Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (251)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = STK11

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
17 pages, 631 KB  
Review
Genetic Predisposition to Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review of Hereditary Syndromes and Familial Aggregation
by Catalin Sergiu Baraian, Claudiu Stefan Turculet and Ionut Negoi
Cancers 2026, 18(6), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18060976 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 238
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 8%. Roughly 10% of cases occur in individuals with familial pancreatic cancer or identified high-risk germline mutations, including STK11, CDKN2A, BRCA1/2, MLH1, and MSH2. Aim: We aimed to [...] Read more.
Background: Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 8%. Roughly 10% of cases occur in individuals with familial pancreatic cancer or identified high-risk germline mutations, including STK11, CDKN2A, BRCA1/2, MLH1, and MSH2. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the risk of pancreatic cancer associated with inherited genetic mutations and to characterize these genetic syndromes. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed database up to 2024 identified 1500 articles, of which 90 met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Results: High-risk individuals were defined as those with at least a 10-fold increased risk, moderate risk as 5–10-fold and low risk as under 5-fold. High-risk individuals included those with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (132–140-fold risk), hereditary pancreatitis (50–87-fold risk), Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma syndrome (up to 48-fold risk), hereditary breast and ovarian cancer with BRCA2 mutation (up to 22-fold risk), and familial pancreatic cancer with at least three affected relatives (up to 32-fold risk). Moderate-risk patients had BRCA1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, p53, and ATM mutations, as well as familial pancreatic cancer with 1–2 affected kindred. Low-risk patients had familial adenomatous polyposis. Conclusions: Identifying high-risk individuals is crucial for effective genetic counseling, testing, and potential screening programs to facilitate early diagnosis and improve outcomes. Future research should prioritize large prospective cohorts, screening programs, and the integration of emerging technologies, such as AI-assisted imaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Screening and Surveillance of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Cancers)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 232 KB  
Article
STK11 and DNA Repair Gene Mutations Define Hereditary Subset of Middle Eastern Papillary Thyroid Cancer
by Rong Bu, Wael Haqawi, Eman A. Abdul Razzaq, Saud Azam, Kaleem Iqbal, Zeeshan Qadri, Sandeep Kumar Parvathareddy, Maha Alrasheed, Khadija Alobaisi, Fouad Al-Dayel, Abdul Khalid Siraj and Khawla S. Al-Kuraya
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2656; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062656 - 14 Mar 2026
Viewed by 196
Abstract
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy with especially high incidence in Middle Eastern populations. While classical hereditary syndromes explain a minority of cases, the broader germline landscape of non-syndromic PTC remains unclear. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on 245 unselected [...] Read more.
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy with especially high incidence in Middle Eastern populations. While classical hereditary syndromes explain a minority of cases, the broader germline landscape of non-syndromic PTC remains unclear. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on 245 unselected Saudi PTC patients to identify germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (PVs/LPVs) in cancer predisposition genes. Clinical and molecular characteristics, and family history were integrated to assess phenotypic correlations. Eleven patients (4.5%) harbored germline PVs/LPVs in cancer susceptibility genes including STK11, TP53, BRCA1, BRCA2, FANCA, SLX4, RAD50, MSH6, POLD1 and NF1. Four patients (36.4%) carried PVs/LPVs in canonical FA pathway genes; this increased to five patients (45.5%) when RAD50 was included. Two unrelated patients harbored the same STK11 variant (p.R304Q) without classical Peutz–Jeghers syndrome features. A TP53 hotspot mutation (p.R175H) was identified in a patient with a personal history of gastric cancer, a malignancy associated with Li–Fraumeni syndrome. Notably, the BRCA1 PV detected matches a known Saudi founder mutation in hereditary breast cancer, now observed in PTC. Most germline positive cases lacked syndromic manifestations, underscoring limitations of phenotype or family history-driven genetic testing strategies. These findings suggest that a small subset of non-syndromic PTC cases may carry germline PVs/LPVs in cancer predisposition genes, highlighting the need for broader genetic screening frameworks. Unbiased whole-exome analysis in unselected cohorts can uncover under-recognized genetic risk and guide screening strategies to address the unique hereditary landscape of thyroid cancer in underrepresented populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
20 pages, 2336 KB  
Article
Loss of PIK3CA Allows In Vitro Growth but Not In Vivo Progression of KRAS Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma in a Syngeneic Orthotopic Implantation Model
by Abigail L. Booth, Giuseppe Caso, Barbara Rosati, Ya-Ping Jiang, Wei-Xing Zong, Richard Z. Lin and Harold Bien
Cells 2026, 15(6), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15060506 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 276
Abstract
Constitutively active KRAS mutations are highly prevalent in lung cancers, but the direct role of its downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in tumor progression remains unclear. A previous study established the requirement for PIK3CA, the alpha catalytic isoform, in lung tumor development in [...] Read more.
Constitutively active KRAS mutations are highly prevalent in lung cancers, but the direct role of its downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in tumor progression remains unclear. A previous study established the requirement for PIK3CA, the alpha catalytic isoform, in lung tumor development in mouse models with an intact Trp53 tumor suppressor. In this study, we further investigated the requirement of PIK3CA for tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. We first generated a “KPA” cell line by genetically deleting Pik3ca from a murine lung adenocarcinoma “KP” cell line harboring oncogenic KrasG12D and lacking Trp53. We also examined the requirement for STK11, a tumor suppressor and metabolic regulator frequently co-mutated with KRAS in lung cancer. We found that Pik3ca is not required for cell survival and growth in vitro, even under anchorage-independent conditions, but reduced the growth rate by 15%. We next orthotopically implanted KP and KPA cells into syngeneic mice and found that PIK3CA is absolutely required for tumor progression, even in the absence of Trp53. Implantation of KP cells, or a “KPS” cell line lacking the Stk11 gene, led to rapid tumor growth and death of all host animals. In contrast, mice implanted with KPA cells all survived with no detectable lung tumors. The gene expression profiles from cultured cell lines suggest oxidative stress as a potential vulnerability of KPA cells. Indeed, we found KPA cells were more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide and diethyl maleate-induced oxidative stress as compared to KP and KPS cells. Together, these results indicate that PIK3CA is not required for lung cancer cell growth induced by mutant KRAS in vitro but is essential for in vivo progression and growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Cell Signaling Pathway Starvation Therapy for Cancer)
Show Figures

Figure 1

36 pages, 19472 KB  
Article
Optimised SBAS Ground Segment for Colombia Using Traffic and Ionospheric Risk Models
by Jaime Enrique Orduy, Sebastian Valencia, Felipe Rodriguez, Cristian Lozano, Juan Mosquera and Christian Rincon
Aerospace 2026, 13(3), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace13030264 - 11 Mar 2026
Viewed by 362
Abstract
This paper presents the design, optimization, and performance evaluation of a Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) ground segment tailored to Colombia’s air navigation infrastructure, with emphasis on ionospheric anomalies in equatorial latitudes. The configuration comprises six Reference Stations (RIMS), strategically sited via geometric dilution [...] Read more.
This paper presents the design, optimization, and performance evaluation of a Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) ground segment tailored to Colombia’s air navigation infrastructure, with emphasis on ionospheric anomalies in equatorial latitudes. The configuration comprises six Reference Stations (RIMS), strategically sited via geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) minimization and airspace demand models from ADS-B data. A simulation suite—integrating STK®, Radio Mobile™, and Stanford-ESA certified monitors—quantifies service volume, link margins, and protection level compliance. Ionospheric threat characterization uses regional scintillation datasets (σln ≈ 0.36, ROTI95 ≈ 85 mm/km), informing GIVE inflation and dual-frequency pseudorange integrity validation. Simulations confirm the system sustains ≥ 99.8% APV-I availability over the CAR/SAM FIR, with Horizontal and Vertical Protection Levels (HPL/VPL) bounded below 28 m and 46 m. Uplink integrity and GEO broadcast continuity are modelled under worst-case masking and multipath, confirming ICAO Annex 10 SARPs compliance. The architecture achieves a high performance-to-cost ratio, enabling nationwide SBAS coverage with a 65% cost reduction versus legacy navaids. The system is forward-compatible with dual-frequency multi-constellation SBAS (DFMC), supporting future APV-II scalability. These results position Colombia as a regional node for GNSS augmentation, fostering safety, efficiency, and procedural harmonization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Astronautics & Space Science)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2126 KB  
Article
Assessing the Bioenergy Potential of Peanut Shell Waste: High Heating Rate Combustion Behavior and Thermodynamic Analysis
by Suleiman Mousa, Abdulrahman Almithn, Ibrahim Dubdub, Abdullah Alshehab and Mohamed Anwar Ismail
Polymers 2026, 18(5), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18050560 - 26 Feb 2026
Viewed by 300
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of peanut shell (PnS) combustion behavior using combined physicochemical characterization and non-isothermal thermogravimetric kinetics. To evaluate its potential as a sustainable solid biofuel, PnS was characterized for its proximate and ultimate composition, with its fiber structure analyzed [...] Read more.
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of peanut shell (PnS) combustion behavior using combined physicochemical characterization and non-isothermal thermogravimetric kinetics. To evaluate its potential as a sustainable solid biofuel, PnS was characterized for its proximate and ultimate composition, with its fiber structure analyzed via Van Soest methods and functional groups identified via FTIR spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed at high heating rates (20,40,60, and 80 K min1) to investigate combustion stages under oxidative conditions. The results established PnS as a high-potential energy source, revealing a significant volatile matter content (65.30 wt%) and an exceptionally high heating value (20.87 MJ kg1), which surpasses many standard agricultural residues. The proximate analysis also indicated a moisture content of 9.61% and an ash content of 6.59%. TGA profiles displayed distinct decomposition stages, with the primary devolatilization occurring between 500 and 700 K. Kinetic analysis was conducted using six model-free methods: Friedman (FR), Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Starink (STK), Kissinger (K), and Vyazovkin (VY) and the Coats-Redfern model-fitting method. The apparent activation energy Ea was found to vary with conversion (α), reflecting the complex degradation of the lignocellulosic matrix (47.86% cellulose, 28.4% lignin). The activation energy values ranged from approximately 23 kJ mol1 (VY method at low conversion) to 187 kJ mol1 (FR method at α=0.5). Model-fitting analysis identified the three-dimensional diffusion (D3) model as the governing reaction mechanism. Thermodynamic analysis indicated positive enthalpy (ΔH:70.7181.8 kJ mol1) and Gibbs free energy (ΔG: 116.2216.7 kJ mol1), with predominately negative entropy (ΔS), confirming the endothermic and non-spontaneous nature of the reaction activation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Circular and Green Sustainable Polymer Science)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3397 KB  
Article
Identification of the Carcinogenic Process from Lobular Endocervical Glandular Hyperplasia to Gastric-Type Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Cervix via Whole-Exome Sequencing
by Airi Kuruma, Tatsuo Masuda, Kazuaki Sato, Kansuke Kido, Daisuke Motooka, Naoko Komura, Takeshi Yokoi, Kosuke Yoshihara, Yasuto Kinose, Kae Hashimoto, Kenjiro Sawada, Eiichi Morii, Tadashi Kimura and Michiko Kodama
Cancers 2026, 18(4), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18040651 - 17 Feb 2026
Viewed by 401
Abstract
Background: Gastric-type adenocarcinoma (GAS) of the uterine cervix is a rare malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. However, the carcinogenic processes involved remain unclear. Methods: Normal cervical glands, lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH), and GAS from the same patients were collected using [...] Read more.
Background: Gastric-type adenocarcinoma (GAS) of the uterine cervix is a rare malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. However, the carcinogenic processes involved remain unclear. Methods: Normal cervical glands, lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH), and GAS from the same patients were collected using laser microdissection for whole-exome sequencing. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number alterations (CNAs) were analyzed. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on the SNV and CNA profiles. Results: Analysis of seven matched samples demonstrated higher frequency of somatic mutations in the exonic regions in GAS than in LEGH. CNAs were prevalent in GAS but rare in LEGH. The phylogenetic analyses revealed various branching patterns. However, in three cases, the data suggested a sequential transition from LEGH to GAS, potentially associated with mutations in receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatases such as PTPRF and PTPRT. STK11 and ARID1A mutations were present in LEGH, with an increased variant allele frequency observed in GAS. In contrast, SMAD4 and SMAD2 showed frequent loss-of-function–type alterations in GAS, including copy-number loss, but were not detected in LEGH. Conclusions: These findings provide insights into the genomic landscapes of LEGH and GAS and suggest potential molecular markers for this transition, which may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Epigenetics of Gynecological Cancer)
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 6214 KB  
Review
Gastric-Type Cervical Adenocarcinoma: Clinicopathologic Features, Molecular Landscape, and Therapeutic Challenges
by Hiroshi Yoshida, Daiki Higuchi, Waku Takigawa, Nao Kikkawa, Taro Yamanaka, Ayaka Nagao, Mayumi Kobayashi-Kato, Masaya Uno, Mitsuya Ishikawa and Kouya Shiraishi
J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(2), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16020072 - 31 Jan 2026
Viewed by 955
Abstract
Endocervical adenocarcinoma is now classified within an etiologic framework based on the presence or absence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GAS) is the prototypical HPV-independent subtype, accounting for up to 25% of endocervical adenocarcinomas and showing a particularly high [...] Read more.
Endocervical adenocarcinoma is now classified within an etiologic framework based on the presence or absence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GAS) is the prototypical HPV-independent subtype, accounting for up to 25% of endocervical adenocarcinomas and showing a particularly high frequency in East Asia. GAS is typically diagnosed at a more advanced stage than usual-type HPV-associated endocervical adenocarcinoma (UEA); exhibits deep stromal and parametrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, and a strong propensity for ovarian and peritoneal metastasis; and is associated with markedly worse survival, even in stage I disease. Radiological evaluation is challenging because of diffuse infiltrative growth, prominent mucin production, and frequent underestimation of extra-cervical spread. Histologically, GAS shows gastric-type (pyloric) differentiation, ranging from minimal deviation adenocarcinoma to poorly differentiated forms, and often overlaps with precursor lesions such as atypical lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia and gastric-type adenocarcinoma in situ. Immunophenotypically, GAS is typically p16-negative, ER/PR-negative, and frequently exhibits mutant-type p53 and expression of gastric markers including MUC6, HIK1083, and claudin 18.2. Recent next-generation sequencing and multi-omics studies have revealed recurrent alterations in TP53, CDKN2A, STK11, KRAS, ARID1A, KMT2D, and homologous recombination-related genes, together with the activation of PI3K/AKT, WNT/β-catenin, TGF-β, and EMT pathways and characteristic metabolic reprogramming. GAS is highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and its current management follows guidelines for squamous and usual-type adenocarcinoma. Emerging data support precision-medicine approaches targeting HER2/HER3, PD-1/PD-L1, and claudin 18.2, and suggest a role for PARP inhibition and other genotype-directed therapies in selected subsets. Given its aggressive biology and rising relative incidence in the HPV-vaccination era, GAS represents a critical unmet need in gynecologic oncology. Future progress hinges on developing reliable diagnostic biomarkers, refining imaging protocols, and validating targeted therapies through international clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathology in Cancer Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1978 KB  
Article
Oncological Outcomes and Genomic Features of Gastric-Type Endocervical Adenocarcinoma, the Most Aggressive and Common HPV-Independent Cervical Cancer
by Ming Du, Zhen Zheng, Peiyao Lu, Weidi Wang, Dongyan Cao, Jiaxin Yang, Ming Wu, Lingya Pan, Xiaowei Xue, Wenze Wang, Fang Jiang and Yang Xiang
Cancers 2026, 18(2), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020320 - 20 Jan 2026
Viewed by 479
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In order to develop a comprehensive understanding of gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GEA), an increasingly prevalent HPV-independent cervical cancer, we summarized clinicopathological information and performed prognostic analysis. Methods: A total of 182 patients diagnosed with GEA at our center during the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In order to develop a comprehensive understanding of gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GEA), an increasingly prevalent HPV-independent cervical cancer, we summarized clinicopathological information and performed prognostic analysis. Methods: A total of 182 patients diagnosed with GEA at our center during the period 2014–2025 were included in this study. Nineteen GEA cases, 6 HPV-independent non-GEA cases, 59 HPV-associated usual endocervical adenocarcinoma cases, and 66 squamous cell carcinoma cases from online database were also included. Results: Vaginal bleeding (39.56%) and watery discharge (35.16%) were the most common symptoms. As many as 21.43% of patients had no specific complaints, and 80% of GEA showed no distinct mass through gynecological examination. A total of 64% of GEA were stage IIB–IV at diagnosis, with a 5-year survival of 41% versus 85% for stage I–IIA (p < 0.05). The rate of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), lymph node metastasis, and ovarian metastasis were 49.64%, 42.00%, and 29.29%, respectively. The 5-year survival and recurrence rates after primary therapy were 57% and 23%, respectively. For GEA treatment, surgery might be associated with improved overall survival for the population at stage III–IV. Survival analysis identified deep infiltration depth (≥2/3), a maximum diameter of the tumor (MDOT) of ≥3 cm, and ovary metastasis as potential indicators of worse OS and PFS for whole patients. Additionally, ovary metastasis indicated poor PFS and OS for stage I–II. Genomic information TP53 mutation, PTEN deletion and STK11 mutation might be the most prevalent genomic alterations. Conclusions: These findings indicated GEA as an aggressive cervical cancer, with high rate of lymph node metastasis, high recurrence rate and short 5-year survival. Ovary metastasis reflected advanced disease burden and surgery might be associated with improved survival in advanced stage. For genomic information, GEA showed genetic heterogeneity and a low level of genomic instability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Pathophysiology)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 6253 KB  
Review
Lung Cancer in Never-Smokers: Risk Factors, Driver Mutations, and Therapeutic Advances
by Po-Ming Chen, Yu-Han Huang and Chia-Ying Li
Diagnostics 2026, 16(2), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16020245 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1996
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Lung cancer in never-smokers (LCINS) has become a major global health concern, ranking as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Unlike smoking-related lung cancer, LCINS arises from complex interactions between environmental carcinogens and distinct genomic alterations. This review [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Lung cancer in never-smokers (LCINS) has become a major global health concern, ranking as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Unlike smoking-related lung cancer, LCINS arises from complex interactions between environmental carcinogens and distinct genomic alterations. This review summarizes current evidence on environmental risks, molecular features, and therapeutic progress shaping lung cancer management. Methods: A narrative review was conducted to examine risk factors for lung cancer in non-smokers. Studies reporting driver mutations in never-smokers and smokers were identified across major lung cancer histological subtypes, including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and large-cell carcinoma (LCC). In addition, PubMed was searched for phase III trials and studies on targeted therapies related to driver mutations published between 2016 and 2025. Results: Environmental factors such as cooking oil fumes, radon, asbestos, arsenic, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are strongly associated with LCINS through oxidative stress, DNA damage, and chronic inflammation. EGFR, PIK3CA, OS9, MET, and STK11 mutations are characteristic of never-smokers, in contrast to TP53 mutations, which are more common in smokers. Recent advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have improved survival and quality of life, emphasizing the importance of molecular profiling for treatment selection. Conclusions: LCINS represents a distinct clinical and molecular entity shaped by complex interactions between environmental exposures and genetic susceptibility. Genetic alterations promote tumor immune evasion, facilitating cancer development and progression. Continued advances in air quality control, molecular diagnostics, and precision therapies are essential for prevention, early detection, and reduction of the global disease burden. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lung Cancer: Screening, Diagnosis and Management: 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2568 KB  
Article
Molecular Pathology of Advanced NSCLC: Biomarkers and Therapeutic Decisions
by Melanie Winter, Jan Jeroch, Maximilian Wetz, Marc-Alexander Rauschendorf and Peter J. Wild
Cancers 2026, 18(2), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020216 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 890
Abstract
Background: Advances in molecular pathology have transformed NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment by enabling precise tumor characterization and targeted therapeutic strategies. We review key genomic alterations in NSCLC, including EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations, ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) [...] Read more.
Background: Advances in molecular pathology have transformed NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment by enabling precise tumor characterization and targeted therapeutic strategies. We review key genomic alterations in NSCLC, including EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations, ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) and ROS1 (ROS proto-oncogene 1) rearrangements, BRAF (B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase) mutations, MET (mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor) alterations, KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma) mutations, HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) alterations and emerging NTRK (neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase) fusions and AXL-related pathways. Methods: A total of 48 patients with NSCLC was analyzed, including 22 women and 26 men (mean age 70 years, range 44–86). Tumor specimens were classified histologically as adenocarcinomas (n = 81%) or squamous cell carcinomas (n = 19%). Smoking history, PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) expression, and genetic alterations were assessed. NGS (Next-generation sequencing) identified genomic variants, which were classified according to ACMG (American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics) guidelines. Results: The cohort consisted of 29 former smokers, 13 current smokers, and 5 non-smokers (12%), with a mean smoking burden of 33 pack years. PD-L1 TPS (tumor proportion score) was ≥50% in 10 patients, ≥1–<50% in 22, and <1% in 15 patients. In total, 120 genomic variants were detected (allele frequency ≥ 5%). Of these, 52 (43%) were classified as likely pathogenic or pathogenic, 48 (40%) as variants of unknown significance, and 20 (17%) as benign or likely benign. The most frequently altered genes were TP53 (tumor protein p53) (31%), KRAS and EGFR (15% each), and STK11 (serine/threonine kinase 11) (12%). Adenocarcinomas accounted for 89% of all alterations, with TP53 (21%) and KRAS (15%) being most common, while squamous cell carcinomas predominantly harbored TP53 (38%) and MET (15%) mutations. In patients with PD-L1 TPS ≥ 50%, KRAS mutations were enriched (50%), particularly KRAS G12C and G12D, with frequent co-occurrence of TP53 mutations (20%). No pathogenic EGFR mutations were detected in this subgroup. Conclusions: Comprehensive genomic profiling in NSCLC revealed a high prevalence of clinically relevant mutations, with TP53, KRAS and EGFR as the dominant drivers. The strong association of KRAS mutations with high PD-L1 expression, irrespective of smoking history, highlights the interplay between genetic and immunological pathways in NSCLC. These findings support the routine implementation of broad molecular testing to guide precision oncology approaches in both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Pathophysiology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 716 KB  
Article
Comprehensive Genomic Characterization of 102 Cervical Adenocarcinoma Tumors
by Gejla Toromani, Grace S. Saglimbeni, Bhanu Surabi Upadhyayula, Eugene Manu, Tyson J. Morris, Beau Hsia and Abubakar Tauseef
Medicina 2026, 62(1), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010123 - 7 Jan 2026
Viewed by 480
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cervical adenocarcinoma (CAC) is a histologically distinct subtype of cervical cancer with a rising incidence in many regions. While the roles of key driver mutations are known, a comprehensive understanding of its genomic landscape, particularly variations across different populations and [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Cervical adenocarcinoma (CAC) is a histologically distinct subtype of cervical cancer with a rising incidence in many regions. While the roles of key driver mutations are known, a comprehensive understanding of its genomic landscape, particularly variations across different populations and tumor stages, remains incomplete. This study aims to characterize the somatic genomic landscape of CAC by identifying recurrent mutations, copy number alterations (CNAs), and patterns of co-occurrence, with a focus on variations across racial groups and between primary and metastatic tumors. Materials and Methods: We conducted a comprehensive genomic analysis of 102 tumor samples from 99 patients diagnosed with cervical adenocarcinoma using data from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Project Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE) database. Results: The most frequently mutated genes were PIK3CA (25.5%), TP53 (21.6%), ARID1A (20.6%), and KRAS (16.7%). Significant amplification of ERBB2 was also observed (n = 3; 4.83%). Our analysis revealed notable genomic disparities across racial groups, with TP53 mutations being significantly more frequent in White patients compared to Asian and Black patients (p = 0.0236). Furthermore, we identified significant co-occurrence between mutations in KRAS and MSH2 (p = 0.011) as well as ATM and STK11 (p = 0.037). In comparing tumor types, mutations in BCL6 were found to be significantly enriched in metastatic samples. Conclusions: This study validates the primary drivers of cervical adenocarcinoma and reveals novel findings, including notable racial disparities in TP53 mutation frequency and unique patterns of co-occurring mutations. These findings highlight the genomic heterogeneity of the disease and suggest that ancestry and tumor evolution may influence its molecular pathogenesis, offering potential avenues for the development of targeted therapies and personalized biomarkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Cancer: Second Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5863 KB  
Article
Transcriptomic Analysis of the Cold Resistance Mechanisms During Overwintering in Apis mellifera
by Xiaoyin Deng, Yali Du, Jiaxu Wu, Jinming He, Haibin Jiang, Yuling Liu, Qingsheng Niu and Kai Xu
Insects 2026, 17(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17010059 - 1 Jan 2026
Viewed by 851
Abstract
Safe overwintering is a challenging issue in rearing management that is inevitably faced by beekeepers in high-latitude regions. Under the combined influence of multiple factors, the overwintering loss rate of Western honey bees has risen continuously, and investigating the molecular mechanisms related to [...] Read more.
Safe overwintering is a challenging issue in rearing management that is inevitably faced by beekeepers in high-latitude regions. Under the combined influence of multiple factors, the overwintering loss rate of Western honey bees has risen continuously, and investigating the molecular mechanisms related to safe overwintering has become key. The Hunchun bee, an Apis mellifera ecotype in Jilin Province, China, exhibits strong overwintering ability during an overwintering period of more than five months. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of its cold resistance, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis between the summer breeding period (July) and different overwintering intervals (November, December, January, and February), and then systematically identified key genes and signaling pathways related to cold resistance. The results showed that the highest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was found between December and July. Compared with July, the upregulated genes in Hunchun bee in December were significantly enriched in several pathways, such as ion transport and neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions, and the downregulated genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to fatty acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and the peroxisome. Notably, a total of 378 shared DEGs were obtained from the four comparison groups, and several candidate cold-resistant gene families, such as AFPs, HSPs, C2H2-ZFPs, STKs, and LRRCs, were identified among the shared DEGs of the winter season. Additionally, 749 shared DEGs related to protein modification and metabolic process regulation were identified between the four successive overwintering intervals. Four shared genes, including sensory neuron membrane protein 1 (SNMP1), were revealed by pairwise comparison of the four intervals. The above results collectively indicate that the Hunchun bee attenuates winter-induced stress responses during the overwintering process by maintaining osmotic pressure balance, reducing fatty acid metabolism, increasing antioxidant capacity, and synthesizing cold-resistant macromolecular proteins. It was also found that chemical signal perception may serve a role in maintaining the stability of the overwintering bee colony. The key genes and pathways related to cold resistance identified in this study not only provide a basis for explaining the overwintering molecular mechanism for Apis mellifera of Hunchun bee but also offer key data to improve overwintering management strategies for Western honey bees. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Transcriptomics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2008 KB  
Article
Backpropagation DNN and Thermokinetic Analysis of the Thermal Devolatilization of Dried Pulverized Musa sapientum (Banana) Peel
by Abdulrazak Jinadu Otaru
Polymers 2026, 18(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18010122 - 31 Dec 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 523
Abstract
This study examined the thermal degradation of pulverized Musa sapientum (banana) peel waste through thermogravimetric measurements and thermokinetic modelling. For the first time, it also incorporated backpropagation deep learning to model pyrolysis traces, enabling the prediction and optimization of the process. Physicochemical characterization [...] Read more.
This study examined the thermal degradation of pulverized Musa sapientum (banana) peel waste through thermogravimetric measurements and thermokinetic modelling. For the first time, it also incorporated backpropagation deep learning to model pyrolysis traces, enabling the prediction and optimization of the process. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the material’s lignocellulosic composition. TGA was performed between 30 and 950 °C at heating rates of 5, 10, 20, and 40 °C min−1, identifying a primary devolatilization range of 190 to 660 °C. The application of a backpropagation machine learning technique to the processed TGA data enabled the estimation of arbitrary constants that accurately captured the characteristic behaviour of the experimental data (R2~0.99). This modelling and simulation approach achieved a significant reduction in training loss—decreasing from 35.9 to 0.07—over 47,688 epochs and 1.4 computational hours. Sensitivity analysis identified degradation temperature as the primary parameter influencing the thermochemical conversion of BP biomass. Furthermore, analyzing deconvoluted DTG traces via Criado master plots revealed that the 3D diffusion model (Jander [D3]) is the most suitable reaction model for the hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin components, followed by the R2 and R3 geometrical contraction models. The estimated overall activation energy values obtained through the Starink (STK) and Friedman (FR) model-free isoconversional kinetic methods were 82.8 ± 3.3 kJ.mol−1 and 97.6 ± 3.9 kJ.mol−1, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters estimated for the pyrolysis of BP indicate that the formation of activated complexes is endothermic, endergonic, and characterized by reduced disorder, thereby establishing BP as a potential candidate material for bioenergy generation. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 753 KB  
Review
Deciphering the Molecular Mechanisms That Control Ovule Development in Pomegranate
by Yujie Zhao, Hidenori Sassa, Ming Li, Yifei Miao, Xiaoyan Zhu, Pengbo Hao, Ran Wan, Kunxi Zhang, Liu Cong, Yawen Shen, Yu Liu, Miaomiao Wang, Jiangli Shi, Shangwei Song, Tuanhui Bai, Jian Jiao, Zhaohe Yuan and Xianbo Zheng
Horticulturae 2026, 12(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12010026 - 26 Dec 2025
Viewed by 648
Abstract
Plant seed number depends on ovule number initiated within the carpels, and it serves as a primary factor shaping fruit yield. Pomegranate trees exhibit bisexual flowers and functional male flowers. Pomegranate have anatropous ovules which are bitegmic and crassinucellate. Bisexual flowers possess the [...] Read more.
Plant seed number depends on ovule number initiated within the carpels, and it serves as a primary factor shaping fruit yield. Pomegranate trees exhibit bisexual flowers and functional male flowers. Pomegranate have anatropous ovules which are bitegmic and crassinucellate. Bisexual flowers possess the fertile pistil, while functional male flowers have abnormally developed ovules, a small ovary with few chambers, and a short style. The formation of functional male flowers is due to abnormal and stagnant development of ovule integument. Ovule number directly determines the yield of pomegranate seeds. Recent studies have highlighted the molecular mechanisms through which ovule-related genes regulate pomegranate ovule development. Pomegranate PgCRC and PgINO genes positively regulate the increase in the number of ovules, and PgBEL1 to synergistically regulate seed development. PgAGL11 (the SEEDSTICK orthologous gene) promotes ovule development in transgenic Arabidopsis. PgSEP protein can bridge interactions among PgBEL1, PgSTK and PgAG, which regulate ovule development. At the level of post-transcriptional regulation, PgmiRNA167, PgmiRNA164 and PgmiRNA160 are differentially expressed during pomegranate flower development, and PgmiR166a interacts with its target genes to affect ovule development. This review summarizes the key regulators of ovule development and their molecular pathways, integrating these interactions into a model that describes pomegranate ovule development. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 7065 KB  
Article
Wide-Area Spectrum Sensing for Space Targets Based on Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Constellations: A SRFlow Model for Electromagnetic Spectrum Map Reconstruction
by You Fu, Youchen Fan, Liu Yi, Shunhu Hou, Yufei Niu and Shengliang Fang
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18010011 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 590
Abstract
To address the need for wide-area electromagnetic spectrum sensing of space targets from sparse Low-Earth Orbit constellation observations, this paper proposes SRFlow, a flow-matching generative model. We first construct a high-fidelity dataset covering diverse scenarios via STK-MATLAB co-simulation. By integrating multi-source priors and [...] Read more.
To address the need for wide-area electromagnetic spectrum sensing of space targets from sparse Low-Earth Orbit constellation observations, this paper proposes SRFlow, a flow-matching generative model. We first construct a high-fidelity dataset covering diverse scenarios via STK-MATLAB co-simulation. By integrating multi-source priors and an iterative measurement injection strategy, SRFlow achieves high-quality reconstruction of full spectrum maps from sparse measurements. Experiments demonstrate that SRFlow significantly outperforms state-of-the-art baselines, including the physics-informed diffusion model RMDM, in both reconstruction accuracy (NMSE/SSIM) and computational efficiency (parameters/inference time), under both known and unknown target-position conditions. Moreover, it trains nearly an order of magnitude faster than diffusion models. This work contributes the first dedicated dataset for space-based spectrum sensing, introduces the accurate and efficient SRFlow model, and establishes a rigorous benchmark for future research. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop