Zahraa Qusairy

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a key signaling molecule involved in both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. In B-cell malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), BTK mediates B-cell receptor signaling, promoting tumor survival and proliferation, leading to the development of BTK inhibitors like ibrutinib that improve patient outcomes. In solid tumors, BTK isoforms, particularly p65BTK, contribute to tumor growth and therapy resistance, with inhibition showing promise in cancers like colorectal, ovarian, and non-small cell lung cancer. BTK also influences the tumor microenvironment by modulating immune cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumor-associated macrophages, aiding immune evasion. BTK inhibition can enhance anti-tumor immunity and reduce inflammation-driven tumor progression. Additionally, BTK contributes to tumor angiogenesis, with inhibitors like ibrutinib showing anti-angiogenic effects. Beyond cancer, BTK is linked to aging, where its modulation may reduce senescent cell accumulation and preserve cognitive function. This review explores BTK’s dual role, focusing on its oncogenic effects and potential impact on aging processes. We also discuss the use of BTK inhibitors in cancer treatment and their potential to address age-related concerns, providing a deeper understanding of BTK as a therapeutic target and mediator in the complex relationship between cancer and aging.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a key signaling molecule involved in both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. In B-cell malignancies such as Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), BTK mediates B-cell receptor signaling, promoting tumor survival and proliferation, leading to the development of BTK inhibitors like ibrutinib that improve patient outcomes. In solid tumors, BTK isoforms, particularly p65BTK, contribute to tumor growth and therapy resistance, with inhibition showing promise in cancers like colorectal, ovarian, and non-small cell lung cancer. BTK also influences the tumor microenvironment by modulating immune cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumor-associated macrophages, aiding immune evasion. BTK inhibition can enhance anti-tumor immunity and reduce inflammation-driven tumor progression. Additionally, BTK contributes to tumor angiogenesis, with inhibitors like ibrutinib showing anti-angiogenic effects. Beyond cancer, BTK is linked to aging, where its modulation may reduce senescent cell accumulation and preserve cognitive function. This review explores BTK's dual role, focusing on its oncogenic effects and potential impact on aging processes. We also discuss the use of BTK inhibitors in cancer treatment and their potential to address age-related concerns, providing a deeper understanding of BTK as a therapeutic target and mediator in the complex relationship between cancer and aging.

The field of biobanking human biospecimens has evolved significantly, transitioning from the basic, often poorly documented collection of clinical leftovers kept privately to well-organized and extensively documented collections overseen by both commercial and non-profit platforms. The increasing demand for high-quality and clinically annotated biospecimens is propelled by unprecedented levels of health research activities. Meeting this growing demand presents both new opportunities and challenges, particularly in developing strategies to establish international biospecimen sourcing (IBS) platforms. These platforms aim to facilitate collaboration among biobanks to address future biospecimen needs. In this manuscript, we delve into the advantages and challenges of establishing IBS platforms to provide high-quality and cost-effective biospecimens to drive drug discovery research, ultimately leading to improved health and quality of life for everyone.

Cholesterol plays an essential role in maintaining the rigidity of cell membranes and signal transduction. Various investigations confirmed empirically that the dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis positively correlates with tumor progression. More specifically, recent studies suggested the distinct role of cholesterol in ovarian cancer cell proliferation, metastasis and chemoresistance. In this review, we summarize the current findings that suggest the contribution of cholesterol homeostasis dysregulation to ovarian cancer progression and resistance to anti-cancer agents. We also discuss the therapeutic implications of cholesterol-lowering drugs in ovarian cancer.