Browsing by Author "Jain, Aklank"

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Advancing Cancer Immunotherapy: The Potential of mRNA Vaccines As a Promising Therapeutic Approach
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2023-10-04T00:00:00) Goyal, Falak; Chattopadhyay, Anandini; Navik, Umashanker; Jain, Aklank; Reddy, P. Hemachandra; Bhatti, Gurjit Kaur; Bhatti, Jasvinder Singh
mRNA vaccines have long been recognized for their ability to induce robust immune responses. The discovery that mRNA vaccines may also contribute to antitumor immunity has made them a promising therapeutic approach against cancer. Recent advances in understanding of immune system are precious in developing therapeutic strategies that target pathways involved in tumor survival and progression, leading to the most reliable therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment history. Among all traditional cancer treatments, cancer immunotherapies are less toxic and more effective, even in advanced or recurrent stages of cancer. Recent advancements in genomics and machine learning algorithms give new insight into vaccine development. mRNA vaccines are designed to interfere with stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes pathways, activating more CD8+ T-cells involved in destroying tumor cells and inhibiting tumor growth. A stronger immune response can be achieved by incorporating immunological adjuvants alongside mRNA. Nonformulated or vehicle-based mRNA vaccines, when combined with adjuvants, efficiently express tumor antigens through antigen-presenting cells and stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Codelivery with additional immunotherapeutic agents, such as checkpoint inhibitors, further enhances the efficacy of mRNA vaccines. This article focuses on the current clinical approaches and challenges to consider when developing mRNA-based vaccine technology for cancer treatment. � 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.
Ampelopsin targets in cellular processes of cancer: Recent trends and advances
(Elsevier Inc., 2022-07-27T00:00:00) Tuli, Hardeep Singh; Sak, Katrin; Garg, Vivek Kumar; Kumar, Ajay; Adhikary, Shubham; Kaur, Ginpreet; Parashar, Nidarshana Chaturvedi; Parashar, Gaurav; Mukherjee, Tapan Kumar; Sharma, Uttam; Jain, Aklank; Mohapatra, Ranjan K.; Dhama, Kuldeep; Kumar, Manoj; Singh, Tejveer
Cancer is being considered as a serious threat to human health globally due to limited availability and efficacy of therapeutics. In addition, existing chemotherapeutic drugs possess a diverse range of toxic side effects. Therefore, more research is welcomed to investigate the chemo-preventive action of plant-based metabolites. Ampelopsin (dihydromyricetin) is one among the biologically active plant-based chemicals with promising anti-cancer actions. It modulates the expression of various cellular molecules that are involved in cancer progressions. For instance, ampelopsin enhances the expression of apoptosis inducing proteins. It regulates the expression of angiogenic and metastatic proteins to inhibit tumor growth. Expression of inflammatory markers has also been found to be suppressed by ampelopsin in cancer cells. The present review article describes various anti-tumor cellular targets of ampelopsin at a single podium which will help the researchers to understand mechanistic insight of this phytochemical. � 2022 The Authors
Application of curcumin nanoformulations to target folic acid receptor in cancer: Recent trends and advances
(Academic Press Inc., 2023-06-20T00:00:00) Hussain, Arif; Kumar, Ajay; Uttam, Vivek; Sharma, Uttam; Sak, Katrin; Saini, Reena V.; Saini, Adesh K.; Haque, Shafiul; Tuli, Hardeep Singh; Jain, Aklank; Sethi, Gautam
Curcumin, derived from turmeric, has a strong anticancer potential known for millennia. The development of this phytochemical as a medicine has been hampered by several significant deficiencies, including its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. This review article discusses possibilities to overcome these bottlenecks by focusing on this natural polyphenol's nanoformulation. Moreover, preparation of curcumin conjugates containing folates as ligands for folic acid receptors can add a new important dimension in this field, allowing specific targeting of cancer cells, considering the significantly higher expression of these receptors in malignant tissues compared to normal cells. It is highly expected that simultaneous improvement of different aspects of curcumin in fighting against such a complex and multifaceted disease like cancer. Therefore, we can better comprehend cancer biology by developing a mechanistic understanding of curcumin, which will also inspire the scientific community to develop new pharmacological models, and exploration of emerging directions to revitalize application of natural products in cancer therapy. � 2023 Elsevier Inc.
Atypical leishmaniasis: A global perspective with emphasis on the Indian subcontinent
(Public Library of Science, 2018) Thakur L.; Singh K.K.; Shanker V.; Negi A.; Jain, Aklank; Matlashewski G.; Jain, Manju
Background: Among the neglected tropical diseases, leishmaniasis continues to be prevalent in many tropical and subtropical countries despite international, national, and local efforts towards its control and elimination over the last decade. This warrants a critical evaluation of such factors as under-reporting, asymptomatic infections, post kala azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) cases, and drug resistance. In this review, we highlight lesser-understood atypical presentations of the disease involving atypical parasite strains against a background of classical leishmaniasis with a focus on the Indian subcontinent. Methods and findings: A literature review based on endemic areas, the nature of disease manifestation, and underlying causative parasite was performed with data collected from WHO reports for each country. Searches on PubMed included the term 'leishmaniasis' and ' eishmaniasis epidemiology' alone and in combination with each of the endemic countries, Leishmania species, cutaneous, visceral, endemic, non-endemic, typical, classical, atypical, and unusual with no date limit and published in English up to September 2017. Our findings portray a scenario with a wider distribution of the disease in new endemic foci, with new discoveries of parasite-driven atypical disease manifestations in different regions of the world. Unlike the classical picture, some Leishmania species are associated with more than one disease presentation, e.g., the L. donovani complex, generally associated with the visceral form, is now also associated with a cutaneous disease presentation, while L. tropica species complex, known to cause cutaneous disease, can cause viscerotropic disease. This phenomenon points towards the discovery of novel parasite variants as etiologic agents of atypical disease manifestations and represents an excellent opportunity to identify and study genes that control disease virulence and tropism. Conclusions: The increased recognition of atypical leishmaniasis as an outcome of parasite variants has major implications for leishmaniasis control and elimination. Identifying molecular correlates of parasite isolates from distinct regions associated with different disease phenotypes is required to understand the current epidemiology of leishmaniasis in regions with atypical disease.-2018 Thakur et al. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Catharanthus Roseus Leaves and Their Therapeutic Response in Breast Cancer (MDA-MB-231) Cells
(Routledge, 2021-07-26T00:00:00) Bangroo, Apoorva; Malhotra, Akshay; Sharma, Uttam; Jain, Aklank; Kaur, Anupreet
As the current study reports the utilization of the leaf extract of Catharanthus roseus (C.roseus) for the biological synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) because of the importance of the importance of health and environment. Bioinspired synthesis were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). XRD and TEM micrograph analysis revealed that the synthesized nanostructures were well-dispersed and spherical with the average particle size in the 18-30 nm range were produced. The FT-IR spectra confirmed presence of phenolic compounds that act as reducing and capping agents. Further, it suggested the possible utilization of hydroxyl groups and amides in the reduction of Zn ions and stablization of ZnO NPs. Zinc oxide nanomaterials are effective in cancer treatments, including the destruction of tumor cells with minimal damage to healthy cells. The toxicity of zinc oxide nanomaterials was checked in vitro in the human breast cancer line MDA-MB-231. Inverse relation of the percentage of viable cells to the concentration of zinc oxide nanomaterials at increasing molar levels was assessed. The cytotoxicity analysis used in the MTT test shows the substantial viable MDA-MB-231-cells despite the increased concentration of exposure to zinc oxide nanomaterials. Reduction in the ratio of viable MDA-MB-231 cells after being exposed to zinc oxide nanomaterials was compared to untreated cancerous cells. The present approach to biosynthesis is quick, inexpensive, eco-friendly, and high-rise stable nanomaterials of zinc oxide with substantial cancer potential. This is the first study that reports molar concentrations (with the lowest concentration of 10 mM) as an anticancer agent for breast cancer and potential clinical uses for synthesized zinc oxide nanomaterials. Thus, C. roseus based synthesized ZnO NPs could be explored not only as environmentally benign method but also as a potential anti-carcinogenic agent. � 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Circulating long non-coding RNA EWSAT1 acts as a liquid biopsy marker for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A pilot study
(KeAi Communications Co., 2023-10-28T00:00:00) Uttam, Vivek; Rana, Manjit Kaur; Sharma, Uttam; Singh, Karuna; Jain, Aklank
The widespread public health problem of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the cause of an increasing number of deaths each year due to delayed diagnosis. Therefore, we require specific and sensitive new biomarkers to manage ESCC better. The detection of diseases, such as cancer, can now be achieved through non-invasive circulating blood-based methods. Blood-based circulating non-coding RNAs, such as miRNA and lncRNA, have been extensively used as valuable markers for lung, esophageal, and breast cancer diagnostic purposes, as quoted in our previous research. Herein, we investigated the role of novel long non-coding RNA EWSAT1 as a blood-based liquid biopsy biomarker for the ESCC. Our findings indicate that EWSAT1 lncRNA has an increased tumor suppressive activity in ESCC, as it reduces by ?2.59-fold relative to healthy controls. Moreover, we established that EWSAT1 expression can significantly distinguish between clinicopathological characteristics, including age, gender, and lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drinking hot beverages among patients with ESCC and healthy individuals. In addition, the expression levels of lncRNA EWSAT1 could distinguish between individuals with more advanced ESCC cancer and those without it, as illustrated by the ROC curve (AUC = 0.7174, 95 % confidence intervals = 0.5901 to 0.8448, p-value = 0.001). Our in-silico prediction methods demonstrated that miR-873-5p is the direct target of EWSAT1, which competes with the tumor suppressor candidate 3 (TUSC3) and EGL-9 family hypoxia-inducible factor 3 (EGLN3) mRNAs through a sponging mechanism, creating the EWSAT1/miR-873-5p/mRNA axis. We have analyzed the role of EWSAT1 in various cellular processes and signaling pathways, including mTOR, Wnt, and MAPK signaling pathways. Circulating EWSAT1 can be used as a liquid biopsy marker for diagnosis of ESCC and has the potential to serve as an effective therapeutic biomarker, according to this pilot study. � 2023 The Authors
Circulating Long Non-Coding RNAs LINC00324 and LOC100507053 as Potential Liquid Biopsy Markers for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Pilot Study
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2022-02-14T00:00:00) Sharma, Uttam; Barwal, Tushar Singh; Khandelwal, Akanksha; Rana, Manjit Kaur; Rana, Amrit Pal Singh; Singh, Karuna; Jain, Aklank
Background: Despite the availability of advanced technology to detect and treat esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the 5-year survival rate of ESCC patients is still meager. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as essential players in the diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers. Objective: This pilot study focused on identifying circulating lncRNAs as liquid biopsy markers for the ESCC. Methodology: We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) to profile circulating lncRNAs in ESCC and healthy individuals� blood samples. The expression of the top five upregulated and top five downregulated lncRNAs were validated through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), including samples used for the NGS. Later, we explored the diagnostic/prognostic potential of lncRNAs and their impact on the clinicopathological parameters of patients. To unravel the molecular target and pathways of identified lncRNAs, we utilized various bioinformatics tools such as lncRnome, RAID v2.0, Starbase, miRDB, TargetScan, Gene Ontology, and KEGG pathways. Results: Through NGS profiling, we obtained 159 upregulated, 137 downregulated, and 188 neutral lncRNAs in ESCC blood samples compared to healthy individuals. Among dysregulated lncRNAs, we observed LINC00324 significantly upregulated (2.11-fold; p-value = 0.0032) and LOC100507053 significantly downregulated (2.22-fold; p-value = 0.0001) in ESCC patients. Furthermore, we found LINC00324 and LOC100507053 could discriminate ESCC cancer patients� from non-cancer individuals with higher accuracy of Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) = 0.627 and 0.668, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analysis revealed higher expression levels of LINC00324 and lower expression levels of LOC100507053 well correlated with the poor prognosis of ESCC patients with a Hazard ratio of LINC00324 = 2.48 (95% CI: 1.055 to 5.835) and Hazard ratio of LOC100507053 = 4.75 (95% CI: 2.098 to 10.76)]. Moreover, we also observed lncRNAs expression well correlated with the age (>50 years), gender (Female), alcohol, tobacco, and hot beverages consumers. Using bioinformatics tools, we saw miR-493-5p as the direct molecular target of LINC00324 and interacted with the MAPK signaling pathway in ESCC pathogenesis. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that circulating LINC00324 and LOC100507053 can be used as a liquid biopsy marker of ESCC; however, multicentric studies are still warranted. Copyright � 2022 Sharma, Barwal, Khandelwal, Rana, Rana, Singh and Jain.
Circulating miR-320a Acts as a Tumor Suppressor and Prognostic Factor in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2021-03-23T00:00:00) Khandelwal, Akanksha; Sharma, Uttam; Barwal, Tushar Singh; Seam, Rajeev Kumar; Gupta, Manish; Rana, Manjit Kaur; Vasquez, Karen M.; Jain, Aklank
Dysregulated expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been observed in several types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the diagnostic and prognostic potential of circulating miRNAs in NSCLC remains largely undefined. Here we found that circulating miR-320a was significantly down-regulated (~5.87-fold; p < 0.0001) in NSCLC patients (n = 80) compared to matched control plasma samples from healthy subjects (n = 80). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that NSCLC patients with lower levels of circulating miR-320a had overall poorer prognosis and survival rates compared to patients with higher levels (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the diagnostic and prognostic potential of miR-320a correlated with clinicopathological characteristics such as tumor size, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and lymph node metastasis. Functionally, depletion of miR-320a in human A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells induced their metastatic potential and reduced apoptosis, which was reversed by exogenous re-expression of miR-320a mimics, indicating that miR-320a has a tumor-suppressive role in NSCLC. These results were further supported by high levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker proteins (e.g., Beta-catenin, MMP9, and E-cadherin) in lung cancer cells and tissues via immunoblot and immunohistochemistry experiments. Moreover, through bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrated that AKT3 was a direct target of miR-320a. In addition, AKT3-associated PI3K/AKT/mTOR protein-signaling pathways were elevated with down-regulated miR-320a levels in NSCLC. These composite data indicate that circulating miR-320a may function as a tumor-suppressor miRNA with potential as a prognostic marker for NSCLC patients. � Copyright � 2021 Khandelwal, Sharma, Barwal, Seam, Gupta, Rana, Vasquez and Jain.
Clinical potential of long non-coding RNA LINC01133 as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in cancers
(Newlands Press Ltd, 2022-02-23T00:00:00) Sharma, Uttam; Barwal, Tushar Singh; Murmu, Masang; Acharya, Varnali; Pant, Neha; Dey, Damayanti; Vivek; Gautam, Ashima; Bazala, Sonali; Singh, Ipsa; Azzouz, Farah; Bishayee, Anupam; Jain, Aklank
Recently, long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 01133 (LINC01133) was identified as a novel transcript in cancers. It modulates various hallmarks of cancers and acts as oncogenic in some cancers while tumor-suppressive in others. Furthermore, the expression of LINC01133 correlates with tumor size, advanced tumor node metastasis stage and lymphatic node metastasis, Ki-67 levels and overall survival of patients. Herein, the authors provide an in-depth analysis describing how LINC01133 modulates the multiple cancer-associated signaling pathways and the pathogenesis of various malignancies and treatment regimens. Based on the role played by LINC01133, the authors propose LINC01133 as both a potential biomarker and a therapeutic target in cancer. � 2022 Future Medicine Ltd.
The emerging role of long non-coding RNA in gallbladder cancer pathogenesis
(Elsevier B.V., 2017) Khandelwal, Akanksha; Malhotra, Akshay; Jain, Manju; Vasquez, Karen M.; Jain, Aklank; Khandelwal, A.; Malhotra, A.; Jain, M.; Vasquez, K.M.; Jain, A.
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common and aggressive form of biliary tract carcinoma with an alarmingly low 5-year survival rate. Despite its high mortality rate, the underlying mechanisms of GBC pathogenesis are not completely understood. Recently, from a growing volume of literature, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression and appear to play vital roles in many human cancers. To date, a number of lncRNAs have been implicated in GBC, but their potential roles in GBC have not been systematically examined. Thus, in this review, we critically discuss the emerging roles of lncRNAs in GBC, and the pathways involved. Specifically, we note that some lncRNAs show greater expression in T1 and T2 tumor stages compared to T3 and T4 tumor stages and that their dysregulation leads to alterations in cell cycle progression and can cause an increase in GBC cell proliferation or apoptosis. In addition, some lncRNAs control the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, while others take part in the regulation of ERK/MAPK and Ras cancer-associated signaling pathways. We also present their potential utility in diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment of GBC. The overall goal of this review is to stimulate interest in the role of lncRNAs in GBC, which may open new avenues in the determination of GBC pathogenesis and may lead to the development of new preventive and therapeutic strategies for GBC. ? 2016 Elsevier B.V. and Soci?t? Fran?aise de Biochimie et Biologie Mol?culaire (SFBBM)
Evolution of Frozen Section in Carcinoma Breast: Systematic Review
(Hindawi Limited, 2022-05-23T00:00:00) Rana, Manjit Kaur; Rana, Amrit Pal Singh; Sharma, Uttam; Barwal, Tushar Singh; Jain, Aklank
Background. The frozen section (FS) has been a good technique in surgical management of breast lesions since many years. But complete agreement and cooperation have not been achieved everywhere among surgeons and pathologists especially in the developing countries. FS undergoes continuous criticism due to various shortcomings but continued to be evaluated especially in developing countries. Objectives. This review was conducted to synthesize information on the use of frozen section in carcinoma breast. Data Sources. The MEDLINE database for frozen section since its origin and its implication in recent breast surgery techniques was studied. Study Eligibility Criteria. Sixty-five articles were reviewed with complete analysis on FS in both benign and malignant breast lesions. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods. The analysis of frozen section was done as a diagnostic tool in breast lesions, margin status in breast conservative surgery in carcinoma breast, and sentinel lymph node and use of immunohistochemistry for sentinel lymph node FS. Results. It was analysed that the FS gives accurate results in margin status analysis, decreasing rerecurrence. Conclusion. The accuracy of FSA, low recurrence rate, avoidance of reoperation, and good cosmesis are the key points of its use in breast conservative surgery. Its use in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is equivocal. However, application of immunohistochemistry on frozen section of SLNB is an evolving trend in today's era. � 2022 Manjit Kaur Rana et al.
Expression analysis of long non-coding RNA GAS5 and BANCR in lung cancer cell line A549 compared to IMR-90.
(Central University of Punjab, 2018) Sharma, Uttam; Jain, Aklank
Lung cancer is the major cause of death worldwide. Several chemotherapeutic drugs and therapies have been established, but the early diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer is still a question. Long non-coding RNAs are important regulator molecules in the human genome, which serves as transcriptional modulator, post transcriptional processor, chromatin remodeletor and splicing regulator during the gene modification process. Emerging studies have suggested the role of long noncoding RNA as potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis by functioning as tumor suppressors and oncogenes. Several studies have been reported on cell lines, tissues as well as tumor and the molecular mechanism is still not clearly understood. GAS5 and BANCR are two long non-coding RNAs, which are found to be down-regulated in multiple cancers such as lung carcinoma, breast cancer, etc. In the current study, we focus on the expression analysis of GAS5 and BANCR in A549 cell line compared to IMR-90 cell line to study the role of long non-coding RNA in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. Furthermore, we investigated the expression of GAS5 and BANCR using quantitative Real-Time PCR. The result showed that GAS5 and BANCR expression was significantly down-regulated in cancerous cell line compared to non-cancerous cell line. The fold change of lncRNAs GAS5 and BANCR was 14 times (P=0.0088) and 7 times (P=0.0088) down-regulated in A549 cell line respectively. The melt curve analysis showed that there was only one sharp peak obtained for both GAS5 and BANCR i iv which suggests that primers bind to their specific targets and no primer dimer was observed.
Expression Study of Long non-coding RNA SCAL1 and GAS6-AS1 in Lung cancer Cell line A549 Compared to IMR-90
(Central University of Punjab, 2018) Pp, Arifa; Jain, Aklank
Lung cancer is the fatal type of cancer owing to maximum number death worldwide. Despite the advances in clinical and experimental setup lung cancer still is the deadliest type of cancer wherein survival rate is as low as 15% five-yearly. The reason being the lack of proper candidate molecule for prognosis and diagnosis prior to invasion and metastasis. But usually, cancers are detected at later stages. The past cancer studies and investigations and investigations about tumorigenesis mechanism mostly focused on protein-coding gene considering them as principal regulators of cancer and diseases. But evidence from numerous high throughput genomic platform indicates that 98% of the eukaryotic genome is transcribed to non-coding RNA. The non-coding RNAs are significant in the regulation of many major biological processes that impact vi development, differentiation, and metabolism through different pathways. Non-coding RNA also plays a major role in cancer development and progression by influencing different cellular processes like proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell growth, and apoptosis. They also influence post-transcriptional gene regulation through controlling process like transport, splicing, transcriptional gene silencing, epigenetic gene expression, cell structure integrity etc. So we can assure that the long non-coding RNA and its altered expression play an important role in cancer etiology. In this project, we studied the expression of SCAL1 and GAS6-AS1 using qRT-PCR. The expression analysis shows that the long non-coding RNA is up-regulated (approximate 5-folds, P=0.000464) and GAS6-AS1 is down-regulated (approximate 4-folds, P=0.00378) in lung cancer cell line compared to control cell line. The melt curve analysis shows only one sharp peak for both SCAL1 and GAS6-AS1 and thereby indicates that there is only one specific primer binding and the primer dimer is not formed.
Galangin: A metabolite that suppresses anti-neoplastic activities through modulation of oncogenic targets
(SAGE Publications Inc., 2021-12-14T00:00:00) Tuli, Hardeep Singh; Sak, Katrin; Adhikary, Shubham; Kaur, Ginpreet; Aggarwal, Diwakar; Kaur, Jagjit; Kumar, Manoj; Parashar, Nidarshana Chaturvedi; Parashar, Gaurav; Sharma, Uttam; Jain, Aklank
With the dramatic increase in cancer incidence all over the world in the last decades, studies on identifying novel efficient anti-cancer agents have been intensified. Historically, natural products have represented one of the most important sources of new lead compounds with a wide range of biological activities. In this article, the multifaceted anti-cancer action of propolis-derived flavonoid, galangin, is presented, discussing its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic effects in various cancer cells. In addition, co-effects with standard chemotherapeutic drugs as well as other natural compounds are also under discussion, besides highlighting modern nanotechnological advancements for overcoming the low bioavailability issue characteristic of galangin. Although further studies are needed for confirming the anti-cancer potential of galangin in vivo malignant systems, exploring this natural compound might open new perspectives in molecular oncology. � 2021 by the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.
Host sphingolipids: Perspective immune adjuvant for controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection for managing COVID-19 disease
(Elsevier Inc., 2020-11-02T00:00:00) Prakash, Hridayesh; Upadhyay, Dilip; Bandapalli, Obul Reddy; Jain, Aklank; Kleuser, Burkhard
Sphingolipids are potent bioactive agents involved in the pathogenesis of various respiratory bacterial infections. To date, several sphingolipid derivatives are known, but S1P (Sphingosine-1-phosphate) and Ceramide are the best-studied sphingolipid derivatives in the context of human diseases. These are membrane-bound lipids that influence host-pathogen interactions. Based on these features, we believe that sphingolipids might control SARS-CoV-2 infection in the host. SARS-CoV-2 utilizes the ACE-II receptor (Angiotensin-converting enzyme II receptor) on epithelial cells for its entry and replication. Activation of the ACE-II receptor is indirectly associated with the activation of S1P Receptor 1 signaling which is associated with IL-6 driven fibrosis. This is expected to promote pathological responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection in COVID-19 cases. Given this, mitigating S1P signaling by application of either S1P Lyase (SPL) or S1P analog (Fingolimod / FTY720) seems to be potential approach for controlling these pathological outcomes. However, due to the immunosuppressive nature of FTY720, it can modulate hyper-inflammatory responses and only provide symptomatic relief, which may not be sufficient for controlling the novel COVID-19 infection. Since Th1 effector immune responses are essential for the clearance of infection, we believe that other sphingolipid derivatives like Cermaide-1 Phosphate with antiviral potential and adjuvant immune potential can potentially control SARS-CoV-2 infection in the host by its ability in enhancing autophagy and antigen presentation by DC to promote T cell response which can be helpful in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection in novel COVID-19 patients. � 2020
The imminent role of microRNAs in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma
(Neoplasia Press, Inc., 2022-11-04T00:00:00) Kumar, Pawan; Kumawat, Ram Kumar; Uttam, Vivek; Behera, Alisha; Rani, Medha; Singh, Neha; Barwal, Tushar Singh; Sharma, Uttam; Jain, Aklank
Unfortunately, despite the severe problem associated with salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC), it has not been studied in detail yet. Therefore, the time has come to understand the oncogenic cause of SACC and find the correct molecular markers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic target to tame this disease. Recently, we and others have suggested that non-coding RNAs, specifically microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, can be ideal biomarkers for cancer(s) diagnosis and progression. Herein, we have shown that various miRNAs, like miR-155, miR?103a?3p, miR-21, and miR-130a increase the oncogenesis process, whereas some miRNAs such as miR-140-5p, miR-150, miR-375, miR-181a, miR-98, miR-125a-5p, miR-582-5p, miR-144-3p, miR-320a, miR-187 and miR-101-3p, miR-143-3p inhibit the salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma progression. Furthermore, we have found that miRNAs also target many vital genes and pathways like mitogen-activated protein kinases-snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (MAPK-Snai2), p38/JNK/ERK, forkhead box C1 protein (FOXC1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), integrin subunit beta 3 (ITGB3), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/NF-?B, programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), neuroblastoma RAS (N-RAS), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, MEK/ERK, ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 2 (UBA2), tumor protein D52 (TPD52) which play a crucial role in the regulation of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma. Therefore, we believe that knowledge from this manuscript will help us find the pathogenesis process in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and could also give us better biomarkers of diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. � 2022
Impact of noncoding RNAs on cancer directed immune therapies: Now then and forever
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2022-04-30T00:00:00) Roy, Roshan Kumar; Yadav, Rakhi; Sharma, Uttam; Wasson, Mishi Kaushal; Sharma, Ashok; Tanwar, Pranay; Jain, Aklank; Prakash, Hridayesh
Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the host genome's epigenetic modifications are essential for living organisms to adapt to extreme conditions. DNA methylation, covalent modifications of histone and interassociation of noncoding RNAs facilitate the cellular manifestation of epigenetic changes in the genome. Out of various factors involved in the epigenetic programming of the host, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNA (miRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), circular RNA, snoRNA and piRNA are new generation noncoding molecules that influence a variety of cellular processes like immunity, cellular differentiation and tumor development. During tumor development, temporal changes in miRNA/lncRNA rheostat influence sterile inflammatory responses accompanied by the changes in the carcinogenic signaling in the host. At the cellular level, this is manifested by the upregulation of inflammasome and inflammatory pathways, which promotes cancer-related inflammation. Given this, we discuss the potential of lncRNAs, miRNAs, circular RNA, snoRNA and piRNA in regulating inflammation and tumor development in the host. � 2022 UICC.
An Insight Into Systemic Immune Response in Leishmania donovani Mediated Atypical Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the New Endemic State of Himachal Pradesh, India
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2022-01-04T00:00:00) Thakur, Lovlesh; Madaan, Priyanka; Jain, Aklank; Shankar, Vinay; Negi, Ajeet; Chauhan, Shashi Bhushan; Sundar, Shyam; Singh, Om Prakash; Jain, Manju
Leishmaniasis continues to afflict known and newer endemic sites despite global efforts towards its control and elimination. In this regard, the emergence of newer endemic sites with unusual disease formats is recognized wherein Leishmania donovani complex classically known to cause visceral disease is demonstrated to cause cutaneous manifestation. In this context, atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases caused by L. donovani genetic variants from the newer endemic state of Himachal Pradesh (HP) in India are beginning to be understood in terms of parasite determinants. The atypical CL manifestation further needs to be explored to define host immune correlates with a possible role in driving the unusual disease progression. In the given study, we performed comprehensive systemic-immune profiling of the atypical CL patients from the study area in HP, India, in comparison with the classical visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients from the northeast region of India. The systemic immune response was studied using ELISA-based assessment of Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, and Th22 specific plasma cytokine expression pattern and parasite-specific total serum IgG/IgG subclasses. The specified immune correlates are known to exhibit heterogeneous association with the different infecting parasite species, infection load, and co-lateral host immunopathology in classical CL and VL. In the atypical CL patient group, altered expression of IL-10 emerged as the key finding that could potentially fine-tune the Th1/Th17/Th22 effector cytokine axis towards a localized cutaneous manifestation. A reduced expression of IL-10 along with a high IFN-?/IL-10 ratio as a readout of effective parasite killing defined atypical cutaneous outcome. In contrast, high circulatory IL-10 levels and a depressed IFN-?/IL-10 ratio were seen in classical VL patients in line with an ineffective parasite-killing cytokine response. Overall,�the study highlights new knowledge on host immune correlates in terms of cytokine expression pattern and IgG subclasses that underline atypical disease manifestation such that L. donovani, a generally visceralizing parasite species cause skin localized cutaneous lesions. Copyright � 2022 Thakur, Madaan, Jain, Shankar, Negi, Chauhan, Sundar, Singh and Jain.
An intraspecies Leishmania donovani hybrid from the Indian subcontinent is associated with an atypical phenotype of cutaneous disease
(Elsevier Inc., 2022-01-22T00:00:00) Lypaczewski, Patrick; Thakur, Lovlesh; Jain, Aklank; Kumari, Sandhya; Paulini, Kayla; Matlashewski, Greg; Jain, Manju
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease endemic in over 90 countries. The disease has two main pathologies; cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) that generally self-heals, and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) that is fatal if untreated. The majority of VL cases, concentrated on the Indian subcontinent (ISC) and East Africa, are caused by Leishmania donovani. However, recent foci of CL on the ISC have been attributed as an atypical phenotype of L. donovani including a recent outbreak in Himachal Pradesh, India. Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis was undertaken to investigate the origins and genetic factors leading to this pathology atypical of L. donovani. Here we demonstrate the isolate from Himachal Pradesh is derived from a genetic hybridization between two independent L. donovani parents from the �Yeti� ISC1 divergent clade of parasites, identified in the Nepalese highlands. This reveals that intraspecies L. donovani hybrids can give rise to a novel strain associated with CL. � 2022 The Author(s)
LINC00324 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through sponging miR-493-5p via MAPK signaling pathway
(Elsevier Inc., 2022-12-06T00:00:00) Sharma, Uttam; Kaur Rana, Manjit; Singh, Karuna; Jain, Aklank
Long non-coding RNAs have been demonstrated to promote proliferation and metastasis via regulating the miRNA/mRNA regulatory axis in various malignancies. Based on our preliminary study, we investigated the mechanism of LINC00324 through miR-493-5p/MAPK1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) pathogenesis. Herein, we confirmed that LINC00324 is significantly upregulated in ESCC primary cells and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line KYSE-70. Silencing of LINC00324 modulates cell proliferation markers, p21, p27, c-Myc, and Cyclin D1 and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, slug, snail, ZEB1, vimentin, ZO-1, and E-cadherin protein expression in ESCC. Through bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter assays, we identified miR-493-5p as the direct target molecule of LINC00324. We further revealed that LINC00324 negatively regulates miR-493-5p expression in ESCC. Moreover, our multiple gain-and loss-of-functional experiments proved that a combination of miR-493-5p and LINC00324 significantly rescued ESCC cell proliferation and metastatic phenotypes. Mechanistically, LINC00324 promotes ESCC pathogenesis by acting as a competing endogenous RNA and sponges miR-493-5p activity thereby activating MAPK1 during ESCC progression. We believe that targeting LINC00324 /miR-493-5p/MAPK1 axis may provide new therapeutic avenues for ESCC. � 2022 Elsevier Inc.