cimb-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 28898

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital/E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
2. Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Interests: tumor microenvironment; GRP78; exosome; mitochondria; gastric cancer; breast cancer; cancer stemness
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Medicine for International Student, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Interests: MEC-17; EGFR; tumor invasion; autophagy; apoptosis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for cancer, but the currently available therapeutic drugs for it have limited efficacy. Recent studies have suggested that cancer stem cells in the tumor microenvironment may play an important role in the drug resistance of chemotherapy. The tumor microenvironment, comprising cellular components, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, tumor-associated neutrophils and endothelial cells, has been recognized as a critical contributor to the development and progression of cancer. As the seed and soil hypothesis states that the tumor microenvironment, as a main driver, promotes cancer stemness and therapeutic resistance in most cancers, new agents or treatment strategies that modulate the tumor microenvironment are urgently needed. Regarding this concept, the focus of this Special Issue is investigations on new treatment strategies and molecular mechanisms of tumor microenvironment targeting for cancer therapy. Topics related to cancer stemness or chemoresistance targeting and so on are welcome.

Dr. Ming-Wei Lin
Dr. Cheng-Che Lee
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Current Issues in Molecular Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • chemotherapy
  • cancer
  • tumor
  • tumor microenvironment
  • cancer stem cells
  • cancer therapy
  • cancer stemness
  • chemoresistance

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (12 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

24 pages, 10899 KiB  
Article
Serum Extracellular Vesicles Cargo Approach in Bitches with Mammary Tumors
by Gabriela C. Sousa, Marcos G. Carvalho, Carlos E. Fonseca-Alves and Fabiana F. Souza
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(7), 7745-7768; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46070459 - 22 Jul 2024
Viewed by 869
Abstract
This study investigated serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) in bitches with mammary neoplasms, in order to understand their size, shape, and concentration, as well as their association with tumor malignancy. Thirty bitches were categorized into control (n = 10), mammary tumor grades I [...] Read more.
This study investigated serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) in bitches with mammary neoplasms, in order to understand their size, shape, and concentration, as well as their association with tumor malignancy. Thirty bitches were categorized into control (n = 10), mammary tumor grades I and II (GI, n = 13), and grade III (GII, n = 7). Serum was separated from blood collected during mastectomy, and EVs were isolated using size exclusion chromatography. The analysis revealed no significant differences in EV concentrations among groups, with similar concentrations for control, GI, and GII. Ninety-one proteins were identified in EV-enriched samples, with six showing varied abundance across groups. Notably, keratin 18 was highly abundant in GI, while sushi domain-containing protein, EvC ciliary subunit 2, and the joining chain of multimeric IgM and IgA were increased in GII. Additionally, protocadherin 17 and albumin were upregulated in both GI and GII. ROC curves identified potential biomarkers for differentiating tumor grades. Enrichment pathway analysis revealed AFP gene upregulation in the GI. Mass spectrometry proteomics data were deposited in Mendeley Data. The study provides valuable insights into serum EV characterization in bitches, suggesting keratin 18 and protocadherin 17 as potential biomarkers for canine mammary neoplasia, with implications for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 2185 KiB  
Article
Augmenting the Antitumor Efficacy of Natural Killer Cells via SynNotch Receptor Engineering for Targeted IL-12 Secretion
by Ali Ahmadnia, Saeed Mohammadi, Ahad Yamchi, Mohamad Reza Kalani, Touraj Farazmandfar, Ayyoub Khosravi and Ali Memarian
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(4), 2931-2945; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46040183 - 28 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1455
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial components of innate immunity, known for their potent tumor surveillance abilities. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have shown promise in cancer targeting, but optimizing CAR designs for NK cell functionality remains challenging. CAR-NK cells have gained attention for [...] Read more.
Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial components of innate immunity, known for their potent tumor surveillance abilities. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have shown promise in cancer targeting, but optimizing CAR designs for NK cell functionality remains challenging. CAR-NK cells have gained attention for their potential to reduce side effects and enable scalable production in cancer immunotherapy. This study aimed to enhance NK cell anti-tumor activity by incorporating PD1-synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors. A chimeric receptor was designed using UniProt database sequences, and 3D structure models were generated for optimization. Lentiviral transduction was used to introduce PD1-Syn receptors into NK cells. The expression of PD1-Syn receptors on NK cell surfaces was assessed. Engineered NK cells were co-cultured with PDL1+ breast cancer cells to evaluate their cytotoxic activity and ability to produce interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-gamma (IFNγ) upon interaction with the target cells. This study successfully expressed the PD1-Syn receptors on NK cells. CAR-NK cells secreted IL-12 and exhibited target-dependent IFNγ production when engaging PDL1+ cells. Their cytotoxic activity was significantly enhanced in a target-dependent manner. This study demonstrates the potential of synNotch receptor-engineered NK cells in enhancing anti-tumor responses, especially in breast cancer cases with high PDL1 expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 8955 KiB  
Article
Development of the RF-GSEA Method for Identifying Disulfidptosis-Related Genes and Application in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Linghao Ni, Qian Yu, Ruijia You, Chen Chen and Bin Peng
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(12), 9450-9470; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45120593 - 24 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1536
Abstract
Disulfidptosis is a newly discovered cellular programmed cell death mode. Presently, a considerable number of genes related to disulfidptosis remain undiscovered, and its significance in hepatocellular carcinoma remains unrevealed. We have developed a powerful analytical method called RF-GSEA for identifying potential genes associated [...] Read more.
Disulfidptosis is a newly discovered cellular programmed cell death mode. Presently, a considerable number of genes related to disulfidptosis remain undiscovered, and its significance in hepatocellular carcinoma remains unrevealed. We have developed a powerful analytical method called RF-GSEA for identifying potential genes associated with disulfidptosis. This method draws inspiration from gene regulation networks and graph theory, and it is implemented through a combination of random forest regression model and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Subsequently, to validate the practical application value of this method, we applied it to hepatocellular carcinoma. Based on the RF-GSEA method, we developed a disulfidptosis-related signature. Lastly, we looked into how the disulfidptosis-related signature is connected to HCC prognosis, the tumor microenvironment, the effectiveness of immunotherapy, and the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs. The RF-GSEA method identified a total of 220 disulfidptosis-related genes, from which 7 were selected to construct the disulfidptosis-related signature. The high-disulfidptosis-related score group had a worse prognosis compared to the low-disulfidptosis-related score group and showed lower infiltration levels of immune-promoting cells. The high-disulfidptosis-related score group had a higher likelihood of benefiting from immunotherapy compared to the low-disulfidptosis-related score group. The RF-GSEA method is a powerful tool for identifying disulfidptosis-related genes. The disulfidptosis-related signature effectively predicts HCC prognosis, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5207 KiB  
Article
Fenbendazole Exhibits Differential Anticancer Effects In Vitro and In Vivo in Models of Mouse Lymphoma
by Haebeen Jung, Si-Yeon Kim and Hong-Gu Joo
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(11), 8925-8938; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45110560 - 8 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 10533
Abstract
Fenbendazole (FBZ) has been safely used as an antiparasitic agent in animals for decades, and the anticancer effects of FBZ have been studied through various mechanisms. However, there is a lack of in vivo studies that include lymphoma. Therefore, this study examined the [...] Read more.
Fenbendazole (FBZ) has been safely used as an antiparasitic agent in animals for decades, and the anticancer effects of FBZ have been studied through various mechanisms. However, there is a lack of in vivo studies that include lymphoma. Therefore, this study examined the effects of FBZ on EL-4 cells and a mouse T lymphoma model. FBZ induced G2/M phase arrest in EL-4 cells, resulting in cell death and decreased metabolic activity. However, FBZ had no anticancer effects on an EL-4 mouse lymphoma model in vivo, as evident by rapid weight loss and tumor growth comparable to the control. The FBZ-treated EL-4 cells expressed higher levels of PD-L1 and CD86, which are associated with T cell immunity in the tumor microenvironment (TME), than the controls. Furthermore, the hematoxylin and eosin staining of the FBZ-treated tumor tissues showed a starry sky pattern, which is seen in actively proliferating cancer tissues, and an immunohistochemical analysis revealed a high percentage of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages. These changes in the immune activity in the TME contradict the results of the in vitro experiments, and further studies are needed to determine the detailed mechanisms by which FBZ induces these responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6763 KiB  
Article
Validation of a Novel Cuproptosis–Related Prognostic Gene Marker and Differential Expression Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma
by Tingting Liu and Jianshe Wei
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(10), 8502-8518; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45100536 - 22 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1933
Abstract
Background: Cuproptosis induction is seen as a promising alternative for immunotherapies and targeted therapies in breast cancer. The objective of this research was to examine the prognostic and biological importance of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: The following methods were [...] Read more.
Background: Cuproptosis induction is seen as a promising alternative for immunotherapies and targeted therapies in breast cancer. The objective of this research was to examine the prognostic and biological importance of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: The following methods were used: GSE10072 dataset and TCGA database analysis, differential expression analysis of CRGs, and biological function (BP) and signaling pathway enrichment analysis, prognostic analysis and clinical analysis of CRGs, construction of the prognostic signature and RNA modified genes and miRNA analysis of CRGs in LUAD, immunoinfiltration analysis and immunohistochemical staining of DβH, UBE2D3, SOD1, UBE2D1 and LOXL2. Results: AOC1, ATOX1, CCL8, CCS, COX11, CP, LOXL2, MAP2K2, PDK1, SCO2, SOD1, UBE2D1, UBE2D3 and VEGFA showed significantly higher expression, while ATP7B, DβH, PDE3B, SLC31A2, UBE2D2, UBE2D4 and ULK2 showed lower expression in LUAD tissues than normal tissues. We also found that ATP7B (4%), AOC1 (3%) PDE3B (2%), DβH (2%), CP (1%), ULK2 (1%), PDK1 (1%), LOXL2 (1%) and UBE2D3 (1%) showed higher mutation frequencies. The univariate Cox analysis was used to identify CRGs that have prognostic value. It identified 21 genes that showed significant prognostic value, containing DβH, UBE2D3, SOD1, UBE2D1 and LOXL2. Patients with DβH up–expression have a longer survival time and patients with UBE2D3, SOD1, UBE2D1 and LOXL2 down–expression also have a longer survival time. hsa–miR–29c–3p, hsa–miR–29a–3p, hsa–miR–181c–5p, hsa–miR–1245a, etc., play an important role in the miRNA regulatory network, and in LUAD, miR–29a, miR–29c and miR–181c high expression survival was longer, and miR–1245a low expression survival was longer. We also performed an analysis to examine the relationships between DβH, LOXL2, SOD1, UBE2D1 and UBE2D3 and immune infiltration in LUAD, including B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and DCs. Conclusion: DβH, UBE2D3, SOD1, UBE2D1, and LOXL2 are potential candidates implicated in LUAD and can be further explored for their application as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers for LUAD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 34881 KiB  
Article
Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycan PODNL1 Identified as a Potential Tumor Matrix-Mediated Biomarker for Prognosis and Immunotherapy in a Pan-Cancer Setting
by Geyang Dai, Yue Sun, Rui Wei and Ling Xi
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(7), 6116-6139; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45070386 - 22 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2139
Abstract
The podocan-like protein 1 (PODNL1), an important member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRP) family, is a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). But its prognostic values and the role in the TME have not been systematically estimated in a pan-cancer setting. [...] Read more.
The podocan-like protein 1 (PODNL1), an important member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRP) family, is a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). But its prognostic values and the role in the TME have not been systematically estimated in a pan-cancer setting. Targeting PODNL1, a systematic exploration into the TCGA datasets, reconciling with the analyses of single-cell transcriptomes and immunotherapeutic cohorts in cancers, and validation by tissue microarray-based multiplex immunofluorescence staining was performed. PODNL1 was significantly correlated with the poor prognosis and immunotherapeutic responses in various cancers. In-depth demonstration of molecular mechanisms indicated that PODNL1 expressions were notably positively correlated with cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) infiltration levels in 33 types of cancers. It also positively correlated with the pan-fibroblast TGF-β response signature score, and the hallmarks including TGF-β, TNF-α, inflammatory response, apical junction, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and hedgehog in pan-cancer. Furthermore, high PODNL1 expressions were positively related with the regulation of tumor-promoting TGF-β signaling through downregulating SMAD2/3:4 heterotrimer regulations transcription and up-regulating the pathway restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation. Single-cell transcriptome analyses and immunofluorescence validations indicated that PODNL1 was predominantly expressed in the cancer cells and CAFs in various cancers. Additionally, the heterogeneity of cancer genotype–phenotype cross-talking was also observed associated with PODNL1. Our systematic study indicates that PODNL1 plays an important role in the complex regulation network of tumor progression, and lays a foundation for further exploration to develop PODNL1 as a valuable matrix-mediated biomarker for cancer immunotherapy and prognosis in a pan-cancer setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

17 pages, 1104 KiB  
Review
Unraveling the Immune Microenvironment in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Prognostic and Potential Therapeutic Implications
by Epameinondas Koumpis, Alexandra Papoudou-Bai, Konstantina Papathanasiou, Evangelos Kolettas, Panagiotis Kanavaros and Eleftheria Hatzimichael
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(7), 7048-7064; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46070420 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1909
Abstract
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a multifaceted condition characterized by significant diversity in its molecular and pathological subtypes and clinical manifestation. Despite the progress made in the treatment of DLBCL through the development of novel drugs, an estimated one-third of patients [...] Read more.
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a multifaceted condition characterized by significant diversity in its molecular and pathological subtypes and clinical manifestation. Despite the progress made in the treatment of DLBCL through the development of novel drugs, an estimated one-third of patients encounter relapse or acquire refractory disease. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of DLBCL, a complex network consisting of cellular and noncellular components that engage in interactions with the tumor, is a parameter that is gaining increasing attention. The TME comprises both the immune and nonimmune microenvironments. The immune microenvironment comprises natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), neutrophils, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and T and B lymphocytes. The nonimmune microenvironment consists of the extracellular matrix (ECM), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), mesenchymal stromal cells, and other molecules that are secreted. Despite ongoing research, the exact impact of these components and their interaction on the progression of the disease remains elusive. A comprehensive review of significant discoveries concerning the cellular and noncellular constituents, molecular characteristics, and treatment response and prognosis of the TME in DLBCL, as well as the potential targeting of the TME with novel therapeutic approaches, is provided in this article. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

42 pages, 3774 KiB  
Review
Oxidative Stress in Breast Cancer: A Biochemical Map of Reactive Oxygen Species Production
by Lyudmila V. Bel’skaya and Elena I. Dyachenko
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(5), 4646-4687; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46050282 - 13 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1823
Abstract
This review systematizes information about the metabolic features of breast cancer directly related to oxidative stress. It has been shown those redox changes occur at all levels and affect many regulatory systems in the human body. The features of the biochemical processes occurring [...] Read more.
This review systematizes information about the metabolic features of breast cancer directly related to oxidative stress. It has been shown those redox changes occur at all levels and affect many regulatory systems in the human body. The features of the biochemical processes occurring in breast cancer are described, ranging from nonspecific, at first glance, and strictly biochemical to hormone-induced reactions, genetic and epigenetic regulation, which allows for a broader and deeper understanding of the principles of oncogenesis, as well as maintaining the viability of cancer cells in the mammary gland. Specific pathways of the activation of oxidative stress have been studied as a response to the overproduction of stress hormones and estrogens, and specific ways to reduce its negative impact have been described. The diversity of participants that trigger redox reactions from different sides is considered more fully: glycolytic activity in breast cancer, and the nature of consumption of amino acids and metals. The role of metals in oxidative stress is discussed in detail. They can act as both co-factors and direct participants in oxidative stress, since they are either a trigger mechanism for lipid peroxidation or capable of activating signaling pathways that affect tumorigenesis. Special attention has been paid to the genetic and epigenetic regulation of breast tumors. A complex cascade of mechanisms of epigenetic regulation is explained, which made it possible to reconsider the existing opinion about the triggers and pathways for launching the oncological process, the survival of cancer cells and their ability to localize. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2299 KiB  
Review
Biological Roles and Pathogenic Mechanisms of LncRNA MIR4435-2HG in Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
by Zhou Chen, Defeng Guan, Qiangping Zhu, Zhengfeng Wang, Fangfang Han and Wence Zhou
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(11), 8864-8881; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45110556 - 4 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1469
Abstract
The long non-coding RNA MIR4435-2HG has been confirmed to play a crucial regulatory role in various types of tumors. As a novel type of non-coding RNA, MIR4435-2HG plays a key role in regulating the expression of tumor-related genes, interfering with cellular signaling pathways, [...] Read more.
The long non-coding RNA MIR4435-2HG has been confirmed to play a crucial regulatory role in various types of tumors. As a novel type of non-coding RNA, MIR4435-2HG plays a key role in regulating the expression of tumor-related genes, interfering with cellular signaling pathways, and affecting tumor immune evasion. Its unique structure allows it to regulate the expression of various tumor-related genes through different pathways, participating in the regulation of tumor signaling pathways, such as regulating the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, influencing the biological behaviors of proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis in tumors. Numerous studies have found a high expression of MIR4435-2HG in various tumor tissues, closely related to the clinical pathological characteristics of tumors, such as staging, lymph node metastasis and prognosis. Some studies have discovered that MIR4435-2HG can regulate the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy drugs, affecting tumor cell drug resistance. This provides new insights into overcoming tumor drug resistance by regulating MIR4435-2HG. Therefore, studying its molecular mechanisms, expression regulation, and its relationship with the clinical features of tumors is of great significance for revealing the mechanisms of tumor occurrence and developing new therapeutic targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1716 KiB  
Review
Autophagy Modulation and Its Implications on Glioblastoma Treatment
by Johnny Chen, Andrea Salinas Rodriguez, Maximiliano Arath Morales and Xiaoqian Fang
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(11), 8687-8703; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45110546 - 29 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1561
Abstract
Autophagy is a vital cellular process that functions to degrade and recycle damaged organelles into basic metabolites. This allows a cell to adapt to a diverse range of challenging conditions. Autophagy assists in maintaining homeostasis, and it is tightly regulated by the cell. [...] Read more.
Autophagy is a vital cellular process that functions to degrade and recycle damaged organelles into basic metabolites. This allows a cell to adapt to a diverse range of challenging conditions. Autophagy assists in maintaining homeostasis, and it is tightly regulated by the cell. The disruption of autophagy has been associated with many diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. This review will center its discussion on providing an in-depth analysis of the current molecular understanding of autophagy and its relevance to brain tumors. We will delve into the current literature regarding the role of autophagy in glioma pathogenesis by exploring the major pathways of JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and summarizing the current therapeutic interventions and strategies for glioma treatment. These treatments will be evaluated on their potential for autophagy induction and the challenges associated with their utilization. By understanding the mechanism of autophagy, clinical applications for future therapeutics in treating gliomas can be better targeted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 959 KiB  
Review
Interactions between the DNA Damage Response and the Telomere Complex in Carcinogenesis: A Hypothesis
by Antonio Torres-Montaner
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(9), 7582-7616; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45090478 - 19 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1559
Abstract
Contrary to what was once thought, direct cancer originating from normal stem cells seems to be extremely rare. This is consistent with a preneoplastic period of telomere length reduction/damage in committed cells that becomes stabilized in transformation. Multiple observations suggest that telomere damage [...] Read more.
Contrary to what was once thought, direct cancer originating from normal stem cells seems to be extremely rare. This is consistent with a preneoplastic period of telomere length reduction/damage in committed cells that becomes stabilized in transformation. Multiple observations suggest that telomere damage is an obligatory step preceding its stabilization. During tissue turnover, the telomeres of cells undergoing differentiation can be damaged as a consequence of defective DNA repair caused by endogenous or exogenous agents. This may result in the emergence of new mechanism of telomere maintenance which is the final outcome of DNA damage and the initial signal that triggers malignant transformation. Instead, transformation of stem cells is directly induced by primary derangement of telomere maintenance mechanisms. The newly modified telomere complex may promote survival of cancer stem cells, independently of telomere maintenance. An inherent resistance of stem cells to transformation may be linked to specific, robust mechanisms that help maintain telomere integrity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

8 pages, 15905 KiB  
Brief Report
Modelling 3D Tumour Microenvironment In Vivo: A Tool to Predict Cancer Fate
by Johanna Marines, Francesca Lorenzini, Karima Kissa and Laura Fontenille
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(11), 9076-9083; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45110569 - 14 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1254
Abstract
Recently, many studies demonstrated the fundamental role of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in cancer progression. Here, we describe a method to visualize in 3D the behaviour of tumours in zebrafish embryos. We highlight two major actors of the TME, macrophages and vessels. This [...] Read more.
Recently, many studies demonstrated the fundamental role of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in cancer progression. Here, we describe a method to visualize in 3D the behaviour of tumours in zebrafish embryos. We highlight two major actors of the TME, macrophages and vessels. This valuable tool is transposable to Patient-Derived Xenograft imaging in order to predict the fate of malignant tumours according to the dynamics of their TME. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Back to TopTop