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Latest Review Papers in Molecular Oncology 2024

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2025 | Viewed by 12358

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
2. Integrative Therapy Discovery Lab, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Interests: oncology; immunotherapy; cannabinoids; chemotherapy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will collect high-quality review papers related to molecular oncology. We request that researchers from this field either contribute review papers highlighting the latest developments in molecular oncology or invite relevant experts and colleagues to do so. Full-length comprehensive reviews are preferred.

More published papers can be found in the closed Special Issue: Latest Review Papers in Molecular Oncology 2023.

Dr. Carmine Stolfi
Prof. Dr. Massimo Nabissi
Dr. Peter J. K. Kuppen
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • review
  • molecular oncology
  • cancer genetics and epigenetics

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Review

17 pages, 3375 KiB  
Review
Cancer Development and Progression Through a Vicious Cycle of DNA Damage and Inflammation
by Shosuke Kawanishi, Guifeng Wang, Ning Ma and Mariko Murata
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3352; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073352 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 415
Abstract
Infections and chronic inflammation play a crucial role in the development of cancer. During inflammatory processes, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are generated by both inflammatory and epithelial cells, leading to the induction of oxidative and nitrative DNA damage, such as the formation [...] Read more.
Infections and chronic inflammation play a crucial role in the development of cancer. During inflammatory processes, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are generated by both inflammatory and epithelial cells, leading to the induction of oxidative and nitrative DNA damage, such as the formation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8-nitroguanine (8-nitroG). These DNA alterations can trigger mutations, which are believed to contribute to cancer formation driven by inflammation. The authors observed the generation of 8-nitroG through iNOS expression in human and animal tissues under inflammatory conditions, where cancer is likely to develop. 8-NitroG serves as a predictive and prognostic indicator for cancers linked to inflammation. Inflammation causes DNA damage, and the subsequent DNA damage response can create an inflammatory environment marked by hypoxia, with HMGB1 being a key factor. The interplay between HIF-1α, NF-ĸB, and HMGB1 sustains DNA damage and the accumulation of mutations, driving cancer progression and worsening prognosis. 8-NitroG is involved not only in the onset and advancement of cancer but also in its progression and conversion. Herein, the authors propose a vicious cycle of DNA damage and inflammation in cancer development (initiation and promotion) and progression, including conversion, via HMGB1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Molecular Oncology 2024)
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20 pages, 896 KiB  
Review
Molecular Interplay Between Non-Coding RNAs and Connexins and Its Possible Role in Cancer
by Pablo Pérez-Moreno, Juan P. Muñoz and Mauricio A. Retamal
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2538; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062538 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 414
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are sequences that do not encode for proteins and play key roles in different cellular processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation. On the other hand, connexins (Cxs) are transmembrane proteins that principally allow intercellular communication. In pathological conditions such as [...] Read more.
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are sequences that do not encode for proteins and play key roles in different cellular processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation. On the other hand, connexins (Cxs) are transmembrane proteins that principally allow intercellular communication. In pathological conditions such as cancer, there is a deregulation in the expression and/or function of ncRNAs and Cxs, which in turn leads to an enhancement in the aggressive phenotype, such as a greater proliferative and invasive capacity. This suggests a plausible interplay between ncRNAs and Cxs. Based on that, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding this relationship and to analyze how it may influence the development of aggressive traits in cancer cells and the clinicopathological features of cancer patients. Finally, we discuss the potential of ncRNAs and Cxs as promising clinical biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targeting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Molecular Oncology 2024)
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55 pages, 3946 KiB  
Review
Divide and Conquer—Targeted Therapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
by Milica Nedeljković, Ana Vuletić and Katarina Mirjačić Martinović
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(4), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26041396 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 2363
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and malignant type of breast cancer with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. One of the most significant impediments in TNBC treatment is the high heterogeneity of this disease, as highlighted by the detection of [...] Read more.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and malignant type of breast cancer with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. One of the most significant impediments in TNBC treatment is the high heterogeneity of this disease, as highlighted by the detection of several molecular subtypes of TNBC. Each subtype is driven by distinct mutations and pathway aberrations, giving rise to specific molecular characteristics closely connected to clinical behavior, outcomes, and drug sensitivity. This review summarizes the knowledge regarding TNBC molecular subtypes and how it can be harnessed to devise tailored treatment strategies instead of blindly using targeted drugs. We provide an overview of novel targeted agents and key insights about new treatment modalities with an emphasis on the androgen receptor signaling pathway, cancer stem cell-associated pathways, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway, growth factor signaling, and immunotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Molecular Oncology 2024)
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18 pages, 3973 KiB  
Review
Regulation of Cancer Metastasis by PAK2
by Megan Wu, Chandan Sarkar and Bin Guo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(24), 13443; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252413443 - 15 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1074
Abstract
PAK2 is a serine-threonine kinase and a member of the p21-activated kinase (PAK) family. PAK2 is activated by GTP-bound rho family GTPases, Rac, and Cdc42, and it regulates actin dynamics, cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, and cell motility. In various types of [...] Read more.
PAK2 is a serine-threonine kinase and a member of the p21-activated kinase (PAK) family. PAK2 is activated by GTP-bound rho family GTPases, Rac, and Cdc42, and it regulates actin dynamics, cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, and cell motility. In various types of cancers, PAK2 has been implicated in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. In addition, recent studies have shown that PAK2 plays an important role in cancer cell metastasis, indicating PAK2 as a potential therapeutic target. This review discusses recent discoveries on the functions of PAK2 in the regulation of various types of cancers. A better understanding of the mechanisms of function of PAK2 will facilitate future development of cancer therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Molecular Oncology 2024)
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37 pages, 3894 KiB  
Review
Glutathione-Dependent Pathways in Cancer Cells
by Elena Kalinina
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8423; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158423 - 1 Aug 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5237
Abstract
The most abundant tripeptide—glutathione (GSH)—and the major GSH-related enzymes—glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)—are highly significant in the regulation of tumor cell viability, initiation of tumor development, its progression, and drug resistance. The high level of GSH synthesis in different cancer types [...] Read more.
The most abundant tripeptide—glutathione (GSH)—and the major GSH-related enzymes—glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)—are highly significant in the regulation of tumor cell viability, initiation of tumor development, its progression, and drug resistance. The high level of GSH synthesis in different cancer types depends not only on the increasing expression of the key enzymes of the γ-glutamyl cycle but also on the changes in transport velocity of its precursor amino acids. The ability of GPxs to reduce hydroperoxides is used for cellular viability, and each member of the GPx family has a different mechanism of action and site for maintaining redox balance. GSTs not only catalyze the conjugation of GSH to electrophilic substances and the reduction of organic hydroperoxides but also take part in the regulation of cellular signaling pathways. By catalyzing the S-glutathionylation of key target proteins, GSTs are involved in the regulation of major cellular processes, including metabolism (e.g., glycolysis and the PPP), signal transduction, transcription regulation, and the development of resistance to anticancer drugs. In this review, recent findings in GSH synthesis, the roles and functions of GPxs, and GST isoforms in cancer development are discussed, along with the search for GST and GPx inhibitors for cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Molecular Oncology 2024)
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23 pages, 328 KiB  
Review
Infrared Spectroscopy in Gynecological Oncology: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnostic Potentials and Challenges
by Charlotte Delrue, Sander De Bruyne, Matthijs Oyaert, Joris R. Delanghe, Rafael Noal Moresco, Reinhart Speeckaert and Marijn M. Speeckaert
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5996; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115996 - 30 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1327
Abstract
The early detection of gynecological cancers, which is critical for improving patient survival rates, is challenging because of the vague early symptoms and the diagnostic limitations of current approaches. This comprehensive review delves into the game-changing potential of infrared (IR) spectroscopy, a noninvasive [...] Read more.
The early detection of gynecological cancers, which is critical for improving patient survival rates, is challenging because of the vague early symptoms and the diagnostic limitations of current approaches. This comprehensive review delves into the game-changing potential of infrared (IR) spectroscopy, a noninvasive technology used to transform the landscape of cancer diagnosis in gynecology. By collecting the distinctive vibrational frequencies of chemical bonds inside tissue samples, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provides a ‘molecular fingerprint’ that outperforms existing diagnostic approaches. We highlight significant advances in this field, particularly the identification of discrete biomarker bands in the mid- and near-IR spectra. Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids exhibited different absorption patterns. These spectral signatures not only serve to distinguish between malignant and benign diseases, but also provide additional information regarding the cellular changes associated with cancer. To underscore the practical consequences of these findings, we examined studies in which IR spectroscopy demonstrated exceptional diagnostic accuracy. This review supports the use of IR spectroscopy in normal clinical practice, emphasizing its capacity to detect and comprehend the intricate molecular underpinnings of gynecological cancers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Molecular Oncology 2024)
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