Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.0
4.9
Journals
IJMS
Special Issues
Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumorigenesis and Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for...
ijms-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumorigenesis and Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer-Fighting, 3rd Edition

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 December 2025 | Viewed by 8504

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Annapina Russo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: cancer; chemoresistance; nucleolar stress; extra-ribosomal function of ribosomal proteins; cell cycle
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Giulia Russo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
Interests: tumorigenesis; cancer therapy; TP53, TGFβ, TNFα signaling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the most common cause of premature death in developed countries. Conventional cancer treatment involves the therapeutic application of chemotherapeutic agents associated with surgical therapy. However, the clinical outcome of this therapeutic approach can be unsatisfactory, especially in patients with advanced disease. Furthermore, common chemotherapeutic drugs show high levels of toxicity for normal cells, which is often associated with the development of chemoresistance. For these reasons, oncological research has focused on finding innovative therapies that increase the specificity of the treatment and reduce their drawbacks. New therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment, currently under evaluation in many clinical trials worldwide, include but are not limited to molecules targeting the nucleolus, natural antioxidants and phytochemicals in combination with common chemotherapeutic drugs, expression of genes triggering apoptosis, tumor suppressors, targeted silencing mediated by siRNAs, and the nanodelivery of chemotherapeutics.

The combination of new and conventional approaches allows oncologists to select the best and most personalized therapy for cancer treatment.

This Special Issue, led by Dr. Giulia Russo and Dr. Annapina Russo with the assistance of our Topical Advisory Panel Members and the GE’s assistant editor Dr. Annalisa Pecoraro (Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy), will document studies on the molecular mechanism underlying tumorigenesis and on innovative strategies for cancer treatment.

More published papers could be found in the closed Special Issues: Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumorigenesis and Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer-Fighting and Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumorigenesis and Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer-Fighting 2.0.

Dr. Annapina Russo
Dr. Giulia Russo
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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. 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

  • cancer
  • nucleolus
  • nucleolar stress
  • tumorigenesis
  • cancer therapy

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.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

22 pages, 5621 KB  
Article
Identification of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts Related Genes Signature to Facilitate Improved Prediction of Prognosis and Responses to Therapy in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
by Yong Zhou, Yanxi Lu, Franziska Czubayko, Jisheng Chen, Shuwen Zheng, Huaqing Mo, Rui Liu, Georg F. Weber, Robert Grützmann, Christian Pilarsky and Paul David
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(10), 4876; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26104876 - 19 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1001
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is highly aggressive, with a 5-year survival rate of 12.8%, making early detection vital. However, non-specific symptoms and precursor lesions complicate diagnosis. Existing tools for the early detection of PC are limited. CAFs are crucial in cancer progression, invasion, and [...] Read more.
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is highly aggressive, with a 5-year survival rate of 12.8%, making early detection vital. However, non-specific symptoms and precursor lesions complicate diagnosis. Existing tools for the early detection of PC are limited. CAFs are crucial in cancer progression, invasion, and metastasis, yet their role in PC is poorly understood. This study analyzes mRNA data from PC samples to identify CAF-related genes and drugs for PC treatment using algorithms like EPIC, xCell, MCP-counter, and TIDE to quantify CAF infiltration. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified 26 hub genes. Our analyses revealed eight prognostic genes, leading to establishing a six-gene model for assessing prognosis. Correlation analysis showed that the CAF risk score correlates with CAF infiltration and related markers. We also identified six potential drugs, observing significant differences between high-CAF and low-CAF risk groups. High CAF risk scores were associated with lower responses to immunotherapy and higher tumor mutation burdens. GSEA indicated that these scores are enriched in tumor microenvironment pathways. In summary, these six model genes can predict overall survival and responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer, offering valuable insights for future clinical strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumorigenesis and Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer-Fighting, 3rd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 7760 KB  
Article
Characterization and Experimental Use of Multiple Myeloma Bone Marrow Endothelial Cells and Progenitors
by Filip Garbicz, Marcin Kaszkowiak, Julia Dudkiewicz-Garbicz, David M. Dorfman, Julia Ostrowska, Joanna Barankiewicz, Aleksander Salomon-Perzyński, Ewa Lech-Marańda, Tuyet Nguyen, Przemyslaw Juszczyński, Ruben D. Carrasco and Irena Misiewicz-Krzeminska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12047; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212047 - 9 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1504
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that resides within the bone marrow microenvironment, relying heavily on interactions with its cellular components. Among these, endothelial cells (ECs) play a pivotal role in MM progression and the development of therapeutic resistance. In this [...] Read more.
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that resides within the bone marrow microenvironment, relying heavily on interactions with its cellular components. Among these, endothelial cells (ECs) play a pivotal role in MM progression and the development of therapeutic resistance. In this study, we analyzed publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data to identify unique pathway activations distinguishing ECs from MM patients and healthy donors. We developed a novel protocol to isolate and culture endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and ECs directly from MM patient bone marrow, demonstrating their ability to promote myeloma cell proliferation. Validation studies confirmed that these MM-derived ECs exhibit angiogenic potential as well as the expression of characteristic endothelial lineage markers. These findings underscore the critical role of bone marrow ECs in the MM tumor microenvironment and highlight potential new therapeutic targets to disrupt MM progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumorigenesis and Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer-Fighting, 3rd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

10 pages, 1162 KB  
Communication
The Novel Anticancer Aryl-Ureido Fatty Acid CTU Increases Reactive Oxygen Species Production That Impairs Mitochondrial Fusion Mechanisms and Promotes MDA-MB-231 Cell Death
by Stanton Tam, Balasubrahmanyam Umashankar, Md Khalilur Rahman, Hassan Choucair, Tristan Rawling and Michael Murray
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10577; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910577 - 1 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1487
Abstract
Cancer cell mitochondria are functionally different from those in normal cells and could be targeted to develop novel anticancer agents. The aryl-ureido fatty acid CTU (16({[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-carbamoyl}amino)hexadecanoic acid) is the prototype of a new class of targeted agents that enhance the production of reactive [...] Read more.
Cancer cell mitochondria are functionally different from those in normal cells and could be targeted to develop novel anticancer agents. The aryl-ureido fatty acid CTU (16({[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-carbamoyl}amino)hexadecanoic acid) is the prototype of a new class of targeted agents that enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that disrupt the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) and kill cancer cells. However, the mechanism by which CTU disrupts the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) and activates apoptosis is not clear. Here, we show that CTU-mediated ROS selectively dysregulated the OMA1/OPA1 fusion regulatory system located in the IMM. The essential role of ROS was confirmed in experiments with the lipid peroxyl scavenger α-tocopherol, which prevented the dysregulation of OMA1/OPA1 and CTU-mediated MDA-MB-231 cell killing. The disruption of OMA1/OPA1 and IMM fusion by CTU-mediated ROS accounted for the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria and the activation of apoptosis. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that CTU depolarises the mitochondrial membrane, activates ROS production, and disrupts both the IMM and OMM, which releases cytochrome c and activates apoptosis. Mitochondrial-targeting agents like CTU offer a novel approach to the development of new therapeutics with anticancer activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumorigenesis and Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer-Fighting, 3rd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 15074 KB  
Article
The Vasopressin Receptor Antagonist Tolvaptan Counteracts Tumor Growth in a Murine Xenograft Model of Small Cell Lung Cancer
by Laura Naldi, Benedetta Fibbi, Simone Polvani, Chiara Cirillo, Francesca Pasella, Francesca Bartolini, Francesca Romano, Alessandra Fanelli, Alessandro Peri and Giada Marroncini
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8402; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158402 - 1 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1610
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that the vasopressin type 2 receptor (AVPR2) antagonist tolvaptan reduces cell proliferation and invasion and triggers apoptosis in different human cancer cell lines. To study this effect in vivo, a xenograft model of small cell lung cancer was developed [...] Read more.
We have previously demonstrated that the vasopressin type 2 receptor (AVPR2) antagonist tolvaptan reduces cell proliferation and invasion and triggers apoptosis in different human cancer cell lines. To study this effect in vivo, a xenograft model of small cell lung cancer was developed in Fox1nu/nu nude mice through the subcutaneous inoculation of H69 cells, which express AVPR2. One group of mice (n = 5) was treated with tolvaptan for 60 days, whereas one group (n = 5) served as the control. A reduced growth was observed in the tolvaptan group in which the mean tumor volume was significantly smaller on day 60 compared to the control group. In the latter group, a significantly lower survival was observed. The analysis of excised tumors revealed that tolvaptan effectively inhibited the cAMP/PKA and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. The expression of the proliferative marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was significantly lower in tumors excised from tolvaptan-treated mice, whereas the expression levels of the apoptotic marker caspase-3 were higher than those in control animals. Furthermore, tumor vascularization was significantly lower in the tolvaptan group. Overall, these findings suggest that tolvaptan counteracts tumor progression in vivo and, if confirmed, might indicate a possible role of this molecule as an adjuvant in anticancer strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumorigenesis and Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer-Fighting, 3rd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 1012 KB  
Review
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bovine Colostrum for Cancer Therapies
by Yalçın Mert Yalçıntaş, Mikhael Bechelany and Sercan Karav
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7936; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167936 - 17 Aug 2025
Viewed by 535
Abstract
Colostrum is a nutrient-rich fluid secreted by mammals shortly after birth, primarily to provide passive immunity and support early immune development in newborns. Among its various sources, bovine colostrum is the most widely used supplement due to its high bioavailability, safety profile, and [...] Read more.
Colostrum is a nutrient-rich fluid secreted by mammals shortly after birth, primarily to provide passive immunity and support early immune development in newborns. Among its various sources, bovine colostrum is the most widely used supplement due to its high bioavailability, safety profile, and clinically supported health benefits. Rich in immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides, bovine colostrum exhibits diverse biological activities that extend beyond neonatal health. Recently, the rising prevalence of cancer—driven by environmental stressors such as radiation, processed foods, and chronic inflammation, as well as non-environmental hereditary factors including germline mutations, family history, and epigenetic inheritance—has fueled interest in natural adjunctive therapies. Scientific studies have explored the anticancer potential of bovine colostrum, highlighting its ability to modulate immune responses, inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and reduce inflammation. Key components including lactoferrin and proline-rich peptides have been identified as contributors to these effects. Additionally, bovine colostrum may help reduce the side effects of standard cancer treatments, such as mouth sores from chemotherapy or weakened immune systems, by helping to heal tissues and boost the body’s defenses. While large-scale clinical studies are still needed, current findings suggest that bovine colostrum holds promise as a supportive element in integrative cancer care. In conclusion, bovine colostrum represents a safe, bioactive-rich natural supplement with multifaceted therapeutic potential, particularly in oncology, owing to its key components such as lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, growth factors (e.g., IGF-1, TGF-β), and proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs), which contribute to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer effects. Ongoing and future research will be crucial to fully understand its mechanisms of action and establish its role in evidence-based cancer prevention and treatment strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumorigenesis and Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer-Fighting, 3rd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 623 KB  
Review
Decoding Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Molecular Profiles, Biomarkers, and Pathways to Personalized Therapy
by Linda Galasso, Federica Vitale, Gabriele Giansanti, Giorgio Esposto, Raffaele Borriello, Irene Mignini, Alberto Nicoletti, Lorenzo Zileri Dal Verme, Antonio Gasbarrini, Maria Elena Ainora and Maria Assunta Zocco
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7814; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167814 - 13 Aug 2025
Viewed by 444
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are rare malignancies, accounting for 1–2% of pancreatic cancers, with an incidence of ≤1 case per 100,000 individuals annually. Originating from pancreatic endocrine cells, pNETs display significant clinical and biological heterogeneity. Traditional classification based on proliferative grading does not [...] Read more.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are rare malignancies, accounting for 1–2% of pancreatic cancers, with an incidence of ≤1 case per 100,000 individuals annually. Originating from pancreatic endocrine cells, pNETs display significant clinical and biological heterogeneity. Traditional classification based on proliferative grading does not fully capture the complex mechanisms involved, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and tumor-associated macrophage infiltration. Recent advances in molecular profiling have revealed key oncogenic drivers, including MEN1 (menin 1), DAXX (death domain–associated protein), ATRX (alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked), CDKN1B (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B) mutations, chromatin remodeling defects, and dysregulation of the mTOR pathway. Somatostatin receptors, particularly SSTR2, play a central role in tumor biology and serve as important prognostic markers, enabling the use of advanced diagnostic imaging (e.g., Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET/CT) and targeted therapies like somatostatin analogs and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). Established biomarkers such as Chromogranin A and the Ki-67 proliferation index remain vital for diagnosis and prognosis, while emerging markers, like circulating tumor DNA and microRNAs, show promise for enhancing disease monitoring and diagnostic accuracy. This review summarizes the molecular landscape of pNETs and highlights genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and epigenomic factors that support the identification of novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers, ultimately advancing personalized treatment strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumorigenesis and Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer-Fighting, 3rd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 771 KB  
Review
Therapeutic Prospects of αv Integrins Inhibition in Fibrotic Lung Diseases and Carcinogenesis
by Eugenija Leonidovna Golovina, Veronika Vladimirovna Kochubey, Marina Alekseevna Shabanova, Darya Maksimovna Chekhvalova, Valentina Alexandrovna Serebryakova, Evgenii Germanovich Skurikhin, Olga Evgenievna Vaizova, Sergey Georgievich Morozov, Aslan Amirkhanovich Kubatiev and Alexander Mikhaylovich Dygai
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(13), 6202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136202 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1046
Abstract
The uncontrolled fibrosis of lung tissue can lead to premature death in patients suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and it complicates the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. It is also a risk factor for developing lung cancer. Antifibrotic [...] Read more.
The uncontrolled fibrosis of lung tissue can lead to premature death in patients suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and it complicates the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. It is also a risk factor for developing lung cancer. Antifibrotic drugs, such as nantedanib and pirfenidone, are able to slow down the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, but more effective treatment is still needed to reverse it. Studies on the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis have demonstrated that integrins play a crucial role affecting the development of pulmonary fibrosis, for example, by activating transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Taking the above into consideration, targeting specific integrins could offer promising opportunities for managing fibroplastic changes in lung tissue. Integrins are a type of transmembrane molecule that mediate interactions between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. This review discusses the role of integrins in the pathogeneses of respiratory diseases and carcinogenesis, as well as presents promising approaches to the drug therapy of pulmonary fibrosis of various etiologies based on integrin inhibition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumorigenesis and Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer-Fighting, 3rd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop