ABSTRACT
Cancer cells undergo major epigenetic alterations and transcriptomic changes, including ectopic expression of tissue- and cell-type-specific genes. Here, we show that the germline-specific RNA helicase DDX4 forms germ-granule-like cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein granules in various human tumors, but not in cultured cancer cells. These cancerous DDX4 complexes contain RNA-binding proteins and splicing regulators, including many known germ granule components. The deletion of DDX4 in cancer cells induces transcriptomic changes and affects the alternative splicing landscape of a number of genes involved in cancer growth and invasiveness, leading to compromised capability of DDX4-null cancer cells to form xenograft tumors in immunocompromised mice. Importantly, the occurrence of DDX4 granules is associated with poor survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and higher histological grade of prostate cancer. Taken together, these results show that the germ-granule-resembling cancerous DDX4 granules control gene expression and promote malignant and invasive properties of cancer cells.
ABSTRACT
Biotechnology and small pharma companies must recognize the opportunity presented by FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) to expedite drug development for serious conditions. This paper evaluates BTD economic and developmental impacts on such companies. Analysis of 29 BTD events from 2017 to 2022 revealed immediate share price boosts and improved drug approval rates, alongside faster development times. Yet, long-term share prices underperformed relative to the broader market, underscoring the persistent risks in pharma investments. Although offering new insights, the limited sample size calls for further investigation.
