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Guan Y, Li J, Sun B, Xu K, Zhang Y, Ben H, Feng Y, Liu M, Wang S, Gao Y, Duan Z, Zhang Y, Chen D, Wang Y. HBx-induced upregulation of MAP1S drives hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and migration via MAP1S/Smad/TGF-β1 loop. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 281:136327. [PMID: 39374711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.136327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 10/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has a significantly higher risk of recurrence. However, the exact mechanism by which HBV prompts HCC recurrence remains largely unknown. In this study liver microarray test revealed significant upregulation of microtubule associated protein 1S (MAP1S) in metastatic HCC compared to control. MAP1S knockdown suppressed growth of HCCLM3 cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HBV-encoded X protein (HBx) upregulates MAP1S, which enhances microtubule (MT) acetylation by promoting the degradation of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), and facilitates the nuclear translocation of Smad complex, and thereby enhancing downstream TGF-β signaling. Smad complex, in turn, increases MAP1S, establishing a feedback loop of MAP1S/Smad/TGF-β1. Finally, survival analysis of 150 HBV-associated HCC patients demonstrated both increased MAP1S and decreased HDAC6 were significantly associated with shorter relapse-free survival. Collectively, this study reveals a unique mechanism whereby HBx-induced upregulation of MAP1S drives HBV-related HCC proliferation and migration through the MAP1S/Smad/TGF-β1 feedback loop. TEASER: MAP1S is a key link between HBV infection and a higher risk of metastatic recurrence of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyue Guan
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Precision Medicine and Transformation of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Jiaxi Li
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Precision Medicine and Transformation of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Clinical Center for Liver Cancer, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Intervention Therapy Center of Tumor and Liver Diseases, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Kaikun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yonghong Zhang
- Clinical Center for Liver Cancer, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Intervention Therapy Center of Tumor and Liver Diseases, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Haijing Ben
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Precision Medicine and Transformation of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yingmei Feng
- Department of Science and Development, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Mengcheng Liu
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Precision Medicine and Transformation of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Precision Medicine and Transformation of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yuxue Gao
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Precision Medicine and Transformation of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zhongping Duan
- Clinical Center for Liver Cancer, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Artificial Liver Center, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Precision Medicine and Transformation of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Dexi Chen
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Precision Medicine and Transformation of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Yanjun Wang
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center for Precision Medicine and Transformation of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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Taherifard E, Tran K, Saeed A, Yasin JA, Saeed A. Biomarkers for Immunotherapy Efficacy in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:2054. [PMID: 39335733 PMCID: PMC11431712 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14182054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver malignancy and the sixth most common cancer globally, remains fatal for many patients with inappropriate responses to treatment. Recent advancements in immunotherapy have transformed the treatment landscape for advanced HCC. However, variability in patient responses to immunotherapy highlights the need for biomarkers that can predict treatment outcomes. This manuscript comprehensively reviews the evolving role of biomarkers in immunotherapy efficacy, spanning from blood-derived indicators-alpha-fetoprotein, inflammatory markers, cytokines, circulating tumor cells, and their DNA-to tissue-derived indicators-programmed cell death ligand 1 expression, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The current body of evidence suggests that these biomarkers hold promise for improving patient selection and predicting immunotherapy outcomes. Each biomarker offers unique insights into disease biology and the immune landscape of HCC, potentially enhancing the precision of treatment strategies. However, challenges such as methodological variability, high costs, inconsistent findings, and the need for large-scale validation in well-powered two-arm trial studies persist, making them currently unsuitable for integration into standard care. Addressing these challenges through standardized techniques and implementation of further studies will be critical for the future incorporation of these biomarkers into clinical practice for advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfan Taherifard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Krystal Tran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Ali Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
| | - Jehad Amer Yasin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Anwaar Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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3
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Ju S, Duan X, Wang Y, Zhang M, Bai Y, He X, Wang C, Liu J, Yao W, Zhou C, Xiong B, Zheng C. Blocking TGFβR synergistically enhances anti-tumor effects of anti-PD-1 antibody in a mouse model of incomplete thermal ablation. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112585. [PMID: 38950456 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The mechanism of early tumor recurrence after incomplete microwave ablation (iMWA) is poorly understood. The anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) monotherapy is reported to be ineffective to prevent the progression of residual tumor resulted from iMWA. Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling pathway plays an important role in tumorigenesis and development. We assume blocking transforming growth factor-β receptor (TGFβR) after incomplete iMWA may synergistically enhance the effect of anti-PD-1 antibody to prevent the progression of residual tumor. We construct an iMWA model with mice harboring Hepa1-6 derived xenograft. The Tgfb1 expression and phosphorylated-Smad3 protein expression is upregulated in the residual tumor after iMWA. With the application of TGFβR inhibitor SB431542, the cell proliferation potential, the tumor growth, the mRNA expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers including Cdh2, and Vim, and cancer stem cell marker Epcam, and the infiltrating Treg cells are reduced in the residual tumor tissue. In addition, iMWA combined with TGFβR blocker and anti-PD-1 antibody further decreases the cell proliferation, tumor growth, expression of EMT markers and cancer stem cell marker, and the infiltrating Treg cells in the residual tumor tissue. Blocking TGFβR may alleviate the pro-tumoral effect of tumor microenvironment thereby significantly prevents the progression of residual tumor tissue. Our study indicates that blocking TGFβR may be a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance the effect of anti-PD-1 antibody to prevent residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression after iMWA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuguang Ju
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xuhua Duan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yingliang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Mengfan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yaowei Bai
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xuelian He
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chaoyang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jiacheng Liu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wei Yao
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Bin Xiong
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China.
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4
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Liao Z, Zhang H, Liu F, Wang W, Liu Y, Su C, Zhu H, Chen X, Zhang B, Zhang Z. m 6A-Dependent ITIH1 Regulated by TGF-β Acts as a Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401013. [PMID: 39234824 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Both the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification for mRNA play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the relationship between TGF-β and m6A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Here, it is found that TGF-β can promote the liquid phase separation of METTL3, which further leads to the reduction of mRNA stability of ITIH1. As a secreted protein, ITIH1 can act as a ligand of integrin α5β1 to antagonize fibronectin, induce the inhibition of focal adhesion kinase signaling pathway, and inhibit the progression of HCC. In the preclinical model (mouse model, patient-derived organoid, patient-derived xenografts), purified recombinant ITIH1 (r-ITIH1) protein can be targeted for HCC. More importantly, r-ITIH1 can play a synergistic role in targeting HCC with TGF-β inhibitor. The downstream ITIH1 regulatory mechanism of TGF-β and m6A modification is revealed, and ITIH1 can be translational as a potential target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Liao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Furong Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Weijian Wang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yachong Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Chen Su
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - He Zhu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Zhanguo Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
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5
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Zelisko N, Lesyk R, Stoika R. Structure, unique biological properties, and mechanisms of action of transforming growth factor β. Bioorg Chem 2024; 150:107611. [PMID: 38964148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a ubiquitous molecule that is extremely conserved structurally and plays a systemic role in human organism. TGF-β is a homodimeric molecule consisting of two subunits joined through a disulphide bond. In mammals, three genes code for TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 isoforms of this cytokine with a dominating expression of TGF-β1. Virtually, all normal cells contain TGF-β and its specific receptors. Considering the exceptional role of fine balance played by the TGF-β in anumber of physiological and pathological processes in human body, this cytokine may be proposed for use in medicine as an immunosuppressant in transplantology, wound healing and bone repair. TGFb itself is an important target in oncology. Strategies for blocking members of TGF-β signaling pathway as therapeutic targets have been considered. In this review, signalling mechanisms of TGF-β1 action are addressed, and their role in physiology and pathology with main focus on carcinogenesis are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Zelisko
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Roman Lesyk
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine.
| | - Rostyslav Stoika
- Department of Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis, Institute of Cell Biology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Drahomanov 14/16, 79005 Lviv, Ukraine
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Gonzalez E, Lee MD, Tierney BT, Lipieta N, Flores P, Mishra M, Beckett L, Finkelstein A, Mo A, Walton P, Karouia F, Barker R, Jansen RJ, Green SJ, Weging S, Kelliher J, Singh NK, Bezdan D, Galazska J, Brereton NJB. Spaceflight alters host-gut microbiota interactions. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2024; 10:71. [PMID: 39209868 PMCID: PMC11362537 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-024-00545-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The ISS rodent habitat has provided crucial insights into the impact of spaceflight on mammals, inducing symptoms characteristic of liver disease, insulin resistance, osteopenia, and myopathy. Although these physiological responses can involve the microbiome on Earth, host-microbiota interactions during spaceflight are still being elucidated. We explore murine gut microbiota and host gene expression in the colon and liver after 29 and 56 days of spaceflight using multiomics. Metagenomics revealed significant changes in 44 microbiome species, including relative reductions in bile acid and butyrate metabolising bacteria like Extibacter muris and Dysosmobacter welbionis. Functional prediction indicate over-representation of fatty acid and bile acid metabolism, extracellular matrix interactions, and antibiotic resistance genes. Host gene expression described corresponding changes to bile acid and energy metabolism, and immune suppression. These changes imply that interactions at the host-gut microbiome interface contribute to spaceflight pathology and that these interactions might critically influence human health and long-duration spaceflight feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gonzalez
- Microbiome Unit, Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Centre for Microbiome Research, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - M D Lee
- Exobiology Branch, NASA Ames Research Centre, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - B T Tierney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N Lipieta
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - P Flores
- BioServe Space Technologies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - M Mishra
- Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA
| | - L Beckett
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - A Finkelstein
- NASA GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) program, NASA Ames Research Centre, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - A Mo
- NASA GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) program, NASA Ames Research Centre, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - P Walton
- NASA GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) program, NASA Ames Research Centre, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - F Karouia
- Exobiology Branch, NASA Ames Research Centre, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, USA
- Centre for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - R Barker
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, USA
- Yuri GmbH, Wiesentalstr. 40, 88074, Meckenbeuren, Germany
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - R J Jansen
- Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
- Genomics, Phenomics, and Bioinformatics Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - S J Green
- Genomics and Microbiome Core Facility, Rush University Medical Centre, 1653 W. Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - S Weging
- Institute of Computer Science, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - J Kelliher
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - N K Singh
- Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Oakland, USA
| | - D Bezdan
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- NGS Competence Centre Tübingen (NCCT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - J Galazska
- Space Biosciences Research Branch, NASA Ames Research Centre, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - N J B Brereton
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Gujarathi R, Franses JW, Pillai A, Liao CY. Targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: past, present, and future. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1432423. [PMID: 39267840 PMCID: PMC11390354 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1432423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies are the mainstay of systemic therapies for patients with advanced, unresectable, or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Several therapeutic targets, such as c-Met, TGF-β, and FGFR, have been evaluated in the past, though results from these clinical studies failed to show clinical benefit. However, these remain important targets for the future with novel targeted agents and strategies. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, c-Myc oncogene, GPC3, PPT1 are exciting novel targets, among others, currently undergoing evaluation. Through this review, we aim to provide an overview of previously evaluated and potentially novel therapeutic targets and explore their continued relevance in ongoing and future studies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushabh Gujarathi
- Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joseph W Franses
- Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chih-Yi Liao
- Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Lim HY, Heo J, Peguero JA, Ryoo BY, Decaens T, Barlesi F, Moehler MH, Jehl G, Eggleton SP, Bajars M, Gulley JL. Efficacy and safety of bintrafusp alfa in 2 phase I expansion cohorts with advanced HCC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00997. [PMID: 39141577 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000001054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Simultaneous inhibition of the TGF-β and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 pathways provides a potential novel treatment approach. Bintrafusp alfa, a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of TGF-βRII (a TGF-β "trap") fused to a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody blocking programmed cell death 1 ligand 1, was evaluated in patients with advanced HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS In this global, open-label, phase I study (NCT02517398), patients with programmed cell death 1 ligand 1-unselected HCC who failed or were intolerant to ≥1 line of sorafenib received bintrafusp alfa 1200 mg every 2 weeks in a dose-escalation (n = 38) or dose-expansion (n = 68) cohort until confirmed progression, unacceptable toxicity, or trial withdrawal. The primary endpoint was the best overall response per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 by an independent review committee. Secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed best overall response, safety, and pharmacokinetics. Median follow-up times (range) were 41.4 (39.8-44.2) and 38.6 (33.5-39.7) months in the dose-escalation and dose-expansion cohorts, respectively. The objective response rate was below the prespecified 20% objective response rate threshold set to evaluate the efficacy of bintrafusp alfa in both cohorts (10.5% and 8.8%, respectively). Median overall survival and progression-free survival, respectively, were 13.8 and 1.5 months in the dose-escalation cohort and 13.5 and 1.4 months in the dose-expansion cohort. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 78.9% and 64.7% of patients in the respective cohorts (grade ≥3 in 18.4% and 25.0% of patients). CONCLUSIONS Bintrafusp alfa showed moderate clinical activity and a safety profile consistent with previous studies of bintrafusp alfa in patients with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yeong Lim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University and Medical Research Institute, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Baek-Yeol Ryoo
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Thomas Decaens
- University Grenoble Alpes/Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes/Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CNRS UMR 5309-INSERM U1209, Grenoble, France
| | - Fabrice Barlesi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Paris-Saclay University, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Genevieve Jehl
- The healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - S Peter Eggleton
- Merck Serono Ltd., Feltham, UK, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Marcis Bajars
- The healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - James L Gulley
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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9
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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Zhang H, Wu Y, Wu K, Dai Z. Targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:176. [PMID: 39034318 PMCID: PMC11275440 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01868-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are critical in regulating immune responses and cellular behavior, playing dual roles in both normal physiology and the pathology of diseases such as cancer. These molecules, including interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factors, chemokines, and growth factors like TGF-β, VEGF, and EGF, can promote or inhibit tumor growth, influence the tumor microenvironment, and impact the efficacy of cancer treatments. Recent advances in targeting these pathways have shown promising therapeutic potential, offering new strategies to modulate the immune system, inhibit tumor progression, and overcome resistance to conventional therapies. In this review, we summarized the current understanding and therapeutic implications of targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways in cancer. By exploring the roles of these molecules in tumor biology and the immune response, we highlighted the development of novel therapeutic agents aimed at modulating these pathways to combat cancer. The review elaborated on the dual nature of cytokines as both promoters and suppressors of tumorigenesis, depending on the context, and discussed the challenges and opportunities this presents for therapeutic intervention. We also examined the latest advancements in targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, receptor inhibitors, fusion proteins, engineered cytokine variants, and their impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of combining these targeted therapies with other treatment modalities to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes. Besides, we also focused on the ongoing research and clinical trials that are pivotal in advancing our understanding and application of cytokine- and chemokine-targeted therapies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoxiang Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuze Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Ke R, Viswakarma N, Menhart M, Singh SK, Kumar S, Srivastava P, Vishnoi K, Kashyap T, Srivastava D, Nair RS, Maienschein-Cline M, Wang X, Rana A, Rana B. MLK3 promotes prooncogenic signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma via TGFβ pathway. Oncogene 2024; 43:2307-2324. [PMID: 38858590 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03055-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal disease, with limited therapeutic options. Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3) is a key regulator of liver diseases, although its role in HCC remains unclear. Analysis of TCGA databases suggested elevated MAP3K11 (MLK3 gene) expression, and TMA studies showed higher MLK3 activation in human HCCs. To understand MLK3's role in HCC, we utlized carcinogen-induced HCC model and compared between wild-type and MLK3 knockout (MLK3-/-) mice. Our studies showed that MLK3 kinase activity is upregulated in HCC, and MLK3 deficiency alleviates HCC progression. MLK3 deficiency reduced proliferation in vivo and MLK3 inhibition reduced proliferation and colony formation in vitro. To obtain further insight into the mechanism and identify newer targets mediating MLK3-induced HCCs, RNA-sequencing analysis was performed. These showed that MLK3 deficiency modulates various gene signatures, including EMT, and reduces TGFB1&2 expressions. HCC cells overexpressing MLK3 promoted EMT via autocrine TGFβ signaling. Moreover, MLK3 deficiency attenuated activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) signature, which is increased in wild-type. Interestingly, MLK3 promotes HSC activation via paracrine TGFβ signaling. These findings reveal TGFβ playing a key role at different steps of HCC, downstream of MLK3, implying MLK3-TGFβ axis to be an ideal drug target for advanced HCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Ke
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Navin Viswakarma
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- O2M Technologies, LLC, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Mary Menhart
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar Singh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Piush Srivastava
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kanchan Vishnoi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Tanushree Kashyap
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Deepti Srivastava
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Rakesh Sathish Nair
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | | | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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11
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Xiang S, Li J, Zhang M. TGF-β1 inhibitor enhances the therapeutic effect of microwave ablation on hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Hyperthermia 2024; 41:2359496. [PMID: 38909985 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2024.2359496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microwave ablation (MWA) is a widely adopted treatment technique for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, MWA alone is of limited use and has a high recurrence rate. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is recognized as a potential therapeutic target for HCC patients. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate whether the TGF-β1 inhibitor could increase the efficacy of MWA therapy for HCC treatment. METHODS In vitro, HCC cells challenged with TGF-β1 inhibitor (SB-525334), or normal saline were then heated by microwave. Methyl tetrazolium assays were performed to detect cell survival rate and half-maximal drug inhibitory concentration (IC50). Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit-8 assays, flow cytometry and western blotting. In vivo, the mice injected with HepG2 cells received oral gavage of SB-525334 (20 mg/kg) or normal saline and MWA at a power of 15 W. Tumor volume was recorded. Expression of Ki67 and apoptosis-related proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. TUNEL assays were used to detect cell death ratio. Histopathological changes were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The mechanisms associated with the function of MWA combined with TGF-β1 inhibitor in HCC development were explored by western blotting. RESULTS Combination of MWA and SB-525334 decreased the survival rate and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells compared with MWA alone. SB-525334 enhanced the suppressive effect of MWA on tumor growth and amplified cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, MWA collaborated with SB-525334 inhibitor inactivated the TGF-β1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway. CONCLUSION TGF-β1 inhibitor enhances the therapeutic effect of MWA on HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufang Xiang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou City, P. R.China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou City, P. R.China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou City, P. R.China
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12
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Yan W, Rao D, Fan F, Liang H, Zhang Z, Dong H. Hepatitis B virus X protein and TGF-β: partners in the carcinogenic journey of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1407434. [PMID: 38962270 PMCID: PMC11220127 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1407434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B infection is substantially associated with the development of liver cancer globally, with the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases exceeding 50%. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) encodes the Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein, a pleiotropic regulatory protein necessary for the transcription of the HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) microchromosome. In previous studies, HBV-associated HCC was revealed to be affected by HBx in multiple signaling pathways, resulting in genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In addition, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has dichotomous potentials at various phases of malignancy as it is a crucial signaling pathway that regulates multiple cellular and physiological processes. In early HCC, TGF-β has a significant antitumor effect, whereas in advanced HCC, it promotes malignant progression. TGF-β interacts with the HBx protein in HCC, regulating the pathogenesis of HCC. This review summarizes the respective and combined functions of HBx and TGB-β in HCC occurrence and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dean Rao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Feimu Fan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission (NHC), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zunyi Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hanhua Dong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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13
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Abdul-Azeez ZM, Mutlag SH. Possible protective anticancer effect of chloroform fraction of Iraqi Hibiscus tiliaceus L. leaves extract on diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male rats. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2024; 21:167-174. [PMID: 38236421 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2023-0290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the potential protective effects of Iraqi H. tiliaceus L. chloroform leaves extract on DEN-induced HCC in male Wistar Albino rats. METHODS Rats were assigned to four groups, six in each group. Group I: rats were administered a daily oral dose of 1 mL/kg/day of distilled water. Group II: rats were intraperitoneally injected with 70 mg/kg DEN once per week for 10 consecutive weeks. Group III: rats received 250 mg/kg of chloroform leaves extract. Groups IV: the rats were administered 500 mg/kg of chloroform leaves extract, along with their food, for five days per week over 20 weeks, with a subsequent dose of DEN once per week for 10 consecutive weeks. RESULTS The results indicate that the extract demonstrated a significant reduction (p<0.05) in oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory mediators, and HCC parameters, the extract also had a beneficial effect on liver function tests, and there was a significant elevation (p<0.05) of antioxidant parameters in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the protective properties of the chloroform extract of Iraqi H. tiliaceus L. leaves in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shihab Hattab Mutlag
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
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14
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Tsutsumi T, Kawaguchi T, Fujii H, Kamada Y, Takahashi H, Kawanaka M, Sumida Y, Iwaki M, Hayashi H, Toyoda H, Oeda S, Hyogo H, Morishita A, Munekage K, Kawata K, Sawada K, Maeshiro T, Tobita H, Yoshida Y, Naito M, Araki A, Arakaki S, Noritake H, Ono M, Masaki T, Yasuda S, Tomita E, Yoneda M, Tokushige A, Ueda S, Aishima S, Nakajima A, Okanoue T. Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis are profiles related to mid-term mortality in biopsy-proven MASLD: A multicenter study in Japan. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:1559-1570. [PMID: 38651312 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
AIMS A multi-stakeholder consensus has proposed MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease). We aimed to investigate the pathological findings related to the mid-term mortality of patients with biopsy-proven MASLD in Japan. METHODS We enrolled 1349 patients with biopsy-proven MASLD. The observational period was 8010 person years. We evaluated independent factors associated with mortality in patients with MASLD by Cox regression analysis. We also investigated pathological profiles related to mortality in patients with MASLD using data-mining analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of MASH and stage 3/4 fibrosis was observed in 65.6% and 17.4%, respectively. Forty-five patients with MASLD died. Of these, liver-related events were the most common cause at 40% (n = 18), followed by extrahepatic malignancies at 26.7% (n = 12). Grade 2/3 lobular inflammation and stage 3/4 fibrosis had a 1.9-fold and 1.8-fold risk of mortality, respectively. In the decision-tree analysis, the profiles with the worst prognosis were characterised by Grade 2/3 hepatic inflammation, along with advanced ballooning (grade 1/2) and fibrosis (stage 3/4). This profile showed a mortality at 8.3%. Furthermore, the random forest analysis identified that hepatic fibrosis and inflammation were the first and second responsible factors for the mid-term prognosis of patients with MASLD. CONCLUSIONS In patients with biopsy-proven MASLD, the prevalence of MASH and advanced fibrosis was approximately 65% and 20%, respectively. The leading cause of mortality was liver-related events. Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were significant factors influencing mid-term mortality. These findings highlight the importance of targeting inflammation and fibrosis in the management of patients with MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsubasa Tsutsumi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hideki Fujii
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kamada
- Department of Advanced Metabolic Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | | | - Miwa Kawanaka
- Department of General Internal Medicine2, Kawasaki Medical Center, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshio Sumida
- Graduate School of Healthcare Management, International University of Healthcare and Welfare, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Michihiro Iwaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hideki Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Oeda
- Liver Center, Saga Medical School, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | | | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Kensuke Munekage
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hata Kenmin Hospital, Sukumo, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Kawata
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Koji Sawada
- Division of Metabolism and Biosystemic Science, Gastroenterology, and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuji Maeshiro
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Respiratory, and Digestive Medicine, University of the Ryukyus Graduate School of Medicine, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tobita
- Department of Pathology, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Suita Municipal Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masafumi Naito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Suita Municipal Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Asuka Araki
- Department of Pathology, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Japan
| | - Shingo Arakaki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Respiratory, and Digestive Medicine, University of the Ryukyus Graduate School of Medicine, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Hidenao Noritake
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ono
- Division of Innovative Medicine for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Eiichi Tomita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masato Yoneda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tokushige
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Ueda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Shinichi Aishima
- Department of Scientific Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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15
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Asoka AS, Kolikkandy A, Nair B, Kamath AJ, Sethi G, Nath LR. Role of Culinary Indian Spices in the Regulation of TGF-β Signaling Pathway in Inflammation-Induced Liver Cancer. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300793. [PMID: 38766929 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results from various etiologies, such as Hepatitis B and C, Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disorders, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. About 80 to 90% of HCC cases possess cirrhosis, which is brought on by persistent liver inflammation. TGF-β is a multifunctional polypeptide molecule that acts as a pro-fibrogenic marker, inflammatory cytokine, immunosuppressive agent, and pro-carcinogenic growth factor during the progression of HCC. The preclinical and clinical evidence illustrates that TGF-β can induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, promoting progression and hepatocyte immune evasion. Therefore, targeting the TGF-β pathway can be a promising therapeutic option against HCC. METHODS AND RESULTS We carry out a systemic analysis of eight potentially selected culinary Indian spices: Turmeric, Black pepper, Ginger, Garlic, Fenugreek, Red pepper, Clove, Cinnamon, and their bioactives in regulation of the TGF-β pathway against liver cancer. CONCLUSION Turmeric and its active constituent, curcumin, possess the highest therapeutic potential in treating inflammation-induced HCC and they also have the maximum number of ongoing in-vivo and in-vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Sarija Asoka
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Anusha Kolikkandy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Adithya J Kamath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
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Muliawan GK, Lee TKW. The roles of cancer stem cell-derived secretory factors in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400112. [PMID: 38868769 PMCID: PMC11167126 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and has a poor prognosis. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have entered a new era of HCC treatment, their response rates are modest, which can be attributed to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment within HCC tumors. Accumulating evidence has shown that tumor growth is fueled by cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to therapeutic resistance to the above treatments. Given that CSCs can regulate cellular and physical factors within the tumor niche by secreting various soluble factors in a paracrine manner, there have been increasing efforts toward understanding the roles of CSC-derived secretory factors in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide an update on how these secretory factors, including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, contribute to the immunosuppressive TME, which leads to immune resistance. In addition, we present current therapeutic strategies targeting CSC-derived secretory factors and describe future perspectives. In summary, a better understanding of CSC biology in the TME provides a rational therapeutic basis for combination therapy with ICIs for effective HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Kenneth Muliawan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Terence Kin-Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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17
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Fazal F, Khan MA, Shawana S, Rashid R, Mubarak M. Correlation of tumor-associated macrophage density and proportion of M2 subtypes with the pathological stage of colorectal cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1878-1889. [PMID: 38764849 PMCID: PMC11099450 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.1878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent global malignancy with complex prognostic factors. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have shown paradoxical associations with CRC survival, particularly concerning the M2 subset. AIM We aimed to establish a simplified protocol for quantifying M2-like TAMs and explore their correlation with clinicopathological factors. METHODS A cross-sectional study included histopathological assessment of paraffin-embedded tissue blocks obtained from 43 CRC patients. Using CD68 and CD163 immunohistochemistry, we quantified TAMs in tumor stroma and front, focusing on M2 proportion. Demographic, histopathological, and clinical parameters were collected. RESULTS TAM density was significantly higher at the tumor front, with the M2 proportion three times greater in both zones. The tumor front had a higher M2 proportion, which correlated significantly with advanced tumor stage (P = 0.04), pathological nodal involvement (P = 0.04), and lymphovascular invasion (LVI, P = 0.01). However, no significant association was found between the M2 proportion in the tumor stroma and clinicopathological factors. CONCLUSION Our study introduces a simplified protocol for quantifying M2-like TAMs in CRC tissue samples. We demonstrated a significant correlation between an increased M2 proportion at the tumor front and advanced tumor stage, nodal involvement, and LVI. This suggests that M2-like TAMs might serve as potential indicators of disease progression in CRC, warranting further investigation and potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouzia Fazal
- Department of Pathology, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi 74800, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arsalan Khan
- Department of General Surgery, Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation (SIUT), Karachi 74200, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Sumayya Shawana
- Department of Pathology, Bahria University of Health Sciences, Karachi 74400, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Rahma Rashid
- Department of Pathology, SIUT, Karachi 74200, Sindh, Pakistan
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Yang Y, Gao Y, Gong Y, Lu J, Li S, Xiong Y, Zhang Y, Wang D, Gong P, Li Y, Shi X. Dihydroartemisinin breaks the immunosuppressive tumor niche during cisplatin treatment in Hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Histochem 2024; 126:152171. [PMID: 38905871 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2024.152171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatocellular carcinoma, characterized by high mortality rates, often exhibits limited responsiveness to conventional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Therefore, identifying a sensitizer for cisplatin has become crucial. Dihydroartemisinin, known for its potent role of tumor treatment, arises as a prospective candidate for cisplatin sensitization in clinical settings. METHODS A mouse model of liver tumor was established through chemical induction of DEN/TCPOBOP. Upon successful model establishment, ultrasound was employed to detect tumors, Hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted for observation of liver tissue pathology, and ELISA was utilized to assess cytokine changes (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β, IL-1β, CCL2, and CCL21) in peripheral blood, para-tumor tissues, and tumor tissues. The infiltration of CD8+T cells and macrophages in tumor tissue sections was detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS Dihydroartemisinin combined with cisplatin obviously restrained the growth of liver tumors in mice and improved the weight and spleen loss caused by cisplatin. Cisplatin treatment of liver tumor mice increased the content of CCL2 and the number of macrophages in tumor tissues and promoted the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The combination therapy decreased the content of TGF-β in tumor tissues while increasing CCL2 levels in para-tumor tissues. Both combination therapy and cisplatin alone increased the number of CD8+T cells in tumor tissue, but there was no difference between them. CONCLUSION Dihydroartemisinin combined with cisplatin obviously prevented the deterioration of liver tumor in hepatocellular carcinoma mice and improve the therapeutic effect of cisplatin by improving the immunosuppressive microenvironment induced by cisplatin. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for considering dihydroartemisinin as an adjuvant drug for cisplatin in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanguang Yang
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Yuting Gao
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Yi Gong
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Junlan Lu
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Shenghao Li
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Yajun Xiong
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Yuman Zhang
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Peng Gong
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China.
| | - Xinli Shi
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China; Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China.
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19
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Cao L, Wang X, Li X, Ma L, Li Y. Identification of Co-diagnostic Genes for Heart Failure and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through WGCNA and Machine Learning Algorithms. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:1229-1245. [PMID: 38236461 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-01025-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
This research delves into the intricate relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and heart failure (HF) by exploring shared genetic characteristics and molecular processes. Employing advanced methodologies such as differential analysis, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), and algorithms like Random Forest (RF), Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection (LASSO), and XGBoost, we meticulously identified modular differential genes (DEGs) associated with both HF and HCC. Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were employed to unveil underlying biological mechanisms. The study revealed 88 core genes shared between HF and HCC, indicating a common mechanism. Enrichment analysis emphasized the roles of immune responses and inflammation in both diseases. Leveraging XGBoost, we crafted a robust multigene diagnostic model (including FCN3, MAP2K1, AP3M2, CDH19) with an area under the curve (AUC) > 0.9, showcasing exceptional predictive accuracy. GSVA and ssGSEA analyses unveiled the involvement of immune cells and metabolic pathways in the pathogenesis of HF and HCC. This research uncovers a pivotal interplay between HF and HCC, highlighting shared pathways and key genes, offering promising insights for future clinical treatments and experimental research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhi Cao
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Xin Li
- Physical Examination Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Linlin Ma
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, 201318, China.
- University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China.
| | - Yanfei Li
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, 201318, China.
- University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China.
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20
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Werner W, Kuzminskaya M, Lurje I, Tacke F, Hammerich L. Overcoming Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Liver Cancer with Combination Therapy: Stronger Together? Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:159-179. [PMID: 38806159 PMCID: PMC11245330 DOI: 10.1055/a-2334-8311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, represented mainly by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), is one of the most common and deadliest tumors worldwide. While surgical resection or liver transplantation are the best option in early disease stages, these tumors often present in advanced stages and systemic treatment is required to improve survival time. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has had a positive impact especially on the treatment of advanced cancers, thereby establishing immunotherapy as part of first-line treatment in HCC and CCA. Nevertheless, low response rates reflect on the usually cold or immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment of primary liver cancer. In this review, we aim to summarize mechanisms of resistance leading to tumor immune escape with a special focus on the composition of tumor microenvironment in both HCC and CCA, also reflecting on recent important developments in ICI combination therapy. Furthermore, we discuss how combination of ICIs with established primary liver cancer treatments (e.g. multikinase inhibitors and chemotherapy) as well as more complex combinations with state-of-the-art therapeutic concepts may reshape the tumor microenvironment, leading to higher response rates and long-lasting antitumor immunity for primary liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Werner
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Kuzminskaya
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabella Lurje
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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21
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Vijayakumar V, Gaba RC, Huang YH, Davis I, Roman R, Guzman G, Lokken RP, Schachtschneider KM. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Epigenetic Patterns Correspond to Differences in Ethnoracial Status and Treatment Response in a Single-Center Retrospective Study. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2024; 35:731-743.e36. [PMID: 38320622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2024.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To correlate epigenetic patterns with ethnoracial status and locoregional therapy (LRT) response in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS DNA and RNA were extracted from 47 distinct formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 42 patients with HCC (n = 14 Black, n = 19 White, n = 9 Hispanic). LRT response was determined using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging 3 months posttreatment of 35 tumors (n = 22 complete response, n = 13 retreatment candidates). RNA expression and DNA methylation were used to stratify patients by ethnoracial status and treatment response using partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Results were validated using hierarchical clustering. Ingenuity pathway analysis was performed to identify upstream regulators and pathways. RESULTS PLS-DA identified 100 genes and 12 methylated regions that differentiated tumors from Black from White/Hispanic patients. Hierarchical clustering clustered samples with the top 16 genes or the top 5 methylation regions. Dysregulated pathways included adrenomedullin pathway (P = .030), EIF2 signaling (P = .007), and several metabolic pathways. AGTR1 (log2fold = 1.59) and GSTM3 (log2fold = 2.53) represented potential differentially expressed therapeutic targets. PLS-DA identified 100 genes and 150 methylation regions that differentiated between complete responders and retreatment candidates. Hierarchical clustering clustered samples with the top 30 genes or the top 13 methylation regions. Dysregulated pathways included metabolic and DNA repair-related pathways. ASAP2 (log2fold = 0.29) and RAD50 (log2fold = 0.22) represented potential differentially expressed therapeutic targets. CONCLUSIONS Variation in gene expression and DNA methylation patterns in patients with HCC corresponded to ethnoracial status and LRT response. These initial results suggest tumor profiling has the potential to close ethnoracial disparities and improve treatment stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishwaarth Vijayakumar
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Ron C Gaba
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yu-Hui Huang
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Isaiah Davis
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ricardo Roman
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Grace Guzman
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - R Peter Lokken
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kyle M Schachtschneider
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.
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22
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Chen X, Kou L, Xie X, Su S, Li J, Li Y. Prognostic biomarkers associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Immunology 2024; 172:21-45. [PMID: 38214111 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly advanced HCC, has been a serious challenge. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are landmark drugs in the field of cancer therapy in recent years, which have changed the landscape of cancer treatment. In the field of HCC treatment, this class of drugs has shown good therapeutic prospects. For example, atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab has been approved as first-line treatment for advanced HCC due to significant efficacy. However, sensitivity to ICI therapy varies widely among HCC patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for determinants of resistance/sensitivity to ICIs and to screen biomarkers that can predict the efficacy of ICIs. This manuscript reviews the research progress of prognostic biomarkers associated with ICIs in HCC in order to provide a scientific basis for the development of clinically individualised precision medication regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Liqiu Kou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Song Su
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yaling Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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23
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Zhang H, Chen J, Bai J, Zhang J, Huang S, Zeng L, Zhou P, Shen Q, Yin T. Single dual-specific anti-PD-L1/TGF-β antibody synergizes with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a preclinical experimental study. Int J Surg 2024; 110:2679-2691. [PMID: 38489548 PMCID: PMC11093442 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000001226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Chemotherapy resistance is an important cause of neoadjuvant therapy failure in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). BiTP (anti-PD-L1/TGF-β bispecific antibody) is a single antibody that can simultaneously and dually target transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). We attempted in this study to investigate the efficacy of BiTP in combination with first-line chemotherapy in PDAC. METHODS Preclinical assessments of BiTP plus gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel were completed through a resectable KPC mouse model (C57BL/6J). Spectral flow cytometry, tissue section staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, Counting Kit-8, transwell, and Western blot assays were used to investigate the synergistic effects. RESULTS BiTP combinatorial chemotherapy in neoadjuvant settings significantly downstaged PDAC tumors, enhanced survival, and had a higher resectability for mice with PDAC. BiTP was high affinity binding to targets and reverse chemotherapy resistance of PDAC cells. The combination overcame immune evasion through reprogramming tumor microenvironment via increasing penetration and function of T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells and decreasing the function of immunosuppression-related cells as regulatory T cells, M2 macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the BiTP combinatorial chemotherapy is a promising neoadjuvant therapy for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxiang Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan
| | - Jiaoshun Chen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan
| | - Jianwei Bai
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan
| | - Jing Zhang
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaoyi Huang
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Zeng
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Zhou
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Shen
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Tao Yin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan
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Wu Y, Tang H, Cui S, Liao Q, Zeng L, Tu Y. Hsa_circ_0051908 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Regulating the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2024; 2024:8645534. [PMID: 38715919 PMCID: PMC11074858 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8645534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Materials and Methods Hsa_circ_0051908 expression was determined using RT-qPCR. HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration were assessed using CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. The molecular mechanism was analyzed using western blotting. In addition, the role of hsa_circ_0051908 in tumor growth was evaluated in vivo. Results Hsa_circ_0051908 expression was increased in both HCC tissues and cell lines. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were significantly decreased after hsa_circ_0051908 knockdown, while cell apoptosis was notably increased. Furthermore, we found that hsa_circ_0051908 silencing downregulated vimentin and Snail and upregulated E-cadherin. In vivo, hsa_circ_0051908 silencing significantly inhibited the growth of the tumor. Conclusions Our data provide evidence that hsa_circ_0051908 promotes HCC progression partially by mediating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, and it may be used for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinbing Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huafei Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuzhong Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanxing Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lisi Zeng
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinuo Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Wei H, Dong C, Li X. Treatment Options for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Immunotherapy: Present and Future. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:389-405. [PMID: 38638377 PMCID: PMC11022065 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer, and the body's immune responses greatly affect its progression and the prognosis of patients. Immunological suppression and the maintenance of self-tolerance in the tumor microenvironment are essential responses, and these form part of the theoretical foundations of immunotherapy. In this review, we first discuss the tumor microenvironment of HCC, describe immunosuppression in HCC, and review the major biomarkers used to track HCC progression and response to treatment. We then examine antibody-based therapies, with a focus on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), monoclonal antibodies that target key proteins in the immune response (programmed cell death protein 1, anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4, and programmed death-ligand 1) which have transformed the treatment of HCC and other cancers. ICIs may be used alone or in conjunction with various targeted therapies for patients with advanced HCC who are receiving first-line treatments or subsequent treatments. We also discuss the use of different cellular immunotherapies, including T cell receptor (TCR) T cell therapy and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. We then review the use of HCC vaccines, adjuvant immunotherapy, and oncolytic virotherapy, and describe the goals of future research in the development of treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Wei
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chunlu Dong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Key Laboratory Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center of Lanzhou University School of Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Clinical Research Center for General Surgery of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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26
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Lu M, Yan Z, Qu Q, Zhu G, Xu L, Liu M, Jiang J, Gu C, Chen Y, Zhang T, Zhang X. Diagnostic Model for Proliferative HCC Using LI-RADS: Assessing Therapeutic Outcomes in Hepatectomy and TKI-ICI Combination. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024. [PMID: 38647041 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proliferative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), aggressive with poor prognosis, and lacks reliable MRI diagnosis. PURPOSE To develop a diagnostic model for proliferative HCC using liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) and assess its prognostic value. STUDY TYPE Retrospective. POPULATION 241 HCC patients underwent hepatectomy (90 proliferative HCCs: 151 nonproliferative HCCs), divided into the training (N = 167) and validation (N = 74) sets. 57 HCC patients received combination therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3.0 T, T1- and T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, in- and out-phase, T1 high resolution isotropic volume excitation and dynamic gadoxetic acid-enhanced imaging. ASSESSMENT LI-RADS v2018 and other MRI features (intratumoral artery, substantial hypoenhancing component, hepatobiliary phase peritumoral hypointensity, and irregular tumor margin) were assessed. A diagnostic model for proliferative HCC was established, stratifying patients into high- and low-risk groups. Follow-up occurred every 3-6 months, and recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in different groups were compared. STATISTICAL TESTS Fisher's test or chi-square test, t-test or Mann-Whitney test, logistic regression, Harrell's concordance index (C-index), Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox proportional hazards. Significance level: P < 0.05. RESULTS The diagnostic model, incorporating corona enhancement, rim arterial phase hyperenhancement, infiltrative appearance, intratumoral artery, and substantial hypoenhancing component, achieved a C-index of 0.823 (training set) and 0.804 (validation set). Median follow-up was 32.5 months (interquartile range [IQR], 25.1 months) for postsurgery patients, and 16.8 months (IQR: 13.2 months) for combination-treated patients. 99 patients experienced recurrence, and 30 demonstrated tumor nonresponse. Differences were significant in RFS and OS rates between high-risk and low-risk groups post-surgery (40.3% vs. 65.8%, 62.3% vs. 90.1%, at 5 years). In combination-treated patients, PFS rates differed significantly (80.6% vs. 7.7% at 2 years). DATA CONCLUSION The MR-based model could pre-treatment identify proliferative HCC and assist in prognosis evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengtian Lu
- Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zuyi Yan
- Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Qu
- Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guodong Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Maotong Liu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jifeng Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunyan Gu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xueqin Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Liu G, Li M, Zeng Z, Fan Q, Ren X, Wang Z, Sun Y, He Y, Sun L, Deng Y, Liu S, Zhong C, Gao J. Tyrosine hydroxylase inhibits HCC progression by downregulating TGFβ/Smad signaling. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:228. [PMID: 38610044 PMCID: PMC11015545 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01703-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The alteration of metabolic processes has been found to have significant impacts on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the effects of dysfunction of tyrosine metabolism on the development of HCC remains to be discovered. This research demonstrated that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), which responsible for the initial and limiting step in the bio-generation of the neuro-transmitters dopamine and adrenaline, et al. was shown to be reduced in HCC. Increased expression of TH was found facilitates the survival of HCC patients. In addition, decreased TH indicated larger tumor size, much more numbers of tumor, higher level of AFP, and the presence of cirrhosis. TH effectively impairs the growth and metastasis of HCC cells, a process dependent on the phosphorylation of serine residues (S19/S40). TH directly binds to Smad2 and hinders the cascade activation of TGFβ/Smad signaling with the treatment of TGFβ1. In summary, our study uncovered the non-metabolic functions of TH in the development of HCC and proposes that TH might be a promising biomarker for diagnosis as well as an innovative target for metastatic HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Mengwei Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Zimei Zeng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Qi Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xinxin Ren
- Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhexin Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yaoqi Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yulin He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Lunquan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yuezhen Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Shupeng Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.
- Institute of Gynecological Minimally Invasive Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Chenxi Zhong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Jie Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87th of Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China.
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Zhang Q, Liu L. Novel insights into small open reading frame-encoded micropeptides in hepatocellular carcinoma: A potential breakthrough. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216691. [PMID: 38360139 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Traditionally, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are regarded as a class of RNA transcripts that lack encoding capability; however, advancements in technology have revealed that some ncRNAs contain small open reading frames (sORFs) that are capable of encoding micropeptides of approximately 150 amino acids in length. sORF-encoded micropeptides (SEPs) have emerged as intriguing entities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) research, shedding light on this previously unexplored realm. Recent studies have highlighted the regulatory functions of SEPs in the occurrence and progression of HCC. Some SEPs exhibit inhibitory effects on HCC, but others facilitate its development. This discovery has revolutionized the landscape of HCC research and clinical management. Here, we introduce the concept and characteristics of SEPs, summarize their associations with HCC, and elucidate their carcinogenic mechanisms in HCC metabolism, signaling pathways, cell proliferation, and metastasis. In addition, we propose a step-by-step workflow for the investigation of HCC-associated SEPs. Lastly, we discuss the challenges and prospects of applying SEPs in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. This review aims to facilitate the discovery, optimization, and clinical application of HCC-related SEPs, inspiring the development of early diagnostic, individualized, and precision therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangnu Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020, Shenzhen, China.
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29
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Huang Z, Zhou L, Duan J, Qin S, Jiang J, Chen H, Wang K, Liu R, Yuan M, Tang X, Nice EC, Wei Y, Zhang W, Huang C. Oxidative Stress Promotes Liver Cancer Metastasis via RNF25-Mediated E-Cadherin Protein Degradation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306929. [PMID: 38286671 PMCID: PMC10987140 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Loss of E-cadherin (ECAD) is required in tumor metastasis. Protein degradation of ECAD in response to oxidative stress is found in metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is independent of transcriptional repression as usually known. Mechanistically, protein kinase A (PKA) senses oxidative stress by redox modification in its β catalytic subunit (PRKACB) at Cys200 and Cys344. The activation of PKA kinase activity subsequently induces RNF25 phosphorylation at Ser450 to initiate RNF25-catalyzed degradation of ECAD. Functionally, RNF25 repression induces ECAD protein expression and inhibits HCC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, these results indicate that RNF25 is a critical regulator of ECAD protein turnover, and PKA is a necessary redox sensor to enable this process. This study provides some mechanistic insight into how oxidative stress-induced ECAD degradation promotes tumor metastasis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Huang
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Institute for Viral HepatitisDepartment of Infectious DiseasesThe Second Affiliated HospitalChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Jiufei Duan
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Haining Chen
- Colorectal Cancer CenterDepartment of General SurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Kui Wang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesResearch Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and ManagementChinese Academy of Medical SciencesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Minlan Yuan
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric LaboratoryThe State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Biomedical Big Data CenterWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine CenterDepartment of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineMental Health CenterTranslational Neuroscience CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Edouard C. Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVIC3167Australia
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Frontiers Medical CenterTianfu Jincheng LaboratoryChengdu610212China
- Medical Big Data CenterSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Canhua Huang
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- Frontiers Medical CenterTianfu Jincheng LaboratoryChengdu610212China
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30
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Yu Z, Huang L, Guo J. Anti-stromal nanotherapeutics for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Control Release 2024; 367:500-514. [PMID: 38278367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most commonly diagnosed primary liver cancer, has become a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Accumulating evidence confirms that the stromal constituents within the tumor microenvironment (TME) exacerbate HCC malignancy and set the barriers to current anti-HCC treatments. Recent developments of nano drug delivery system (NDDS) have facilitated the application of stroma-targeting therapeutics, disrupting the stromal TME in HCC. This review discusses the stromal activities in HCC development and therapy resistance. In addition, it addresses the delivery challenges of NDDS for stroma-targeting therapeutics (termed anti-stromal nanotherapeutics in this review), and provides recent advances in anti-stromal nanotherapeutics for safe, effective, and specific HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Yu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jianfeng Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Dai X, Du Z, Jin C, Tang B, Chen X, Jing X, Shen Y, He F, Wang S, Li J, Ding K, Zang Y. Inulin-like polysaccharide ABWW may impede CCl 4 induced hepatic stellate cell activation through mediating the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vitro & in vivo. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 326:121637. [PMID: 38142102 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that terrestrial acidic polysaccharides containing carboxyl groups and seaweed sulfated polysaccharides have strong potential in anti-liver fibrosis. However, there is no investigation on the anti-liver fibrosis of fructan, a ubiquitous natural polysaccharide. The present study aimed to understand the effect of fructan in ameliorating carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Here, an inulin-like fructan ABWW from Achyranthes bidentata Bl. was characterized by fructose enzymatic hydrolysis, methylation analysis, ESI-MS, and NMR. It was composed of →2)-β-d-Fruf-(1→ and →2)-β-d-Fruf-(1, 6→, terminated with →1)-α-d-Glcp and →2)-β-d-Fruf residues. The biological studies showed that ABWW could improve liver damage and liver fibrosis induced by CCl4in vivo and inhibit hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and migration in vitro. We further demonstrated that ABWW inhibited LX2 activation via suppressing the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Hence, ABWW might be a potential novel active compound for anti-fibrosis new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhenyun Du
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Carbohydrate Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Can Jin
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Carbohydrate Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 563003, China
| | - Bixi Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Carbohydrate Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaoqi Jing
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Carbohydrate Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yumei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fei He
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Carbohydrate Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shunchun Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; ZhongShan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan Tsuihang New District, Guangdong 528400, China.
| | - Kan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Carbohydrate Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; ZhongShan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan Tsuihang New District, Guangdong 528400, China.
| | - Yi Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China.
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Wang X, Yuan Z, Li Z, He X, Zhang Y, Wang X, Su J, Wu X, Li M, Du F, Chen Y, Deng S, Zhao Y, Shen J, Yi T, Xiao Z. Key oncogenic signaling pathways affecting tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma: basic principles and recent advances. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1354313. [PMID: 38426090 PMCID: PMC10902128 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1354313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks first among primary liver cancers, and its mortality rate exhibits a consistent annual increase. The treatment of HCC has witnessed a significant surge in recent years, with the emergence of targeted immune therapy as an adjunct to early surgical resection. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has shown promising results in other types of solid tumors. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate interactions between different types of TILs and their impact on HCC, elucidate strategies for targeting neoantigens through TILs, and address the challenges encountered in TIL therapies along with potential solutions. Furthermore, this article specifically examines the impact of oncogenic signaling pathways activation within the HCC tumor microenvironment on the infiltration dynamics of TILs. Additionally, a concise overview is provided regarding TIL preparation techniques and an update on clinical trials investigating TIL-based immunotherapy in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zijun Yuan
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhengbo Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Longmatan District People’s Hospital, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinyu He
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xingyue Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiahong Su
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuai Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Yi
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Zhuang H, Tang C, Lin H, Zhang Z, Chen X, Wang W, Wang Q, Tan W, Yang L, Xie Z, Wang B, Chen B, Shang C, Chen Y. A novel risk score system based on immune subtypes for identifying optimal mRNA vaccination population in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00921-1. [PMID: 38315287 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00921-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although mRNA vaccines have shown certain clinical benefits in multiple malignancies, their therapeutic efficacies against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain. This study focused on establishing a novel risk score system based on immune subtypes so as to identify optimal HCC mRNA vaccination population. METHODS GEPIA, cBioPortal and TIMER databases were utilized to identify candidate genes for mRNA vaccination in HCC. Subsequently, immune subtypes were constructed based on the candidate genes. According to the differential expressed genes among various immune subtypes, a risk score system was established using machine learning algorithm. Besides, multi-color immunofluorescence of tumor tissues from 72 HCC patients were applied to validate the feasibility and efficiency of the risk score system. RESULTS Twelve overexpressed and mutated genes associated with poor survival and APCs infiltration were identified as potential candidate targets for mRNA vaccination. Three immune subtypes (e.g. IS1, IS2 and IS3) with distinct clinicopathological and molecular profiles were constructed according to the 12 candidate genes. Based on the immune subtype, a risk score system was developed, and according to the risk score from low to high, HCC patients were classified into four subgroups on average (e.g. RS1, RS2, RS3 and RS4). RS4 mainly overlapped with IS3, RS1 with IS2, and RS2+RS3 with IS1. ROC analysis also suggested the significant capacity of the risk score to distinguish between the three immune subtypes. Higher risk score exhibited robustly predictive ability for worse survival, which was further independently proved by multi-color immunofluorescence of HCC samples. Notably, RS4 tumors exhibited an increased immunosuppressive phenotype, higher expression of the twelve potential candidate targets and increased genome altered fraction, and therefore might benefit more from vaccination. CONCLUSIONS This novel risk score system based on immune subtypes enabled the identification of RS4 tumor that, due to its highly immunosuppressive microenvironment, may benefit from HCC mRNA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkai Zhuang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Chenwei Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Han Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Zedan Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xinming Chen
- Shenshan Medical Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shanwei, 516400, China
| | - Wentao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qingbin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wenliang Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhiqin Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bingkun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Breast Cancer, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Changzhen Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yajin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Zhang J, Hao W, Liu X, Meng Y, Liu J, Wu L, Zhang Y, Hu X, Fan Y, Qin X. Proteome microarray identifies autoantibody biomarkers for diagnosis of hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 554:117727. [PMID: 38123112 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the highest mortality rate among malignant tumors worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the biological characteristics of serum proteins in hepatitis B (HBV)-related liver diseases, identify diagnostic biomarkers for HBV-infected HCC, and provide a scientific basis for its prevention and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used HuProt arrays to identify candidate biomarkers for HBV-related liver diseases and verified the differential biomarkers by using an HCC-focused array. The biological characteristics of serum proteins were analyzed via bioinformatics. Serum biomarkers levels were validated by ELISA. RESULTS We identified 547 differentially expressed proteins from HBV-infected HCC in a screening cohort. After analyzing the biological characteristics of serum proteins, we identified 10 potential differential autoantibodies against tumor-associated antigens (TAAbs) and a candidate biomarker panel (APEX2, RCSD1, and TP53) for the diagnosis of HBV-associated HCC with 61.9% sensitivity and 81.7% specificity in an HCC-focused array validation cohort. Finally, the protein levels and diagnostic capability of the biomarker panel were confirmed in a large-sample validation cohort, and this panel was found to be superior to alpha-fetoprotein, the standard hallmark for the diagnosis of HCC. CONCLUSION The APEX2, RCSD1, and TP53 biomarker panels could be used for the diagnosis of HBV-associated HCC, providing a scientific basis for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Wudi Hao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, No.11 Wuyingshan Middle Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan 250031, China
| | - Yuan Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Lina Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xingwei Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xiaosong Qin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China; Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, No.36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China.
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Wu K, Ma S, Xu X, Liu Y, Tian C, Zhang C, Shan J, Li Z, Ren K, Ren J, Han X, Zhao Y. Celecoxib and cisplatin dual-loaded microspheres synergistically enhance transarterial chemoembolization effect of hepatocellular carcinoma. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100927. [PMID: 38234462 PMCID: PMC10792487 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a first-line treatment for intermediate to advanced-stage liver cancer, with drug-eluting microspheres commonly used as embolic agents. However, currently available drug-eluting microspheres suffer from low drug-loading capacity and limited drug options. In this work, we developed polydopamine-modified polyvinyl alcohol dual-drug-loaded microspheres encapsulating celecoxib and cisplatin (referred to as PCDMS). Physicochemical characterization revealed that the surface of the microspheres displayed increased roughness after polydopamine modification, and celecoxib and cisplatin were successfully loaded onto the microsphere surface. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that the PCDMS significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of highly metastatic human liver cancer cells (MHCC-97H) and human liver cancer cells (SMMC-7721). Furthermore, the dual-loaded microspheres exhibited remarkable tumor growth inhibition and reshaped the tumor microenvironment in both subcutaneous H22 liver cancer model in Balb/c mice and intrahepatic VX2 tumor model in New Zealand rabbits, demonstrating a synergistic antitumor effect where 1 + 1>2. This work provides a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of refractory liver cancer and holds significant translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunpeng Wu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Key Laboratory of Interventional Radiology of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Shengnan Ma
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Key Laboratory of Interventional Radiology of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yiming Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Key Laboratory of Interventional Radiology of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Chuan Tian
- Department of Interventional Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 1677 Wutaishan Road, Shandong, 266000, Qingdao, China
| | - Chengzhi Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Key Laboratory of Interventional Radiology of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jiheng Shan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Key Laboratory of Interventional Radiology of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Zongming Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Key Laboratory of Interventional Radiology of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Kewei Ren
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Key Laboratory of Interventional Radiology of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jianzhuang Ren
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Key Laboratory of Interventional Radiology of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Key Laboratory of Interventional Radiology of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yanan Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Key Laboratory of Interventional Radiology of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
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Xiao M, Wang F, Chen N, Zhang H, Cao J, Yu Y, Zhao B, Ji J, Xu P, Li L, Shen L, Lin X, Feng XH. Smad4 sequestered in SFPQ condensates prevents TGF-β tumor-suppressive signaling. Dev Cell 2024; 59:48-63.e8. [PMID: 38103553 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Loss of TGF-β growth-inhibitory responses is a hallmark of human cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the TGF-β resistance of cancer cells remain to be fully elucidated. Splicing factor proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ) is a prion-like RNA-binding protein that is frequently upregulated in human cancers. In this study, we identified SFPQ as a potent suppressor of TGF-β signaling. The ability of SFPQ to suppress TGF-β responses depends on its prion-like domain (PrLD) that drives liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Mechanistically, SFPQ physically restrained Smad4 in its condensates, which excluded Smad4 from the Smad complex and chromatin occupancy and thus functionally dampened Smad-dependent transcriptional responses. Accordingly, SFPQ deficiency or loss of phase separation activities rendered human cells hypersensitive to TGF-β responses. Together, our data identify an important function of SFPQ through LLPS that suppresses Smad transcriptional activation and TGF-β tumor-suppressive activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu Xiao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
| | - Fei Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Nuo Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Hanchenxi Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jin Cao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yi Yu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Junfang Ji
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Pinglong Xu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Lei Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Li Shen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xia Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Xin-Hua Feng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.
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Zhang L, Xu J, Zhou S, Yao F, Zhang R, You W, Dai J, Yu K, Zhang Y, Baheti T, Pu L, Xu J, Qian X, Zhang C, Xia Y, Dai X, Li Q, Wang X. Endothelial DGKG promotes tumor angiogenesis and immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2024; 80:82-98. [PMID: 37838036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to the poor response of patients with HCC to current therapies, while tumor vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are fundamental TME components that significantly contribute to tumor progression. However, the specific functions and mechanisms of tumor vascular ECs in HCC remain unclear. METHODS We screened and validated diacylglycerol kinase gamma (DGKG) hyper-expression specifically in HCC tumor vascular ECs. Single-cell RNA-sequencing, cytometry by time-of-flight, and in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to investigate the functions of endothelial DGKG. Multiplexed immunohistochemistry staining and flow cytometry were used to evaluate changes in the TME. RESULTS Functionally, endothelial DGKG promotes tumor angiogenesis and immunosuppressive regulatory T-cell differentiation in HCC. Of significance, we found that HIF-1α activates DGKG transcription by directly binding to its promoter region under hypoxia. Upregulated DGKG promotes HCC progression by recruiting ubiquitin specific peptidase 16 to facilitate ZEB2 deubiquitination, which increases TGF-β1 secretion, thus inducing tumor angiogenesis and regulatory T-cell differentiation. Importantly, targeting endothelial DGKG potentiated the efficiency of dual blockade of PD-1 and VEGFR-2. CONCLUSION Hypoxia-induced EC-specific DGKG hyper-expression promotes tumor angiogenesis and immune evasion via the ZEB2/TGF-β1 axis, suggesting EC-specific DGKG as a potential therapeutic target for HCC. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Here, we reported that hypoxia-induced endothelial cell-specific DGKG hyper-expression promotes angiogenesis and immune evasion in HCC by recruiting USP16 for K48-linked deubiquitination and inducing the subsequent stabilization of ZEB2, leading to increased TGF-β1 secretion. Most importantly, endothelial DGKG inhibition greatly improved the efficacy of the dual combination of anti-VEGFR2 and anti-PD-1 treatment in a mouse HCC model, significantly inhibiting the malignant progression of HCC and improving survival. This preclinical study supports the targeting of endothelial DGKG as a potential strategy for precision HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liren Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiali Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Suiqing Zhou
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feifan Yao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ruizhi Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenhua You
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jingjing Dai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Yu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili & Jiangsu Joint Institute of Health, Ili, China
| | - Tasiken Baheti
- Department of General Surgery, The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili & Jiangsu Joint Institute of Health, Ili, China
| | - Liyong Pu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaofeng Qian
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chuanyong Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yongxiang Xia
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xinzheng Dai
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Qing Li
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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38
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Qin R, Jin T, Xu F. Biomarkers predicting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1326097. [PMID: 38187399 PMCID: PMC10770866 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1326097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a transformative approach in treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite their success, challenges persist, including concerns about their effectiveness, treatment costs, frequent occurrence of treatment-related adverse events, and tumor hyperprogression. Therefore, it is imperative to identify indicators capable of predicting the efficacy of ICIs treatment, enabling optimal patient selection to maximize clinical benefits while minimizing unnecessary toxic side effects and economic losses. This review paper categorizes prognostic biomarkers of ICIs treatment into the following categories: biochemical and cytological indicators, tumor-related markers, imaging and personal features, etiology, gut microbiome, and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). By organizing these indicators systematically, we aim to guide biomarker exploration and inform clinical treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tianqiang Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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39
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Cheng M, Zheng X, Wei J, Liu M. Current state and challenges of emerging biomarkers for immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:586. [PMID: 38023367 PMCID: PMC10665984 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, among patients diagnosed with advanced liver cancer, HCC has the sixth-highest incident rate, resulting in a poor prognosis. Surgery, radiofrequency ablation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are the current treatment options available. Immunotherapy, which has emerged as an innovative treatment strategy over the past decade, is serving a vital role in the treatment of advanced liver cancer. Since only a small number of individuals can benefit from immunotherapy, biomarkers are required to help clinicians identify the target populations for this precision medicine. These biomarkers, such as PD-1/PD-L1, tumor mutational burden and circulating tumor DNA, can be used to investigate interactions between immune checkpoint inhibitors and tumors. The present review summarizes information on the currently available biomarkers used for immunotherapy and the challenges that are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Cheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiufeng Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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40
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Manfredi GF, Celsa C, John C, Jones C, Acuti N, Scheiner B, Fulgenzi CAM, Korolewicz J, Pinter M, Gennari A, Mauri FA, Pirisi M, Minisini R, Vincenzi F, Burlone M, Rigamonti C, Donadon M, Cabibbo G, D’Alessio A, Pinato DJ. Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1955-1971. [PMID: 37941812 PMCID: PMC10629523 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s291553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been revolutionized over the last few years following the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Despite the promising survival extension seen with ICI combination regimens, responses are not universally seen and the optimal partner for programmed cell death 1 pathway inhibitors remains to be identified. Even fewer encouraging results have been demonstrated with ICI used for monotherapy. Several mechanisms of resistance have been described so far, involving characteristics of cancer cells (intrinsic mechanisms) and of the surrounding tumor microenvironment (extrinsic mechanisms). Factors related to therapy may also contribute to the development of resistance. Increasing research efforts are being dedicated to the discovery of novel approaches and targets to overcome resistance, some of which may be introduced into clinic in the future. Herein we describe a selection of resistance mechanisms that have been involved in impairing response to ICI and propose potential therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Francesca Manfredi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences (Di.chir.on.s.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chloe John
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Jones
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nicole Acuti
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Angela Maria Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - James Korolewicz
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Gennari
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco A Mauri
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Michela Burlone
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Cristina Rigamonti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Health Science, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Surgery, University Maggiore Hospital della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio D’Alessio
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - David James Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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Wang Y, Wang B, Xiao Y, Cai Q, Xing J, Tang H, Li R, Zhang H. Baicalin-modified polyethylenimine for miR-34a efficient and safe delivery. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1290413. [PMID: 38026879 PMCID: PMC10656686 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1290413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The security and efficiency of gene delivery vectors are inseparable for the successful construction of a gene delivery vector. This work provides a practical method to construct a charge-regulated, hydrophobic-modified, and functionally modified polyethylenimine (PEI) with effective gene delivery and perfect transfection performance through a condensation reaction, named BA-PEI. The carrier was shown to possess a favorable compaction of miRNAs into positively charged nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic size of approximately 100 nm. Additionally, BA-PEI possesses perfect degradability, which benefits the release of miR-34a from the complexes. In A549 cells, the expression level of the miR-34a gene was checked by Western blotting, which reflects the transfection efficiency of BA-PEI/miR-34a. When miR-34a is delivered to the cell, the perfect anti-tumor ability of the BA-PEI/miR-34a complex was systematically evaluated with the suppressor tumor gene miR-34a system in vitro and in vivo. BA-PEI-mediated miR-34a gene transfection is more secure and effective than the commercial transfection reagent, thus providing a novel approach for miR-34a-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital and Central China Branch of National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Baiyan Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yangfan Xiao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital and Central China Branch of National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qingchun Cai
- Department of Clinical Lab, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junyue Xing
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital and Central China Branch of National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hao Tang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital and Central China Branch of National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruiqin Li
- Academy of Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- Blood Purification Center, The People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Blood Purification Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Mathura, Henan, China
- Department of Nephrology Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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Guo J, Zhao J, Xu Q, Huang D. MEX3C as a potential target for hepatocellular carcinoma drug and immunity: combined therapy with Lenvatinib. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:967. [PMID: 37828435 PMCID: PMC10568896 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11320-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immune microenvironment within hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is remarkably intricate. Although the combination of an immune checkpoint inhibitor and Lenvatinib can extend the overall survival of HCC patients, the outcome remains suboptimal. METHODS We assessed alterations in MEX3C expression during hepatocarcinogenesis by validating multiple databases and subsequently developed a predictive model. Subsequently, we enriched the associated genes of MEX3C to investigate its functional role. We examined the correlation between MEX3C expression levels and immune infiltrating cells. The effects of MEX3C knockdown and Lenvatinib on hepatoma cells were observed by cell function experiments. RESULTS MEX3C expression is elevated in HCC compared to normal tissues, and its high expression correlates with poor prognosis. Immune checkpoint expression was elevated in the high MEX3C expression group, concomitant with heightened myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) expression. The combination of MEX3C knockdown and Lenvatinib demonstrated a stronger inhibitory effect on HCC cells compared to Lenvatinib alone. CONCLUSION MEX3C shows promise as a potential therapeutic target for treating HCC. Furthermore, the combination of MEX3C knockdown and Lenvatinib could offer a novel therapeutic avenue for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Guo
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014 China
| | - Jie Zhao
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiuran Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014 China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014 China
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Liu HT, Luo CP, Jiang MJ, Deng ZJ, Teng YX, Su JY, Pan LX, Ma L, Guo PP, Zhong JH. miR-17-5p slows progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by downregulating TGFβR2. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:2960-2971. [PMID: 37024636 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03164-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Downregulation of miR-17-5p has been reported in several cancers, but whether and how miR-17-5p is downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. Here, we examined whether miR-17-5p is downregulated in HCC and whether that affects expression of its target gene encoding transforming growth factor β receptor 2 (TGFβR). METHODS We screened for potential microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in HCC by analyzing published transcriptomes from HCC patients. Expression of miR-17-5p was measured in HCC cell lines and in tissues from HCC patients using quantitative real-time PCR. The in vitro effects of miR-17-5p on HCC cells were assessed by EdU proliferation assay, CCK-8 cell proliferation assay, colony-formation assay, transwell migration/invasion assay, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry. Effects of miR-17-5p were evaluated in vivo using mice with subcutaneous tumors. Effects of the miRNA on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were assessed, while its effects on TGFβR2 expression were analyzed using bioinformatics and a dual luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS Patients with low miR-17-5p expression showed lower rates of overall and recurrence-free survival than patients with high miR-17-5p expression, and multivariate Cox regression identified low miR-17-5p expression as an independent predictor of poor overall survival in HCC patients. In vitro, miR-17-5p significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and the EMT, while promoting apoptosis. In vivo, it slowed the development of tumors. These protective effects of miR-17-5p were associated with downregulation of TGFβR2. CONCLUSION The miRNA miR-17-5p can negatively regulate the expression of TGFβR2 and inhibit the EMT, thereby slowing tumor growth in HCC, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Tian Liu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, He Di Rd. #71, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Cheng-Piao Luo
- Department of Pathology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Meng-Jie Jiang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, He Di Rd. #71, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Zhu-Jian Deng
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, He Di Rd. #71, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yu-Xian Teng
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, He Di Rd. #71, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jia-Yong Su
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, He Di Rd. #71, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Li-Xin Pan
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, He Di Rd. #71, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, He Di Rd. #71, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Ping-Ping Guo
- Department of Ultrasound, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, He Di Rd. #71, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Jian-Hong Zhong
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, He Di Rd. #71, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumors (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumors, Nanning, China.
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Li B, Guo Y, Yi Y, Huang Z, Ren Y, Wang H, Yang L. Non-spatial and spatial heterogeneity revealed a suppressive immune feature of Siglec-15 in lung adenocarcinomas. J Transl Med 2023; 21:599. [PMID: 37674198 PMCID: PMC10483852 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04489-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin-15 (Siglec-15) has emerged as a novel immunotherapy candidate, which deserves a comprehensive investigation in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). METHODS Multiplex fluorescence-based immunohistochemistry was conducted to assess Siglec-15 expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in LUAD from Tianjin cohort, with validation cohorts Xinchao 04 and 07. RESULTS This study revealed that Siglec-15 was positively correlated with CD8+ T cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) infiltration, but CD8+ T cells were mostly infiltrated in the stroma area, not in the tumor area. Spatially, fewer CD8+ T cells surrounded Siglec-15+ tumor cells in PD-L1- cells, and more TAMs surrounded Siglec-15+ tumor cells in PD-L1-/+ cells. Siglec-15+ TAMs infiltrated with more CD8+ T cells, and were closer to CD8+ T cells than Siglec-15- TAMs and Siglec-15+ tumor cells. Siglec-15+ TAMs infiltrated with more Tregs and were closer to Tregs than Siglec-15+ tumor cells. Siglec-15+ tumor cells or TAMs reversed CD8+ T cells prognosis value, and enhanced the prognosis value of Tregs and TAMs. The immunotyping based on Siglec-15 and CD8A / CD8+ T cells revealed that patients with high CD8A and Siglec-15 expression exhibited immune activation. Patients with low CD8A expression / CD8+ T cells infiltration and Siglec-15 overexpression were related to the activation of immunosuppressive signature and metabolism-related pathway, and infiltrated with more TAMs. CONCLUSIONS We revealed the distinct characteristics between Siglec-15+ tumor cells and TAMs in relation to CD8+ T cells, and a unique relationship between Siglec-15 and immunosuppressive TIME in LUAD, which may provide potential value for anti-Siglec-15 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baihui Li
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Huanhuxi Road, Tiyuanbei, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Department of Esophageal Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Huanhuxi Road, Tiyuanbei, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yeran Yi
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Huanhuxi Road, Tiyuanbei, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Ziqi Huang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Huanhuxi Road, Tiyuanbei, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yulin Ren
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Huanhuxi Road, Tiyuanbei, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Huanhuxi Road, Tiyuanbei, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Huanhuxi Road, Tiyuanbei, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.
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Shi H, Yang J, Qiao Z, Li L, Liu G, Dai Q, Xu L, Jiao W, Zhang G, Wang F, Lu X, Ma X. Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies on erianin analogues as pyruvate carboxylase inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:7005-7017. [PMID: 37593934 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob01114c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
A series of novel erianin analogues were designed and synthesized based on the bioisosterism principle by altering the two aromatic rings of erianin, the substituents on the rings and the linker between them. The analogues were evaluated as pyruvate carboxylase (PC) inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. It was found that compounds 35 and 36, where fluorine replaces a hydroxyl group, exhibited higher activity than erianin (IC50 value of 17.30 nM) in liver cancer cells with IC50 values of 15.15 nM and 10.05 nM, respectively. Additionally, at a concentration of 10 nM, compounds 35 and 36 inhibited PC with inhibitory rates of 39.10% and 40.15%, respectively, exhibiting nearly identical inhibitory activity to erianin (inhibitory rate of 40.07%). Additionally, a computer simulation docking study demonstrated the basis for better interactions between the receptors and ligands. The fluorine atom of 35 can not only form hydrogen bonds with Lys-1043 (NH⋯F, 2.04 Å), but also form fluorine bonds with the carbonyl groups of Lys-1043 (3.67 Å) and Glu-1046 (3.70 Å), due to the different orientations of the halogens on the B ring warhead. Conversely, the chlorine atom of 34 can only form alkyl hydrophobic interactions with the alkane chain in Lys-1043. Fluorinated compounds 35 and 36 also show better chemical stability and higher log P (clog P = 3.89 for 35 and 36) values than that of erianin (clog P = 3.07), and may be used as candidate compounds for further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Shi
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institution Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese Materia Medica), P. R. China
| | - Jinlian Yang
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institution Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese Materia Medica), P. R. China
| | - Zeen Qiao
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institution Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Lingyu Li
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institution Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Gang Liu
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institution Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Qi Dai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese Materia Medica), P. R. China
| | - Li Xu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese Materia Medica), P. R. China
| | - Wei Jiao
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Guolin Zhang
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Fei Wang
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaoxia Lu
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese Materia Medica), P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Ma
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
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Niu M, Yi M, Wu Y, Lyu L, He Q, Yang R, Zeng L, Shi J, Zhang J, Zhou P, Zhang T, Mei Q, Chu Q, Wu K. Synergistic efficacy of simultaneous anti-TGF-β/VEGF bispecific antibody and PD-1 blockade in cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:94. [PMID: 37573354 PMCID: PMC10423429 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01487-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, therapeutic antibodies against programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) have exerted potent anticancer effect in a variety of tumors. However, blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 axis alone is not sufficient to restore normal immune response. Other negative regulators of antitumor immunity, like TGF-β and VEGFA, are also involved in immune escape of tumor cells and induce immunotherapy resistance. METHODS We developed a novel anti-TGF-β/VEGF bispecific antibody Y332D based on the Nano-YBODY™ technology platform. The CCK-8, flow cytometry, SBE4 luciferase reporter assay, western blotting and transwell assays were used to measure the biological activities of the anti-TGF-β moiety. The NFAT luciferase reporter assay, luminescent cell viability assay and tube formation assay were used to measure the biological activities of the anti-VEGF moiety. The in vivo anticancer efficacy of Y332D alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade was evaluated in H22, EMT-6, 4T1, and AKT/Ras-driven murine hepatocellular carcinoma tumor models. Immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometry, RNA-seq and quantitative RT-PCR were adopted to analyze the alterations in the tumor microenvironment. RESULTS Y332D could maintain specific binding affinities for TGF-β and VEGFA. Y332D almost entirely counteracted the in vitro biological functions of TGF-β and VEGFA, including immunosuppression, activated TGF-β signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), activated VEGF/VEGFR signaling, HUVEC proliferation and tube formation. The in vivo experiment data demonstrated that Y332D was more effective in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis than anti-TGF-β and anti-VEGF monotherapies. In combination therapies, Y332D plus PD-1 blockade exhibited the most potent and durable anticancer effect. Mechanistically, Y332D plus PD-1 blockade upregulated the density and function of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and exerted reinvigorated antitumor immunity. CONCLUSION Y332D could simultaneously block TGF-β and VEGF signalings. In comparison with the monotherapies, Y332D combined with PD-1 blockade exerts superior antitumor effect through improving immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 China
| | - Yuze Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Lijuan Lyu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710000 China
| | - Qing He
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, C2-1, No.666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, 430075 People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Yang
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, C2-1, No.666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, 430075 People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Zeng
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, C2-1, No.666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, 430075 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Shi
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, C2-1, No.666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, 430075 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, C2-1, No.666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, 430075 People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Zhou
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, C2-1, No.666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, 430075 People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032 China
| | - Qi Mei
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032 China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032 China
- Cancer Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
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Jiang B, Zhou Y, Liu Y, He S, Liao B, Peng T, Yao L, Qi L. Research Progress on the Role and Mechanism of IL-37 in Liver Diseases. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:336-350. [PMID: 37582401 PMCID: PMC10620037 DOI: 10.1055/a-2153-8836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are important components of the immune system that can predict or influence the development of liver diseases. IL-37, a new member of the IL-1 cytokine family, exerts potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects inside and outside cells. IL-37 expression differs before and after liver lesions, suggesting that it is associated with liver disease; however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. This article mainly reviews the biological characteristics of IL-37, which inhibits hepatitis, liver injury, and liver fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation, and inhibits the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by regulating the immune microenvironment. Based on additional evidence, combining IL-37 with liver disease markers for diagnosis and treatment can achieve more significant effects, suggesting that IL-37 can be developed into a powerful tool for the clinical adjuvant treatment of liver diseases, especially HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyi Jiang
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Yulin Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shunde New Rongqi Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Yanting Liu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Siqi He
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Baojian Liao
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Tieli Peng
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Leyi Yao
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Ling Qi
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
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Yamada K, Tanaka T, Kai K, Matsufuji S, Ito K, Kitajima Y, Manabe T, Noshiro H. Suppression of NASH-Related HCC by Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor through Inhibition of Inflammation and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11546. [PMID: 37511305 PMCID: PMC10380354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory processes play major roles in carcinogenesis and the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) derived from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). But, there are no therapies for NASH-related HCC, especially focusing on these critical steps. Previous studies have reported that farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. However, the influence of FTIs on NASH-related HCC has not been elucidated. In hepatoblastoma and HCC cell lines, HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh-7, we confirmed the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, an accelerator of tumor aggressiveness and the inflammatory response. We established NASH-related HCC models under inflammation and free fatty acid burden and confirmed that HIF-1α expression was increased under both conditions. Tipifarnib, which is an FTI, strongly suppressed increased HIF-1α, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis. Simultaneously, intracellular interleukin-6 as an inflammation marker was increased under both conditions and significantly suppressed by tipifarnib. Additionally, tipifarnib suppressed the expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB and transforming growth factor-β. Finally, in a NASH-related HCC mouse model burdened with diethylnitrosamine and a high-fat diet, tipifarnib significantly reduced tumor nodule formation in association with decreased serum interleukin-6. In conclusion, tipifarnib has anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects in a NASH-related HCC model and may be a promising new agent to treat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Saga University Faculty of Medicine, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Tanaka
- Department of Surgery, Saga University Faculty of Medicine, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Keita Kai
- Department of Pathology, Saga University Faculty of Medicine, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Shohei Matsufuji
- Department of Surgery, Saga University Faculty of Medicine, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Kotaro Ito
- Department of Surgery, Saga University Faculty of Medicine, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Kitajima
- Department of Surgery, Saga University Faculty of Medicine, Saga 849-8501, Japan
- Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Higashisaga Hospital, Saga 849-0101, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Manabe
- Department of Surgery, Saga University Faculty of Medicine, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Noshiro
- Department of Surgery, Saga University Faculty of Medicine, Saga 849-8501, Japan
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49
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Li T, Wang X, Niu M, Wang M, Zhou J, Wu K, Yi M. Bispecific antibody targeting TGF-β and PD-L1 for synergistic cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1196970. [PMID: 37520520 PMCID: PMC10373067 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway plays a crucial role in cancer immune evasion, and the use of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies represents a significant milestone in cancer immunotherapy. However, the low response rate observed in unselected patients and the development of therapeutic resistance remain major obstacles to their clinical application. Accumulating studies showed that overexpressed TGF-β is another immunosuppressive factor apart from traditional immune checkpoints. Actually, the effects of PD-1 and TGF-β pathways are independent and interactive, which work together contributing to the immune evasion of cancer cell. It has been verified that blocking TGF-β and PD-L1 simultaneously could enhance the efficacy of PD-L1 monoclonal antibody and overcome its treatment resistance. Based on the bispecific antibody or fusion protein technology, multiple bispecific and bifunctional antibodies have been developed. In the preclinical and clinical studies, these updated antibodies exhibited potent anti-tumor activity, superior to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapies. In the review, we summarized the advances of bispecific antibodies targeting TGF-β and PD-L1 in cancer immunotherapy. We believe these next-generation immune checkpoint inhibitors would substantially alter the cancer treatment paradigm, especially in anti-PD-1/PD-L1-resistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinrun Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Mingli Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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50
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Omar MA, Omran MM, Farid K, Tabll AA, Shahein YE, Emran TM, Petrovic A, Lucic NR, Smolic R, Kovac T, Smolic M. Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Origin to Clinical Diagnosis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1852. [PMID: 37509493 PMCID: PMC10377276 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HCC-related deaths has increased over the last few decades. There are several risk factors of HCC such as viral hepatitis (B, C), cirrhosis, tobacco and alcohol use, aflatoxin-contaminated food, pesticides, diabetes, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and metabolic and genetic diseases. Diagnosis of HCC is based on different methods such as imaging ultrasonography (US), multiphasic enhanced computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and several diagnostic biomarkers. In this review, we examine the epidemiology of HCC worldwide and in Egypt as well as risk factors associated with the development of HCC and, finally, provide the updated diagnostic biomarkers for the diagnosis of HCC, particularly in the early stages of HCC. Several biomarkers are considered to diagnose HCC, including downregulated or upregulated protein markers secreted during HCC development, circulating nucleic acids or cells, metabolites, and the promising, recently identified biomarkers based on quantitative proteomics through the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). In addition, a diagnostic model used to improve the sensitivity of combined biomarkers for the diagnosis of early HCC is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona A. Omar
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta 34517, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed M. Omran
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt;
| | - Khaled Farid
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35524, Egypt;
| | - Ashraf A. Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, National Research Centre, Cairo 12622, Egypt
- Immunology Department, Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo 11517, Egypt
| | - Yasser E. Shahein
- Molecular Biology Department, National Research Centre, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Tarek M. Emran
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, New Damietta 34517, Egypt;
| | - Ana Petrovic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (N.R.L.); (R.S.); (T.K.)
| | - Nikola R. Lucic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (N.R.L.); (R.S.); (T.K.)
| | - Robert Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (N.R.L.); (R.S.); (T.K.)
| | - Tanja Kovac
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (N.R.L.); (R.S.); (T.K.)
| | - Martina Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (N.R.L.); (R.S.); (T.K.)
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