Crocin enhances the sensitivity to paclitaxel in human breast cancer cells by reducing BIRC5 expression.

Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the first-line chemotherapeutic agents for treating breast cancer. However, PTX resistance remains a major hurdle in breast cancer therapy. Crocin, the main chemical constituent of saffron, shows anti-cancer activity against various types of cancer. However, the effect of crocin on the resistance of PTX in breast cancer is still unknown. CCK-8 and TUNEL assays were employed to detect cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. The targets of crocin were predicted using HERB database and the targets associated with breast cancer were acquired using GEPIA database. The Venn diagram was utilized to identify the common targets between crocin and breast cancer. Baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) expression was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. The correlation between BIRC5 expression and survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier plotter and PrognoScan databases. Our data suggested that crocin aggravated PTX-induced decrease of viability and increase of apoptosis in MCF-7 and MCF-7/PTX cells. BIRC5 was identified as the target of crocin against breast cancer. Crocin inhibited BIRC5 expression in MCF-7 and MCF-7/PTX cells. BIRC5 is overexpressed in breast cancer tissues, as well as PTX-sensitive and PTX-resistant breast cancer cells. BIRC5 expression is related to the poor survival of patients with breast cancer. Depletion of BIRC5 strengthened PTX-induced viability reduction and promotion of apoptosis in MCF-7 and MCF-7/PTX cells. Moreover, BIRC5 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of crocin on PTX resistance in breast cancer cells. In conclusion, crocin enhanced the sensitivity of PTX in breast cancer cells partially through inhibiting BIRC5 expression.

Dynamic localization of the chromosomal passenger complex in trypanosomes is controlled by the orphan kinesins KIN-A and KIN-B.

The chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) is an important regulator of cell division, which shows dynamic subcellular localization throughout mitosis, including kinetochores and the spindle midzone. In traditional model eukaryotes such as yeasts and humans, the CPC consists of the catalytic subunit Aurora B kinase, its activator INCENP, and the localization module proteins Borealin and Survivin. Intriguingly, Aurora B and INCENP as well as their localization pattern are conserved in kinetoplastids, an evolutionarily divergent group of eukaryotes that possess unique kinetochore proteins and lack homologs of Borealin or Survivin. It is not understood how the kinetoplastid CPC assembles nor how it is targeted to its subcellular destinations during the cell cycle. Here, we identify two orphan kinesins, KIN-A and KIN-B, as bona fide CPC proteins in Trypanosoma brucei, the kinetoplastid parasite that causes African sleeping sickness. KIN-A and KIN-B form a scaffold for the assembly of the remaining CPC subunits. We show that the C-terminal unstructured tail of KIN-A interacts with the KKT8 complex at kinetochores, while its N-terminal motor domain promotes CPC translocation to spindle microtubules. Thus, the KIN-A:KIN-B complex constitutes a unique 'two-in-one' CPC localization module, which directs the CPC to kinetochores from S phase until metaphase and to the central spindle in anaphase. Our findings highlight the evolutionary diversity of CPC proteins and raise the possibility that kinesins may have served as the original transport vehicles for Aurora kinases in early eukaryotes.

Comparison of HIF-1α and survivin levels in patients with diabetes and retinopathy of varying severity.

PURPOSE: This study measured serum hypoxia--inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α) and survivin levels in patients with diabetes and investigated their association with the severity of retinopathy. METHODS: This study included 88 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent routine eye examinations. Three groups were created. Group 1 consisted of patients without diabetic retinopathy. Group 2 included patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Group 3 included patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. To measure serum HIF-1α and survivin levels, venous blood samples were collected from patients. RESULTS: The mean HIF-1α levels in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 17.30 ± 2.19, 17.79 ± 2.34, and 14.19 ± 2.94 pg/ml, respectively. Significant differences were detected between groups 1 and 3 (p=0.01) and between groups 2 and 3 (p=0.01). The mean survivin levels in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 42.65 ± 5.37, 54.92 ± 5.55, and 37.46 ± 8.09 pg/ml, respectively. A significant difference was only detected between groups 2 and 3 (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that serum HIF-1α and survivin levels are increased in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy compared to those in patients without diabetic retinopathy.

BIRC5 expression by race, age and clinical factors in breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Survivin/BIRC5 is a proliferation marker that is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer and an attractive therapeutic target. However, BIRC5 has not been well studied among racially diverse populations where aggressive breast cancers are prevalent. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We studied BIRC5 expression in association with clinical and demographic variables and as a predictor of recurrence in 2174 participants in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study (CBCS), a population-based study that oversampled Black (n = 1113) and younger (< 50 years; n = 1137) participants with breast cancer. For comparison, similar analyses were conducted in The Cancer Genome Atlas [TCGA N = 1094, Black (n = 183), younger (n = 295)]. BIRC5 was evaluated as a continuous and categorical variable (highest quartile vs. lower three quartiles). RESULTS: Univariate, continuous BIRC5 expression was higher in breast tumors from Black women relative to non-Black women in both estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-negative tumors and in analyses stratified by stage (i.e., within Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III/IV tumors). Within CBCS and TCGA, BIRC5-high was associated with young age (< 50 years) and Black race, as well as hormone receptor-negative tumors, non-Luminal A PAM50 subtypes, advanced stage, and larger tumors (> 2 cm). Relative to BIRC5-low, BIRC5-high tumors were associated with poor 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) among ER-positive tumors, both in unadjusted models [HR (95% CI): 2.7 (1.6, 4.6)] and after adjustment for age and stage [Adjusted HR (95% CI): 1.87 (1.07, 3.25)]. However, this relationship was not observed among ER-negative tumors [Crude HR (95% CI): 0.7 (0.39, 1.2); Adjusted HR (95% CI): 0.67 (0.37, 1.2)]. CONCLUSION: Black and younger women with breast cancer have a higher burden of BIRC5-high tumors than older and non-Black women. Emerging anti-survivin treatment strategies may be an important future direction for equitable breast cancer outcomes.

The noncanonical function of borealin, a component of chromosome passenger complex, promotes glycolysis via stabilization of survivin in squamous cell carcinoma cells.

The chromosome passenger complex (CPC) is a kinase complex formed by Aurora B, borealin, survivin and inner centromere protein (INCENP). The CPC is active during mitosis and contributes to proper chromosome segregation via the phosphorylation of various substrates. Overexpression of each CPC component has been reported in most cancers. However, its significance remains unclear, as only survivin is known to confer chemoresistance. This study showed that the overexpression of borealin, a CPC component, stabilized survivin protein depending on its interaction with survivin. Unexpectedly, the accumulation of survivin by borealin overexpression did not affect the well-characterized functions of survivin, such as chemoresistance and cell proliferation. Interestingly, the overexpression of borealin promoted lactate production but not the overexpression of the deletion mutant that lacks the ability to bind to survivin. Consistent with these findings, the expression levels of glycolysis-related genes were enhanced in borealin-overexpressing cancer cells. Meanwhile, the overexpression of survivin alone did not promote lactate production. Overall, the accumulation of the borealin-survivin complex promoted glycolysis in squamous cell carcinoma cells. This mechanism may contribute to cancer progression via excessive lactate production.

Derivation of a novel antimicrobial peptide from the Red Sea Brine Pools modified to enhance its anticancer activity against U2OS cells.

Cancer associated drug resistance is a major cause for cancer aggravation, particularly as conventional therapies have presented limited efficiency, low specificity, resulting in long term deleterious side effects. Peptide based drugs have emerged as potential alternative cancer treatment tools due to their selectivity, ease of design and synthesis, safety profile, and low cost of manufacturing. In this study, we utilized the Red Sea metagenomics database, generated during AUC/KAUST Red Sea microbiome project, to derive a viable anticancer peptide (ACP). We generated a set of peptide hits from our library that shared similar composition to ACPs. A peptide with a homeodomain was selected, modified to improve its anticancer properties, verified to maintain high anticancer properties, and processed for further in-silico prediction of structure and function. The peptide's anticancer properties were then assessed in vitro on osteosarcoma U2OS cells, through cytotoxicity assay (MTT assay), scratch-wound healing assay, apoptosis/necrosis detection assay (Annexin/PI assay), RNA expression analysis of Caspase 3, KI67 and Survivin, and protein expression of PARP1. L929 mouse fibroblasts were also assessed for cytotoxicity treatment. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the peptide was also examined on E coli and S. aureus, as sample representative species of the human bacterial microbiome, by examining viability, disk diffusion, morphological assessment, and hemolytic analysis. We observed a dose dependent cytotoxic response from peptide treatment of U2OS, with a higher tolerance in L929s. Wound closure was debilitated in cells exposed to the peptide, while annexin fluorescent imaging suggested peptide treatment caused apoptosis as a major mode of cell death. Caspase 3 gene expression was not altered, while KI67 and Survivin were both downregulated in peptide treated cells. Additionally, PARP-1 protein analysis showed a decrease in expression with peptide exposure. The peptide exhibited minimal antimicrobial activity on critical human microbiome species E. coli and S. aureus, with a low inhibition rate, maintenance of structural morphology and minimal hemolytic impact. These findings suggest our novel peptide displayed preliminary ACP properties against U2OS cells, through limited specificity, while triggering apoptosis as a primary mode of cell death and while having minimal impact on the microbiological species E. coli and S. aureus.

Targeted inhibition of colorectal cancer proliferation: The dual-modulatory role of 2,4-DTBP on anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Survivin proteins.

The anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Survivin, are consistently overexpressed in numerous human malignancies, notably in colorectal cancer. 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound known for its diverse biological activities, including anti-cancer properties. The mechanism behind 2,4-DTBP-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells, specifically regarding Bcl-2 and Survivin, remains to be elucidated. In this study, we employed both in silico and in vitro methodologies to underpin this interaction at the molecular level. Molecular docking demonstrated a substantial binding affinity of 2,4-DTBP towards Bcl-2 (ΔG = -9.8 kcal/mol) and Survivin (ΔG = -5.6 kcal/mol), suggesting a potential inhibitory effect. Further, molecular dynamic simulations complemented by MM-GBSA calculations confirmed the significant binding of 2,4-DTBP with Bcl-2 (dGbind = -54.85 ± 6.79 kcal/mol) and Survivin (dGbind = -32.36 ± 1.29 kcal/mol). In vitro assays using HCT116 colorectal cancer cells revealed that 2,4-DTBP inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in both a dose- and time-dependent manner. Fluorescence imaging and scanning electron microscopy illustrated the classical features associated with apoptosis upon 2,4-DTBP exposure. Cell cycle analysis through flow cytometry highlighted a G1 phase arrest and apoptosis assay demonstrated increased apoptotic cell population. Notably, western blotting results indicated a decreased expression of Bcl-2 and Survivin post-treatment. Considering the cytoprotective roles of Bcl-2 and Survivin through the inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction, our findings of disrupted mitochondrial bioenergetics, characterized by reduced ATP production and oxygen consumption, further accentuate the functional impairment of these proteins. Overall, the integration of in silico and in vitro data suggests that 2,4-DTBP holds promise as a therapeutic agent targeting Bcl-2 and Survivin in colorectal cancer.

CRISPR du-HITI an attractive approach to targeting Long Noncoding RNA HCP5 as inhibitory factor for proliferation of ovarian cancer cell.

This research provides a glimmer of hope that the knockout of HCP5 leads to a therapy response to considerably prolong the life of patients with OC. RT-PCR evaluated the expression of lncRNA HCP5 in the ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 cell line. CRISPR knockout cell lines validated by western blot. Small genomic deletions at the targeted locus were induced. CCK-8 colony formation assays were used to analyze the effect of HCP5 knockout on the proliferation capacity of OVCAR-3 cells. Transwell migration and invasion assayed. Furthermore, the Sphere-formation assay isolated the most aggressive population of cancer stem cells. Bioinformatic analysis showed a significant correlation between lncRNA HCP5 up-regulation and OVCAR-3 cell proliferation. The ChIP technique assesses specific sites of interaction between transcription factors and DNA. Real-time PCR assays explored the relationship between HCP5, Hsa-miR-9-5p, CXCR4, CDH1, caspase-3, p53, bcl2 and survivin. PCR carried out amplification of the 448-bp band for sgRNA1 and sgRNA2 after the use of particular primers for HCP5. the number of breast cancer cells that moved to the bottom chamber reduced considerably after transfection with PX461-sgRNA1/2 vectors compared to the Blank control groups (P < 0.05). MTT assay designated growth curves that showed the rate of OVCAR-3 growth was significantly repressed (***P < 0.001) when compared with control OVCAR-3 cells after HCP5 knockdown. Also, the survival results of W.T cells in 24, 48 and 72 h showed 92%, 87% and 85%, respectively. This is while the cells of the CRISPR/Cas9 group in which LncRNA HCP5 was knocked out had 42% (*P < 0.05), 23%(**P < 0.01) and 14% (**P < 0.01) survival, respectively. The expression levels of caspase-3, Hsa-miR-9-5p, P53 genes in the HCP5 deletion of CRISPR/Cas9 group significantly increased than the W.T. control group; the deletion group showed a considerable reduction in HCP5 expression compared to the blank control group (3.6-fold, p < 0.01). Whereas BCL2, SURVIVIN, CXCR4, CDH1 genes expression markedly increased than in HCP5 knockout cells (5.8-fold, p < 0.05). These results indicate that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated HCP5 disruption on OVCAR-3 cell lines promotes anti-tumor biomarkers, suppressing ovarian cancer progression. Consistent with these results, HCP5 is one of the most critical lnc for the efficient proliferation and migration of OVCAR-3 cell lines.

ABCB1-dependent collateral sensitivity of multidrug-resistant colorectal cancer cells to the survivin inhibitor MX106-4C.

AIMS: To investigate the collateral sensitivity (CS) of ABCB1-positive multidrug resistant (MDR) colorectal cancer cells to the survivin inhibitor MX106-4C and the mechanism. METHODS: Biochemical assays (MTT, ATPase, drug accumulation/efflux, Western blot, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry) and bioinformatic analyses (mRNA-sequencing, reversed-phase protein array) were performed to investigate the hypersensitivity of ABCB1 overexpressing colorectal cancer cells to MX106-4C and the mechanisms. Synergism assay, long-term selection, and 3D tumor spheroid test were used to evaluate the anti-cancer efficacy of MX106-4C. RESULTS: MX106-4C selectively killed ABCB1-positive colorectal cancer cells, which could be reversed by an ABCB1 inhibitor, knockout of ABCB1, or loss-of-function ABCB1 mutation, indicating an ABCB1 expression and function-dependent mechanism. MX106-4C's selective toxicity was associated with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through ABCB1-dependent survivin inhibition and activation on caspases-3/7 as well as modulation on p21-CDK4/6-pRb pathway. MX106-4C had good selectivity against ABCB1-positive colorectal cancer cells and retained this in multicellular tumor spheroids. In addition, MX106-4C could exert a synergistic anti-cancer effect with doxorubicin or re-sensitize ABCB1-positive cancer cells to doxorubicin by reducing ABCB1 expression in the cell population via long-term exposure. CONCLUSIONS: MX106-4C selectively kills ABCB1-positive MDR colorectal cancer cells via a novel ABCB1-dependent survivin inhibition mechanism, providing a clue for designing CS compound as an alternative strategy to overcome ABCB1-mediated colorectal cancer MDR.

Survivin as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis of bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment take on critical significance in preventing and treating bladder cancer. As indicated by numerous studies, survivin can serve as a biomarker of bladder cancer, whereas the results of a wide variety of studies have been controversial. This paper is to assess the accuracy of survivin in the diagnosis of bladder cancer by a meta-analysis. The studies regarding the diagnosis of bladder cancer using survivin were systematically retrieved from the CNKI, WanFang, CBM, VIP, Web of science, cochrane library and pubmed were extracted, and the literature quality was assessed. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 16.0 MP. 2,082 relevant studies were searched, and 40 studies were finally covered for meta-analysis. The pooled specificity and pooled sensitivity of survivin mRNA was 0.95 (95%CI: 0.91, 0.97) and 0.94 (95%CI: 0.88, 0.97). The pooled specificity and pooled sensitivity of survivin protein reached 0.95 (95%CI: 0.90, 0.97) and 0.87 (95%CI: 0.78, 0.92). The pooled positive likelihood ratio, pooled negative likelihood ratio, the area under the curve, and diagnostic odds ratio for survivin mRNA reached 17.7 (95%CI: 10.3, 30.6), 0.07 (95%CI: 0.04, 0.12), 0.98 (95%CI: 0.97, 0.99) and 266 (95%CI: 114, 621), respectively. For survivin protein was 16.4 (95%CI: 7.9, 33.9), 0.14 (95%CI: 0.08, 0.24), 0.97 (95%CI: 0.95, 0.98) and 117 (95%CI: 38, 357), respectively. Survivin takes on great significance in diagnosing bladder cancer. However, due to some limitations in the number and quality of covered studies, this conclusion should be validated through additional higher quality clinical studies.

Combined effects of naringin and doxorubicin on the JAK/STAT signaling pathway reduce the development and spread of breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer therapy options are limited due to its late diagnosis and poor prognosis. Doxorubicin is the fundamental therapy approach for this disease. Because chemotherapy has numerous adverse effects, the scope of the existing research was to appraise the synergetic effect of doxorubicin and naringin and explore the underlying mechanism. The cytotoxicity of doxorubicin and naringin on MCF-7 was monitored. Furthermore, the expression of STAT3 and JAK1 as well as the apoptotic and metastatic related genes (Bax, Bcl-2, Survivin, and VEGF) were conducted by immunoblotting assay and qRT-PCR. In addition, a wound healing test was utilized to appraise the migration and metastasis of MCF-7. Our results revealed that naringin and doxorubicin had a synergetic inhibitory influence on MCF-7 cells growth and migration. The synergetic action of doxorubicin and naringin effectively hindered the expression of STAT3, JAK1, Bcl-2, Survivin, and VEGF, with a boost in the level of Bax compared to cells treated with either doxorubicin or naringin. In conclusion, our findings imply that combining doxorubicin with naringin may be a favorable strategy for inhibiting the growth of breast cancer.

Oxidative tryptamine dimers from Corynebacterium durum directly target survivin to induce AIF-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells.

Accumulating evidence indicates that microbial communities in the human body crucially affect health through the production of chemical messengers. However, the relationship between human microbiota and cancer has been underexplored. As a result of a biochemical investigation of the commensal oral microbe, Corynebacterium durum, we identified the non-enzymatic transformation of tryptamine into an anticancer compound, durumamide A (1). The structure of 1 was determined using LC-MS and NMR data analysis as bis(indolyl)glyoxylamide, which was confirmed using one-pot synthesis and X-ray crystallographic analysis, suggesting that 1 is an oxidative dimer of tryptamine. Compound 1 displayed cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 25 to 35 µM. A drug affinity responsive target stability assay revealed that survivin is the direct target protein responsible for the anticancer effect of 1, which subsequently induces apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF)-mediated apoptosis. Inspired by the chemical structure and bioactivity of 1, a new derivative, durumamide B (2), was synthesized using another indole-based neurotransmitter, serotonin. The anticancer properties of 2 were similar to those of 1; however, it was less active. These findings reinforce the notion of human microbiota-host interplay by showing that 1 is naturally produced from the human microbial metabolite, tryptamine, which protects the host against cancer.

[Efficacy and Safety of Bortezomib or Thalidomide Combined with rhEPO in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and safety of bortezomib or thalidomide combined with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: A total of 80 patients with MM who were treated in the Second People's Hospital of Wuhu from January 2013 to December 2018 were selected as the research subjects, and they were divided into bortezomib group (n=40) and thalidomide group (n=40) by the simple randomization method. The bortezomib group received bortezomib regimen combined with rhEPO therapy, and the thalidomide group was given thalidomide regimen combined with rhEPO therapy, and all patients were treated for 3 courses with every 3 weeks as a course of treatment. The clinical efficacy after 3 courses of treatment, and tumor-related biochemical indicators [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ß2-microglobulin (ß2-MG), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), apoptosis inhibitory protein Survivin], bone marrow-related indicators [serum M-protein, bone marrow plasma cells, hemoglobin (Hb)] and coagulation function indicators [activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), total circulating microparticles (TMPs)] before treatment and after 3 courses of treatment were compared between the two groups of patients. The occurrence of adverse reactions during the treatment in the two groups of patients was recorded. RESULTS: After 3 courses of treatment, the ORR rate of 92.5% in bortezomib group was higher than 90.0% in thalidomide group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P >0.05). The levels of LDH, ß2-MG, VEGF, Survivin, serum M-protein, bone marrow plasma cells, APTT, PT, PAI and TMPs in the two groups after 3 courses of treatment were significantly lower or shorter than those before treatment, and the above indicators in bortezomib group were significantly lower or shorter than those in thalidomide group (P <0.05). After 3 courses of treatment, the expression level of Hb in the two groups was significantly higher than that before treatment, and the Hb level in bortezomib group was significantly higher than that in thalidomide group (P <0.05). During the treatment process, the incidence rates of adverse reactions in bortezomib group were significantly lower than those in thalidomide group (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Thalidomide regimen or bortezomib regimen combined with rhEPO has similar clinical efficacy on MM, but bortezomib regimen combined with rhEPO is more prominent and safer on improving tumor-related biochemical indicators, bone marrow-related indicators and coagulation status in patients with MM.

Photoactivatable CRISPR/Cas12a Sensors for Biomarkers Imaging and Point-of-Care Diagnostics.

In recent years, the CRISPR/Cas12a-based sensing strategy has shown significant potential for specific target detection due to its rapid and sensitive characteristics. However, the "always active" biosensors are often insufficient to manipulate nucleic acid sensing with high spatiotemporal control. It remains crucial to develop nucleic acid sensing devices that can be activated at the desired time and space by a remotely applied stimulus. Here, we integrated photoactivation with the CRISPR/Cas12a system for DNA and RNA detection, aiming to provide high spatiotemporal control for nucleic acid sensing. By rationally designing the target recognition sequence, this photoactivation CRISPR/Cas12a system could recognize HPV16 and survivin, respectively. We combined the lateral flow assay strip test with the CRISPR/Cas12a system to realize the visualization of nucleic acid cleavage signals, displaying potential instant test application capabilities. Additionally, we also successfully realized the temporary control of its fluorescent sensing activity for survivin by photoactivation in vivo, allowing rapid detection of target nucleic acids and avoiding the risk of contamination from premature leaks during storage. Our strategy suggests that the CRISPR/Cas12a platform can be triggered by photoactivation to sense various targets, expanding the technical toolbox for precise biological and medical analysis. This study represents a significant advancement in nucleic acid sensing and has potential applications in disease diagnosis and treatment.

TRAF4 regulates ubiquitination-modulated survivin turnover and confers radioresistance.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common cancer originating in the nasopharynx. Despite continuous improvement in treatment strategies, recurrence or persistence of cancer after radiotherapy is still inevitable, highlighting the need to identify therapeutic resistance factors and develop effective methods for NPC treatment. Herein, we found that TRAF4 is overexpressed in NPC cells and tissues. Knockdown TRAF4 significantly increased the radiosensitivity of NPC cells, possibly by inhibiting the Akt/Wee1/CDK1 axis, thereby suppressing survivin phosphorylation and promoting its degradation by FBXL7. TRAF4 is positively correlated with p-Akt and survivin in NPC tissues. High protein levels of TRAF4 were observed in acquired radioresistant NPC cells, and knockdown of TRAF4 overcomes radioresistant in vitro and the xenograft mouse model. Altogether, our study highlights the TRAF4-survivin axis as a potential therapeutic target for radiosensitization in NPC.

Induced Self-Assembly of Vitamin E-Spermine/siRNA Nanocomplexes via Spermine/Helix Groove-Specific Interaction for Efficient siRNA Delivery and Antitumor Therapy.

Gene therapy has been one of potential strategies for the treatment of different diseases, where efficient and safe gene delivery systems are also extremely in need. Current lipid nanoparticles (LNP) technology highly depends on the packing and condensation of nucleic acids with amine moieties. Here, an attempt to covalently link two natural compounds, spermine and vitamin E, is made to develop self-assembled nucleic acid delivery systems. Among them, the spermine moieties specifically interact with the major groove of siRNA helix through salt bridge interaction, while vitamin E moieties are located around siRNA duplex. Such amphiphilic vitamin E-spermine/siRNA complexes can further self-assemble into nanocomplexes like multiblade wheels. Further studies indicate that these siRNA nanocomplexes with the neutrally charged surface of vitamin E can enter cells via caveolin/lipid raft mediated endocytosis pathway and bypass lysosome trapping. With these self-assembled delivery systems, efficient siRNA delivery is successfully achieved for Eg5 and Survivin gene silencing as well as DNA plasmid delivery. Further in vivo study indicates that VE-Su-Sper/DSPE-PEG2000/siSurvivin self-assembled nanocomplexes can accumulate in cancer cells and gradually release siRNA in tumor tissues and show significant antitumor effect in vivo. The self-assembled delivery system provides a novel strategy for highly efficient siRNA delivery.

Overview of role of survivin in cancer: expression, regulation, functions, and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Survivin holds significant importance as a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family due to its predominant expression in tumours rather than normal terminally differentiated adult tissues. The high expression level of survivin in tumours is closely linked to chemotherapy resistance, heightened tumour recurrence, and increased tumour aggressiveness and serves as a negative prognostic factor for cancer patients. Consequently, survivin has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this review, we delve into the various biological characteristics of survivin in cancers and its pivotal role in maintaining immune system homeostasis. Additionally, we explore different therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting survivin.

Downregulation of PTPRT elevates the expression of survivin and promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase T (PTPRT) is a transmembrane protein that is involved in cell adhesion. We previously found that PTPRT was downregulated in multiple cancer types and the mutation of PTPRT was associated with cancer early metastasis. However, the impacts of PTPRT downregulation on tumour proliferation, invasion, and clinical interventions such as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies remained largely unknown. METHODS: Gene expression data of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were downloaded and used to detect the differential expressed genes between PTPRT-high and PTPRT-low subgroups. Knockdown and overexpress of PTPRT in lung cancer cell lines were performed to explore the function of PTPRT in vitro. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate the expression of cell cycle-related genes. CCK-8 assays, wound-healing migration assay, transwell assay, and colony formation assay were performed to determine the functional impacts of PTPRT on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. KM-plotter was used to explore the significance of selected genes on patient prognosis. RESULTS: PTPRT was found to be downregulated in tumours and lung cancer cell lines compared to normal samples. Cell cycle-related genes (BIRC5, OIP5, and CDCA3, etc.) were specifically upregulated in PTPRT-low lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Modulation of PTPRT expression in LUAD cell lines affected the expression of BIRC5 (survivin) significantly, as well as the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumour cells. In addition, low PTPRT expression level was correlated with worse prognosis of lung cancer and several other cancer types. Furthermore, PTPRT downregulation was associated with elevated tumour mutation burden and tumour neoantigen burden in lung cancer, indicating the potential influence on tumour immunogenicity. CONCLUSION: Our findings uncovered the essential roles of PTPRT in the regulation of proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD, and highlighted the clinical significance of PTPRT downregulation in lung cancer.

Survivin as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of the progression of precancerous lesions to gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is a common cancer developed in a carcinogenesis process from precancerous lesions including chronic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia. Survivin, an inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein, is associated with the initiation and progression of gastric cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression patterns of survivin and its relationship with early diagnosis of gastric cancer in Iranian patients. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, immunoexpression of survivin was investigated on sections obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 38 chronic gastritis, 32 intestinal metaplasia, 20 dysplasia, 28 gastric adenocarcinoma, and 22 controls. RESULTS: Survivin immunoexpression in chronic gastritis was higher than controls, but this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, survivin immunoexpression had a steady significant increase from control and chronic gastritis to intestinal metaplasia to dysplasia to gastric adenocarcinoma (P < 0.05). Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of survivin immunohistochemical test for the diagnosis of gastric cancer were 87.5%, 74.4%, and 0.85, respectively. Males had a significantly higher survivin expression than females (P < 0.001). Also, survivin expression was significantly higher in older patients than in younger ones (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It seems that the steady increase in survivin expression from different precancerous lesions to gastric adenocarcinoma suggests that survivin can be used as a potential biomarker for the prevention and early diagnosis of gastric cancer.