Rana A Youness | University of Hertfordshire (original) (raw)

Papers by Rana A Youness

Research paper thumbnail of Pharmacogenomic and epigenomic approaches to untangle the enigma of IL-10 blockade in oncology

Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Dec 31, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Let-7a/cMyc/CCAT-1/miR-17-5p Circuit Modulates PDL-1 Expression and Atezolizumab Resistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Background Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an immunogenically hot tumor. The immune check... more Background Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an immunogenically hot tumor. The immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) have been recently emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for several malignancies including TNBC. Yet, the development of innate and/or adaptive resistance by TNBC patients towards ICBs such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors (e.g. Atezolizumab) shed the light on importance of identifying the underlying mechanisms regulating PD-L1 in TNBC. Recently, it was reported that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) perform a fundamental role in regulating PD-L1 expression in TNBC. Hence, this study aims to explore a novel ncRNA axis tuning PD-L1 in TNBC patients and investigate its possible involvement in fighting Atezolizumab resistance. Methods In-silico screening was executed to identify ncRNAs that could eventually target PD-L1. Screening of PD-L1 and the nominated ncRNAs (miR-17-5p, let-7a and CCAT1 lncRNA) was performed in BC tissues and cell lines. Ectopic exp...

Research paper thumbnail of Dual targeting of H2S synthesizing enzymes; cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase by miR-939-5p effectively curbs triple negative breast cancer

Research paper thumbnail of Pseurotin A Halts Hepatocellular Carcinoma Oncogenic Potential Through Tuning miR-30a and let-7i Tumor Suppressor miRNAs

Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, Jun 26, 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health challenge with a predicted high mortality rate ... more Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health challenge with a predicted high mortality rate in the future. Thus, discovering novel natural metabolites trimming the progression of HCC is an urgent necessity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of cytotoxic alkaloids isolated from endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, extracted from Albizia lucidior leaves (Fabaceae), against Huh7 cells and to further reveal their possible mechanisms on TP53 and c-Myc and their downstream tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs). Pseurotin A and chaetominine revealed a concentration and time-dependent inhibition in cellular viability of Huh7 cells as well as significant repression in the proliferation and clonogenic capacities of Huh7 cells, compared to vehicle control. Pseurotin A exhibited more potent effects in halting Huh7 tumorigenic activity than chaetominine. Restoration of TP53, c-Myc, and their downstream tumor suppressor miRNAs; miR-30a, let-7i was achieved by pseurotin A only. Therefore, this study highlights a novel role of alkaloidal compounds from A. fumigatus in controlling the progression of HCC.

Research paper thumbnail of Box–Behnken design of thermo-responsive nano-liposomes loaded with a platinum(iv) anticancer complex: evaluation of cytotoxicity and apoptotic pathways in triple negative breast cancer cells

Nanoscale Advances

This study reports the design of thermo-responsive nanoliposomes loaded with asplatin using Box–B... more This study reports the design of thermo-responsive nanoliposomes loaded with asplatin using Box–Behnken design for the effective treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.

Research paper thumbnail of Phytochemical-derived tumor-associated macrophage remodeling strategy using Phoenix dactylifera L. boosted photodynamic therapy in melanoma via H19/iNOS/PD-L1 axis

Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

Research paper thumbnail of Refining triple negative breast cancer targeted therapy: special focus on tyrosine kinase receptors

Scaffold Press Books

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis. TNBC does not respond to targeted ther... more Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis. TNBC does not respond to targeted therapy, unlike HER2+ and hormone receptor-positive Breast Cancer, and chemotherapy remains the major treatment option. As a result, there is an unmet demand for effective TNBC therapy. RTKs (Receptor Tyrosine Kinases) are a type of receptor that plays a key role in cancer growth. The RTK family includes the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR). The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) axis regulates MAPK, PI3K/AKt, and JAK/STAT signalling pathways, all of which are important in the progression of Breast Cancer. The function of such pathways in the regulation of metastasis, angiogenesis, and tumour stem cells is well known. The main goal of this chapter was to discuss the specific role of tyrosine kinase receptors and their involvement in TNBC-promoting signalling pathways.

Research paper thumbnail of 26P 3MST: A potential workhorse in H2S signaling trimmed by microRNA-548 in breast cancer

Research paper thumbnail of Expression Status of Proton Sensing Receptor GPR68 in Various Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes

Research paper thumbnail of The Emerging Role of Circular RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Journal of Cancer, 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks the third leading cause of cancer death in the world and has... more Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks the third leading cause of cancer death in the world and has a notably low survival rate. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are newly classed non-coding RNA (ncRNA) members that are capable of regulating gene expression at transcription or post-transcription levels. Recent studies demonstrate that some circRNAs are differentially expressed in HCC, and the deregulation of these circRNAs is associated with the clinical pathological and prognostic significance. They also play essential roles in HCC progression, and contribute to cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis by targeting different microRNAs (miRNAs) and protein-coding genes. In this review, we concentrate on recent progress of some important circRNAs in HCC, with an emphasis on their deregulation, functions and regulatory mechanisms, and discuss their potential utility as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for HCC.

Research paper thumbnail of Decoding hepatocarcinogenesis from a noncoding RNAs perspective

Journal of Cellular Physiology

Research paper thumbnail of Editorial: Understanding the crosstalk between immune cells and the tumor microenvironment in cancer and its implications for immunotherapy

Research paper thumbnail of Let-7a/cMyc/CCAT1/miR-17–5p Circuit Re-sensitizes Atezolizumab Resistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer through Modulating PD-L1

Pathology - Research and Practice

Research paper thumbnail of Editorial: Recent breakthroughs in the decoding of circulating nucleic acids and their applications to human diseases

Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

Editorial on the Research Topic Recent breakthroughs in the decoding of circulating nucleic acids... more Editorial on the Research Topic Recent breakthroughs in the decoding of circulating nucleic acids and their applications to human diseases

Research paper thumbnail of MALAT-1: Immunomodulatory lncRNA hampering the innate and the adaptive immune arms in triple negative breast cancer

Research paper thumbnail of Drugless nanoparticles tune-up an array of intertwined pathways contributing to immune checkpoint signaling and metabolic reprogramming in triple-negative breast cancer

Biomedical Materials

Metabolic reprogramming ‘Warburg effect’ and immune checkpoint signaling are immunosuppressive ha... more Metabolic reprogramming ‘Warburg effect’ and immune checkpoint signaling are immunosuppressive hallmarks of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) contributing to the limited clinical applicability of immunotherapy. Biomaterials arise as novel tools for immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment that can be used alongside conventional immunotherapeutics. Chitosan and lecithin are examples of versatile biomaterials with interesting immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we aimed at investigation of the role of carefully designed hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) on common mediators of both programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and glycolytic metabolism. Hybrid lecithin–chitosan NPs were prepared and characterized. Their intracellular concentration, localization and effect on the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells were assessed. Glycolytic metabolism was quantified by measuring glucose consumption, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation, lactate production and extracellular acidifi...

Research paper thumbnail of Sleep is a fire with smoke: Time to incorporate sleep as a fundamental component in cancer treatment protocols

Research paper thumbnail of Circular RNAs: New layer of complexity evading breast cancer heterogeneity

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating Risk: Benefit Ratio of Fat-Soluble Vitamin Supplementation to SARS-CoV-2-Infected Autoimmune and Cancer Patients: Do Vitamin–Drug Interactions Exist?

Life

COVID-19 is a recent pandemic that mandated the scientific society to provide effective evidence-... more COVID-19 is a recent pandemic that mandated the scientific society to provide effective evidence-based therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment for such a global threat, especially to those patients who hold a higher risk of infection and complications, such as patients with autoimmune diseases and cancer. Recent research has examined the role of various fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) in reducing the severity of COVID-19 infection. Studies showed that deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins abrogates the immune system, thus rendering individuals more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Moreover, another line of evidence showed that supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins during the course of infection enhances the viral clearance episode by promoting an adequate immune response. However, more thorough research is needed to define the adequate use of vitamin supplements in cancer and autoimmune patients infected with COVID-19. Moreover, it is crucial to highl...

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular Engines, Therapeutic Targets, and Challenges in Pediatric Brain Tumors: A Special Emphasis on Hydrogen Sulfide and RNA-Based Nano-Delivery

Cancers

Pediatric primary brain tumors represent a real challenge in the oncology arena. Besides the psyc... more Pediatric primary brain tumors represent a real challenge in the oncology arena. Besides the psychosocial burden, brain tumors are considered one of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies due to their sophisticated cellular and molecular pathophysiology. Notwithstanding the advances in research and the substantial efforts to develop a suitable therapy, a full understanding of the molecular pathways involved in primary brain tumors is still demanded. On the other hand, the physiological nature of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) limits the efficiency of many available treatments, including molecular therapeutic approaches. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), as a member of the gasotransmitters family, and its synthesizing machinery have represented promising molecular targets for plentiful cancer types. However, its role in primary brain tumors, generally, and pediatric types, particularly, is barely investigated. In this review, the authors shed the light on the novel role of hydrogen sulfide (H...

Research paper thumbnail of Pharmacogenomic and epigenomic approaches to untangle the enigma of IL-10 blockade in oncology

Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Dec 31, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Let-7a/cMyc/CCAT-1/miR-17-5p Circuit Modulates PDL-1 Expression and Atezolizumab Resistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Background Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an immunogenically hot tumor. The immune check... more Background Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an immunogenically hot tumor. The immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) have been recently emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for several malignancies including TNBC. Yet, the development of innate and/or adaptive resistance by TNBC patients towards ICBs such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors (e.g. Atezolizumab) shed the light on importance of identifying the underlying mechanisms regulating PD-L1 in TNBC. Recently, it was reported that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) perform a fundamental role in regulating PD-L1 expression in TNBC. Hence, this study aims to explore a novel ncRNA axis tuning PD-L1 in TNBC patients and investigate its possible involvement in fighting Atezolizumab resistance. Methods In-silico screening was executed to identify ncRNAs that could eventually target PD-L1. Screening of PD-L1 and the nominated ncRNAs (miR-17-5p, let-7a and CCAT1 lncRNA) was performed in BC tissues and cell lines. Ectopic exp...

Research paper thumbnail of Dual targeting of H2S synthesizing enzymes; cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase by miR-939-5p effectively curbs triple negative breast cancer

Research paper thumbnail of Pseurotin A Halts Hepatocellular Carcinoma Oncogenic Potential Through Tuning miR-30a and let-7i Tumor Suppressor miRNAs

Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, Jun 26, 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health challenge with a predicted high mortality rate ... more Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health challenge with a predicted high mortality rate in the future. Thus, discovering novel natural metabolites trimming the progression of HCC is an urgent necessity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of cytotoxic alkaloids isolated from endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, extracted from Albizia lucidior leaves (Fabaceae), against Huh7 cells and to further reveal their possible mechanisms on TP53 and c-Myc and their downstream tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs). Pseurotin A and chaetominine revealed a concentration and time-dependent inhibition in cellular viability of Huh7 cells as well as significant repression in the proliferation and clonogenic capacities of Huh7 cells, compared to vehicle control. Pseurotin A exhibited more potent effects in halting Huh7 tumorigenic activity than chaetominine. Restoration of TP53, c-Myc, and their downstream tumor suppressor miRNAs; miR-30a, let-7i was achieved by pseurotin A only. Therefore, this study highlights a novel role of alkaloidal compounds from A. fumigatus in controlling the progression of HCC.

Research paper thumbnail of Box–Behnken design of thermo-responsive nano-liposomes loaded with a platinum(iv) anticancer complex: evaluation of cytotoxicity and apoptotic pathways in triple negative breast cancer cells

Nanoscale Advances

This study reports the design of thermo-responsive nanoliposomes loaded with asplatin using Box–B... more This study reports the design of thermo-responsive nanoliposomes loaded with asplatin using Box–Behnken design for the effective treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.

Research paper thumbnail of Phytochemical-derived tumor-associated macrophage remodeling strategy using Phoenix dactylifera L. boosted photodynamic therapy in melanoma via H19/iNOS/PD-L1 axis

Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

Research paper thumbnail of Refining triple negative breast cancer targeted therapy: special focus on tyrosine kinase receptors

Scaffold Press Books

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis. TNBC does not respond to targeted ther... more Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis. TNBC does not respond to targeted therapy, unlike HER2+ and hormone receptor-positive Breast Cancer, and chemotherapy remains the major treatment option. As a result, there is an unmet demand for effective TNBC therapy. RTKs (Receptor Tyrosine Kinases) are a type of receptor that plays a key role in cancer growth. The RTK family includes the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR). The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) axis regulates MAPK, PI3K/AKt, and JAK/STAT signalling pathways, all of which are important in the progression of Breast Cancer. The function of such pathways in the regulation of metastasis, angiogenesis, and tumour stem cells is well known. The main goal of this chapter was to discuss the specific role of tyrosine kinase receptors and their involvement in TNBC-promoting signalling pathways.

Research paper thumbnail of 26P 3MST: A potential workhorse in H2S signaling trimmed by microRNA-548 in breast cancer

Research paper thumbnail of Expression Status of Proton Sensing Receptor GPR68 in Various Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes

Research paper thumbnail of The Emerging Role of Circular RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Journal of Cancer, 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks the third leading cause of cancer death in the world and has... more Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks the third leading cause of cancer death in the world and has a notably low survival rate. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are newly classed non-coding RNA (ncRNA) members that are capable of regulating gene expression at transcription or post-transcription levels. Recent studies demonstrate that some circRNAs are differentially expressed in HCC, and the deregulation of these circRNAs is associated with the clinical pathological and prognostic significance. They also play essential roles in HCC progression, and contribute to cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis by targeting different microRNAs (miRNAs) and protein-coding genes. In this review, we concentrate on recent progress of some important circRNAs in HCC, with an emphasis on their deregulation, functions and regulatory mechanisms, and discuss their potential utility as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for HCC.

Research paper thumbnail of Decoding hepatocarcinogenesis from a noncoding RNAs perspective

Journal of Cellular Physiology

Research paper thumbnail of Editorial: Understanding the crosstalk between immune cells and the tumor microenvironment in cancer and its implications for immunotherapy

Research paper thumbnail of Let-7a/cMyc/CCAT1/miR-17–5p Circuit Re-sensitizes Atezolizumab Resistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer through Modulating PD-L1

Pathology - Research and Practice

Research paper thumbnail of Editorial: Recent breakthroughs in the decoding of circulating nucleic acids and their applications to human diseases

Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

Editorial on the Research Topic Recent breakthroughs in the decoding of circulating nucleic acids... more Editorial on the Research Topic Recent breakthroughs in the decoding of circulating nucleic acids and their applications to human diseases

Research paper thumbnail of MALAT-1: Immunomodulatory lncRNA hampering the innate and the adaptive immune arms in triple negative breast cancer

Research paper thumbnail of Drugless nanoparticles tune-up an array of intertwined pathways contributing to immune checkpoint signaling and metabolic reprogramming in triple-negative breast cancer

Biomedical Materials

Metabolic reprogramming ‘Warburg effect’ and immune checkpoint signaling are immunosuppressive ha... more Metabolic reprogramming ‘Warburg effect’ and immune checkpoint signaling are immunosuppressive hallmarks of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) contributing to the limited clinical applicability of immunotherapy. Biomaterials arise as novel tools for immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment that can be used alongside conventional immunotherapeutics. Chitosan and lecithin are examples of versatile biomaterials with interesting immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we aimed at investigation of the role of carefully designed hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) on common mediators of both programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and glycolytic metabolism. Hybrid lecithin–chitosan NPs were prepared and characterized. Their intracellular concentration, localization and effect on the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells were assessed. Glycolytic metabolism was quantified by measuring glucose consumption, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation, lactate production and extracellular acidifi...

Research paper thumbnail of Sleep is a fire with smoke: Time to incorporate sleep as a fundamental component in cancer treatment protocols

Research paper thumbnail of Circular RNAs: New layer of complexity evading breast cancer heterogeneity

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating Risk: Benefit Ratio of Fat-Soluble Vitamin Supplementation to SARS-CoV-2-Infected Autoimmune and Cancer Patients: Do Vitamin–Drug Interactions Exist?

Life

COVID-19 is a recent pandemic that mandated the scientific society to provide effective evidence-... more COVID-19 is a recent pandemic that mandated the scientific society to provide effective evidence-based therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment for such a global threat, especially to those patients who hold a higher risk of infection and complications, such as patients with autoimmune diseases and cancer. Recent research has examined the role of various fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) in reducing the severity of COVID-19 infection. Studies showed that deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins abrogates the immune system, thus rendering individuals more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Moreover, another line of evidence showed that supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins during the course of infection enhances the viral clearance episode by promoting an adequate immune response. However, more thorough research is needed to define the adequate use of vitamin supplements in cancer and autoimmune patients infected with COVID-19. Moreover, it is crucial to highl...

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular Engines, Therapeutic Targets, and Challenges in Pediatric Brain Tumors: A Special Emphasis on Hydrogen Sulfide and RNA-Based Nano-Delivery

Cancers

Pediatric primary brain tumors represent a real challenge in the oncology arena. Besides the psyc... more Pediatric primary brain tumors represent a real challenge in the oncology arena. Besides the psychosocial burden, brain tumors are considered one of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies due to their sophisticated cellular and molecular pathophysiology. Notwithstanding the advances in research and the substantial efforts to develop a suitable therapy, a full understanding of the molecular pathways involved in primary brain tumors is still demanded. On the other hand, the physiological nature of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) limits the efficiency of many available treatments, including molecular therapeutic approaches. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), as a member of the gasotransmitters family, and its synthesizing machinery have represented promising molecular targets for plentiful cancer types. However, its role in primary brain tumors, generally, and pediatric types, particularly, is barely investigated. In this review, the authors shed the light on the novel role of hydrogen sulfide (H...