Invited Speaker

Prof. Jim Jinn-Chyuan Sheu
Institute of BioMedical Sciences, National Sun Yatsen UniversitySpeech Title: The Impacts of Genetic Alterations in Cytoskeleton-Related Genes on Cell Fate Determination and Cancer Development
Abstract: The dynamics of cytoskeletal networks regulate numerous cellular processes through mechanotransduction, thereby influencing tissue development and homeostasis. Although alterations in cytoskeleton-related genes are frequently observed in cancer tissues, their roles in cancer development have received limited attention. Emerging evidence supports the involvement of mechanotransduction in the regulation of stemness formation and cell differentiation, suggesting that mutations in key cytoskeletal components can alter the physical and mechanical properties of cells. These changes may, in turn, affect transcriptional regulation, metabolism reprogramming, and the processes involved in cancer cell selection and evolution. Using a genome-wide approach, we analyzed genetic alterations in cytoskeletal proteins and their associated regulators across multiple cancer types. We further discuss the genetic features identified and their contributions to oncogenic signaling pathways. Given that cancer develops within a three-dimensional microenvironment, we also examine the direct impacts of these alterations on cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, as well as on cytoskeletal architecture in the surrounding stromal cells, which ultimately contribute to tumor microenvironment remodeling. Our findings underscore the significant role of aberrant cytoskeletal networks as drivers of oncogenic signaling, cell transformation, and malignant progression. These insights offer new rationales and opportunities for developing targeted therapeutic strategies against cancer.
Keywords: genetic alterations, cytoskeleton, mechanotransduction, cell fate, cancer development, tumor microenvironment remodeling
Acknowledgements: (This study was supported by grants from National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (112-2320-B-110-005-MY3, 109-2314-B-110-003-MY3, 113-2811-B-110-007).