The Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog ( KRAS ) mutation is one of the most prevalent activating alterations in cancer. It indicates a poor overall prognosis due to its highly invasive nature. Although several KRAS inhibitors have been developed in recent years, a significant clinical challenge has emerged as a substantial proportion of patients eventually develop resistance to these therapies. Therefore, identifying determinants of drug resistance is critical for guiding treatment strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mutation landscape and molecular mechanisms of KRAS activity in various cancers. Meanwhile, it summaries the progress and prospects of small molecule KRAS inhibitors undergoing clinical trials. Furthemore, this review explores potential strategies to overcome drug resistance, with the ultimate goal of steering toward patient-centric precision oncology in the foreseeable future.
Humans ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/metabolism* ; Mutation/genetics* ; Neoplasms/genetics* ; Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use*

Metastasis is a pivotal and intricate process in the progression of malignant tumors,strongly correlating with poor prognosis.Approximately 90%of cancer-related mortality is attributed to metastasis,with the five-year survival rate for patients with metastatic solid tumors ranging from 5%to 30%.Consequently,a comprehensive understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms driving metastasis is essential for unraveling its core processes and developing novel therapeutic strategies.The metastatic cascade involves tumor cells navigating numerous biological barriers,including detachment from the primary tumor,invasion of blood vessels or lymphatics,survival in circulation,extravasation into distant organs and subsequent adaptation to the microenvironment.To surmount these challenges,tumor cells undergo phenotypic changes,genetic mutations and dysregulating signaling pathways.Additionally,microenvironmental factors(such as angiogenesis,matrix remodeling and immune evasion)play a critical role,orchestrating the initiation and growth of metastatic lesions in an interdependent manner.Organ-specific metastasis,a distinct subset of metastasis,involves dynamic bidirectional interactions between tumor cells and the microenvironment of target organs.These interactions determine the selectivity of metastatic spread and drive the adaptive evolution of both the tumor and the organ,which encompasses multiple layers of cellular interactions,including cell-cell and cell-matrix signaling.Tumor cell mutations,the release of specific signaling molecules,the capacity to withstand circulatory pressures,and signaling exchanges with target organs collectively govern the selective nature of organ-specific metastasis.Furthermore,factors intrinsic to the target organ-such as its regenerative potential,metabolic profile,immune surveillance mechanisms and matrix stiffness-further facilitate the adaptive remodeling of metastatic cells within these environments.Thus,the bidirectional selection and adaptation between tumor cells and target organs form a dynamic,complex system that reshapes our understanding of metastatic tumor development.While current research emphasizes shared biological features in metastasis,the successful formation of metastatic tumors depends not only on these common mechanisms but also on the unique characteristics governing organ-specific metastasis.The interplay between generalizable and organ-specific mechanisms profoundly influences the metastatic outcome.This review aimed to consolidate our current knowledge of these shared and distinct processes,analyze the evolving understanding of the bidirectional selection between tumor cells and target organs,and assess the current status of metastatic risk prediction models for patients without metastasis.Furthermore,the paper discussed the challenges and opportunities in managing advanced-stage metastatic tumors,offering new insights and potential clinical strategies to improve prognosis and treatment outcomes.

Metastasis is a pivotal and intricate process in the progression of malignant tumors,strongly correlating with poor prognosis.Approximately 90%of cancer-related mortality is attributed to metastasis,with the five-year survival rate for patients with metastatic solid tumors ranging from 5%to 30%.Consequently,a comprehensive understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms driving metastasis is essential for unraveling its core processes and developing novel therapeutic strategies.The metastatic cascade involves tumor cells navigating numerous biological barriers,including detachment from the primary tumor,invasion of blood vessels or lymphatics,survival in circulation,extravasation into distant organs and subsequent adaptation to the microenvironment.To surmount these challenges,tumor cells undergo phenotypic changes,genetic mutations and dysregulating signaling pathways.Additionally,microenvironmental factors(such as angiogenesis,matrix remodeling and immune evasion)play a critical role,orchestrating the initiation and growth of metastatic lesions in an interdependent manner.Organ-specific metastasis,a distinct subset of metastasis,involves dynamic bidirectional interactions between tumor cells and the microenvironment of target organs.These interactions determine the selectivity of metastatic spread and drive the adaptive evolution of both the tumor and the organ,which encompasses multiple layers of cellular interactions,including cell-cell and cell-matrix signaling.Tumor cell mutations,the release of specific signaling molecules,the capacity to withstand circulatory pressures,and signaling exchanges with target organs collectively govern the selective nature of organ-specific metastasis.Furthermore,factors intrinsic to the target organ-such as its regenerative potential,metabolic profile,immune surveillance mechanisms and matrix stiffness-further facilitate the adaptive remodeling of metastatic cells within these environments.Thus,the bidirectional selection and adaptation between tumor cells and target organs form a dynamic,complex system that reshapes our understanding of metastatic tumor development.While current research emphasizes shared biological features in metastasis,the successful formation of metastatic tumors depends not only on these common mechanisms but also on the unique characteristics governing organ-specific metastasis.The interplay between generalizable and organ-specific mechanisms profoundly influences the metastatic outcome.This review aimed to consolidate our current knowledge of these shared and distinct processes,analyze the evolving understanding of the bidirectional selection between tumor cells and target organs,and assess the current status of metastatic risk prediction models for patients without metastasis.Furthermore,the paper discussed the challenges and opportunities in managing advanced-stage metastatic tumors,offering new insights and potential clinical strategies to improve prognosis and treatment outcomes.

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in cadmium (Cd)-induced myocardial injury. Mitsugumin 53 (MG53) and its mediated reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) pathway have been demonstrated to be closely related to myocardial oxidative damage. Potentilla anserina L. polysaccharide (PAP) is a polysaccharide with antioxidant capacity, which exerts protective effect on Cd-induced damage. However, it remains unknown whether PAP can prevent and treat Cd-induced cardiomyocyte damages. The present study was desgined to explore the effect of PAP on Cd-induced damage in H9c2 cells based on MG53 and the mediated RISK pathway. For in vitro evaluation, cell viability and apoptosis rate were analyzed by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Furthermore, oxidative stress was assessed by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining and using superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) kits. The mitochondrial function was measured by JC-10 staining and ATP detection assay. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of proteins related to MG53, the RISK pathway, and apoptosis. The results indicated that Cd increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H9c2 cells. Cd decreased the activities of SOD and CAT and the ratio of GSH/GSSG, resulting in decreases in cell viability and increases in apoptosis. Interestingly, PAP reversed Cd-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, Cd reduced the expression of MG53 in H9c2 cells and inhibited the RISK pathway, which was mediated by decreasing the ratio of p-Akt^Ser473/Akt, p-GSK3β^Ser9/GSK3β and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2. In addition, Cd impaired mitochondrial function, which involved a reduction in ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and an increase in the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, cytoplasmic cytochrome c/mitochondrial cytochrome c, and Cleaved-Caspase 3/Pro-Caspase 3. Importantly, PAP alleviated Cd-induced MG53 reduction, activated the RISK pathway, and reduced mitochondrial damage. Interestingly, knockdown of MG53 or inhibition of the RISK pathway attenuated the protective effect of PAP in Cd-induced H9c2 cells. In sum, PAP reduces Cd-induced damage in H9c2 cells, which is mediated by increasing MG53 expression and activating the RISK pathway.
Cadmium/metabolism* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Potentilla/metabolism* ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta/pharmacology* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Cytochromes c/metabolism* ; Glutathione Disulfide/pharmacology* ; Oxidative Stress ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Reperfusion Injury/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Polysaccharides/pharmacology* ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism*

Pine pollen is a kind of Chinese materia medica with the homology of medicine and food, rich in a variety of nutrients and bioactive ingredients. It has the efficacy of hemostasis by convergence and eliminating dampness and astringing sores. Research showed that pine pollen is able to protect certain organs, regulate metabolism, enhance immunity and resist antioxidation and aging. This article reviewed pine pollen related research from the aspects of main components, pharmacological effects and clinical application, in order to provide references for further study and development and utilization.

As a common Tibetan medicine, Potentilla anserine L. is a kind of important Chinese materia medica, which is mainly distributed in Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet Provinces. As the active constituent from Potentilla anserine L., potentilla anserine polysaccharide has received initial research by researchers in abroad and at home. It is suggested that potentilla anserine polysaccharide exhibits various functions including antioxidation, anti-aging, immunoregulation, inhibiting bacteria and anti-diabetic. This article reviewed the research on extraction, purification and bioactivities of potentilla anserine polysaccharide, which is expected to provide ideas for the further study and research and development.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of non-Saccharomyces albicans metabolic products on the cell cycle distribution and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell ECV304 cells in vitro.

METHODSThe parallel dilution supernatant of Saccharomyces tropicalis, Saccharomyces krusei and Saccharomyces glabrata were prepared, and 1, 4, 16-fold(s) diluted concentration and control group were set up. The line of human umbilical vein endothelial cell ECV304 was cultured in vitro and treated by non-Saccharomyces albicans supernatant. The proliferous effect of ECV304 induced by non-Saccharomyces albicans supernatant after 24, 48, 72 h was detected by the methods of MTT, and the changes of cell density and cycle after 48 h were investigated by inverted microscope and flow cytometry.

RESULTSAt the 24th hour, all of the higher concentration (1-fold) of non-Saccharomyces albicans supernatant and the 4-folds diluted Saccharomyces krusei could promote ECV304 proliferation(P < 0.05). After adding various non-Saccharomyces albicans supernatant at 48h and 72th hour, Saccharomyces krusei supernatant and Saccharomyces glabrata supernatant significantly increased proliferation rate of ECV304, while Saccharomyces tropicalis supernatant group showed no significant change no matter which concentration was tested. At 48th hour after adding the non-Saccharomyces albicans supernatant, the ECV304 cells density treated by Saccharomyces krusei supernatant and Saccharomyces glabrata supernatant were significantly higher under the inverted microscope. The G0/G1 population of ECV304 cells decreased while cell proliferation index (PI) increased after incubated with Saccharomyces krusei supernatant and Saccharomyces glabrata supernatant for 48 hours (P < 0.05). Saccharomyces tropicalis group showed no significant change (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe metabolic products of Sacharoymces krusei and Saccharomyces glabrata could induce proliferation of ECV304 cell, which suggests non-Saccharomyces albicans should be undergone more attention clinically in detection and treatment.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) on the proliferation and cell cycle distribution of human tongue cancer cells (Tca8113 cells).

METHODSIn vitro cultivated human Tca8113 cells were treated by L. acidophilus supernatant, inactivated bacilli, cell free extracts and normal culture medium respectively, which were 1, 4, 16-fold(s) dilutelly, to investigate the proliferous effects of Tca8113 cells using of inverted microscope, cell counting, sulforhodamine B (SRB) and flow cytometry. The free radicals and Ca2+ in Tca8113 cells were also studied by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM).

RESULTSAt the 48th hour after adding different L. acidophilus components, the Tca8113 cells changed in shape from the diamond-like, polygonal and slabs into the elongated form. In the condition of different times and different culture concentrations, the proliferation of Tca8113 cells was significantly inhibited by L. acidophilus components, which enhanced as the time prolonged and the concentrations of each L. acidophilus components increased according to the cell counting and the SRB experimental analysis. The cell proliferation index (CPI) was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The free radicals and Ca2+ in Tca8113 cells under the effect of each L. acidophilus components for 48 h indicated an obviously rising (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONL. acidophilus restrains the proliferation of Tca8113 cells, which might be due to the increase in quantity of free radicals and Ca2+ in Tca8113 cells, and might be resulted from the release of metabolic products of L. acidophilus.

Objective To investigate the protective effects of aspirin on hypoxic brain neural cells of rat and the effects of extracellular calcium on the neuroprotective effect of aspirin. Methods The hypoxic cell model was established by adding Na_2S_2O_4 to the calcium or calcium free medium. Cultured primary cortical neurons of rat were pretreated with ASA in vitro. The change of intracellular free calcium and neuroglobin (NGB) were observed and analyzed by laser scanning confocal microscope. Results The expression level of [Ca~(2+)] i and NGB increased significantly in the chemical hypoxia group ( P < 0. 05 ). ASA can attenuate the increase of [ Ca~(2+) ] i and NGB in the hypoxic group and calcium-free hypoxia group(P <0. 05). Conclusion Aspirin can inhibit calcium overload and the hypoxia-induced expression of NGB, so protect rat brain cells against hypoxia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Fuzheng Yiliu Granules (FZYLG) on apoptotic rate and mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta psi m) of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line H22 from mice. METHODS: Forty-eight mice inoculated with H22 cells were randomly divided into four groups: untreated group, cyclophosphamide-treated group, high-dose FZYLG-treated group and low-dose FZYLG-treated group. After 14 days of corresponding treatment, H22 cells in each group were stained with propidium iodide, and the apoptotic rates were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The rhodamine 123 was used as a fluorescence probe to label the H22 cells, and the fluorescence intensities were observed with laser scanning confocal microscope. The fluorescence intensity of H22 cells indicated the Delta psi m of H22 cells. RESULTS: FZYLG could significantly increase the apoptotic rate while reduce the Delta psi m of H22 cells from mice as compared with those in the untreated group. CONCLUSION: The antitumor effects of FZYLR on H22 cells from mice are related to decreasing the Delta psi m and then inducing the apoptosis of the H22 cells.