1
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Niu Q, Ye S, Zhao L, Qian Y, Liu F. The role of liver cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2321768. [PMID: 38393655 PMCID: PMC10896152 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2321768] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for the vast majority of cancer deaths; however, this complex process has yet to be fully explained. To form metastases, cancer cells must undergo a series of steps, known as the "Metastatic cascade", each of which requires a specific functional transformation. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a vital role in tumor metastasis, but their dynamic behavior and regulatory mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Based on the "Metastatic cascade" theory, this review summarizes the effect of liver CSCs on the metastatic biological programs that underlie the dissemination and metastatic growth of cancer cells. Liver CSCs have the capacity to initiate distant organ metastasis via EMT, and the microenvironment transformation that supports the ability of these cells to disseminate, evade immune surveillance, dormancy, and regenerate metastasis. Understanding the heterogeneity and traits of liver CSCs in these processes is critical for developing strategies to prevent and treat metastasis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Niu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Susu Ye
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liu Zhao
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanzhi Qian
- School Hospital, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Fengchao Liu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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2
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Balaji N, Kukal S, Bhat A, Pradhan N, Minocha S, Kumar S. A quartet of cancer stem cell niches in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 79:39-51. [PMID: 39217065 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.08.007] [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: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent type of primary liver cancer, is known for its aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. The Cancer Stem Cell theory, which postulates the presence of a small population of self-renewing cells called Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs), provides insights into various clinical and molecular features of HCC such as tumor heterogeneity, metabolic adaptability, therapy resistance, and recurrence. These CSCs are nurtured in the tumor microenvironment (TME), where a mix of internal and external factors creates a tumor-supportive niche that is continuously evolving both spatially and temporally, thus enhancing the tumor's complexity. This review details the origins of hepatic CSCs (HCSCs) and the factors influencing their stem-like qualities. It highlights the reciprocal crosstalk between HCSCs and the TME (hypoxic, vascular, invasive, and immune niches), exploring the signaling pathways involved and how these interactions control the malignant traits of CSCs. Additionally, it discusses potential therapeutic approaches targeting the HCSC niche and their possible uses in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Balaji
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Samiksha Kukal
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Anjali Bhat
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Nikita Pradhan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Shilpi Minocha
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Saran Kumar
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, 110016, India.
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3
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Liu K, Gao Q, Jia Y, Wei J, Chaudhuri SM, Wang S, Tang A, Mani NL, Iyer R, Cheng Y, Gao B, Lu W, Sun Z, Zhang B, Liu H, Fang D. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 controls integrin-dependent cancer cell stemness and metastasis. iScience 2024; 27:110592. [PMID: 39246448 PMCID: PMC11378969 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110592] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrins play critical roles in connecting the extracellular matrix and actin. While the upregulation of integrins is thought to promote cancer stemness and metastasis, the mechanisms underlying their upregulation in cancer stem cells (CSCs) remain poorly understood. Herein, we show that USP22 is essential in maintaining breast cancer cell stemness by promoting the transcription of integrin β1 (ITGB1). Both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of USP22 largely impaired breast CSCs self-renewal and prevented their metastasis. Reconstitution of integrin β1 partially rescued USP22-null breast cancer metastasis. USP22 functions as a bona fide deubiquitinase to protect the proteasomal degradation of the forkhead box M1 (FoxM1), a transcription factor for tumoral ITGB1 gene transcription. Immunohistochemistry staining detected a positive correlation among USP22, FoxM1, and integrin β1 in human breast cancers. Collectively, our study identifies the USP22-FoxM1-integrin β1 signaling axis as critical for cancer stemness and offers a potential target for antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Qiong Gao
- Department of Pathology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, P.R. China
| | - Yuzhi Jia
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Juncheng Wei
- Department of Pathology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shuvam Mohan Chaudhuri
- Department of Pathology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Amy Tang
- Department of Pathology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nikita Lavanya Mani
- Department of Pathology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Radhika Iyer
- Department of Pathology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yang Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Beixue Gao
- Department of Pathology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Weiyuan Lu
- Department of Pathology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Zhaolin Sun
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Huiping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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4
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Zhang L, Zhou W, Zheng S, Ling S, Xu X. An E2F7/TSC1-based model for predicting the efficacy of sirolimus after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1973-1975. [PMID: 38763768 PMCID: PMC11332772 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lincheng Zhang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital, Zhejiang Shuren University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Liver Transplant, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Sunbin Ling
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Liver Transplant, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
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5
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Tsui YM, Tian L, Lu J, Ma H, Ng IOL. Interplay among extracellular vesicles, cancer stemness and immune regulation in driving hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217084. [PMID: 38925362 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217084] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The intricate interplay among extracellular vesicles, cancer stemness properties, and the immune system significantly impacts hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, treatment response, and patient prognosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are membrane-bound structures, play a pivotal role in conveying proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between cells, thereby serving as essential mediators of intercellular communication. Since a lot of current research focuses on small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), with diameters ranging from 30 nm to 200 nm, this review emphasizes the role of sEVs in the context of interactions between HCC stemness-bearing cells and the immune cells. sEVs offer promising opportunities for the clinical application of innovative diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in HCC. By specifically targeting sEVs, novel therapeutics aimed at cancer stemness can be developed. Ongoing investigations into the roles of sEVs in cancer stemness and immune regulation in HCC will broaden our understanding and ultimately pave the way for groundbreaking therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lu Tian
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jingyi Lu
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Huanhuan Ma
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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6
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Qiu J, Zhong F, Zhang Z, Pan B, Ye D, Zhang X, Yao Y, Luo Y, Wang X, Tang N. Hypoxia-responsive lncRNA MIR155HG promotes PD-L1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by enhancing HIF-1α mRNA stability. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112415. [PMID: 38850791 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112415] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by hypoxia, which leads to immune evasion of HCC. Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism underlying the impact of hypoxia on HCC cells may provide valuable insights into immune checkpoint therapy. Based on analysis of databases and clinical samples, we observed that expression level of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MIR155HG in patients in the hypoxia group were higher than those in the non-hypoxia group. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the expression of PD-L1 and MIR155HG with that of HIF-1α. In vitro experiments using hypoxic treatment demonstrated an increase in PD-L1 and MIR155HG expression levels in HCC cells. While the hypoxia-induced upregulation of PD-L1 could be reversed by knocking down MIR155HG. Mechanistically, as a transcription factor, HIF-1α binds to the promoter region of MIR155HG to enhance its transcriptional activity under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia acts as a stressor promoting nuclear output of ILF3 leading to increased binding of ILF3 to MIR155HG, thereby enhancing stability for HIF-1α mRNA. In vivo, knocking down MIR155HG inhibit subcutaneous tumor growth, reduce the expression of HIF-1α and PD-L1 within tumors; additionally, it enhances anti-tumor immunity response. These findings suggested that through inducing MIR155HG to interact with ILF3, hypoxia increases HIF-1α mRNA stability resulting in elevated PD-L1 expression in HCC and thus promoting immune escape. In summary, this study provides new insights into the effects of hypoxia on HCC immunosuppression.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism
- B7-H1 Antigen/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Cell Hypoxia
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- RNA Stability
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- Tumor Escape/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fuxiu Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Banglun Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dongjie Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yue Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China; Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Nanhong Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China; Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Technology for Precision Medicine (Fujian Medical University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China.
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7
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Liu F, Chen J, Li K, Li H, Zhu Y, Zhai Y, Lu B, Fan Y, Liu Z, Chen X, Jia X, Dong Z, Liu K. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination in cancer: from mechanisms to novel therapeutic approaches. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:148. [PMID: 39048965 PMCID: PMC11270804 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02046-3] [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: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination, a pivotal posttranslational modification of proteins, plays a fundamental role in regulating protein stability. The dysregulation of ubiquitinating and deubiquitinating enzymes is a common feature in various cancers, underscoring the imperative to investigate ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs) for insights into oncogenic processes and the development of therapeutic interventions. In this review, we discuss the contributions of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in all hallmarks of cancer and progress in drug discovery. We delve into the multiple functions of the UPS in oncology, including its regulation of multiple cancer-associated pathways, its role in metabolic reprogramming, its engagement with tumor immune responses, its function in phenotypic plasticity and polymorphic microbiomes, and other essential cellular functions. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of novel anticancer strategies that leverage the UPS, including the development and application of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, School of Third Clinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of First Clinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Haochen Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of First Clinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yiyi Zhu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of First Clinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yubo Zhai
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Bingbing Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yanle Fan
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Ziyue Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Xiaojie Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xuechao Jia
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of TCM Syndrome and Prescription in Signaling, Traditional Chinese Medicine (Zhong Jing) School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Zigang Dong
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
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8
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Liu J, Huang J, Lu J, Ouyang R, Xu W, Zhang J, Chen-Xiao K, Wu C, Shang D, Go VLWB, Guo J, Xiao GG. Obg-like ATPase 1 exacerbated gemcitabine drug resistance of pancreatic cancer. iScience 2024; 27:110027. [PMID: 38883822 PMCID: PMC11177196 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110027] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant disease with a poor prognosis due to inefficient diagnosis and tenacious drug resistance. Obg-like ATPase 1 (OLA1) is overexpressed in many malignant tumors. The molecular mechanism of OLA1 underlying gemcitabine (GEM)-induced drug resistance was investigated in this study. An enhanced expression of OLA1 was observed in a GEM acquired resistant pancreatic cancer cell lines and in patients with pancreatic cancer. Overexpressed OLA1 showed poor overall survival rates in patients with pancreatic cancer. Dysregulation of the OLA1 reduced expression of CD44+/CD133+, and improved the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to GEM. OLA1 highly expression facilitated the formation of the OLA1/Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)/Hedgehog-interacting protein (HHIP) complex in nuclei, resulting in the inhibition of negative feedback of Hedgehog signaling induced by HHIP. This study suggests that OLA1 may be developed as an innovative drug target for an effective therapy of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhou Liu
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- Institute of clinical medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Runze Ouyang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jianlu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Kevin Chen-Xiao
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California Berkeley, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chengjun Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Dong Shang
- Department of General Surgery, Clinical Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning, China
| | - Vay Liang W Bill Go
- The UCLA Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Junchao Guo
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Gary Guishan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- The UCLA Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Laboratory, Osteoporosis Research Center, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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9
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Huang J, Yin Q, Wang Y, Zhou X, Guo Y, Tang Y, Cheng R, Yu X, Zhang J, Huang C, Huang Z, Zhang J, Guo Z, Huo X, Sun Y, Li Y, Wang H, Yang J, Xue L. EZH2 Inhibition Enhances PD-L1 Protein Stability Through USP22-Mediated Deubiquitination in Colorectal Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308045. [PMID: 38520088 PMCID: PMC11187912 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308045] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The regulation of PD-L1 is the key question, which largely determines the outcome of the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) based therapy. However, besides the transcription level, the protein stability of PD-L1 is closely correlated with its function and has drawn increasing attention. In this study, EZH2 inhibition enhances PD-L1 expression and protein stability, and the deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 (USP22) is identified as a key mediator in this process. EZH2 inhibition transcriptionally upregulates USP22 expression, and upregulated USP22 further stabilizes PD-L1. Importantly, a combination of EZH2 inhibitors with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy improves the tumor microenvironment, enhances sensitivity to immunotherapy, and exerts synergistic anticancer effects. In addition, knocking down USP22 can potentially enhance the therapeutic efficacy of EZH2 inhibitors on colon cancer. These findings unveil the novel role of EZH2 inhibitors in tumor immune evasion by upregulating PD-L1, and this drawback can be compensated by combining ICI immunotherapy. Therefore, these findings provide valuable insights into the EZH2-USP22-PD-L1 regulatory axis, shedding light on the optimization of combining both immune checkpoint blockade and EZH2 inhibitor-based epigenetic therapies to achieve more efficacies and accuracy in cancer treatment.
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10
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Yu S, Su S, Wang P, Li J, Chen C, Xin H, Gong Y, Wang H, Ye X, Mao L, Zhou Z, Zhou S, Hu Z, Huang X. Tumor-associated macrophage-induced circMRCKα encodes a peptide to promote glycolysis and progression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216872. [PMID: 38642609 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216872] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play multifaceted roles in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the involvement of circular RNAs in the interplay between TAMs and HCC remains unclear. Based on Transwell co-culturing and circular RNA sequencing, this study revealed that TAMs enhanced tumor glycolysis and progression by upregulating circMRCKα in HCC cells. Patients with HCC who exhibited elevated circMRCKα levels presented significantly reduced overall survival and greater cumulative recurrence. Notably, we identified a novel functional peptide of 227 amino acids named circMRCKα-227aa, encoded by circMRCKα. Mechanistically, circMRCKα-227aa bound to USP22 and enhanced its protein level to obstruct HIF-1α degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, thereby augmenting HCC glycolysis and progression. In clinical HCC samples, a positive correlation was observed between the expression of circMRCKα and the number of infiltrating CD68+ TAMs and expression of USP22. Furthermore, circMRCKα emerged as an independent prognostic risk factor both individually and in conjunction with CD68+ TAMs and USP22. This study illustrated that circMRCKα-227aa, a novel TAM-induced peptide, promotes tumor glycolysis and progression via USP22 binding and HIF-1α upregulation, suggesting that circMRCKα and TAMs could be combined as therapeutic targets in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyang Yu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Sheng Su
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Changzhou Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Haoyang Xin
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yu Gong
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Hezhi Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xinming Ye
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Li Mao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhengjun Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Shaolai Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Hu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xiaowu Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital/Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Shanghai/Xiamen, 200032/361015, China.
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11
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Ma Y, Lv H, Xing F, Xiang W, Wu Z, Feng Q, Wang H, Yang W. Cancer stem cell-immune cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment for liver cancer progression. Front Med 2024; 18:430-445. [PMID: 38600350 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1049-z] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Crosstalk between cancer cells and the immune microenvironment is determinant for liver cancer progression. A tumor subpopulation called liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) significantly accounts for the initiation, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence of liver cancer. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the interaction between liver CSCs and immune cells plays a crucial role in shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment and determining immunotherapy responses. This review sheds light on the bidirectional crosstalk between liver CSCs and immune cells for liver cancer progression, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms after presenting an overview of liver CSCs characteristic and their microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the potential application of liver CSCs-targeted immunotherapy for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongwei Lv
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Fuxue Xing
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Zixin Wu
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Qiyu Feng
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Wen Yang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Qian L, Li B, Pi L, Fang B, Meng X. Hypoxic adipose stem cell-derived exosomes carrying high-abundant USP22 facilitate cutaneous wound healing through stabilizing HIF-1α and upregulating lncRNA H19. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23653. [PMID: 38738548 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301403rr] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxic preconditioning has been recognized as a promotive factor for accelerating cutaneous wound healing. Our previous study uncovered that exosomal lncRNA H19, derived from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), plays a crucial role in orchestrating cutaneous wound healing. Herein, we aimed to explore whether there is a connection between hypoxia and ADSC-derived exosomes (ADSCs-exos) in cutaneous wound healing. Exosomes extracted from ADSCs under normoxic and hypoxic conditions were identified using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and particle size analysis. The effects of ADSCs-exos on the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated by CCK-8, EdU, wound healing, and tube formation assays. Expression patterns of H19, HIF-1α, and USP22 were measured. Co-immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, ubiquitination, and luciferase reporter assays were conducted to confirm the USP22/HIF-1α/H19 axis, which was further validated in a mice model of skin wound. Exosomes extracted from hypoxia-treated ADSCs (termed as H-ADSCs-exos) significantly increased cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in H2O2-exposed HUVECs, and promoted cutaneous wound healing in vivo. Moreover, H-ADSCs and H-ADSCs-exos, which exhibited higher levels of H19, were found to be transcriptionally activated by HIF-1α. Mechanically, H-ADSCs carrying USP22 accounted for deubiquitinating and stabilizing HIF-1α. Additionally, H-ADSCs-exos improved cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in H2O2-triggered HUVECs by activating USP22/HIF-1α axis and promoting H19 expression, which may provide a new clue for the clinical treatment of cutaneous wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Qian
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Plastic & Laser Cosmetic, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, 1st Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Li Pi
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Bairong Fang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Xianxi Meng
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
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13
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Zhang Q, Zhu J, Xie J, Gu Y, Chen L. USP22 as a key regulator of glycolysis pathway in osteosarcoma: insights from bioinformatics and experimental approaches. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17397. [PMID: 38784391 PMCID: PMC11114114 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17397] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. Ubiquitin-specific processing peptidase 22 (USP22) is reported to be highly expressed and associated with tumor malignancy and prognosis in cancers. However, the role and mechanism of USP22 in osteosarcoma is not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the function and potential mechanism of USP22 in osteosarcoma using bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental validation. Methods We first integrated transcriptomic datasets and clinical information of osteosarcoma from GEO and TCGA databases to assess the expression and prognostic value of USP22 in osteosarcoma. Then, differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were conducted to identify USP22-related co-expressed genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to explore the biological functions and signaling pathways of USP22 co-expressed genes. To validate the accuracy of bioinformatics analyses, we downregulated USP22 expression in osteosarcoma cell line Sao-2 using siRNA and assessed its effect on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and regulation of key signaling pathways. Results We found that USP22 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues and correlated with poor prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. USP22 also showed potential as a diagnostic marker for osteosarcoma. In addition, 344 USP22-related co-expressed genes were identified, mainly involved in signaling pathways such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, spliceosome, thermogenesis, and cell cycle. The in vitro experiments confirmed the accuracy and reliability of bioinformatics analyses. We found that downregulation of USP22 could inhibit Sao-2 cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induce apoptosis. Furthermore, downregulation of USP22 significantly reduced aerobic glycolysis levels in Sao-2 cells and inhibited the expression of key enzymes and transporters in aerobic glycolysis pathways such as HK2, PKM2, and GLUT1. Conclusions USP22 plays a critical role in the occurrence, development, and prognosis of osteosarcoma. USP22 could influence Sao-2 cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion by regulating the glycolysis pathway, thereby promoting osteosarcoma progression. Therefore, USP22 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jinwei Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jian Xie
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yurong Gu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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14
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Niu MY, Liu YJ, Shi JJ, Chen RY, Zhang S, Li CY, Cao JF, Yang GJ, Chen J. The Emerging Role of Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 36 (USP36) in Cancer and Beyond. Biomolecules 2024; 14:572. [PMID: 38785979 PMCID: PMC11118191 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050572] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination is instrumental in the regulation of protein stability and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin-specific protease 36 (USP36), a member of the USP family, plays a crucial role in this dynamic equilibrium by hydrolyzing and removing ubiquitin chains from target proteins and facilitating their proteasome-dependent degradation. The multifaceted functions of USP36 have been implicated in various disease processes, including cancer, infections, and inflammation, via the modulation of numerous cellular events, including gene transcription regulation, cell cycle regulation, immune responses, signal transduction, tumor growth, and inflammatory processes. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of research on the roles of USP36 in different pathological conditions. By synthesizing the findings from previous studies, we have aimed to increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yao Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Yan-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Jin-Jin Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Ru-Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China;
| | - Chang-Yun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Jia-Feng Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Guan-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
- Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China;
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Wang X, Wang X. The regulation of hypoxia-related lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:144. [PMID: 38713276 PMCID: PMC11076439 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a public health disease with its high prevalence and morbidity. Short of early diagnosis biomarkers and effective therapy, the treatment of HCC patients hasn't achieved ideal effect. Hypoxia is a hallmark of HCC, which is mainly induced by imbalance of tumor cell proliferation and insufficient supply of oxygen. Recently, amounting evidence suggested lncRNAs, especially hypoxia-related lncRNAs play a pivotal role in regulating HCC. Hypoxia-related lncRNAs are involved in altering glucose metabolism, maintaining of cancer stem cell-like properties (CSCs), cell apotosis, proliferation and immune escape, which all contribute to the poor prognosis of HCC patients. The novel identified hypoxia-related lncRNAs could be the potential target or biomarkers of HCC, which are beneficial to the clinical treatment. Herein, we summarized currently reported hypoxia-related lncRNAs and their related mechanisms, providing potential application and future perspective of hypoxia-related lncRNAs as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejing Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaojun Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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16
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Gao H, Xi Z, Dai J, Xue J, Guan X, Zhao L, Chen Z, Xing F. Drug resistance mechanisms and treatment strategies mediated by Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases (USPs) in cancers: new directions and therapeutic options. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:88. [PMID: 38702734 PMCID: PMC11067278 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02005-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: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance represents a significant obstacle in cancer treatment, underscoring the need for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs), a subclass of deubiquitinating enzymes, play a pivotal role in protein deubiquitination. As scientific research advances, USPs have been recognized as key regulators of drug resistance across a spectrum of treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. This comprehensive review examines the complex relationship between USPs and drug resistance mechanisms, focusing on specific treatment strategies and highlighting the influence of USPs on DNA damage repair, apoptosis, characteristics of cancer stem cells, immune evasion, and other crucial biological functions. Additionally, the review highlights the potential clinical significance of USP inhibitors as a means to counter drug resistance in cancer treatment. By inhibiting particular USP, cancer cells can become more susceptible to a variety of anti-cancer drugs. The integration of USP inhibitors with current anti-cancer therapies offers a promising strategy to circumvent drug resistance. Therefore, this review emphasizes the importance of USPs as viable therapeutic targets and offers insight into fruitful directions for future research and drug development. Targeting USPs presents an effective method to combat drug resistance across various cancer types, leading to enhanced treatment strategies and better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Zhuo Xi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jingwei Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jinqi Xue
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Zhiguang Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Fei Xing
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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Chen Z, Su J, You N, Lin H, Lin S, Zhang Z, Chen Y. A novel model based on ubiquitination-related gene to predict prognosis and immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29387. [PMID: 38628739 PMCID: PMC11019200 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29387] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer that is increasingly becoming a global health problem and a major public health concern. In order to improve patient outcomes, additional biomarkers and targets must be explored. Ubiquitination-related genes (URGs), as tumor regulators, exhibit multiple functions in tumor development. Our objective was to examine the influence of URGs on the prognosis of patients with HCC. Methods By utilizing unsupervised cluster analysis, we were able to identify URGs in the database and create a risk score profile for predicting the prognosis of patients with HCC. The model's clinical application was explored using subject operating characteristic curves, survival analysis, and correlation analysis. We additionally examined the variances in clinical traits, immune infiltration, somatic genetic alterations, and responsiveness to treatment among high- and low-risk populations identified by the prognostic model. Scores for immune cell infiltration and immune-related pathway activity were determined by performing ssGSEA enrichment analysis. Additionally, to investigate potential mechanisms, we utilized GO, KEGG and GSVA analyses. Results We developed a risk scoring model that relies on genes associated with ubiquitination. As the risk score increased, the malignancy and prognosis of the tumor worsened. The high-risk and low-risk groups exhibited notable disparities in relation to the immune microenvironment, genes associated with immune checkpoints, sensitivity to drugs, and response to immunotherapy. Conclusion The utilization of a risk model that relies on genes associated with ubiquitination can serve as a biomarker to assess the prognosis of patients with HCC, and aid in the selection of suitable therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Chen
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Jing Su
- Hematology Laboratory, Suqian First People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Ningning You
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Hong Lin
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Shanshan Lin
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Zhenjiang Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Suqian First People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
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18
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Kong L, Jin X. Dysregulation of deubiquitination in breast cancer. Gene 2024; 902:148175. [PMID: 38242375 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148175] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a highly frequent malignant tumor that poses a serious threat to women's health and has different molecular subtypes, histological subtypes, and biological features, which act by activating oncogenic factors and suppressing cancer inhibitors. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is the main process contributing to protein degradation, and deubiquitinases (DUBs) are reverse enzymes that counteract this process. There is growing evidence that dysregulation of DUBs is involved in the occurrence of BC. Herein, we review recent research findings in BC-associated DUBs, describe their nature, classification, and functions, and discuss the potential mechanisms of DUB-related dysregulation in BC. Furthermore, we present the successful treatment of malignant cancer with DUB inhibitors, as well as analyzing the status of targeting aberrant DUBs in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China.
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19
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Yu W, Kong Q, Jiang S, Li Y, Wang Z, Mao Q, Zhang X, Liu Q, Zhang P, Li Y, Li C, Ding Z, Liu L. HSPA12A maintains aerobic glycolytic homeostasis and Histone3 lactylation in cardiomyocytes to attenuate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e169125. [PMID: 38421727 PMCID: PMC11128201 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.169125] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury is a major cause of adverse outcomes of revascularization following myocardial infarction. Anaerobic glycolysis during myocardial ischemia is well studied, but the role of aerobic glycolysis during the early phase of reperfusion is incompletely understood. Lactylation of Histone H3 (H3) is an epigenetic indicator of the glycolytic switch. Heat shock protein A12A (HSPA12A) is an atypic member of the HSP70 family. In the present study, we report that, during reperfusion following myocardial ischemia, HSPA12A was downregulated and aerobic glycolytic flux was decreased in cardiomyocytes. Notably, HSPA12A KO in mice exacerbated MI/R-induced aerobic glycolysis decrease, cardiomyocyte death, and cardiac dysfunction. Gain- and loss-of-function studies demonstrated that HSPA12A was required to support cardiomyocyte survival upon hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) challenge and that its protective effects were mediated by maintaining aerobic glycolytic homeostasis for H3 lactylation. Further analyses revealed that HSPA12A increased Smurf1-mediated Hif1α protein stability, thus increasing glycolytic gene expression to maintain appropriate aerobic glycolytic activity to sustain H3 lactylation during reperfusion and, ultimately, improving cardiomyocyte survival to attenuate MI/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wansu Yu
- Department of Geriatrics, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, and
| | - Qiuyue Kong
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Surong Jiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, and
| | - Yunfan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhaohe Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, and
| | - Qianhui Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, and
| | - Pengjun Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuehua Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Chuanfu Li
- Departments of Surgery, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Zhengnian Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, and
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China
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20
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Mao W, Li W, Hu X. Tumor hyperthermia research progress and application prospect in tumoroids (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2024; 20:31. [PMID: 38476334 PMCID: PMC10928662 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2024.2729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor hyperthermia is the fifth tumor treatment method after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and biological therapy, and is also one of the important adjuvant treatment methods for tumors. Hyperthermia can not only directly eliminate tumor cells, but also stimulate the antitumor immune response of the body, and improve the sensitivity of tumor tissues to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. An organoid is a tissue-specific cell cluster formed by 3D culture of various types of cells derived from target organ stem cells, which can reproduce the functions of target organs in vivo. At present, the research models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro are mainly 2D culture cell line models, and there is no clinical report on tumor hyperthermia using HCC tumoroids. It was hypothesized that this will be a promising research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Mao
- Department of General Surgery, Nanchang University Infectious Disease Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330002, P.R. China
| | - Wen Li
- Central Laboratory, Nanchang University Infectious Disease Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330002, P.R. China
| | - Xuguang Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Organ Transplantation Center, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Donghu, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330001, P.R. China
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21
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Li M, Dai M, Cheng B, Li S, Guo E, Fu J, Ma T, Yu B. Strategies that regulate LSD1 for novel therapeutics. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1494-1507. [PMID: 38572094 PMCID: PMC10985039 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.01.005] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone methylation plays crucial roles in regulating chromatin structure and gene transcription in epigenetic modifications. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), the first identified histone demethylase, is universally overexpressed in various diseases. LSD1 dysregulation is closely associated with cancer, viral infections, and neurodegenerative diseases, etc., making it a promising therapeutic target. Several LSD1 inhibitors and two small-molecule degraders (UM171 and BEA-17) have entered the clinical stage. LSD1 can remove methyl groups from histone 3 at lysine 4 or lysine 9 (H3K4 or H3K9), resulting in either transcription repression or activation. While the roles of LSD1 in transcriptional regulation are well-established, studies have revealed that LSD1 can also be dynamically regulated by other factors. For example, the expression or activity of LSD1 can be regulated by many proteins that form transcriptional corepressor complexes with LSD1. Moreover, some post-transcriptional modifications and cellular metabolites can also regulate LSD1 expression or its demethylase activity. Therefore, in this review, we will systematically summarize how proteins involved in the transcriptional corepressor complex, various post-translational modifications, and metabolites act as regulatory factors for LSD1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Mengge Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Bing Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shaotong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Enhui Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Junwei Fu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ting Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Pingyuan Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Bin Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
- Pingyuan Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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22
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Deng K, Zou F, Xu J, Xu D, Luo Z. Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote stemness maintenance and gemcitabine resistance via HIF-1α/miR-21 axis under hypoxic conditions in pancreatic cancer. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:524-537. [PMID: 38197482 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23668] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Gemcitabine (GEM) resistance affects chemotherapy efficacy of pancreatic cancer (PC). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) possess the ability of regulating chemoresistance. This study probed the mechanism of hypoxia-treated CAFs regulating cell stemness and GEM resistance in PC. Miapaca-2/SW1990 were co-cultured with PC-derived CAFs under normoxic/hypoxic conditions. Cell viability/self-renewal ability was determined by MTT/sphere formation assays, respectively. Protein levels of CD44, CD133, Oct4, and Sox2 were determined by western blot. GEM tumoricidal assay was performed. PC cell GEM resistance was evaluated by MTT assay. CAFs were cultured at normoxia/hypoxia. HIF-1α and miR-21 expression levels were assessed by RT-qPCR and western blot, with their binding sites and binding relationship predicted and verified. CAF-extracellular vesicles (EVs) were incubated with Miapaca-2 cells. The RAS/AKT/ERK pathway activation was detected by western blot. PC xenograft models were established and treated with hypoxic CAF-EVs and GEM. CAFs and PC cell co-culture increased cell stemness maintenance, GEM resistance, cell viability, stem cell sphere number, and protein levels of CD44, CD133, Oct4, and Sox2, and weakened GEM tumoricidal ability to PC cells, with the effects further enhanced by hypoxia. Hypoxia induced HIF-1α and miR-21 overexpression in CAFs. Hypoxia promoted CAFs to secrete high-level miR-21 EVs via the HIF-1α/miR-21 axis, and activated the miR-21/RAS/AKT/ERK pathway. CAF-EVs promoted GEM resistance in PC via the miR-21/RAS/ATK/ERK pathway in vivo. Hypoxia promoted CAFs to secrete high-level miR-21 EVs through the HIF-1α/miR-21 axis, and activated the miR-21/RAS/AKT/ERK pathway via EVs to trigger stemness maintenance and GEM resistance in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keping Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fang Zou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dayong Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhen Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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Prokakis E, Bamahmoud H, Jansari S, Fritsche L, Dietz A, Boshnakovska A, Rehling P, Johnsen SA, Gallwas J, Wegwitz F. USP22 supports the aggressive behavior of basal-like breast cancer by stimulating cellular respiration. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:120. [PMID: 38347585 PMCID: PMC10863169 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01441-5] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent tumor entity in women worldwide with a high chance of therapeutic response in early- and non-metastatic disease stages. Among all BC subtypes, triple-negative BC (TNBC) is the most challenging cancer subtype lacking effective molecular targets due to the particular enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs), frequently leading to a chemoresistant phenotype and metastasis. The Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 22 (USP22) is a deubiquitinase that has been frequently associated with a CSC-promoting function and intimately implicated in resistance to conventional therapies, tumor relapse, metastasis and overall poor survival in a broad range of cancer entities, including BC. To date, though, the role of USP22 in TNBC has been only superficially addressed. METHODS The current study utilized the MMTV-cre, Usp22fl/fl transgenic mouse model to study the involvement of USP22 in the stem cell-like properties of the growing mammary tissue. Additionally, we combined high-throughput transcriptomic analyses with publicly available patient transcriptomic data and utilized TNBC culture models to decipher the functional role of USP22 in the CSC characteristics of this disease. RESULTS Interestingly, we identified that USP22 promotes CSC properties and drug tolerance by supporting the oxidative phosphorylation program, known to be largely responsible for the poor response to conventional therapies in this particularly aggressive BC subtype. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a novel tumor-supportive role of USP22 in sustaining cellular respiration to facilitate the drug-tolerant behavior of HER2+-BC and TNBC cells. Therefore, we posit USP22 as a promising therapeutic target to optimize standard therapies and combat the aggressiveness of these malignancies. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Prokakis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Husam Bamahmoud
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shaishavi Jansari
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lena Fritsche
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Dietz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Angela Boshnakovska
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Rehling
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- The Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Julia Gallwas
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Florian Wegwitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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24
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Qiu X, Dong L, Wang K, Zhong X, Xu H, Xu S, Guo H, Wei X, Chen W, Xu X. Development and Validation of a Novel Nomogram Integrated with Hypoxic and Lactate Metabolic Characteristics for Prognosis Prediction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:241-255. [PMID: 38333220 PMCID: PMC10850990 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s446313] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Accumulating evidence indicates that hypoxia and lactate metabolism play critical roles in tumor progression and therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to construct a hypoxia- and lactate metabolism-related prognostic model (HLPM) to evaluate survival and treatment responses for HCC patients and develop a nomogram integrated with HLPM and clinical characteristics for prognosis prediction in HCC. Methods Expression profile and clinical data of HCC were obtained from TCGA and ICGC databases. The univariate, LASSO and stepwise multivariate Cox analyses were used to identify the hypoxia- and lactate metabolism-related biomarkers, whose expression levels were then validated in 14 pairs tissue samples and single-cell RNA sequencing dataset. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were utilized to assess the prognostic values of biomarkers or models. Analyses of ImmuCellAI, TIDE and drug sensitivity were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic responses of patients. Furthermore, the nomogram integrated with hypoxic and lactate metabolic characteristics was established through univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. ROC curves, C-index, and calibration curves were depicted to evaluate the performance of the nomogram. Results Five hypoxia- and lactate metabolism-related biomarkers (KIF20A, IRAK1, ADM, PPARGC1A and EPO) were used to construct HLPM. The expression of five prognostic biomarkers was validated in 14 pairs tissue samples and single-cell RNA sequencing dataset. Analyses of ImmuCellAI, TIDE and drug sensitivity implied that patients with low-risk score were more sensitive to immunotherapy and major chemotherapeutic agents. The nomogram that contained age, histological grade and risk score of HLPM was developed and exhibited a better capacity in prognosis prediction than HLPM only. Conclusion A novel nomogram integrated with hypoxic and lactate metabolic characteristics was developed and validated for prognosis prediction in HCC, providing insight into personalized decision-making in clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Qiu
- Department of Surgery, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Libin Dong
- Department of Surgery, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Surgery, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyang Zhong
- Department of Surgery, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanzhi Xu
- Department of Surgery, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengjun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haijun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Department of Surgery, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Surgery, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, People’s Republic of China
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25
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Guo J, Zhao J. USP22-JMJD8 axis promotes Lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119617. [PMID: 37898375 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Lenvatinib is the first-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC, however, drug resistance cannot be avoided during the treatment process, limiting the efficacy of Lenvatinib. We constructed drug-resistant HCC cells by gradually increasing the dose of Lenvatinib. The study found for the first time that USP22 and JMJD8 are upregulated in Lenvatinib resistant HCC cells. In addition, the expression level of stemness related proteins (CD133, C-MYC, BMI1, β-CATENIN) in drug-resistant cells was higher than that in wild-type HCC cells. Knockdown of USP22 in drug-resistant HCC cells could reduce the invasion, migration and stemness of cells. Next, we explored the mechanism of USP22 in Lenvatinib resistance of HCC cells. Under the treatment of Lenvatinib, USP22 knockdown inhibited the cell viability of drug-resistant HCC cells and promoted the apoptosis of drug-resistant cells. Animal experiments in nude mice further demonstrated the important role of USP22 in inducing the resistance of HCC to Lenvatinib in vivo. More importantly, we found that USP22 and JMJD8 constitute a functional axis regulating the drug resistance of Lenvatinib in HCC. In the rescue experiment, the overexpression of JMJD8 could reduce the apoptosis induced by USP22 knockdown. In general, this study shows that USP22-JMJD8 is a drug design target for the mechanism of Lenvatinib resistance in HCC, which may improve the long-term efficacy of Lenvatinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Guo
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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26
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Qiao L, Hu W, Li L, Chen X, Liu L, Wang J. USP11 promotes glycolysis by regulating HIF-1α stability in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18017. [PMID: 38229475 PMCID: PMC10826445 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18017] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms underlying metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for developing new therapies against this fatal disease. Deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 11 (USP11) belongs to the deubiquitinating family and has previously been reported to play a critical role in cancer pathogenesis. Although it has been established that USP11 can facilitate the metastasis and proliferation ability of HCC, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. The primary objective of this research was to reveal hitherto undocumented functions of USP11 during HCC progression, especially those related to metabolism. Under hypoxic conditions, USP11 was found to significantly impact the glycolysis of HCC cells, as demonstrated through various techniques, including RNA-Seq, migration and colony formation assays, EdU and co-immunoprecipitation. Interestingly, we found that USP11 interacted with the HIF-1α complex and maintained HIF-1α protein stability by removing ubiquitin. Moreover, USP11/HIF-1α could promote glycolysis through the PDK1 and LDHA pathways. In general, our results demonstrate that USP11 promotes HCC proliferation and metastasis through HIF-1α/LDHA-induced glycolysis, providing new insights and the experimental basis for developing new treatments for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Qiao
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas SurgeryThe Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital)ShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, The First Affiliated HospitalSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Weibin Hu
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Linzhi Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Liping Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas SurgeryThe Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital)ShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, The First Affiliated HospitalSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Jingbo Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
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27
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Jiang Y, Xu Y, Zhu C, Xu G, Xu L, Rao Z, Zhou L, Jiang P, Malik S, Fang J, Lin H, Zhang M. STAT3 palmitoylation initiates a positive feedback loop that promotes the malignancy of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in mice. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadd2282. [PMID: 38051779 PMCID: PMC10907978 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.add2282] [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: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Constitutive activation of the transcription factor STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) contributes to the malignancy of many cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with poor prognosis. STAT3 activity is increased by the reversible palmitoylation of Cys108 by the palmitoyltransferase DHHC7 (encoded by ZDHHC7). Here, we investigated the consequences of S-palmitoylation of STAT3 in HCC. Increased ZDHHC7 abundance in HCC cases was associated with poor prognosis, as revealed by bioinformatics analysis of patient data. In HepG2 cells in vitro, DHHC7-mediated palmitoylation enhanced the expression of STAT3 target genes, including HIF1A, which encodes the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor HIF1α. Inhibiting DHHC7 decreased the S-palmitoylation of STAT3 and decreased HIF1α abundance. Furthermore, stabilization of HIF1α by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) enabled it to promote the expression of ZDHHC7, which generated a positive feedback loop between DHHC7, STAT3, and HIF1α. Perturbing this loop reduced the growth of HCC cells in vivo. Moreover, DHHC7, STAT3, and HIF1α were all abundant in human HCC tissues. Our study identifies a pathway connecting these proteins that is initiated by S-palmitoylation, which may be broadly applicable to understanding the role of this modification in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jiang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease; NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases; State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes; Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Yuejie Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Chengliang Zhu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Guifang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zijian Rao
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lixing Zhou
- The Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Sara Malik
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611, IL, United States
| | - Jingyuan Fang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease; NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases; State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes; Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Hening Lin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease; NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases; State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes; Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, China
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States
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Zhang J, Wu G, Peng R, Cao J, Tu D, Zhou J, Su B, Jin S, Jiang G, Zhang C, Bai D. A Novel Scoring Model of Deubiquitination Patterns Predicts Prognosis and Immunotherapeutic Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2023; 38:101789. [PMID: 37734237 PMCID: PMC10518587 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101789] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of deubiquitinases (DUBs) is significantly associated with tumorigenesis. However, the precise impact of deubiquitination on the tumour microenvironment (TME) and immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, we comprehensively characterized the transcriptional and genetic alterations of 26 overall survival (OS)-related DUBs in HCC. The consensus clustering algorithm was used to identify patients with distinct deubiquitination patterns. We then established a DUBscore model using the principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm to quantify the deubiquitination patterns of individual HCC patients. Finally, we performed weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify the key DUBs. Consequently, three distinct deubiquitination patterns were identified, each showing significant differences in the characteristics of the TME, immune response, and clinical prognosis. Further analysis revealed that the DUBscore was an independent prognostic factor and could predict the response to immunotherapy for patients with HCC. Ultimately, BRCC3 was identified as a key DUB based on the DUBscore, which was significantly overexpressed in tumour tissues, as confirmed by qRT‒PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). We analysed the distribution and expression of BRCC3 in various types of immune cells using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). In conclusion, our study revealed the crucial role of deubiquitination patterns in shaping TME complexity and diversity. A more personalized and effective antitumour immunotherapy strategy can be developed by utilizing the DUBscore model to identify deubiquitination patterns in individual HCC patients. Our findings also highlight that BRCC3 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in HCC and a predictive marker for immunotherapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225000, China; Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Gefeng Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225000, China; Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Rui Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225000, China
| | - Jun Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225000, China
| | - Daoyuan Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225000, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225000, China
| | - Bingbing Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225000, China
| | - Shengjie Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225000, China
| | - Guoqing Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225000, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225000, China.
| | - Dousheng Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225000, China.
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Xie W, Wang W, Meng S, Wu X, Liu X, Liu Y, Kang X, Su Y, Lv X, Guo L, Wang C. A novel hypoxia-stimulated lncRNA HIF1A-AS3 binds with YBX1 to promote ovarian cancer tumorigenesis by suppressing p21 and AJAP1 transcription. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:1860-1876. [PMID: 37589417 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23620] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia is characteristic of the ovarian tumor (OC) microenvironment and profoundly affects tumorigenesis and therapeutic response. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play various roles in tumor progression; however, the characteristics of lncRNAs in pathological responses of the OC microenvironment are not entirely understood. Through high-throughput sequencing, lncRNA expression in hypoxia (1% O2 ) and normoxia (21% O2 ) SKOV3 cells was explored and analyzed. The 5'- and 3'-rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends was used to detect the full length of the novel HIF1A-AS3 transcript. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess HIF1A-AS3 expression in OC cells and tissues. In vitro and in vivo evaluations of the biological functions of hypoxic HIF1A-AS3 were conducted. To clarify the underlying mechanisms of HIF1A-AS3 in hypoxic OC, a dual-luciferase assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA-sequencing were used. We used high-throughput sequencing to investigate a novel lncRNA, HIF1A-AS3, as a hypoxic candidate significantly elevated in OC cells/tissues. HIF1A-AS3 was predominantly localized in the nucleus and promoted in vitro and in vivo OC growth and tumorigenesis. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α bound to hypoxia response elements in the HIF1A-AS3 promoter region and stimulated its expression in hypoxia. Under hypoxia, HIF1A-AS3 directly integrated with Y-Box binding protein 1 and inhibited its ability to bind to the promoters of p21 and AJAP1 to repress their transcriptional activity, thereby promoting hypoxic OC progression. Our results revealed the crucial role and mechanism of the novel hypoxic HIF1A-AS3 in the oncogenesis of OC. The novel HIF1A-AS3 could be a crucial biomarker and therapeutic target for future OC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weijiao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Silu Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xue Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuhuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lili Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Changyu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Jiang YN, Yang SX, Guan X, Chen Q, Zhao L, Yu XY, Ren FF, Wu SJ, Wu LP, Lai TF, Li L. Loss of USP22 alleviates cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure overload through HiF1-α-TAK1 signaling pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166813. [PMID: 37488049 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166813] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22) is a member of the ubiquitin specific protease family (ubiquitin-specific protease, USPs), the largest subfamily of deubiquitinating enzymes, and plays an important role in the treatment of tumors. USP22 is also expressed in the heart. However, the role of USP22 in heart disease remains unclear. In this study, we found that USP22 was elevated in hypertrophic mouse hearts and in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiomyocytes. The inhibition of USP22 expression with adenovirus significantly rescued hypertrophic phenotype and cardiac dysfunction induced by pressure overloaded. Consistent with in vivo study, silencing by USP22 shRNA expression in vitro had similar results. Molecular analysis revealed that transforming growth factor-β-activating protein 1 (TAK1)-(JNK1/2)/P38 signaling pathway and HIF-1α was activated in the Ang II-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, whereas HIF-1α expression was decreased after the inhibition of USP22. Inhibition of HIF-1α expression reduces TAK1 expression. Co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination studies revealed the regulatory mechanism between USP22 and HIF1α.Under hypertrophic stress conditions, USP22 enhances the stability of HIF-1α through its deubiquitination activity, which further activates the TAK1-(JNK1/2)/P38 signaling pathway to lead to cardiac hypertrophy. Inhibition of HIF-1α expression further potentiates the in vivo pathological effects caused by USP22 deficiency. In summary, this study suggests that USP22, through HIF-1α-TAK1-(JNK1/2)/P38 signaling pathway, may be potential targets for inhibiting pathological cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Na Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratory of Panvascular Diseases of Wenzhou, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shou-Xing Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratory of Panvascular Diseases of Wenzhou, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuan Guan
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratory of Panvascular Diseases of Wenzhou, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiaoying Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratory of Panvascular Diseases of Wenzhou, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratory of Panvascular Diseases of Wenzhou, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratory of Panvascular Diseases of Wenzhou, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fang-Fang Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratory of Panvascular Diseases of Wenzhou, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shu-Jie Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratory of Panvascular Diseases of Wenzhou, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lian-Pin Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratory of Panvascular Diseases of Wenzhou, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Teng-Fang Lai
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise 533000, China.
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratory of Panvascular Diseases of Wenzhou, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Ye Q, Zhou W, Xu S, Que Q, Zhan Q, Zhang L, Zheng S, Ling S, Xu X. Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 promotes tumorigenesis and progression by an FKBP12/mTORC1/autophagy positive feedback loop in hepatocellular carcinoma. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e439. [PMID: 38045832 PMCID: PMC10691294 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.439] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22) has been identified as a potential marker for cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It can promote HCC stemness, which is considered a driver of tumorigenesis. Here, we sought to determine the role of USP22 in tumorigenesis, elucidate its underlying mechanism, and explore its therapeutic significance in HCC. As a result, we found that tissue-specific Usp22 overexpression accelerated tumorigenesis, whereas Usp22 ablation decelerated it in a c-Myc/NRasGV12-induced HCC mouse model and that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway was activated downstream. USP22 overexpression resulted in increased tumorigenic properties that were reversed by rapamycin in vitro and in vivo. In addition, USP22 activated mTORC1 by deubiquitinating FK506-binding protein 12 (FKBP12) and activated mTORC1, in turn, further stabilizing USP22 by inhibiting autophagic degradation. Clinically, HCC patients with high USP22 expression tend to benefit from mTOR inhibitors after liver transplantation (LT). Our results revealed that USP22 promoted tumorigenesis and progression via an FKBP12/mTORC1/autophagy positive feedback loop in HCC. Clinically, USP22 may be an effective biomarker for selecting eligible recipients with HCC for anti-mTOR-based therapy after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwei Ye
- Department of General SurgeryHangzhou First People's HospitalHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi‐Organ TransplantationHangzhouChina
| | - Wei Zhou
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Shengjun Xu
- Department of General SurgeryHangzhou First People's HospitalHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Qingyang Que
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Qifan Zhan
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Lincheng Zhang
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Shusen Zheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi‐Organ TransplantationHangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Sunbin Ling
- Department of General SurgeryHangzhou First People's HospitalHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
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Yu J, Ling S, Hong J, Zhang L, Zhou W, Yin L, Xu S, Que Q, Wu Y, Zhan Q, Bao J, Xu N, Liu Y, Chen K, Wei X, Liu Z, Feng T, Zhou L, Xie H, Wang S, Liu J, Zheng S, Xu X. TP53/mTORC1-mediated bidirectional regulation of PD-L1 modulates immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007479. [PMID: 38030304 PMCID: PMC10689408 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007479] [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] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy has facilitated great breakthroughs in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the efficacy and response rate of immunotherapy are limited and vary among different patients with HCC. TP53 mutation substantially affects the expression of immune checkpoint molecules in multiple cancers. However, the regulatory relationship between programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and TP53 is poorly studied in HCC. We aimed to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 in HCC with different TP53 statuses and to assess its role in modulating immune evasion in HCC. METHODS HCC mouse models and cell lines with different TP53 statuses were constructed. PD-L1 levels were detected by PCR, western blotting and flow cytometry. RNA-seqencing, immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation and transmission electron microscopy were used to elucidate the regulatory mechanism in HCC with different TP53 status. HCC mouse models and patient with HCC samples were analyzed to demonstrate the preclinical and clinical significance of the findings. RESULTS We report that loss of p53 promoted PD-L1 expression and reduced CD8+ T-cell infiltration in patient with HCC samples and mouse models. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was activated in p53-loss-of-function HCC or after knocking down TP53. The transcription factor E2F1 was found to bind to the p53 protein in TP53 wild-type HCC cells, and inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) disrupted this binding and enhanced E2F1 translocation to the nucleus, where it bound to the PD-L1 promoter and transcriptionally upregulated PD-L1. In p53-loss-of-function HCC cells, autophagosomes were activated after mTORC1 suppression, promoting the degradation of PD-L1 protein. The combination of mTOR inhibitor and anti-PD-L1 antibody enhanced CD8+ T-cell infiltration and tumor suppression in TP53 wild-type HCC mouse models, but no benefit was observed in p53-loss-of-function HCC mouse models. In patients with TP53 wild-type HCC, PD-L1 levels were significantly higher in the high E2F1 group than in the low E2F1 group, and the low E2F1 level group had significantly superior survival. CONCLUSION We revealed the bidirectional regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 mediated by TP53/mTORC1 in HCC. The combination of mTOR inhibitor and anti-PD-L1 antibody could be a novel precise immunotherapy scheme for TP53 wild-type HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongjie Yu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sunbin Ling
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Lincheng Zhang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Yin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengjun Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingyang Que
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongfeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qifan Zhan
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaqi Bao
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kangchen Chen
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhikun Liu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- Department of Colorectal Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyang Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jimin Liu
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shusen Zheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
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Wang L, Wang J, Ma X, Ju G, Shi C, Wang W, Wu J. USP35 promotes HCC development by stabilizing ABHD17C and activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:421. [PMID: 37993419 PMCID: PMC10665393 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01714-5] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
S-palmitoylation is a reversible protein lipidation that controls the subcellular localization and function of targeted proteins, including oncogenes such as N-RAS. The depalmitoylation enzyme family ABHD17s can remove the S-palmitoylation from N-RAS to facilitate cancer development. We previously showed that ABHD17C has oncogenic roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and its mRNA stability is controlled by miR-145-5p. However, it is still unclear whether ABHD17C is regulated at the post-translational level. In the present study, we identified multiple ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) that can stabilize ABHD17C by inhibiting the ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation. Among them, USP35 is the most potent stabilizer of ABHD17C. We found a positive correlation between the elevated expression levels of USP35 and ABHD17C, together with their association with increased PI3K/AKT pathway activity in HCCs. USP35 knockdown caused decreased ABHD17C protein level, impaired PI3K/AKT pathway, reduced proliferation, cell cycle arrest, increased apoptosis, and mitigated migration and invasion. USP35 can interact with and stabilize ABHD17C by inhibiting its ubiquitination. Overexpression of ABHD17C can rescue the defects caused by USP35 knockdown in HCC cells. In support of these in vitro observations, xenograft assay data also showed that USP35 deficiency repressed HCC development in vivo, characterized by reduced proliferation and disrupted PI3K/AKT signaling. Together, these findings demonstrate that USP35 may promote HCC development by stabilization of ABHD17C and activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linpei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Ma
- Department of Health Medicine, The 910th Hospital of People's Liberation Army, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Guomin Ju
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chunfeng Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Zeng Y, Jiang H, Zhang X, Xu J, Wu X, Xu Q, Cai W, Ying H, Zhou R, Ding Y, Ying K, Song X, Chen Z, Zeng L, Zhao L, Yu F. Canagliflozin reduces chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through PKM2-c-Myc complex-mediated glutamine starvation. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 208:571-586. [PMID: 37696420 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Cisplatin (CPT) is one of the standard treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its use is limits as a monotherapy due to drug resistance, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To solve this problem, we tried using canagliflozin (CANA), a clinical drug for diabetes, to reduce chemoresistance to CPT, and the result showed that CANA could vigorously inhibit cell proliferation and migration independent of the original target SGLT2. Mechanistically, CANA reduced aerobic glycolysis in HCC by targeting PKM2. The downregulated PKM2 directly bound to the transcription factor c-Myc in the cytoplasm to form a complex, which upregulated the level of phosphorylated c-Myc Thr58 and promoted the ubiquitination and degradation of c-Myc. Decreased c-Myc reduced the expression of GLS1, a key enzyme in glutamine metabolism, leading to impaired glutamine utilization. Finally, intracellular glutamine starvation induced ferroptosis and sensitized HCC to CPT. In conclusion, our study showed that CANA re-sensitized HCC to CPT by inducing ferroptosis through dual effects on glycolysis and glutamine metabolism. This is a novel mechanism to increase chemosensitivity, which may provide compatible chemotherapy drugs for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haoran Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weimin Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huiya Ying
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruoru Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingrong Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kanglei Ying
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xian Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuoyan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liuwei Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luying Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Fujun Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Mu M, Zhang Q, Li J, Zhao C, Li X, Chen Z, Sun X, Yu J. USP51 facilitates colorectal cancer stemness and chemoresistance by forming a positive feed-forward loop with HIF1A. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2393-2407. [PMID: 37816999 PMCID: PMC10657471 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01228-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we have shown that USP51 promotes colorectal cancer stemness and chemoresistance, and high expression of USP51 predicts survival disadvantage in colorectal cancer patients. Mechanically, USP51 directly binds to Elongin C (ELOC) and forms a larger functional complex with VHL E3 ligase (USP51/VHL/CUL2/ELOB/ELOC/RBX1) to regulate the ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation of HIF1A. USP51 efficiently deubiquitinates HIF1A and activates hypoxia-induced gene transcription. Conversely, the activation of HIF1A under hypoxia transcriptionally upregulates the expression of USP51. Thus, USP51 and HIF1A form a positive feedback loop. Further, we found that the SUMOylation of ELOC at K32 inhibits its binding to USP51. SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) mediates the deSUMOylation of ELOC, promoting the binding of USP51 to ELOC and facilitating the deubiquitination and stabilization of HIF1A by USP51. Importantly, USP51 plays a crucial role in promoting the HIF1A and SENP1-dependent proliferation, migration, stemness, and chemoresistance under hypoxia in colorectal cancer. Together, our data revealed that USP51 is an oncogene stabilizing the pro-survival protein HIF1A, offering a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingchao Mu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Northwest Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chenye Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zilu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuejun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Junhui Yu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Fu Y, Mackowiak B, Feng D, Lu H, Guan Y, Lehner T, Pan H, Wang XW, He Y, Gao B. MicroRNA-223 attenuates hepatocarcinogenesis by blocking hypoxia-driven angiogenesis and immunosuppression. Gut 2023; 72:1942-1958. [PMID: 36593103 PMCID: PMC11283862 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to block angiogenesis and immunosuppression provides some benefits only for a subset of patients with HCC, thus optimised therapeutic regimens are unmet needs, which require a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which tumour cells orchestrate an inflamed tumour microenvironment with significant myeloid cell infiltration. MicroRNA-223 (miR-223) is highly expressed in myeloid cells but its role in regulating tumour microenvironment remains unknown. DESIGN Wild-type and miR-223 knockout mice were subjected to two mouse models of inflammation-associated HCC induced by injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) or orthotopic HCC cell implantation in chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated mice. RESULTS Genetic deletion of miR-223 markedly exacerbated tumourigenesis in inflammation-associated HCC. Compared with wild-type mice, miR-223 knockout mice had more infiltrated programmed cell death 1 (PD-1+) T cells and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1+) macrophages after DEN+CCl4 administration. Bioinformatic analyses of RNA sequencing data revealed a strong correlation between miR-223 levels and tumour hypoxia, a condition that is well-documented to regulate PD-1/PD-L1. In vivo and in vitro mechanistic studies demonstrated that miR-223 did not directly target PD-1 and PD-L1 in immune cells rather than indirectly downregulated them by modulating tumour microenvironment via the suppression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α-driven CD39/CD73-adenosine pathway in HCC. Moreover, gene delivery of miR-223 via adenovirus inhibited angiogenesis and hypoxia-mediated PD-1/PD-L1 activation in both HCC models, thereby hindering HCC progression. CONCLUSION The miR-223 plays a critical role in modulating hypoxia-induced tumour immunosuppression and angiogenesis, which may serve as a novel therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojie Fu
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bryan Mackowiak
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dechun Feng
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hongkun Lu
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yukun Guan
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Taylor Lehner
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hongna Pan
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xin Wei Wang
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yong He
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bin Gao
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Lam KH, Ma S. Noncellular components in the liver cancer stem cell niche: Biology and potential clinical implications. Hepatology 2023; 78:991-1005. [PMID: 35727189 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are now recognized as one of the major root causes of therapy failure and tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early studies in the field focused primarily on the intrinsic regulators of CSC maintenance, but in recent years, mounting evidence has demonstrated the presence and role of extrinsic regulators in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the control of liver CSCs. In addition to direct interaction with cellular components, noncellular components, including the extracellular matrix, hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and secreted molecules within the tumor stroma and hepatitis viruses, also play a critical role in shaping the CSC niche. In this review, we highlight how various noncellular components in the TME play a role in regulating CSCs and how CSCs secrete components to interact with the TME to generate their own niche, working hand in hand to drive tumor physiology in HCC. In addition, we describe the potential clinical applications of these findings and propose perspectives on future research of noncellular components in the liver CSC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Hei Lam
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen Hospital , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
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Luo K, Qian Z, Jiang Y, Lv D, Zhu K, Shao J, Hu Y, Lv C, Huang Q, Gao Y, Jin S, Shang D. Characterization of the metabolic alteration-modulated tumor microenvironment mediated by TP53 mutation and hypoxia. Comput Biol Med 2023; 163:107078. [PMID: 37356294 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TP53 mutation and hypoxia play an essential role in cancer progression. However, the metabolic reprogramming and tumor microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity mediated by them are still not fully understood. METHODS The multi-omics data of 32 cancer types and immunotherapy cohorts were acquired to comprehensively characterize the metabolic reprogramming pattern and the TME across cancer types and explore immunotherapy candidates. An assessment model for metabolic reprogramming was established by integration of multiple machine learning methods, including lasso regression, neural network, elastic network, and survival support vector machine (SVM). Pharmacogenomics analysis and in vitro assay were conducted to identify potential therapeutic drugs. RESULTS First, we identified metabolic subtype A (hypoxia-TP53 mutation subtype) and metabolic subtype B (non-hypoxia-TP53 wildtype subtype) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and showed that metabolic subtype A had an "immune inflamed" microenvironment. Next, we established an assessment model for metabolic reprogramming, which was more effective compared to the traditional prognostic indicators. Then, we identified a potential targeting drug, teniposide. Finally, we performed the pan-cancer analysis to illustrate the role of metabolic reprogramming in cancer and found that the metabolic alteration (MA) score was positively correlated with tumor mutational burden (TMB), neoantigen load, and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) across cancer types. Meanwhile, we demonstrated that metabolic reprogramming mediated a potential immunotherapy-sensitive microenvironment in bladder cancer and validated it in an immunotherapy cohort. CONCLUSION Metabolic alteration mediated by hypoxia and TP53 mutation is associated with TME modulation and tumor progression across cancer types. In this study, we analyzed the role of metabolic alteration in cancer and propose a predictive model for cancer prognosis and immunotherapy responsiveness. We also explored a potential therapeutic drug, teniposide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunpeng Luo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and lmaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; School of Computer, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China.
| | - Zhipeng Qian
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and lmaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Yanan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine- Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Dongxu Lv
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Kaibin Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150, Haping Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Jing Shao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Chengqian Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Qianqian Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Shizhu Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China.
| | - Desi Shang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and lmaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; School of Computer, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China.
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Wang K, Qiu X, Zhang Z, Xu H, Tan Y, Su R, Gao F, Zhuo J, Li W, Lian Z, He H, Xu X. ATRA sensitized the response of hepatocellular carcinoma to Sorafenib by downregulation of p21-activated kinase 1. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:193. [PMID: 37537668 PMCID: PMC10399044 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01194-1] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib resistance greatly reduces the efficacy of treatments in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, but the underlying mechanisms are not thoroughly understood. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), an anti-leukaemia agent, has attracted considerable attention due to its role in sensitizing cells to other anticancer treatments. We aimed to investigate the combined effect of ATRA and Sorafenib on HCC and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS CCK-8, cell sphere formation, trans-well migration, and wound-healing assays were used to analyse the biological behaviours of HCC cells in vitro. Western blotting and qRT-PCR analysis were conducted to measure the expression of p21 activated kinase 1 (PAK1) and phospho-p21 activated kinase 1 (pPAK1). Xenograft models were established to confirm the synergistic effects of ATRA and Sorafenib in vivo. TUNEL assays and immunohistochemistry were utilized to determine apoptosis, proliferation, PAK1 and pPAK1 levels in tumour tissues. RESULTS We observed that PAK1 was overexpressed in HCC, and its expression was negatively correlated with the survival of patients. PAK1 promoted the proliferation, self-renewal and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HCC cells. Correlation analysis indicated that the IC50 of Sorafenib was positively correlated with the level of pPAK1 in HCC cell lines. ATRA inhibited the progression of HCC and sensitized HCC response to Sorafenib by downregulation of PAK1, as shown by the calculated coefficient of drug interaction and the data obtained from xenograft models. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that instead of treatment with Sorafenib alone, the combination of ATRA and Sorafenib provides a more effective treatment for HCC patients. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhensheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanzhi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Yawen Tan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Renyi Su
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengqiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianyong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
| | - Wangyao Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengxing Lian
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong He
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
| | - Xiao Xu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, People's Republic of China.
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China.
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Cheng Q, Ning S, Zhu L, Zhang C, Jiang S, Hao Y, Zhu J. NDRG1 facilitates self-renewal of liver cancer stem cells by preventing EpCAM ubiquitination. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:237-248. [PMID: 37165202 PMCID: PMC10338678 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02278-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT) is the main pathway of HCC intrahepatic metastasis and is responsible for the poor prognosis of patients with HCC. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PVTT vascular metastases have not been fully elucidated. METHODS NDRG1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting in clinical specimens obtained from curative surgery. The functional relevance of NDRG1 was evaluated using sphere formation and animal models of tumorigenicity and metastasis. The relationship between NDRG1 and EpCAM was explored using molecular biological techniques. RESULTS NDRG1 protein was upregulated in HCC samples compared to non-tumorous tissues. Furthermore, NDRG1 expression was enhanced in the PVTT samples. Our functional study showed that NDRG1 was required for the self-renewal of tumour-initiating/cancer stem cells (CSCs). In addition, NDRG1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and migration of PVTT-1 cells in vitro and in vivo. NDRG1 was found to stabilise the functional tumour-initiating cell marker EpCAM through protein-protein interactions and inhibition of EpCAM ubiquitination. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that NDRG1 enhances CSCs expansion, PVTT formation and growth capability through the regulation of EpCAM stability. NDRG1 may be a promising target for the treatment of patients with HCC and PVTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Key Laboratory of HCC and Liver Cirrhosis, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
| | - Shanglei Ning
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Changlu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Shaodong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Yajing Hao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Jiye Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Key Laboratory of HCC and Liver Cirrhosis, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, China.
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Xing H, Jiang X, Yang C, Tan B, Hu J, Zhang M. High expression of RPL27A predicts poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:209. [PMID: 37474947 PMCID: PMC10360225 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-03102-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in the digestive system with rapid progression and poor prognosis. Recent studies have shown that RPL27A could be used as a biomarker for a variety of cancers, but its role in HCC is not clear. METHOD We analyzed the expression of RPL27A in the pan-cancer analysis and analyzed the relationship between the expression of RPL27A and the clinical features and prognosis of patients with HCC. We evaluated the expression difference of RPL27A in HCC tissues and paired normal adjacent tissues using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we analyzed the co-expression genes of RPL27A and used them to explore the possible mechanism of RPL27A and screen hub genes effecting HCC. In addition, we studied the role of RPL27A in immune infiltration and mutation. RESULTS We found that the expression level of RPL27A increased in a variety of cancers, including HCC. In HCC patients, the high expression of RPL27A was related to progression and poor prognosis as an independent predictor. We also constructed a protein interaction network through co-expression gene analysis of RPL27A and screened 9 hub genes. Enrichment analysis showed that co-expression genes were associated with ribosome pathway, viral replication, nuclear-transcribed mRNA catabolic process, and nonsense-mediated decay. We found that the expression level of RPL27A was closely related to TP53 mutation and immune infiltration in HCC. CONCLUSION RPL27A might become a biomarker in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwu Xing
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xiangqi Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Chenyu Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Bingqian Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Jiqiang Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Mingman Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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Liu Y, Shen B, Huang T, Wang J, Jiang J. Construction and validation of 3-genes hypoxia-related prognostic signature to predict the prognosis and therapeutic response of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288013. [PMID: 37406019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that the hypoxia microenvironment significantly impacted tumor progression. However, the clinical prognostic value of hypoxia-related risk signatures and their effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains hazy. This study aimed to conduct novel hypoxia-related prognostic signatures and improve HCC prognosis and treatment. METHODS Differentially expressed hypoxia-related genes (HGs) were identified with the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Univariate Cox regression was utilized to generate the tumor hypoxia-related prognostic signature, which consists of 3 HGs, based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm. Then the risk score for each patient was performed. The prognostic signature's independent prognostic usefulness was confirmed, and systematic analyses were done on the relationships between the prognostic signature and immune cell infiltration, somatic cell mutation, medication sensitivity, and putative immunological checkpoints. RESULTS A prognostic risk model of four HGs (FDPS, SRM, and NDRG1) was constructed and validated in the training, testing, and validation datasets. To determine the model's performance in patients with HCC, Kaplan-Meier curves and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was implemented. According to immune infiltration analysis, the high-risk group had a significant infiltration of CD4+ T cells, M0 macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) than those of the low-risk subtype. In addition, the presence of TP53 mutations in the high-risk group was higher, in which LY317615, PF-562271, Pyrimethamine, and Sunitinib were more sensitive. The CD86, LAIR1, and LGALS9 expression were upregulated in the high-risk subtype. CONCLUSIONS The hypoxia-related risk signature is a reliable predictive model for better clinical management of HCC patients and offers clinicians a holistic viewpoint when determining the diagnosis and course of HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxun Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Bingbing Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ting Huang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jianguo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jianxin Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
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Liao J, Wang J, Xu Y, Wu Y, Wang M, Zhao Q, Tan X, Meng Y, Wei L, Huang A. LAPTM4B-YAP loop feedback amplification enhances the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma. iScience 2023; 26:106754. [PMID: 37213231 PMCID: PMC10197148 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly heterogeneous, and stemness signatures are frequently elevated in HCC tumor cells to generate heterogeneous subtypes via multidirectional differentiation. However, the mechanisms affecting the regulation of stemness in HCC remain unclear. In this study, we identified that lysosome-associated protein transmembrane-4β (LAPTM4B) was significantly overexpressed in stem-like tumor cell populations with multidirectional differentiation potential at the single cell level, and verified that LAPTM4B was closely related to stemness of HCC using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Mechanistically, elevated LAPTM4B suppresses Yes-associated protein (YAP) phosphorylation and ubiquitination degradation. In turn, stabilized YAP localizes to the nucleus and binds to cAMP responsive element binding protein-1 (CREB1), which promotes transcription of LAPTM4B. Overall, our findings suggest that LAPTM4B forms a positive feedback loop with YAP, which maintains the stemness of HCC tumor cells and leads to an unfavorable prognosis for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Liao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jiahong Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Meifeng Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Qiudong Zhao
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaodan Tan
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
| | - Yan Meng
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University Cancer Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Lixin Wei
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Aimin Huang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, China
- Corresponding author
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Liu K, Gao Q, Jia Y, Wei J, Chaudhuri S, Wang S, Tang A, Mani N, Iyer R, Cheng Y, Gao B, Lu W, Sun Z, Liu H, Fang D. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 controls integrin-dependent cancer cell stemness and metastasis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2922367. [PMID: 37398311 PMCID: PMC10312927 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2922367/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Integrins plays critical roles in connecting the extracellular matrix and actin skeleton for cell adhesion, migration, signal transduction, and gene transcription, which upregulation is involved in cancer stemness and metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying how integrins are upregulated in cancer stem cells (CSCs) remain as a biomedical mystery. Herein, we show that the death from cancer signature gene USP22 is essential to maintain the stemness of breast cancer cells through promoting the transcription of a group of integrin family members in particular integrin β1 (ITGB1). Both genetic and pharmacological USP22 inhibition largely impaired breast cancer stem cell self-renewal and prevented their metastasis. Integrin β1 reconstitution partially rescued USP22-null breast cancer stemness and their metastasis. At the molecular level, USP22 functions as a bona fide deubiquitinase to protect the proteasomal degradation of the forkhead box M1 (FoxM1), a transcription factor for tumoral ITGB1 gene transcription. Importantly unbiased analysis of the TCGA database revealed a strong positive correlation between the death from cancer signature gene ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 (USP22) and ITGB1, both of which are critical for cancer stemness, in more than 90% of human cancer types, implying that USP22 functions as a key factor to maintain stemness for a broad spectrum of human cancer types possibly through regulating ITGB1. To support this notion, immunohistochemistry staining detected a positive correlation among USP22, FoxM1 and integrin β1 in human breast cancers. Collectively, our study identifies the USP22-FoxM1-integrin β1 signaling axis critical for cancer stemness and offers a potential target for antitumor therapy.
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Wei C, Zhao X, Zhang H, Wang L. USP2 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in choroidal melanoma via stabilizing Snail. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04855-3. [PMID: 37199836 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04855-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Choroidal melanoma (CM) is an intraocular tumor that arises from melanocytes. While ubiquitin-specific protease 2 (USP2) modulates the progression of numerous diseases, its role in CM is not known. This study aimed to determine the role of USP2 in CM and elucidate its molecular mechanisms. METHODS MTT, Transwell, and wound-scratch assays were used to investigate the function of USP2 in the proliferation and metastasis of CM. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to analyze the expression of USP2, Snail, and factors associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The relationship between USP2 and Snail was explored by co-immunoprecipitation and in vitro ubiquitination assays. A nude mouse model of CM was established for verifying the role of USP2 in vivo. RESULTS USP2 overexpression promoted proliferation and metastasis, and induced the EMT in CM cells in vitro, while specific inhibition of USP2 by ML364 produced the opposite effects. ML364 also suppressed CM tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, USP2 is known to deubiquitinate Snail, stabilizing the latter through the removal of its K48 poly-ubiquitin chains. However, a catalytically inactive form of USP2 (C276A) had no effect on Snail ubiquitination and failed to increase Snail protein expression. The C276A mutant was also unable to promote CM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as EMT progression. Furthermore, Snail overexpression partly counteracted the effects of ML364 on proliferation and migration, while rescuing the effects of the inhibitor on the EMT. CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrated that USP2 modulated CM development through the stabilization of Snail and suggest that USP2 may be a useful target for the development of novel treatments for CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Liu X, Feng M, Hao X, Gao Z, Wu Z, Wang Y, Du L, Wang C. m6A methylation regulates hypoxia-induced pancreatic cancer glycolytic metabolism through ALKBH5-HDAC4-HIF1α positive feedback loop. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02704-8. [PMID: 37149664 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most hypoxic cancer type among solid tumors. The dynamic changes of RNA N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A) contribute to tumor cells adaption to hypoxic microenvironmental. However, the regulatory mechanisms of hypoxia response in PC remains elusive. Here, we reported that the m6A demethylase ALKBH5 mediated a decrease of total mRNA m6A modification during hypoxia. Subsequently, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) combined with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed transcriptome-wide gene expression alteration and identified histone deacetylase type 4 (HDAC4) as a key target gene of m6A modification under hypoxic conditionds. Mechanistically, m6A methylation recognized by m6A reader-YTHDF2 enhanced the stability of HDAC4, and then promoted glycolytic metabolism and migration of PC cells. Our assays also demonstrated that hypoxia-induced HDAC4 enhanced HIF1a protein stability, and overexpressed HIF1a promoted transcription of ALKBH5 in hypoxic pancreatic cancer cells. Together, these results found a ALKBH5/HDAC4/HIF1α positive feedback loop for cellular response to hypoxia in pancreatic cancer. Our studies uncover the crosstalk between histone acetylation and RNA methylation modification on layer of epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China
| | - Maoxiao Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China
| | - Xiaodong Hao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China
| | - Zihan Gao
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Zhaoxin Wu
- School of pharmacy, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, shandong,, 266071, China
| | - Yuli Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China
| | - Lutao Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China.
| | - Chuanxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China.
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Xu C, Sun W, Liu J, Pu H, Li Y. Circ_RBM23 knockdown suppresses chemoresistance, proliferation, migration and invasion of sorafenib-resistant HCC cells through miR-338-3p/RAB1B axis. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 245:154435. [PMID: 37075641 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNA RNA-binding motif protein 23 (circ_RBM23; ID: hsa_circ_0000524) is a novel regulator in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we planned to investigate its role in sorafenib resistance in HCC. METHOD Levels of circ_RBM23, microRNA (miR)-338-3p, Ras-related GTPase-trafficking protein (RAB1B), Snail and E-cadherin were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. Sorafenib resistant (SR) HCC cells (Huh7/SR and SK-HEP-1/SR) were established by acquisition of sorafenib resistance, and cell functions were measured by MTT assay, Edu assay, colony formation assay, apoptosis assay, transwell assay, and in vivo xenograft formation assay. Crosslink between miR-338-3p and circ_RBM23 or RAB1B was confirmed by bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS Circ_RBM23 upregulation was discovered in the tissues of SR patients and SR cells, which was accompanied with miR-338-3p downregulation and RAB1B upregulation. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of sorafenib in SR cells was greatly suppressed by interfering circ_RBM23 or reinforcing miR-338-3p, allied with this was the inhibition of EdU-positive cell rate, colony formation and migration/invasion abilities under sorafenib treatment, as well as the enhancement of apoptotic rate. Moreover, circ_RBM23 inhibition delayed tumor growth of Huh7/SR cells under sorfanib treatment in vivo. CONCLUSION Circ_RBM23 promoted chemoresistance, malignant proliferation, migration and invasion of SR HCC cells by modulating miR-338-3p/RAB1B axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlin Xu
- Department of Infection Disease (No.3), Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Weiwei Sun
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, China
| | - Jinglei Liu
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, China
| | - Haihong Pu
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, China
| | - Yinghong Li
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, China.
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USP22 upregulates ZEB1-mediated VEGFA transcription in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:194. [PMID: 36906615 PMCID: PMC10008583 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05699-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common solid tumor with high rate of recurrence and mortality. Anti-angiogenesis drugs have been used for the therapy of HCC. However, anti-angiogenic drug resistance commonly occurs during HCC treatment. Thus, identification of a novel VEGFA regulator would be better understanding for HCC progression and anti-angiogenic therapy resistance. Ubiquitin specific protease 22 (USP22) as a deubiquitinating enzyme, participates in a variety of biological processes in numerous tumors. While the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of USP22 on angiogenesis is still needed to be clarified. Here, our results demonstrated that USP22 acts as a co-activator of VEGFA transcription. Importantly, USP22 is involved in maintenance of ZEB1 stability via its deubiquitinase activity. USP22 was recruited to ZEB1-binding elements on the promoter of VEGFA, thereby altering histone H2Bub levels, to enhance ZEB1-mediated VEGFA transcription. USP22 depletion decreased cell proliferation, migration, Vascular Mimicry (VM) formation, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, we provided the evidence to show that knockdown of USP22 inhibited HCC growth in tumor-bearing nude mice. In addition, the expression of USP22 is positively correlated with that of ZEB1 in clinical HCC samples. Our findings suggest that USP22 participates in the promotion of HCC progression, if not all, at least partially via up-regulation of VEGFA transcription, providing a novel therapeutic target for anti-angiogenic drug resistance in HCC.
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Yang YC, Zhao CJ, Jin ZF, Zheng J, Ma LT. Targeted therapy based on ubiquitin-specific proteases, signalling pathways and E3 ligases in non-small-cell lung cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1120828. [PMID: 36969062 PMCID: PMC10036052 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1120828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours worldwide, with the highest mortality rate. Approximately 1.6 million deaths owing to lung cancer are reported annually; of which, 85% of deaths occur owing to non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At present, the conventional treatment methods for NSCLC include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and surgery. However, drug resistance and tumour invasion or metastasis often lead to treatment failure. The ubiquitin–proteasome pathway (UPP) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumours. Upregulation or inhibition of proteins or enzymes involved in UPP can promote or inhibit the occurrence and development of tumours, respectively. As regulators of UPP, ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) primarily inhibit the degradation of target proteins by proteasomes through deubiquitination and hence play a carcinogenic or anticancer role. This review focuses on the role of USPs in the occurrence and development of NSCLC and the potential of corresponding targeted drugs, PROTACs and small-molecule inhibitors in the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Can-Jun Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhao-Feng Jin
- School of Psychology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jin Zheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Li-Tian Ma, ; Jin Zheng,
| | - Li-Tian Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Li-Tian Ma, ; Jin Zheng,
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Ouyang G, Fu W, Guo J, Lu Q, Yao Y, Ge L, Zhao J, Zhang J, Hu X, Li S, Xu Q, Huang D, Zhang Y. Hypoxia-induced UBE2K promotes the malignant progression of HCC. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 245:154422. [PMID: 37003132 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154422] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia critically drives malignant tumor development and is characteristic of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where HIF-1α plays a crucial role. The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2K (UBE2K) is known to participate in the advancement of several human cancers. However, the role of UBE2K in HCC or whether it is a hypoxia-responsive gene remains to be further identified. METHOD We performed a microarray to measure the gene expression differences between normoxia and hypoxia. CoCl2 mimicked the hypoxic condition. The protein and RNA expression of HIF-1α, UBE2K, and Actin in HCC cells were measured by western blotting(WB) and RT-qPCR, respectively. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining analyzed the expression of UBE2K and HIF-1α in HCC tissues. CCK-8 and colony formation assay evaluated the HCC cell growth. Scratch healing and transwell assays were used to detect the migration capability of the cells. Lipofectamine 3000 was used to transfect the plasmids or siRNAs to HCC cells. RESULTS We identified UBE2K as a potential hypoxia-responsive gene. Our study showed that hypoxia induced HIF-1α-mediated increase of UBE2K levels in HCC cells, which decreased under HIF-1α deficiency under hypoxia. Further bioinformatics analysis based on UALCAN and GEPIA databases confirmed that UBE2K was highly expressed in HCC tissues and positively associated with HIF-1α expression. Functionally, Hep3B and Huh7 cell proliferation and migration were stimulated upon UBE2K overexpression, while the UBE2K knockdown suppressed such effect. Furthermore, functional rescue experiment proved that depletion of UBE2K inhibited hypoxia-induced cell proliferation and migration in HCC cells. In contrast, enhancing UBE2K levels rescued cell proliferation and migration repression caused by HIF-1α deficiency in hypoxia. CONCLUSION Our results established UBE2K as a potential hypoxia-inducible gene in HCC cells, positively regulated by HIF-1α in hypoxia. Moreover, UBE2K served as an oncogene and cooperated with HIF-1α to form a functional HIF-1α/UBE2K axis to trigger HCC progression, highlighting a potential application of UBE2K as a therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
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