A substantial fraction of eukaryotic transcripts are considered long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which regulate various hallmarks of cancer. Here, we discovered that the lncRNA HOXB-AS3 encodes a conserved 53-aa peptide. The HOXB-AS3 peptide, not lncRNA, suppresses colon cancer (CRC) growth. Mechanistically, the HOXB-AS3 peptide competitively binds to the ariginine residues in RGG motif of hnRNP A1 and antagonizes the hnRNP A1-mediated regulation of pyruvate kinase M (PKM) splicing by blocking the binding of the ariginine residues in RGG motif of hnRNP A1 to the sequences flanking PKM exon 9, ensuring the formation of lower PKM2 and suppressing glucose metabolism reprogramming. CRC patients with low levels of HOXB-AS3 peptide have poorer prognoses. Our study indicates that the loss of HOXB-AS3 peptide is a critical oncogenic event in CRC metabolic reprogramming. Our findings uncover a complex regulatory mechanism of cancer metabolism reprogramming orchestrated by a peptide encoded by an lncRNA.

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The study was approved by the university ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate ultrasonographically guided high-intensity focused ultrasound in the treatment of patients with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer. Eight patients underwent high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation, and laboratory and radiologic examinations were performed after intervention. Changes in symptoms and survival time were noted at follow-up. No complications were observed, and preexisting severe back pain disappeared after intervention. Follow-up images revealed an absence of tumor blood supply and shrinkage of the ablated tumor. Four patients died, and four patients were alive at the time of this writing, with a median survival time of 11.25 months. The authors conclude that high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation is safe and feasible in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.

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As a noninvasive therapy, HIFU appears to be effective, safe, and feasible in the treatment of patients with HCC. It may play an important role in the ablation of large tumors.