A5025928651- Autophagy in Disease and Therapy
- Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
- Cancer-related gene regulation
- MicroRNA in disease regulation
- Cancer-related molecular mechanisms research
- Pancreatic and Hepatic Oncology Research
- Cell Adhesion Molecules Research
- RNA modifications and cancer
- Cancer Cells and Metastasis
- Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Research
- Ubiquitin and proteasome pathways
- TGF-β signaling in diseases
- Glioma Diagnosis and Treatment
- Metabolism, Diabetes, and Cancer
- Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
- Cancer, Hypoxia, and Metabolism
- Kruppel-like factors research
- Protease and Inhibitor Mechanisms
- Cancer therapeutics and mechanisms
- Clusterin in disease pathology
- Bioactive Compounds and Antitumor Agents
- Cell death mechanisms and regulation
- Ferroptosis and cancer prognosis
- Curcumin's Biomedical Applications
- Cancer-related Molecular Pathways
University of Kansas Medical Center
2017-2025
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
2022-2025
University of Kansas
2025
Despite therapeutic advancements, there has been little change in the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Recent results suggest that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) drive progression this disease. Here, we report autophagy is upregulated HNSCC-associated CAFs, where it responsible for key pathogenic contributions Autophagy fundamentally involved degradation, but emerging evidence suggests also important cellular secretion. Thus, hypothesized...
HNSCC presents a significant health challenge due to its high mortality resulting from treatment resistance and locoregional invasion into critical structures in the head neck region. Understanding mechanisms of has potential guide targeted therapies, improving patient survival. Previously, we demonstrated involvement doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1) regulating cell invasion. Here, investigated hypothesis that DCLK1 modulates proteins within invadopodia, specialized subcellular protrusions...
Abstract Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with low survival, the current aggressive therapies result in high morbidity. Nutraceuticals are dietary compounds few side effects. However, limited antitumor efficacy has restricted their application for cancer therapy. Here, we examine combining nutraceuticals, establishing a combination therapy that more potent than any singular component, delineate mechanism of action. Three formulations were tested: GZ17-S (combined...
For patients with locally advanced, p16-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), overall survival remains poor due to primary locoregional failure distant metastasis following curative therapy. We aimed understand how MAPKAPK2 (MK2) regulates HNSCC tumor migration invasion, important first steps in cancer metastases. The TCGA database tissue microarrays were used show that MK2 expression was associated more advanced cancers faster recurrence rates. observed silencing of human...
ABSTRACT Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare malignancy with rising incidence and limited treatment options. To identify actionable therapeutic targets, we developed patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) model using metastatic ASCC sample performed single‐cell RNA sequencing. Our analysis confirmed previously reported genetic mutations highly expressed in the sample, along copy number alterations, revealed epithelial cancer heterogeneity. Notably, cells exhibited low hybrid...
Improving treatment options for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) requires a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We previously reported that HNSCC-derived FGF2/bFGF (fibroblast growth factor 2) triggers cytokine release from CAFs via secretory autophagy. Here, using transmission electron microscopy, live-cell imaging, immunofluorescence, we show CAF autophagosomes transport cargo, including IL6, to plasma membrane...
Abstract Doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1) plays a crucial role in several cancers including colon and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. However, its squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains unknown. To this end, we examined DCLK1 expression head neck SCC (HNSCC) anal (ASCC). We found that is elevated patient tissue, which correlated with cancer progression poorer overall survival. Furthermore, significantly human papilloma virus negative HNSCC, are typically aggressive poor responses to therapy....
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a major health concern due to its high mortality from poor treatment responses locoregional tumor invasion into life sustaining structures in the head neck. A deeper comprehension of HNSCC mechanisms holds potential inform targeted therapies that may enhance patient survival. We previously reported doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1) regulates cells. Here, we tested hypothesis DCLK1 proteins within invadopodia facilitate invasion. Invadopodia...
Aim: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the seventh most common cancer worldwide with a survival rate below fifty percent. Addressing meager therapeutic options, series of small molecule inhibitors were screened for antitumor efficacy. The potent analog, acryl-3,5-bis(2,4-difluorobenzylidene)-4-piperidone (DiFiD; A-DiFiD), demonstrated strong cellular JUN proto-oncogene, activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor subunit (JUN, c-Jun) antagonism. c-Jun, an oncogenic factor,...
Abstract Doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1) plays a crucial role in several cancers including colon and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. However, its squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains unknown. To this end, we examined DCLK1 expression head neck (HNSCC) anal (ASCC). We found that is elevated patient SCC tissue, which correlated with cancer progression poorer overall survival. Furthermore, significantly HPV negative tissues, are typically aggressive poor responses to radiation therapy....
Abstract Despite therapeutic advances, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is marked by high mortality, particularly with increasing stage. Locoregional invasion, an early step in metastasis, driven the development of finger-like processes on tumor known as invadopodia. Mature, active invadopodia secrete matrix metalloproteases (MMP) that enable extension into extracellular (ECM). Kinesins haul RAB-bound vesicles containing MMPs along microtubules length for secretion to most...
Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor and remains challenging to treat due its aggressive nature with high rate of recurrence. Despite advances in therapy, prognosis poor median survival 19 months maximal therapy. The normal astrocytes within GBM TME undergo a phenotypic shift, promoting alterations supportive growth. There increasing attention on role tumor-associated (TAA) progression resistance Previous studies assessing astrocyte support employ...
<div>Abstract<p>Despite therapeutic advancements, there has been little change in the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Recent results suggest that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) drive progression this disease. Here, we report autophagy is upregulated HNSCC-associated CAFs, where it responsible for key pathogenic contributions Autophagy fundamentally involved degradation, but emerging evidence suggests also important cellular secretion....
<p>Examples of Electron Microscopy Autophagosomes</p>
<div>Abstract<p>Despite therapeutic advancements, there has been little change in the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Recent results suggest that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) drive progression this disease. Here, we report autophagy is upregulated HNSCC-associated CAFs, where it responsible for key pathogenic contributions Autophagy fundamentally involved degradation, but emerging evidence suggests also important cellular secretion....
<p>Includes legends for all supplementary figures. S1: CAFs exhibit increased LC3 puncta per cell compared to NF. S2: CAF autophagy inhibition significantly decreases HNSCC in vitro progression. S3: IL-6 and IL-8 induce fibroblast autophagy. S4: bFGF treatment increases regulated secreted factors. S5: Autophagy reduces combination therapy, does not affect proliferation.</p>
<p>Autophagy inhibition reduces HNSCC in combination therapy, and does not affect CAF proliferation</p>
<p>Examples of Electron Microscopy Autophagosomes</p>
<p>Autophagy inhibition reduces HNSCC in combination therapy, and does not affect CAF proliferation</p>
<p>CAF autophagy inhibition significantly decreases HNSCC in vitro progression.</p>