1.Preliminary analysis of mRNA m7G modifications in human Adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction.
Ziyan LIU ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Binbin HU ; Shiqi ZHANG ; Yakun LANG ; Yu FAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(2):187-197
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the potential role of mRNA m7G modification in the pathogenesis of human adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG).
METHODS:
Pathological tissue specimens from four AEG patients who underwent surgical treatment at the People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University between 2018 and 2019 were selected. Tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from these patients. RNA was extracted from both tissue types and subjected to m7G methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (m7G-MeRIP-seq) to analyze the patterns of m7G modification, the characteristics of differential m7G modification sites, the differentially expressed mRNA, and the correlation between m7G modification and mRNA expression levels. Differential m7G-modified genes (MSH6, BRCA1, and SOX9) were further validated using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR (MeRIP-qPCR), while the expression of METTL1 and WDR4 genes was examined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University (Ethics No. 20150083).
RESULTS:
m7G-MeRIP-seq analysis revealed that m7G modifications in both AEG and adjacent normal tissues were predominantly located in the GC-rich region surrounding the internal start codon of mRNA. Differential m7G modification sites between the two groups were closely associated with cancer-related genes. mRNA library analysis showed that differentially expressed mRNA were predominantly upregulated in AEG tissues and downregulated in adjacent normal tissues. Cross-analysis indicated that genes with hypermethylation tended to exhibit upregulated expression, while genes with hypomethylation were typically downregulated in AEG tissues. MeRIP-qPCR validation confirmed that the mRNA expression of MSH6, BRCA1, and SOX9 were significantly upregulated in AEG tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues (AEG vs. normal, P < 0.05). RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of METTL1 and WDR4 were also upregulated in AEG tissues (AEG vs. normal, P < 0.000 5).
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that mRNA m7G modification plays a significant role in the development of AEG. Furthermore, proteins as METTL1 and WDR4 may facilitate AEG progression by regulating mRNA m7G modification. These results provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying AEG and may inform future therapeutic strategies for this malignancy.
Humans
;
RNA, Messenger/metabolism*
;
Adenocarcinoma/pathology*
;
Esophagogastric Junction/metabolism*
;
Esophageal Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Female
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
DNA Methylation
;
Methyltransferases/metabolism*
;
Stomach Neoplasms/genetics*
2.Morchella conica, Morchella esculenta and Morchella delicosa Induce Apoptosis in Breast and Colon Cancer Cell Lines via Pro-apoptotic and Anti-apoptotic Regulation.
Faiz UL HAQ ; Muhammad IMRAN ; Sami ULLAH ; Usman AFTAB ; Tasleem AKHTAR ; Asif Haleem KHAN ; Roh ULLAH ; Hasan EJAZ ; Fatema GAFFAR ; Imad KHAN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(10):918-927
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the potential apoptotic mechanisms of 3 Morchella extracts (Morchella conica, Morchella esculenta and Morchella delicosa) on breast and colon cancer cell lines using apoptotic biomarkers.
METHODS:
Human breast cell line (MCF-7) and colon cancer cell line (SW-480) were treated with methanol and ethanol extracts of 3 Morchella species with concentration ranging from 0.0625 to 2 mg/mL. After that their effects on gene expression of apoptosis related markers (pro-apoptotic markers including Bax, caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9, and the antiapoptotic marker including Bcl-2) were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS:
All Morchella extracts reduced breast and colon cancer cells proliferation at half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.02 ±0.01 to 0.68 ±0.30 mg/mL. As expected, all Morchella extracts significantly increased gene expressions of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9 and downregulated the gene expression of Bcl-2 in MCF-7 and SW-480 cell lines (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Morchella extracts demonstrated significant anti-proliferative activity against breast and colon cancer cell lines via an apoptosis induction mechanism. Anticancer activity of Morchella extracts and activation of apoptosis in breast and colon cancer cells suggest that it may be used to develop chemotherapeutic agents against cancer in future.
Humans
;
Apoptosis/genetics*
;
Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects*
;
MCF-7 Cells
;
Ascomycota/chemistry*
3.Probable Molecular Targeting of Inhibitory Effect of Carvacrol-Loaded Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles on Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells.
Pouria KHODAVANDI ; Neda KARAMI ; Alireza KHODAVANDI ; Fahimeh ALIZADEH ; Esmaeel Panahi KOKHDAN ; Ahmad ZAHERI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(4):336-346
OBJECTIVE:
To entrap carvacrol (CAR) in bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (BSANPs) to form CAR-loaded BSANPs (CAR@BSANPs) and to explore the anti-cancer effects in breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7 cells) treated with CAR and CAR@BSANPs.
METHODS:
A desolvation method was used to synthesize BSANPs and CAR@BSANPs. The BSANPs and CAR@BSANPs were characterized by several physicochemical methods, including visual observation, high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography. MCF-7 cells were used and analyzed after 24 h of exposure to CAR and CAR@BSANPs at half-maximal inhibitory concentration. The anti-proliferative, apoptotic, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity as well as gene expression analysis were investigated by the cell viability assay, phase-contrast microscopy, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate assay, Griess-Illosvoy colorimetric assay, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively.
RESULTS:
CAR and CAR@BSANPs showed anti-proliferative, apoptotic, ROS generation, and NO scavenging effects on MCF-7 cells. Expression profile of B-cell lymphoma 2-like 11 (BCL2L11), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), hypoxia inducible factor factor-1α (HIF1A), BCL2L11/apoptosis regulator (BAX), and BCL2L11/Bcl2 homologous antagonist/killer 1 (BAK1) ratios revealed downregulated genes; and BAX, BAK1, and CASP8 were upregulated by CAR and CAR@BSANPs treatment. In vitro anticancer assays of the CAR and CAR@BSANPs showed that CAR@BSANPs demonstrated higher therapeutic efficacy in the MCF-7 cells than CAR.
CONCLUSIONS
CAR and CAR@BSANPs affect gene expression and may subsequently reduce the growth and proliferation of the MCF-7 cells. Molecular targeting of regulatory genes of the MCF-7 cells with CAR and CAR@BSANPs may be an effective therapeutic strategy against breast cancer.
Humans
;
Cymenes
;
Nanoparticles/ultrastructure*
;
MCF-7 Cells
;
Breast Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Serum Albumin, Bovine/chemistry*
;
Monoterpenes/therapeutic use*
;
Adenocarcinoma/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Female
;
Cell Survival/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects*
;
Nitric Oxide/metabolism*
;
Cattle
4.EZH2 promotes malignant biological behavior in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via EMT.
Yuying JING ; Kaige YANG ; Yiting CHENG ; Tianping HUANG ; Sufang CHEN ; Kai CHEN ; Jianming HU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(2):155-166
OBJECTIVES:
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is characterized by complex pathogenesis and poor prognosis. In recent years, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor initiation and progression has attracted increasing attention. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), which is aberrantly expressed in various tumors, may be closely related to the EMT process. This study aims to examine the expression and correlation of EZH2 and EMT markers in ESCC cells and tissues, evaluate the effects of EZH2 knockdown on ESCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and explore how EZH2 contributes to the malignant biological behavior of ESCC.
METHODS:
Bioinformatics analyses were used to assess EZH2 expression levels in ESCC. Small interfering RNA was used to knock down EZH2 in ESCC cell lines EC109 and EC9706. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were evaluated using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing, and Transwell assays. Protein and mRNA expression levels of EZH2, E-cadherin (E-cad), and vimentin (Vim) were detected by Western blotting and real time fluorogenic quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), respectively. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on 70 ESCC tissue samples and 40 paired adjacent normal tissues collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University between 2010 and 2016 to assess the expression of EZH2, E-cad, and Vim, and to analyze their associations with clinicopathological feature and patient prognosis.
RESULTS:
Bioinformatics analysis showed that EZH2 was highly expressed in ESCC (P<0.001), and high EZH2 expression was associated with worse prognosis (P<0.001). CCK-8, wound healing, and Transwell assays demonstrated that EZH2 knockdown significantly suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration of ESCC cells (P<0.001). In addition, Vim expression was significantly reduced, while E-cad expression was significantly increased at both protein and mRNA levels in EZH2-silenced cells (all P<0.05). IHC staining analysis revealed higher expression of EZH2 and Vim and lower expression of E-cad in ESCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that low expression of EZH2 and Vim and high expression of E-cad were associated with longer survival (all P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
EZH2 promotes malignant biological behavior in ESCC by mediating EMT. Elevated EZH2 expression is associated with poor prognosis in ESCC patients.
Humans
;
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/physiology*
;
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma/pathology*
;
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics*
;
Esophageal Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Movement
;
Cadherins/genetics*
;
Vimentin/genetics*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Prognosis
;
RNA, Small Interfering/genetics*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
5.Identification of prognosis-related key genes in hepatocellular carcinoma based on bioinformatics analysis.
Qian XIE ; Yingshan ZHU ; Ge HUANG ; Yue ZHAO
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(2):167-180
OBJECTIVES:
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common primary malignant tumors with the third highest mortality rate worldwide. This study aims to identify key genes associated with hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and provide a theoretical basis for discovering novel prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma.
METHODS:
Hepatocellular carcinoma-related datasets were retrieved from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the GEO2R tool. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), and key genes were identified using Cytoscape software. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer Data Analysis Resource (UALCAN) was used to analyze the expression levels of key genes in normal and hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, as well as their associations with pathological grade, clinical stage, and patient survival. The Human Protein Atlas (THPA) was used to further validate the impact of key genes on overall survival. Expression levels of key genes in the blood of hepatocellular carcinoma patients were evaluated using the expression atlas of blood-based biomarkers in the early diagnosis of cancers (BBCancer).
RESULTS:
A total of 78 DEGs were identified from the GEO database. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that these genes may contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma progression by promoting cell division and regulating protein kinase activity. Sixteen key genes were screened via Cytoscape and validated using UALCAN and THPA. These genes were overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and were associated with disease progression and poor prognosis. Finally, BBCancer analysis showed that ASPM and NCAPG were also elevated in the blood of hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
CONCLUSIONS
This study identified 16 key genes as potential prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma, among which ASPM and NCAPG may serve as promising blood-based markers for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Humans
;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality*
;
Liver Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Prognosis
;
Computational Biology/methods*
;
Protein Interaction Maps/genetics*
;
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Gene Expression Profiling
;
Gene Ontology
;
Databases, Genetic
6.MiR-224-5p regulates chemoresistance in colorectal cancer via Bcl-2-mediated autophagy.
Hui ZHOU ; Meng WU ; Shaihong ZHU ; Yi ZHANG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(2):190-203
OBJECTIVES:
Oxaliplatin (OXA) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are 2 commonly used chemotherapeutic agents for colorectal cancer (CRC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) play crucial roles in the development of chemoresistance in various cancers. However, the role and mechanism of miR-224-5p in regulating CRC chemoresistance remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the function of miR-224-5p in chemoresistant CRC cells and the underlying mechanisms.
METHODS:
CRC datasets GSE28702 and GSE69657 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed miRNAs between drug-sensitive and resistant groups (OXA or 5-FU) were analyzed, and miR-224-5p was identified as the target miRNA. Chemoresistant cell lines HCT15-OXR, HCT15-5-FU, SW480-OXR, and SW480-5-FU were established. Transient transfections were performed using miR-224-5p mimics, inhibitors, and their respective negative controls (control mimic, control inhibitor) in these cell lines. Cells were treated with different concentrations of OXA or 5-FU post-transfection, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. The expression levels of miR-224-5p, LC3, and P62 were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and/or Western blotting. Autophagic flux was assessed using a tandem fluorescent-tagged LC3 reporter assay. TargetScan 8.0, miRTarBase, miRPathDB, and HADb were used to predict B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) as a potential miR-244-5p target, which was further validated by dual-luciferase reporter assays.
RESULTS:
Chemoresistant CRC cells exhibited down-regulated miR-224-5p expression, whereas up-regulation of miR-224-5p enhanced chemotherapy sensitivity. Exposure to OXA or 5-FU significantly increased autophagic activity in chemoresistant CRC cells, which was reversed by miR-224-5p overexpression. Dual-luciferase assays verified Bcl-2 as a direct target of miR-224-5p.
CONCLUSIONS
MiR-224-5p regulates chemoresistance in CRC by modulating autophagy through direct targeting of Bcl-2.
Humans
;
MicroRNAs/physiology*
;
Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics*
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Fluorouracil/pharmacology*
;
Oxaliplatin
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
7.FTO-regulated m6A modification of pri-miR-139 represses papillary thyroid carcinoma metastasis.
Jiale LI ; Ping ZHOU ; Juan DU ; Hongwei SHEN ; Yongfeng ZHAO ; Shanshan YU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(5):815-826
OBJECTIVES:
Increasing detection of low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is associated with overdiagnosis and overtreatment. N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-mediated microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation plays a critical role in tumor metastasis and progression. However, the functional role of m6A-miRNAs in PTC remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of m6A-miR-139-5p expression in PTC, determine its association with PTC metastasis, and evaluate its potential as a diagnostic biomarker for PTC metastasis, thereby providing experimental evidence for precision diagnosis and therapy.
METHODS:
Expression profiles of m6A-miRNAs were compared between the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GSE130512 cohorts to identify metastasis-associated candidates. Clinical specimens from 13 metastasis and 18 non-metastasis PTC patients were analyzed to assess m6A-miR-139-5p expression and its correlation with metastasis. Functional experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) on pri-miR-139 methylation and processing, clarifying its regulatory role in miR-139-5p expression. In TPC-1 cells, MTT assays were performed to evaluate whether miR-139-5p overexpression could counteract FTO-mediated cell proliferation. Transwell invasion assays were used to determine the impact of miR-139-5p on PTC cell invasion, exploring whether it functions through the ZEB1/E-cadherin axis.
RESULTS:
By comparing TCGA and GSE130512 cohorts, it was found that circulating m6A-miR-139-5p could serve as a biological indicator for detecting PTC metastasis. Detection of 13 metastatic and 18 non-metastatic clinical specimens showed that FTO inhibited the processing of pri-miR-139 by reducing its methylation level, leading to the dysregulation of miR-139-5p in PTC (P<0.05). In TPC-1 cells, MTT assay showed that overexpression of miR-139-5p could partially reverse FTO overexpression-mediated cell proliferation (P<0.05). In addition, miR-139-5p inhibited the invasive ability of PTC cells by targeting the ZEB1/E-cadherin axis, while FTO overexpression could partially weaken this inhibitory effect.
CONCLUSIONS
Circulating miR-139-5p can be a potential marker for evaluating PTC metastasis. FTO affects the expression and function of miR-139-5p by regulating m6A modification of pri-miR-139, but its clinical value needs further verification.
Humans
;
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
;
Thyroid Cancer, Papillary/metabolism*
;
Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO/metabolism*
;
Thyroid Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Neoplasm Metastasis
;
Adenosine/genetics*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Female
;
Male
;
Cadherins/metabolism*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1/genetics*
8.O-GlcNAcylated YTHDF2 promotes bladder cancer progression by regulating the tumor suppressor gene PER1 via m6A modification.
Li WANG ; Da REN ; Zeqiang CAI ; Wentao HU ; Yuting CHEN ; Xuan ZHU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(5):827-839
OBJECTIVES:
Bladder cancer is a common malignancy with high incidence and poor prognosis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is widely involved in diverse physiological processes, among which the m6A recognition protein YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein F2 (YTHDF2) plays a crucial role in bladder cancer progression. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification of YTHDF2 regulates its downstream target, period circadian regulator 1 (PER1), thereby promoting bladder cancer cell proliferation.
METHODS:
Expression of YTHDF2 in bladder cancer was predicted using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Twenty paired bladder cancer and adjacent normal tissues were collected at the clinical level. Normal bladder epithelial cells (SV-HUC-1) and bladder cancer cell lines (T24, 5637, EJ-1, SW780, BIU-87) were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry for expression of YTHDF2, PER1, and proliferation-related proteins [proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), minichromosome maintenance complex component 2 (MCM2), Cyclin D1]. YTHDF2 was silenced in 5637 and SW780 cells, and cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and EdU assays. Bioinformatics was used to predict glycosylation sites of YTHDF2, and immunoprecipitation (IP) was performed to detect O-GlcNAc modification levels of YTHDF2 in tissues and cells. Bladder cancer cells were treated with DMSO, OSMI-1 (O-GlcNAc inhibitor), or Thiamet G (O-GlcNAc activator), followed by cycloheximide (CHX), to assess YTHDF2 ubiquitination by IP. YTHDF2 knockdown and Thiamet G treatment were further used to evaluate PER1 mRNA stability, PER1 m6A modification, and cell proliferation. TCGA was used to predict PER1 expression in tissues; SRAMP predicted potential PER1 m6A sites. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) assays measured PER1 m6A modification. Finally, the effects of knocking down YTHDF2 and PER1 on 5637 and SW780 cell proliferation were assessed.
RESULTS:
YTHDF2 expression was significantly upregulated in bladder cancer tissues compared with adjacent tissues (mRNA: 2.5-fold; protein: 2-fold), which O-GlcNAc modification levels increased 3.5-fold (P<0.001). YTHDF2 was upregulated in bladder cancer cell lines, and its knockdown suppressed cell viability (P<0.001), downregulated PCNA, MCM2, and CyclinD1 (all P<0.05), reduced colony numbers 3-fold (P<0.01), and inhibited proliferation. YTHDF2 exhibited elevated O-GlcNAc modification in cancer cells. OSMI-1 reduced YTHDF2 protein stability (P<0.01) and enhanced ubiquitination, while Thiamet G exerted opposite effects (P<0.001). Thiamet G reversed the proliferation-suppressive effects of YTHDF2 knockdown, promoting cell proliferation (P<0.01) and upregulating PCNA, MCM2, and CyclinD1 (all P<0.05). Mechanistically, YTHDF2 targeted PER1 via m6A recognition, promoting PER1 mRNA degradation. Rescue experiments showed that PER1 knockdown reversed the inhibitory effect of YTHDF2 knockdown on cell proliferation, upregulated PCNA, MCM2, and Cyclin D1 (all P<0.05), and promoted bladder cancer cell proliferation (P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
O-GlcNAc modification YTHDF2 promotes bladder cancer development by downregulating the tumor suppressor gene PER1 through m6A-mediated post-transcriptional regulation.
Humans
;
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Disease Progression
;
Acetylglucosamine/metabolism*
;
Adenosine/metabolism*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Genes, Tumor Suppressor
9.Circadian genes CLOCK and BMAL1 in cancer: mechanistic insights and therapeutic strategies.
Yuli SHEN ; Yuqian ZHAO ; Xue SUN ; Guimei JI ; Daqian XU ; Zheng WANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(10):935-948
The circadian clock is a highly conserved timekeeping system in organisms, which maintains physiological homeostasis by precisely regulating periodic fluctuations in gene expression. Substantial clinical and experimental evidence has established a close association between circadian rhythm disruption and the development of various malignancies. Research has revealed characteristic alterations in the circadian gene expression profiles in tumor tissues, primarily manifested as a dysfunction of core clock components (particularly circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) and brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1)) and the widespread dysregulation of their downstream target genes. Notably, CLOCK demonstrates non-canonical oncogenic functions, including epigenetic regulation via histone acetyltransferase activity and the circadian-independent modulation of cancer pathways. This review systematically elaborates on the oncogenic mechanisms mediated by CLOCK/BMAL1, encompassing multidimensional effects such as cell cycle control, DNA damage response, metabolic reprogramming, and tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling. Regarding the therapeutic strategies, we focus on cutting-edge approaches such as chrononutritional interventions, chronopharmacological modulation, and treatment regimen optimization, along with a discussion of future perspectives. The research breakthroughs highlighted in this work not only deepen our understanding of the crucial role of circadian regulation in cancer biology but also provide novel insights for the development of chronotherapeutic oncology, particularly through targeting the non-canonical functions of circadian proteins to develop innovative anti-cancer strategies.
Humans
;
ARNTL Transcription Factors/physiology*
;
Neoplasms/therapy*
;
CLOCK Proteins/physiology*
;
Circadian Clocks/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Circadian Rhythm/genetics*
;
Tumor Microenvironment
;
Epigenesis, Genetic
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
10.Predictive value of NUF2 for prognosis and immunotherapy responses in pan-cancer.
Yaobin WANG ; Liuyan CHEN ; Yiling LUO ; Jiqing SHEN ; Sufang ZHOU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(1):137-149
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the association of NUF2 expression with tumor prognosis and its regulatory role in tumor microenvironment.
METHODS:
We analyzed NUF2 expression, its prognostic value, and is immune-related functions across different cancer types using datasets from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), TCGA, GTEx, CCLE, and TIMER. RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect NUF2 expression in liver cancer cell lines and tissue and blood samples from patients with liver cancer. GO, KEGG, and GSEA analyses were conducted to explore the molecular mechanisms of NUF2 and its related genes, and a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network for NUF2 in liver cancer was constructed.
RESULTS:
NUF2 expression was upregulated in the tumor tissues of 27 cancers and was associated with clinical stages in several cancers. High NUF2 expressions were correlated with poor overall survival, disease-specific survival, progression-free survival, and disease-free survival of cancer patients. NUF2 expression levels were positively correlated with tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, infiltrating immune cells, immune cell marker genes and immune checkpoint genes in different cancers. RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry confirmed that NUF2 expression was upregulated in liver cancer cell lines and tumor tissues and blood samples of liver cancer patients, and was decreased significantly after operation. GO, KEGG and GSEA analyses indicated that NUF2 was involved in chromosome segregation and cell cycle and was associated with glycine, serine and threonine metabolism.
CONCLUSIONS
NUF2 expression is upregulated in 27 cancers and is associated with clinical stage and poor prognosis in some malignancies. NUF2 expression is closely correlated with immune cell infiltration in different cancers, suggesting its potential value for predicting immunotherapy response in these cancers.
Humans
;
Prognosis
;
Immunotherapy
;
Tumor Microenvironment
;
Liver Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics*

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