Title: Amarogentin suppresses cell proliferation and EMT process through inducing ferroptosis
in colorectal cancer
Version: 2 Date: 23 Dec 2024
Reviewer:  Mohamed H. Zidan
Reviewer's report:
Dear Authors,
Re: "Amarogentin suppresses cell proliferation and EMT process through inducing ferroptosis
in colorectal cancer"
Thank you for the opportunity to review your manuscript. Your study provides valuable insights
into the role of amarogentin (AG) in suppressing colorectal cancer (CRC) progression by
inducing ferroptosis and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The manuscript is
well-organized and employs robust methodologies, including in vitro and in vivo experiments,
to support your findings. However, several aspects require refinement to enhance clarity, rigor,
and accessibility.
The figures, particularly the blots and imaging data, were not fully assessable in their current
format (e.g., TIF). I recommend converting these images to a more universally accessible format
such as JPEG, ensuring adequate resolution for proper evaluation. Additionally, all blots should
include molecular weight markers and less cropping to avoid obscuring relevant data. Detailed
unprocessed images should be provided as supplementary materials, along with an explicit
statement in the methods if the blots were cut before hybridization with antibodies.
The methodology section is generally clear but could benefit from additional details to improve
reproducibility. For example, specify the AG concentration and dosing regimen for the in vivo
studies directly in the results section for clarity. Statistical analysis is thorough, but greater
emphasis on the biological relevance of key findings, such as the therapeutic implications of
IC50 values, would strengthen the manuscript. While the discussion effectively ties the results
to the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway, comparisons with other ferroptosis-inducing agents in CRC
would add depth. For instance, Fu et al. (2023) demonstrated that targeting the Nrf2/HO-1/
GPX4 axis could enhance the efficacy of platinum-based therapies for CRC, emphasizing the
potential for combination approaches to overcome therapeutic resistance (Science Progress,
DOI:10.1177/00368504221147173).
The use of patient-derived tumor-like cell clusters (PTCs) is a commendable inclusion that
enhances the clinical relevance of your findings. However, a brief acknowledgment of potential
limitations regarding their ability to mimic the heterogeneity of CRC tumors would provide a
more balanced view. Language throughout the manuscript could be further polished, as certain
phrases (e.g., "AG has been verified to own regulatory roles") detract from the scientific tone
and clarity.
Overall, your work highlights the potential of AG as a therapeutic agent for CRC. By addressing
the aforementioned points, particularly the figure formatting and discussion of translational
implications, the manuscript will be significantly improved.
Kind regards,
Title: Amarogentin suppresses cell proliferation and EMT process through inducing ferroptosis
in colorectal cancer
Version: 2 Date: 23 Dec 2024
Reviewer:  Mohamed H. Zidan
Reviewer's report:
Dear Authors,
Re: "Amarogentin suppresses cell proliferation and EMT process through inducing ferroptosis
in colorectal cancer"
Thank you for the opportunity to review your manuscript. Your study provides valuable insights
into the role of amarogentin (AG) in suppressing colorectal cancer (CRC) progression by
inducing ferroptosis and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The manuscript is
well-organized and employs robust methodologies, including in vitro and in vivo experiments,
to support your findings. However, several aspects require refinement to enhance clarity, rigor,
and accessibility.
The figures, particularly the blots and imaging data, were not fully assessable in their current
format (e.g., TIF). I recommend converting these images to a more universally accessible format
such as JPEG, ensuring adequate resolution for proper evaluation. Additionally, all blots should
include molecular weight markers and less cropping to avoid obscuring relevant data. Detailed
unprocessed images should be provided as supplementary materials, along with an explicit
statement in the methods if the blots were cut before hybridization with antibodies.
The methodology section is generally clear but could benefit from additional details to improve
reproducibility. For example, specify the AG concentration and dosing regimen for the in vivo
studies directly in the results section for clarity. Statistical analysis is thorough, but greater
emphasis on the biological relevance of key findings, such as the therapeutic implications of
IC50 values, would strengthen the manuscript. While the discussion effectively ties the results
to the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway, comparisons with other ferroptosis-inducing agents in CRC
would add depth. For instance, Fu et al. (2023) demonstrated that targeting the Nrf2/HO-1/
GPX4 axis could enhance the efficacy of platinum-based therapies for CRC, emphasizing the
potential for combination approaches to overcome therapeutic resistance (Science Progress,
DOI:10.1177/00368504221147173).
The use of patient-derived tumor-like cell clusters (PTCs) is a commendable inclusion that
enhances the clinical relevance of your findings. However, a brief acknowledgment of potential
limitations regarding their ability to mimic the heterogeneity of CRC tumors would provide a
more balanced view. Language throughout the manuscript could be further polished, as certain
phrases (e.g., "AG has been verified to own regulatory roles") detract from the scientific tone
and clarity.
Overall, your work highlights the potential of AG as a therapeutic agent for CRC. By addressing
the aforementioned points, particularly the figure formatting and discussion of translational
implications, the manuscript will be significantly improved.
Kind regards,
Please review this paper.
user
Title: Amarogentin suppresses cell proliferation and EMT process through inducing ferroptosis
in colorectal cancer
Version: 2 Date: 23 Dec 2024
Reviewer:  Mohamed H. Zidan
Reviewer's report:
Dear Authors,
Re: "Amarogentin suppresses cell proliferation and EMT process through inducing ferroptosis
in colorectal cancer"
Thank you for the opportunity to review your manuscript. Your study provides valuable insights
into the role of amarogentin (AG) in suppressing colorectal cancer (CRC) progression by
inducing ferroptosis and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The manuscript is
well-organized and employs robust methodologies, including in vitro and in vivo experiments,
to support your findings. However, several aspects require refinement to enhance clarity, rigor,
and accessibility.
The figures, particularly the blots and imaging data, were not fully assessable in their current
format (e.g., TIF). I recommend converting these images to a more universally accessible format
such as JPEG, ensuring adequate resolution for proper evaluation. Additionally, all blots should
include molecular weight markers and less cropping to avoid obscuring relevant data. Detailed
unprocessed images should be provided as supplementary materials, along with an explicit
statement in the methods if the blots were cut before hybridization with antibodies.
The methodology section is generally clear but could benefit from additional details to improve
reproducibility. For example, specify the AG concentration and dosing regimen for the in vivo
studies directly in the results section for clarity. Statistical analysis is thorough, but greater
emphasis on the biological relevance of key findings, such as the therapeutic implications of
IC50 values, would strengthen the manuscript. While the discussion effectively ties the results
to the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway, comparisons with other ferroptosis-inducing agents in CRC
would add depth. For instance, Fu et al. (2023) demonstrated that targeting the Nrf2/HO-1/
GPX4 axis could enhance the efficacy of platinum-based therapies for CRC, emphasizing the
potential for combination approaches to overcome therapeutic resistance (Science Progress,
DOI:10.1177/00368504221147173).
The use of patient-derived tumor-like cell clusters (PTCs) is a commendable inclusion that
enhances the clinical relevance of your findings. However, a brief acknowledgment of potential
limitations regarding their ability to mimic the heterogeneity of CRC tumors would provide a
more balanced view. Language throughout the manuscript could be further polished, as certain
phrases (e.g., "AG has been verified to own regulatory roles") detract from the scientific tone
and clarity.
Overall, your work highlights the potential of AG as a therapeutic agent for CRC. By addressing
the aforementioned points, particularly the figure formatting and discussion of translational
implications, the manuscript will be significantly improved.
Kind regards,
assistant