclusion: M-MDSCs were recruited into 4-NQO-induced tumors after BNCT, and their number was also increased in peripheral blood. Assessment of M-MDSCs levels in peripheral blood could be an index to determine the optimal intervention window. Their temporal alteration suggests an association with tumor recurrence after BNCT, making M-MDSCs a potential intervention target. Our preliminary results showed that PLX-3397 had strong M-MDSCs, TAMs, and TIL (tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte) modulating effects that could synergize tumor control when combined with BNCT.

Glycolytic Plasticity of Metastatic Lung Cancer Captured by Noninvasive 18F-FDG PET/CT and Serum 1H-NMR Analysis: An Orthotopic Murine Model Study.

We aim to establish a noninvasive diagnostic platform to capture early phenotypic transformation for metastasis using 18F-FDG PET and 1H-NMR-based serum metabolomics. Mice with implantation of NCI-H460 cells grew only primary lung tumors in the localized group and had both primary and metastatic lung tumors in the metastatic group. The serum metabolites were analyzed using 1H-NMR at the time of PET/CT scan. The glycolysis status and cell proliferation were validated by Western blotting and staining. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SUVmean and serum metabolites in metastasis. In the metastatic mice, the SUVmean of metastatic tumors was significantly higher than that of primary lung tumors in PET images, which was supported by elevated glycolytic protein expression of HK2 and PKM2. The serum pyruvate level in the metastatic group was significantly lower than that in the localized group, corresponding to increased pyruvate-catalyzed enzyme and proliferation rates in metastatic tumors. In diagnosing localized or metastatic tumors, the areas under the ROC curves of SUVmean and pyruvate were 0.92 and 0.91, respectively, with p < 0.05. In conclusion, the combination of 18F-FDG PET and 1H-NMR-based serum metabolomics demonstrated the feasibility of a glycolytic platform for diagnosing metastatic lung cancers.

Gold-Nanoparticles-Enhanced Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Cells at Spread-Out Bragg Peak under Proton Beam Radiation.

This study investigates the radiobiological effects of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as radiosensitizers for proton beam therapy (PBT). Specifically, we explore the enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in GNP-loaded tumor cells irradiated by a 230 MeV proton beam in a spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) zone obtained by a passive scattering system. Our findings indicate that the radiosensitization enhancement factor is 1.24 at 30% cell survival fraction, 8 days after 6 Gy proton beam irradiation. Since protons deposit the majority of their energy at the SOBP region and interact with GNPs to induce more ejected electrons from the high-Z GNPs, these ejected electrons then react with water molecules to produce excessive ROS that can damage cellular organelles. Laser scanning confocal microscopy reveals the excessive ROS induced inside the GNP-loaded cells immediately after proton irradiation. Furthermore, the damage to cytoskeletons and mitochondrial dysfunction in GNP-loaded cells caused by the induced ROS becomes significantly severe, 48 h after proton irradiation. Our biological evidence suggests that the cytotoxicity of GNP-enhanced ROS production has the potential to increase the tumoricidal efficacy of PBT.

Nanodiamonds Doped with Manganese for Applications in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are emerging with great potential in biomedical applications like biomarking through fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), targeted drug delivery, and cancer therapy. The magnetic and optical properties of NDs could be tuned by selective doping. Therefore, we report multifunctional manganese-incorporated NDs (Mn-NDs) fabricated by Mn ion implantation. The fluorescent properties of Mn-NDs were tuned by inducing the defects by ion implantation and enhancing the residual nitrogen vacancy density achieved by a two-step annealing process. The cytotoxicity of Mn-NDs was investigated using NCTC clone 929 cells, and the results revealed no cytotoxicity effect. Mn-NDs have demonstrated dual mode contrast enhancement for both T 1- and T 2-weighted in vitro MR imaging. Furthermore, Mn-NDs have illustrated a significant increase in longitudinal relaxivity (fivefold) and transversal relaxivity (17-fold) compared to the as-received NDs. Mn-NDs are employed to investigate their ability for in vivo MR imaging by intraperitoneal (ip) injection of Mn-NDs into mice with liver tumors. After 2.5 h of ip injection, the enhancement of contrast in T 1- and T 2-weighted images has been observed via the accumulation of Mn-NDs in liver tumors of mice. Therefore, Mn-NDs have great potential for in vivo imaging by MR imaging in cancer therapy.

The Effect of Hypoxia on Relative Biological Effectiveness and Oxygen Enhancement Ratio for Cells Irradiated with Grenz Rays.

Grenz-ray therapy (GT) is commonly used for dermatological radiotherapy and has a higher linear energy transfer, relative biological effectiveness (RBE) and oxygen enhancement ratio (OER). GT is a treatment option for lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma. This study aims to calculate the RBE for DNA double-strand break (DSB) induction and cell survival under hypoxic conditions for GT. The yield of DSBs induced by GT is calculated at the aerobic and hypoxic conditions, using a Monte Carlo damage simulation (MCDS) software. The RBE value for cell survival is calculated using the repair-misrepair-fixation (RMF) model. The RBE values for cell survival for cells irradiated by 15 kV, 10 kV and 10 kVp and titanium K-shell X-rays (4.55 kV) relative to 60Co γ-rays are 1.0-1.6 at the aerobic conditions and moderate hypoxia (2% O2), respectively, but increase to 1.2, 1.4 and 1.9 and 2.1 in conditions of severe hypoxia (0.1% O2). The OER values for DSB induction relative to 60Co γ-rays are about constant and ~2.4 for GT, but the OER for cell survival is 2.8-2.0 as photon energy decreases from 15 kV to 4.55 kV. The results indicate that GT results in more DSB induction and allows effective tumor control for superficial and hypoxic tumors.

Gold Nanoparticles Enhancing Generation of ROS for Cs-137 Radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy is an important modality for the treatment of cancer, e.g., X-ray, Cs-137 γ-ray (peak energy: 662 keV). An important therapy pathway of radiation is to generate the double strand breaks of DNA to prohibit the proliferation of cancer cells. In addition, the excessive amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is induced to damage the organelles, which can cause cellular apoptosis or necrosis. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been proven potential as a radiosensitizer due to the high biocompatibility, the low cytotoxicity and the high-Z property (Z = 79) of gold. The latter property may allow GNPs to induce more secondary electrons for generating ROS in cells as irradiated by high-energy photons. In this paper, the radiobiological effects on A431 cells with uptake of 55-nm GNPs were studied to investigate the GNPs-enhanced production of ROS on these cells as irradiated by Cs-137 γ-ray. The fluorescence-labeling image of laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) shows the excessive expression of ROS in these GNPs-uptake cells after irradiation. And then, the follow-up disruption of cytoskeletons and dysfunction of mitochondria caused by the induced ROS are observed. From the curves of cell survival fraction versus the radiation dose, the radiosensitization enhancement factor of GNPs is 1.29 at a survival fraction of 30%. This demonstrates that the tumoricidal efficacy of Cs-137 radiation can be significantly raised by GNPs. Because of facilitating the production of excessive ROS to damage tumor cells, GNPs are proven to be a prospective radiosensitizer for radiotherapy, particularly for the treatment of certain radioresistant tumor cells. Through this pathway, the tumoricidal efficacy of radiotherapy can be raised.

Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 efficiently reduces radiation-induced liver injury and lipid accumulation through Kruppel-like factor 4 upregulation both in vivo and in vitro.

AIMS: Radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) is the major complication for cancer patients after radiation therapy. We investigated the protective effects of BPC 157 peptide in reducing RILD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were irradiated with a single dose of 12 Gy to induce acute liver injury with or without oral BPC 157. Plasma levels of AST and ALT were determined. In vitro rat liver clone 9 cells and in vivo liver tissues were harvested for MTT assay, TUNEL assay, lipid staining, polypoid cell counts, Western blotting of caspase-3, PCNA, KLF-4 and HIF-2α, and immunocytochemistry for PCNA, KLF-4 and HIF-2α. SiRNAs were used to knockdown KLF-4. KEY FINDINGS: BPC 157 was firstly demonstrated to reduce RILD by decreasing plasma levels of AST and ALT, and inhibiting hydropic degeneration of liver. BPC 157 significantly decreased radiation-induced cell apoptosis, increased PCNA expression, promoted the expression of KLF4, decreased the radiation-induced hepatic lipid accumulation and HIF-2α expression both in mice liver and in clone 9 liver cells. The knockdown of KLF4 abolished the protective effect of BPC 157 on radiation-induced apoptosis and lipid accumulation in clone 9 liver cells, indicating that the protective effect of BPC 157 was mediated by KLF4 in liver cells. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study provided a good model for molecular mechanism underlying the acute RILD. BPC 157, as a stable pentadecapeptide that can be chemically synthesized and purified easily for research, together with its in vivo markedly protective effect made it worth of being investigated for future clinical application for RILD.

Using bioinformatics approaches to identify survival-related oncomiRs as potential targets of miRNA-based treatments for lung adenocarcinoma.

Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common lung cancer subtype. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) regulate the pattern of gene expression in multiple cancer types and have been explored as potential drug development targets. To develop an oncomiR-based panel, we identified miRNA candidates that show differential expression patterns and are relevant to the worse 5-year overall survival outcomes in LUAD patient samples. We further evaluated various combinations of miRNA candidates for association with 5-year overall survival and identified a four-miRNA panel: miR-9-5p, miR-1246, miR-31-3p, and miR-3136-5p. The combination of these four miRNAs outperformed any single miRNA for predicting 5-year overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.47, log-rank p-value = 0.000271). Experiments were performed on lung cancer cell lines and animal models to validate the effects of these miRNAs. The results showed that singly transfected antagomiRs largely inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion, and the combination of all four antagomiRs considerably reduced cell numbers, which is twice as effective as any single miRNA-targeted transfected. The in vivo studies revealed that antagomiR-mediated knockdown of all four miRNAs significantly reduced tumor growth and metastatic ability of lung cancer cells compared to the negative control group. The success of these in vivo and in vitro experiments suggested that these four identified oncomiRs may have therapeutic potential.