Han Xiao

JAK2/ULK1 axis promotes cervical cancer progression by autophagy induction and SRPK1 phosphorylation

Cervical cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer. Autophagy is involved in the progression of CCa. ULK1 is a crucial kinase in autophagy initiation. However, few studies have investigated the role of ULK1 phosphorylation at tyrosine residues in the progression of CCa, and the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that JAK2 is a novel upstream kinase that phosphorylates ULK1 at the tyrosine site. JAK2 interacts with and phosphorylates ULK1 at Tyr1007. The phosphorylation of ULK1 at Y1007 increases its activity and stability, activates autophagy, and promotes the progression of CCa. We further showed that the phosphorylation of ULK1 at Y1007 is a predictive marker of CCa patient outcome. Furthermore, we identified SRPK1 as a potential downstream substrate of ULK1 to promote the progression of CCa. Our research sheds light on the molecular mechanism of CCa progression, through JAK2/ULK1 axis, and emphasizes the phosphorylation of ULK1 at Y1007 as a predictor of CCa.

Global trends and age-specific incidence and mortality of cervical cancer from 1990 to 2019: an international comparative study based on the Global Burden of Disease

Objective To describe the trends of incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in different age groups and regions from 1990 to 2019. Design An international comparative study based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study estimates. Participants Data were publicly available and individuals were not involved. Methods We collected detailed information on cervical cancer from the GBD study between 1990 and 2019. Average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) of age-standardised incidence and mortality rate (ASIR and ASMR) in cervical cancer, by age group and region, were calculated to quantify the temporal trends. Results Globally, the absolute numbers of incident cases and deaths were increasing, with the most cervical cancer cases and deaths being reported in China, India and Brazil. Although the ASIR and ASMR have declined overall from 1990 to 2019, an increasing or stable trend was also observed in East Asia and Southern sub-Saharan Africa. Particularly, we found that the age-specific AAPC of incidence showed an increasing trend in the age group of 15–49 years globally, and the high Sociodemographic Index region increased the most. Conclusions Cervical cancer remains a concerning disease that affects women all over the world, although the ASIR and ASMR are decreasing. Efforts to control the younger trend and to reduce the disparity between regions are imminent.