1.Rubioncolin C targets cathepsin D to induce autophagosome accumulation and suppress gastric cancer.
Liang ZHANG ; Jun-Jie CHEN ; Man-Xiang GU ; Yi-Fan ZHONG ; Yuan SI ; Ying LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1267-1275
This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of rubioncolin C(RuC) in inhibiting gastric cancer(GC). AGS and MGC803 cell lines were selected as cellular models. After treating the cells with RuC at different concentrations, the effects of RuC on the proliferation ability of GC cells were assessed using the CCK-8 method, real-time cellular analysis(RTCA), and colony formation assays. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe subcellular structural changes. Immunofluorescence was applied to detect LC3 fluorescent foci. Acridine orange staining was used to evaluate the state of intracellular lysosomes. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3Ⅱ, P62, and lysosomal cathepsin D(CTSD). The SuperPred online tool was used to predict the target proteins that bound to RuC, and molecular docking analysis was conducted to identify the interaction sites between RuC and CTSD. The drug affinity responsive target stability(DARTS) assay was performed to detect the direct binding interaction between RuC and CTSD. The results showed that RuC significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of GC cells at low concentrations, with 24-hour half-maximal inhibitory concentrations(IC_(50)) of 3.422 and 2.697 μmol·L~(-1) for AGS and MGC803 cells, respectively. After 24 hours of treatment with RuC at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 μmol·L~(-1), the colony formation rates for AGS cells were 61.0%±1.5%, 28.0%±0.5%, and 18.2%±0.5%, respectively, while the rates for MGC803 cells were 56.0%±0.5%, 23.3%±1.0%, and 11.8%±1.0%, all of which were significantly reduced. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that RuC promoted an increase in autophagosome formation in GC cells. Immunofluorescence detection showed that LC3 fluorescent foci of GC cells increased with the increase in RuC dose. RuC up-regulated the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3Ⅱ and P62 in GC cells. Acridine orange staining indicated that RuC altered the acidic environment of lysosomes. SuperPred online prediction identified CTSD as a potential target protein of RuC. Western blot analysis revealed that RuC induced the up-regulation of the inactive precursor of CTSD in GC cells. CTSD activity assays indicated that RuC reduced the activity of CTSD. Molecular docking simulations found that RuC bound to the substrate-binding region of CTSD, forming hydrogen bonds with the Tyr205 and Asp231 residues. Microscale thermophoresis and DARTS assays further confirmed that RuC directly bound to CTSD. In summary, RuC inhibits lysosomal activity by targeting and down-regulating the expression of CTSD, thereby inducing autophagosome accumulation in GC cells.
Humans
;
Stomach Neoplasms/enzymology*
;
Cathepsin D/chemistry*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Autophagosomes/metabolism*
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
2.Sialyltransferase ST3GAL1 promotes malignant progression in glioma.
Zihao ZHAO ; Wenjing ZHENG ; Lingling ZHANG ; Wenjie SONG ; Tao WANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(4):308-317
Objective To investigate the clinical relevance and diagnostic or prognostic value of ST3β-galactoside α-2, 3-sialyltransferase 1 (ST3GAL1) in glioma and to confirm its role in promoting malignant phenotypes. Methods Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we analyzed the correlation between ST3GAL1 expression levels in glioma and clinical parameters to evaluate its diagnostic and prognostic value. The impact of ST3GAL1 on malignant phenotypes of glioma cells-including proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and invasion was further validated through ST3GAL1 knockdown experiments. Results The expression level of ST3GAL1 was significantly higher in glioma tissues compared to healthy brain tissues and showed a strong correlation with clinical characteristics of glioma patients. Survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that ST3GAL1 could serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for glioma. Knockdown of ST3GAL1 suppressed proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities of glioma cell lines, and induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest. Conclusion ST3GAL1 promotes malignant phenotypes in glioma and plays a critical role in its malignant progression, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for glioma diagnosis and prognosis.
Humans
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Sialyltransferases/metabolism*
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Glioma/diagnosis*
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Cell Proliferation/genetics*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Brain Neoplasms/enzymology*
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beta-Galactoside alpha-2,3-Sialyltransferase
;
Disease Progression
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Prognosis
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Cell Movement/genetics*
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Apoptosis/genetics*
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Male
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Female
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
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Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism*
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Middle Aged
3.A Case of Multiple Primary Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma with EML4-ALK Fusion Gene Positive.
Yin ZHANG ; Yue HOU ; Tianming ZHANG ; Hong WANG
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(3):230-236
Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), a subtype of neuroendocrine tumors with high proliferative activity, is characterized by strong invasiveness and poor prognosis. This article reports a previously healthy female non-smoker who developed NEC occurring sequentially in different lobes of both lungs. The lesions were pathologically diagnosed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining as large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), respectively. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) performed on both lesions revealed the presence of echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) fusion mutations in both lesions. Notably, the patient achieved a significant therapeutic response to ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeted therapy.
.
Humans
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Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism*
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Female
;
Lung Neoplasms/enzymology*
;
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/pathology*
;
Middle Aged
4.Research Status and Progress of Third-generation EGFR-TKIs in Elderly Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.
Xue CHEN ; Yijia SUN ; Lihong ZHANG ; Bo JIANG
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(5):334-342
For patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring sensitive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, guidelines prioritize the use of third-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), which offer higher objective response rate (ORR), longer progression-free survival (PFS), and better quality of life. However, due to the low proportion of elderly patients enrolled in clinical trials, the existing evidence is insufficient to fully guide clinical practice. This review examines the efficacy and safety differences of third-generation EGFR-TKIs as monotherapy or in combination in the elderly NSCLC by integrating subgroup analyses or pre-specified research objectives from prospective and retrospective studies. The results show that third-generation EGFR-TKIs have comparable efficacy in elderly patients to younger populations and are well-tolerated. Although combination therapies may extend survival time, the associated increased toxicity necessitates careful risk-benefit assessment.
.
Humans
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Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/enzymology*
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Lung Neoplasms/enzymology*
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ErbB Receptors/metabolism*
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Protein Kinase Inhibitors/adverse effects*
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Aged
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Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects*
5.Recent Advances in the Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer with Brigatinib.
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(6):450-459
The discovery of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase gene rearrangement mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has driven continuous advancements in ALK-targeted therapies. The next generation of ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Brigatinib, has demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC, offering clinical benefits in deep response of tumor, treatment of brain metastases patients, quality of life, and long-term survival. This review will provide current advancements and exploratory directions for Brigatinib.
.
Humans
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Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/enzymology*
;
Lung Neoplasms/enzymology*
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Pyrimidines/therapeutic use*
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Organophosphorus Compounds/therapeutic use*
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Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use*
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Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
6.Lung Adenocarcinoma with EGFR Exon 20 H773_V774delinsLM Mutation Sensitive to Furmonertinib: A Case Report.
Rongzhen LI ; Yan XU ; Xiaoxing GAO ; Minjiang CHEN ; Wei ZHONG ; Mengzhao WANG
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(6):477-481
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 mutations represent a rare subset of genetic alterations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Among them, the complex mutation H773_V774delinsLM is exceedingly uncommon, accounting for only 0.2%-1% of all EGFR mutations. It is currently believed that rare EGFR mutations are generally resistant to the first- and second-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Although the third-generation EGFR-TKIs have shown some efficacy in certain rare mutations, clinical evidence regarding their use in NSCLC patients with the H773_V774delinsLM mutation remains sparse, and their efficacy and safety are yet to be clarified. Here, we present the first documented case of a patient with EGFR H773_V774delinsLM-mutant lung adenocarcinoma who experienced remarkable tumor regression following treatment with furmonertinib. This case highlights the potential utility of furmonertinib in treating patients with this rare EGFR mutation and may provide valuable insight into emerging treatment strategies for similarly affected patients.
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Humans
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Adenocarcinoma/genetics*
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Adenocarcinoma of Lung
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ErbB Receptors/genetics*
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Exons/genetics*
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Lung Neoplasms/enzymology*
;
Mutation
;
Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
7.A Case Report of Coexistence of EGFR and ROS-1 Gene Mutations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.
Juan ZHAO ; Jiaofeng YU ; Ye FU ; Yan ZHAO ; Mingli ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(6):482-486
Lung cancer represents one of the most prevalent malignant tumors globally, and its treatment has entered the era of targeted therapy. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation is a common type of genetic mutation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), while c-ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS-1) fusion mutation is a rare mutation site. Currently, there are few case reports on the coexistence of EGFR and ROS-1 gene mutations. This study reports a case of NSCLC with coexisting EGFR and ROS-1 gene mutations, aiming to provide relevant treatment strategies for clinical practice.
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Humans
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Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/enzymology*
;
Lung Neoplasms/enzymology*
;
ErbB Receptors/genetics*
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Mutation
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Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics*
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Female
8.Tanshinone II A Facilitates Chemosensitivity of Osteosarcoma Cells to Cisplatin via Activation of p38 MAPK Pathway.
Da-Ming XIE ; Zhi-Yun LI ; Bing-Kai REN ; Rui GONG ; Dong YANG ; Sheng HUANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(4):326-335
OBJECTIVE:
To examine the mechanism of action of tanshinone II A (Tan II A) in promoting chemosensitization of osteosarcoma cells to cisplatin (DDP).
METHODS:
The effects of different concentrations of Tan II A (0-80 µ mol/L) and DDP (0-2 µ mol/L) on the proliferation of osteosarcoma cell lines (U2R, U2OS, 143B, and HOS) at different times were examined using the cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays. Migration and invasion of U2R and U2OS cells were detected after 24 h treatment with 30 µ mol/L Tan II A, 0.5 µ mol/L DDP alone, and a combination of 10 µ mol/L Tan II A and 0.25 µ mol/L DDP using the transwell assay. After 48 h of treatment of U2R and U2OS cells with predetermined concentrations of each group of drugs, the cell cycle was analyzed using a cell cycle detection kit and flow cytometry. After 48 h treatment, apoptosis of U2R and U2OS cells was detected using annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection kit and flow cytometry. U2R cells were inoculated into the unilateral axilla of nude mice and then the mice were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 nude mice each. The 4 groups were treated with equal volume of Tan II A (15 mg/kg), DDP (3 mg/kg), Tan II A (7.5 mg/kg) + DDP (1.5 mg/kg), and normal saline, respectively. The body weight of the nude mice was weighed, and the tumor volume and weight were measured. Cell-related gene and signaling pathway expression were detected by RNA sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. p38 MAPK signaling pathway proteins and apoptotic protein expressions were detected by Western blot.
RESULTS:
In vitro studies have shown that Tan II A, DDP and the combination of Tan II A and DDP inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. The inhibitory effect was more pronounced in the Tan II A and DDP combined treatment group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Osteosarcoma cells underwent significantly cell-cycle arrest and cell apoptosis by Tan II A-DDP combination treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In vivo studies demonstrated that the Tan II A-DD combination treatment group significantly inhibited tumor growth compared to the Tan II A and DDP single drug group (P<0.01). Additionally, we found that the combination of Tan II A and DDP treatment enhanced the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Western blot assays showed higher p-p38, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax and lower caspase-3, and Bcl-2 expressions with the combination of Tan II A and DDP treatment compared to the single drug treatment (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Tan II A synergizes with DDP by activating the p38/MAPK pathway to upregulate cleaved caspase-3 and Bax pro-apoptotic gene expressions, and downregulate caspase-3 and Bcl-2 inhibitory apoptotic gene expressions, thereby enhancing the chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to DDP.
Abietanes/therapeutic use*
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Osteosarcoma/enzymology*
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Cisplatin/therapeutic use*
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Humans
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Cell Line, Tumor
;
Animals
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Mice, Nude
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
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MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
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Bone Neoplasms/enzymology*
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Cell Cycle/drug effects*
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Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Mice
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Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects*
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Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
9.Research progress of aldehyde dehydrogenase type 2 in head and neck malignant tumors.
Ying LI ; Taowei WU ; Tan CHENG ; Ping HAN
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(3):281-284
Alcohol is a high-risk factor of the head and neck tumor, and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase type 2(ALDH2) is an important alcohol metabolism enzyme in the human body, whose function is to metabolize acetaldehyde into non-toxic acetic acid in the human body. Studies have shown that ALDH2 gene polymorphisms increase the risk of head and neck tumors by affecting enzyme activity to regulate the rate of alcohol metabolism in the body, and high levels of ALDH2 expression are beneficial for enhancing head and neck tumor immunity and improve prognosis. This article aims to review the research progress on the relationship between ALDH2 and the occurrence and treatment of head and neck tumors.
Humans
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Head and Neck Neoplasms/enzymology*
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Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial/genetics*
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Polymorphism, Genetic
10.Recent advances in regulating the cell cycle through inhibiting CDKs for cancer treatment.
Weijiao CHEN ; Xujie ZHUANG ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Huanaoyu YANG ; Linhu SHEN ; Sikai FENG ; Wenjian MIN ; Kai YUAN ; Peng YANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(3):286-298
The inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) is considered a promising strategy for cancer treatment due to their role in cell cycle regulation. However, CDK inhibitors with no selectivity among CDK families have not been approved. A CDK inhibitor with high selectivity for CDK4/6 exhibited significant treatment effects on breast cancer and has become a heavy bomb on the market. Subsequently, resistance gradually decreased the efficacy of selective CDK4/6 inhibitors in breast cancer treatment. In this review, we first introduce the development of selective CDK4/6 inhibitors and then explain the role of CDK2 activation in inducing resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Moreover, we focused on the development of CDK2/4/6 inhibitors and selective CDK2 inhibitors, which will aid in the discovery of novel CDK inhibitors targeting the cell cycle in the future.
Humans
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Cell Cycle/drug effects*
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Protein Kinase Inhibitors/chemistry*
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Cyclin-Dependent Kinases/metabolism*
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Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*
;
Animals
;
Breast Neoplasms/enzymology*
;
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/metabolism*

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