Comprehensive analysis based on the disulfidptosis-related genes identifies hub genes and immune infiltration for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy in the digestive tract, requiring accurate prediction and effective treatment strategies. Recently, the discovery of disulfidptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death characterized by abnormal disulfide accumulation, has sparked interest in its role in PAAD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in PAAD. Using publicly available databases, we conducted a comprehensive analysis exploring the complex relationships between DRGs and important aspects of PAAD, including gene expression, immune response, mutation, drug sensitivity, and functional enrichment. Notably, we observed significant heterogeneity among different disulfidptosis subclusters and identified specific differentially expressed genes in PAAD. Through machine learning techniques, we identified SLC7A11, S100A4, DIAPH3, PRDX1, and SLC7A7 as the most relevant hub genes. We further validated their significance in PAAD by considering their expression patterns, prognostic value, diagnostic potential, diagnostic model, and immune infiltration. This study presents exciting opportunities and challenges in unraveling the underlying mechanisms of PAAD prognosis. It also establishes a foundation for personalized cancer care and the development of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies. By shedding light on the role of DRGs, particularly hub genes, we enhance our understanding and management of PAAD.

USP22 promotes proliferation in renal cell carcinoma by stabilizing survivin.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the commonest urological tumors. The incidence of RCC ranks third among urological tumors, after prostate cancer and bladder tumors. However, the etiology of RCC remains unclear. Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22), a potential marker of cancer stem cells, is associated with the occurrence and progression of numerous tumors. However, the roles of USP22 in RCC have not yet been investigated. Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptotic protein family involved in RCC progression. The present study first detected the expression of USP22 and survivin in RCC tissues using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. It was revealed that the protein levels of USP22 and survivin in RCC tissues were higher than those in adjacent normal renal tissue. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that USP22 knockdown inhibited the growth of an RCC cell line ACHN and downregulated the protein level of survivin, accompanied by an increased level of cleaved-caspase-3. By contrast, overexpression of USP22 promoted the growth of ACHN cells, upregulated the expression of survivin and decreased the level of cleaved-caspase-3. Notably, the changes in USP22 expression did not affect the SURVIVIN mRNA level. Finally, it was confirmed that USP22 interacted with survivin and stabilized it by downregulating its ubiquitination. The present results indicate that USP22 may regulate survivin via deubiquitination, thereby promoting the proliferation of RCC cells. The results of the current study suggest that USP22 may represent a novel therapeutic target for patients with RCC.

Identification of 12 immune-related lncRNAs and molecular subtypes for the clear cell renal cell carcinoma based on RNA sequencing data.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Despite the existing extensive research, the molecular and pathogenic mechanisms of ccRCC are elusive. We aimed to identify the immune-related lncRNA signature and molecular subtypes associated with ccRCC. By integrating 4 microarray datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus database, we identified 49 immune-related genes. The corresponding immune-related lncRNAs were further identified in the TCGA dataset. 12-lncRNAs prognostic and independent signature was identified through survival analysis and survival difference between risk groups was further identified based on the risk score. Besides, we identified 3 molecular subtypes and survival analysis result showed that cluster 2 has a better survival outcome. Further, ssGSEA enrichment analysis for the immune-associated gene sets revealed that cluster 1 corresponded to a high immune infiltration level. While cluster 2 and cluster 3 corresponded to low and medium immune infiltration level, respectively. In addition, we validated the 12-lncRNA prognostic signature and molecular subtypes in an external validation dataset from the ICGC database. In summary, we identified a 12-lncRNA prognostic signature which may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of ccRCC and the molecular subtypes provided a theoretical basis for personalized treatment by clinicians.

A nanohybrid composed of Prussian Blue and graphitic C3N4 nanosheets as the signal-generating tag in an enzyme-free electrochemical immunoassay for the neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin.

An enzyme-free electrochemical immunoassay is described for the neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL; a biomarker of kidney disease). Prussian Blue (PB) nanoparticles with redox activity were deposited on graphitic C3N4 nanosheets (g-C3N4) by in-situ reduction. A screen printed electrode (SPCE) was modified with antibody against NGAL, and the PB-g-C3N4 nanohybrid was used as the signal-generating tag for the secondary antibody against NGAL. Upon addition of target NGAL and of secondary antibody, a sandwich is formed on the SPCE. At an applied potential of typically 0.13 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), a well-defined voltammetric peak is observed that results from the presence of PB on the secondary antibody. Under optimal conditions, the peak current increases linearly in the 0.01 to 10 ng·mL-1 NGAL concentration range, and the detection limit is 2.8 pg·mL-1. An average precision of <12% was accomplished in the batch-to-batch mode. Other disease-related biomarkers do not interfere. The accuracy and inter-laboratory validation of this method were evaluated for target NGAL detection in spiked human serum by using a commercial ELISA. The results obtained by the two methods are in good accordance. Graphical abstract An enzyme-free electrochemical immunoassay was used for detection of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin by Prussian blut/graphitic-C3N4 nanohybrids as the signal-generation tags.