51
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Ren X, Rong Z, Liu X, Gao J, Xu X, Zi Y, Mu Y, Guan Y, Cao Z, Zhang Y, Zeng Z, Fan Q, Wang X, Pei Q, Wang X, Xin H, Li Z, Nie Y, Qiu Z, Li N, Sun L, Deng Y. The protein kinase activity of NME7 activates Wnt/β-Catenin signaling to promote one-carbon metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Res 2021; 82:60-74. [PMID: 34764205 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming by oncogenic signaling is a hallmark of cancer. Hyperactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms inducing hyperactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and strategies for targeting this pathway are incompletely understood. In this study, we find nucleoside diphosphate kinase 7 (NME7) to be a positive regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Upregulation of NME7 positively correlated with the clinical features of HCC. Knockdown of NME7 inhibited HCC growth in vitro and in vivo, while overexpression of NME7 cooperated with c-Myc to drive tumorigenesis in a mouse model and promote the growth of tumor-derived organoids. Mechanistically, NME7 bound and phosphorylated serine 9 of GSK3β to promote β-catenin activation. Furthermore, MTHFD2, the key enzyme in one-carbon metabolism, was a target gene of β-catenin and mediated the effects of NME7. Tumor-derived organoids with NME7 overexpression exhibited increased sensitivity to MTHFD2 inhibition. Additionally, expression levels of NME7, β-catenin and MTHFD2 correlated with each other and with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Collectively, this study emphasizes the crucial roles of NME7 protein kinase activity in promoting Wnt/β-catenin signaling and one-carbon metabolism, suggesting NME7 and MTHFD2 as potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Ren
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Zhuoxian Rong
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Ruijin Hospital
| | - Jie Gao
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Xu Xu
- Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Yuyuan Zi
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Yun Mu
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | | | - Zhen Cao
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Yuefang Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Kay Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Zimei Zeng
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Qi Fan
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Xitao Wang
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Qian Pei
- Xiangya Hospital Central South University
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Haiguang Xin
- Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Zhi Li
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | | | - Zilong Qiu
- Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Nan Li
- The Eestern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University
| | | | - Yuezhen Deng
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
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52
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Bisht VS, Giri K, Kumar D, Ambatipudi K. Oxygen and metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment influences metastasis homing. Cancer Biol Ther 2021; 22:493-512. [PMID: 34696706 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2021.1992233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is the leading cause of cancer mortality, often characterized by abnormal cell growth and invasion to distant organs. The cancer invasion due to epithelial to mesenchymal transition is affected by metabolic and oxygen availability in the tumor-associated micro-environment. A precise alteration in oxygen and metabolic signaling between healthy and metastatic cells is a substantial probe for understanding tumor progression and metastasis. Molecular heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment help to sustain the metastatic cell growth during their survival shift from low to high metabolic-oxygen-rich sites and reinforces the metastatic events. This review highlighted the crucial role of oxygen and metabolites in metastatic progression and exemplified the role of metabolic rewiring and oxygen availability in cancer cell adaptation. Furthermore, we have also addressed potential applications of altered oxygen and metabolic networking with tumor type that could be a signature pattern to assess tumor growth and chemotherapeutics efficacy in managing cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod S Bisht
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - Kuldeep Giri
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Kiran Ambatipudi
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
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53
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Chisari A, Golán I, Campisano S, Gélabert C, Moustakas A, Sancho P, Caja L. Glucose and Amino Acid Metabolic Dependencies Linked to Stemness and Metastasis in Different Aggressive Cancer Types. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:723798. [PMID: 34588983 PMCID: PMC8473699 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.723798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant cells are commonly characterised by being capable of invading tissue, growing self-sufficiently and uncontrollably, being insensitive to apoptosis induction and controlling their environment, for example inducing angiogenesis. Amongst them, a subpopulation of cancer cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs) shows sustained replicative potential, tumor-initiating properties and chemoresistance. These characteristics make CSCs responsible for therapy resistance, tumor relapse and growth in distant organs, causing metastatic dissemination. For these reasons, eliminating CSCs is necessary in order to achieve long-term survival of cancer patients. New insights in cancer metabolism have revealed that cellular metabolism in tumors is highly heterogeneous and that CSCs show specific metabolic traits supporting their unique functionality. Indeed, CSCs adapt differently to the deprivation of specific nutrients that represent potentially targetable vulnerabilities. This review focuses on three of the most aggressive tumor types: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and glioblastoma (GBM). The aim is to prove whether CSCs from different tumour types share common metabolic requirements and responses to nutrient starvation, by outlining the diverse roles of glucose and amino acids within tumour cells and in the tumour microenvironment, as well as the consequences of their deprivation. Beyond their role in biosynthesis, they serve as energy sources and help maintain redox balance. In addition, glucose and amino acid derivatives contribute to immune responses linked to tumourigenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, potential metabolic liabilities are identified and discussed as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Chisari
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Irene Golán
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Campisano
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Caroline Gélabert
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patricia Sancho
- Translational Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laia Caja
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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54
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Wu J, Xue R, Jiang RT, Meng QH. Characterization of metabolic landscape in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1144-1156. [PMID: 34616519 PMCID: PMC8465443 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i9.1144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, accounting for approximately 75%-85% of primary liver cancers. Metabolic alterations have been labeled as an emerging hallmark of tumors. Specially, the last decades have registered a significant improvement in our understanding of the role of metabolism in driving the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC. In this paper, we provide a review of recent studies that investigated the metabolic traits of HCC with a specific focus on three common metabolic alterations involving glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and glutamine addiction which have been gaining much attention in the field of HCC. Next, we describe some representative diagnostic markers or tools, and promising treatment agents that are proposed on the basis of the aforementioned metabolic alterations for HCC. Finally, we present some challenges and directions that may promisingly speed up the process of developing objective diagnostic markers and therapeutic options underlying HCC. Specifically, we recommend future investigations to carefully take into account the influence of heterogeneity, control for study-specific confounds, and invite the validation of existing biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing You-An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Ran Xue
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100036, China
| | - Rong-Tao Jiang
- National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Qing-Hua Meng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing You-An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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55
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Tao J, Krutsenko Y, Moghe A, Singh S, Poddar M, Bell A, Oertel M, Singhi AD, Geller D, Chen X, Lujambio A, Liu S, Monga SP. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and β-Catenin Coactivation in Hepatocellular Cancer: Biological and Therapeutic Implications. Hepatology 2021; 74:741-759. [PMID: 33529367 PMCID: PMC8326305 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HCC remains a major unmet clinical need. Although activating catenin beta-1 (CTNNB1) mutations are observed in prominent subsets of HCC cases, these by themselves are insufficient for hepatocarcinogenesis. Coexpression of mutant CTNNB1 with clinically relevant co-occurrence has yielded HCCs. Here, we identify cooperation between β-catenin and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling in HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS Public HCC data sets were assessed for concomitant presence of CTNNB1 mutations and either mutations in nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (NFE2L2) or Kelch like-ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), or Nrf2 activation by gene signature. HCC development in mice and similarity to human HCC subsets was assessed following coexpression of T41A-CTNNB1 with either wild-type (WT)-, G31A-, or T80K-NFE2L2. Based on mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activation in CTNNB1-mutated HCCs, response of preclinical HCC to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor was investigated. Overall, 9% of HCC cases showed concomitant CTNNB1 mutations and Nrf2 activation, subsets of which were attributable to mutations in NFE2L2/KEAP1. Coexpression of mutated CTNNB1 with mutant NFE2L2, but not WT-NFE2L2, led to HCC development and mortality by 12-14 weeks. These HCCs were positive for β-catenin targets, like glutamine synthetase and cyclin-D1, and Nrf2 targets, like NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 and peroxiredoxin 1. RNA-sequencing and pathway analysis showed high concordance of preclinical HCC to human HCC subset showing activation of unique (iron homeostasis and glioblastoma multiforme signaling) and expected (glutamine metabolism) pathways. NFE2L2-CTNNB1 HCC mice were treated with mTOR inhibitor everolimus (5-mg/kg diet ad libitum), which led to >50% decrease in tumor burden. CONCLUSIONS Coactivation of β-catenin and Nrf2 is evident in 9% of all human HCCs. Coexpression of mutant NFE2L2 and mutant CTNNB1 led to clinically relevant HCC development in mice, which responded to mTOR inhibitors. Thus, this model has both biological and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Tao
- Department of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA
| | - Yekaterina Krutsenko
- Department of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA
| | - Akshata Moghe
- Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA.,Department of MedicineUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA
| | - Sucha Singh
- Department of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- Department of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA
| | - Aaron Bell
- Department of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA
| | - Michael Oertel
- Department of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA
| | - Aatur D Singhi
- Department of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA
| | - David Geller
- Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA.,Department of SurgeryUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver CenterUniversity CaliforniaSan FranciscoCA
| | - Amaia Lujambio
- Department of Oncological SciencesTisch Cancer InstitutePrecision Immunology Institute, and Liver Cancer ProgramIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY
| | - Silvia Liu
- Department of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA.,Department of MedicineUniversity of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPA
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56
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Abstract
The liver is uniquely bestowed with an ability to regenerate following a surgical or toxicant insult. One of the most researched models to demonstrate the regenerative potential of this organ is the partial hepatectomy model, where two thirds of the liver is surgically resected. The remnant liver replenishes the lost mass within 1014 days in mice. The distinctive ability of the liver to regenerate has allowed living donor and split liver transplantation. One signaling pathway shown to be activated during the process of regeneration to contribute toward the mass and functional recovery of the liver is the Wnt/-catenin pathway. Very early after any insult to the liver, the cellmolecule circuitry of the Wnt/-catenin pathway is set into motion with the release of specific Wnt ligands from sinusoidal endothelial cells and macrophages, which, in a paracrine manner, engage Frizzled and LDL-related protein-5/6 coreceptors on hepatocytes to stabilize -catenin inducing its nuclear translocation. Nuclear -catenin interacts with T-cell factor family of transcription factors to induce target genes including cyclin D1 for proliferation, and others for regulating hepatocyte function. Working in collaboration with other signaling pathways, Wnt/-catenin signaling contributes to the restoration process without any compromise of function at any stage. Also, stimulation of this pathway through innovative means induces liver regeneration when this process is exhausted or compromised and thus has applications in the treatment of end-stage liver disease and in the field of liver transplantation. Thus, Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway is highly relevant in the discipline of hepatic regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikai Hu
- *School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- †Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- †Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- §Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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57
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ZNRF3 and RNF43 cooperate to safeguard metabolic liver zonation and hepatocyte proliferation. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1822-1837.e10. [PMID: 34129813 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AXIN2 and LGR5 mark intestinal stem cells (ISCs) that require WNT/β-Catenin signaling for constant homeostatic proliferation. In contrast, AXIN2/LGR5+ pericentral hepatocytes show low proliferation rates despite a WNT/β-Catenin activity gradient required for metabolic liver zonation. The mechanisms restricting proliferation in AXIN2+ hepatocytes and metabolic gene expression in AXIN2+ ISCs remained elusive. We now show that restricted chromatin accessibility in ISCs prevents the expression of β-Catenin-regulated metabolic enzymes, whereas fine-tuning of WNT/β-Catenin activity by ZNRF3 and RNF43 restricts proliferation in chromatin-permissive AXIN2+ hepatocytes, while preserving metabolic function. ZNRF3 deletion promotes hepatocyte proliferation, which in turn becomes limited by RNF43 upregulation. Concomitant deletion of RNF43 in ZNRF3 mutant mice results in metabolic reprogramming of periportal hepatocytes and induces clonal expansion in a subset of hepatocytes, ultimately promoting liver tumors. Together, ZNRF3 and RNF43 cooperate to safeguard liver homeostasis by spatially and temporally restricting WNT/β-Catenin activity, balancing metabolic function and hepatocyte proliferation.
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58
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Gallage S, García-Beccaria M, Szydlowska M, Rahbari M, Mohr R, Tacke F, Heikenwalder M. The therapeutic landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma. MED 2021; 2:505-552. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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59
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Yücel B, Ada S. Leukemia Cells Resistant to Glutamine Deprivation Express Glutamine Synthetase (GS) Protein. Turk J Haematol 2021; 39:22-28. [PMID: 33882633 PMCID: PMC8886269 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.galenos.2021.2021.0054] [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] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Low glutamine levels have been shown in tumor environments for several cancer subtypes. Therefore, it has been suggested that cancer cells rewire their metabolism to adopt low nutrient levels for survival and proliferation. Although glutamine is a non-essential amino acid and can be synthesized de novo, many cancer cells including malignant hematopoietic cells have been indicated to be addicted to glutamine. This study aimed to investigate the proliferation of leukemia cell lines in glutamine-deprived conditions. Materials and Methods: Cell proliferation of K562, NB-4, and HL-60 cells was determined by calculating cell numbers in normal vs. low glutamine media. Changes in mRNA expressions were investigated using qRT-PCR. The glutamine synthetase (GS)-encoding GLUL gene was knocked out (KO) in HL-60 cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 method and protein expression was evaluated with immunoblotting. Results: The proliferation of all cell lines was decreased in glutamine-deprived medium. GS protein expression was increased in glutamine-limited medium although the mRNA level did not change. Increased protein expression was confirmed with inhibition of new protein synthesis by treating cells with cycloheximide. To further investigate the role of GS protein, the GS-encoding GLUL gene was KO in HL-60 cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 method. GS KO cells proliferated less compared to control cells in glutamine-limited medium. Conclusion: Our results indicate that upregulated GS protein expression is responsible for glutamine addiction of leukemia cell lines. Exploiting the genetic and metabolic mechanisms responsible for GS protein expression could lead to the identification of new anti-cancer drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Yücel
- Istanbul Medeniyet University, Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Biology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Saniye Ada
- Istanbul Medeniyet University, Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Biochemistry, İstanbul, Turkey
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60
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Li Y, Wu Y, Hu Y. Metabolites in the Tumor Microenvironment Reprogram Functions of Immune Effector Cells Through Epigenetic Modifications. Front Immunol 2021; 12:641883. [PMID: 33927716 PMCID: PMC8078775 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.641883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular metabolism of both cancer and immune cells in the acidic, hypoxic, and nutrient-depleted tumor microenvironment (TME) has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Accumulating evidence has shown that cancer cells in TME could outcompete immune cells for nutrients and at the same time, producing inhibitory products that suppress immune effector cell functions. Recent progress revealed that metabolites in the TME could dysregulate gene expression patterns in the differentiation, proliferation, and activation of immune effector cells by interfering with the epigenetic programs and signal transduction networks. Nevertheless, encouraging studies indicated that metabolic plasticity and heterogeneity between cancer and immune effector cells could provide us the opportunity to discover and target the metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells while potentiating the anti-tumor functions of immune effector cells. In this review, we will discuss the metabolic impacts on the immune effector cells in TME and explore the therapeutic opportunities for metabolically enhanced immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Li
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.,Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.,Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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61
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β-Catenin Activation in Hepatocellular Cancer: Implications in Biology and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081830. [PMID: 33921282 PMCID: PMC8069637 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer is a dreadful tumor which has gradually increased in incidence all around the world. One major driver of liver cancer is the Wnt–β-catenin pathway which is active in a subset of these tumors. While this pathway is normally important in liver development, regeneration and homeostasis, it’s excessive activation due to mutations, is detrimental and leads to tumor cell growth, making it an important therapeutic target. There are also some unique characteristics of this pathway activation in liver cancer. It makes the tumor addicted to specific amino acids and in turn to mTOR signaling, which can be treated by certain existing therapies. In addition, activation of the Wnt–β-catenin in liver cancer appears to alter the immune cell landscape making it less likely to respond to the new immuno-oncology treatments. Thus, Wnt–β-catenin active tumors may need to be treated differently than non-Wnt–β-catenin active tumors. Abstract Hepatocellular cancer (HCC), the most common primary liver tumor, has been gradually growing in incidence globally. The whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing of HCC has led to an improved understanding of the molecular drivers of this tumor type. Activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, mostly due to stabilizing missense mutations in its downstream effector β-catenin (encoded by CTNNB1) or loss-of-function mutations in AXIN1 (the gene which encodes for Axin-1, an essential protein for β-catenin degradation), are seen in a major subset of HCC. Because of the important role of β-catenin in liver pathobiology, its role in HCC has been extensively investigated. In fact, CTNNB1 mutations have been shown to have a trunk role. β-Catenin has been shown to play an important role in regulating tumor cell proliferation and survival and in tumor angiogenesis, due to a host of target genes regulated by the β-catenin transactivation of its transcriptional factor TCF. Proof-of-concept preclinical studies have shown β-catenin to be a highly relevant therapeutic target in CTNNB1-mutated HCCs. More recently, studies have revealed a unique role of β-catenin activation in regulating both tumor metabolism as well as the tumor immune microenvironment. Both these roles have notable implications for the development of novel therapies for HCC. Thus, β-catenin has a pertinent role in driving HCC development and maintenance of this tumor-type, and could be a highly relevant therapeutic target in a subset of HCC cases.
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62
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Evans JF, Obraztsova K, Lin SM, Krymskaya VP. CrossTORC and WNTegration in Disease: Focus on Lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052233. [PMID: 33668092 PMCID: PMC7956553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signal transduction networks are evolutionarily conserved mammalian growth and cellular development networks. Most cells express many of the proteins in both pathways, and this review will briefly describe only the key proteins and their intra- and extracellular crosstalk. These complex interactions will be discussed in relation to cancer development, drug resistance, and stem cell exhaustion. This review will also highlight the tumor-suppressive tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) mutated, mTOR-hyperactive lung disease of women, lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). We will summarize recent advances in the targeting of these pathways by monotherapy or combination therapy, as well as future potential treatments.
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63
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Glutamine Synthetase as a Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041701. [PMID: 33567690 PMCID: PMC7915753 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The significance of glutamine in cancer metabolism has been extensively studied. Cancer cells consume an excessive amount of glutamine to facilitate rapid proliferation. Thus, glutamine depletion occurs in various cancer types, especially in poorly vascularized cancers. This makes glutamine synthetase (GS), the only enzyme responsible for de novo synthesizing glutamine, essential in cancer metabolism. In cancer, GS exhibits pro-tumoral features by synthesizing glutamine, supporting nucleotide synthesis. Furthermore, GS is highly expressed in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and provides glutamine to cancer cells, allowing cancer cells to maintain sufficient glutamine level for glutamine catabolism. Glutamine catabolism, the opposite reaction of glutamine synthesis by GS, is well known for supporting cancer cell proliferation via contributing biosynthesis of various essential molecules and energy production. Either glutamine anabolism or catabolism has a critical function in cancer metabolism depending on the complex nature and microenvironment of cancers. In this review, we focus on the role of GS in a variety of cancer types and microenvironments and highlight the mechanism of GS at the transcriptional and post-translational levels. Lastly, we discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting GS in cancer.
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Zhang Y, Liang B, Song X, Wang H, Evert M, Zhou Y, Calvisi DF, Tang L, Chen X. Loss of Apc Cooperates with Activated Oncogenes to Induce Liver Tumor Formation in Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:930-946. [PMID: 33545120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatoblastoma are the major types of primary liver cancer in adulthood and childhood, respectively. Wnt/β-catenin signaling deregulation is one of the most frequent genetic events in hepatocarcinogenesis. APC regulator of WNT signaling pathway (APC) encodes an inhibitor of the Wnt cascade and acts as a tumor suppressor. Germline defects of the APC gene lead to familial adenomatous polyposis, and its somatic mutations occur in multiple tumor types. However, the contribution of APC in hepatocarcinogenesis remains unclear. Therefore, APC mutations and expression patterns were examined in human HCC and hepatoblastoma samples. Whether loss of Apc alone or in cooperation with other oncogenes triggers liver tumor development in vivo was also investigated. sgApc alone could not drive liver tumor formation, but synergized with activated oncogenes (YapS127A, TazS89A, and c-Met) to induce hepatocarcinogenesis. Mechanistically, Apc deletion induced the activation of β-catenin and its downstream targets in mouse liver tumors. Furthermore, Ctnnb1 ablation or TCF4-mediated transcription blockade completely prevented liver tumor formation, indicating the requirement of a functional β-catenin pathway for loss of Apc-driven hepatocarcinogenesis. This study shows that a subset of HCC patients with loss-of-function APC mutations might benefit from therapeutic strategies targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; Department of Bioengineering University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Binyong Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinhua Song
- Department of Bioengineering University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering University of California, San Francisco, California; Department of Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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Wang Z, Yang Y, Hu S, He J, Wu Z, Qi Z, Huang M, Liu R, Lin Y, Tan C, Xu M, Zhang Z. Short-form RON (sf-RON) enhances glucose metabolism to promote cell proliferation via activating β-catenin/SIX1 signaling pathway in gastric cancer. Cell Biol Toxicol 2021; 37:35-49. [PMID: 32399910 PMCID: PMC7851020 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-020-09525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) has been implicated in cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance of various human malignancies. The short-form RON (sf-RON) encoded by RON transcripts was overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues, but its regulatory functions remain illustrated. Here, we found that sf-RON promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation by enhancing glucose metabolism. Furthermore, sf-RON was proved to induce the β-catenin expression level through the AKT1/GSK3β signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the binding sites of β-catenin were identified in the promoter region of SIX1 and it was also demonstrated that β-catenin positively regulated SIX1 expression. SIX1 enhanced the promoter activity of key proteins in glucose metabolism, such as GLUT1 and LDHA. Results indicated that sf-RON regulated the cell proliferation and glucose metabolism of gastric cancer by participating in a sf-RON/β-catenin/SIX1 signaling axis and had significant implications for choosing the therapeutic target of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziliang Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School Medicine, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Yufei Yang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Shuang Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Eye & Ent Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zihao Qi
- Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040 China
| | - Mingzhu Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Rujiao Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Cong Tan
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Midie Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
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Wu H, Wang MD, Liang L, Xing H, Zhang CW, Shen F, Huang DS, Yang T. Nanotechnology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Surveillance, Diagnosis to Management. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2005236. [PMID: 33448111 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202005236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. However, the clinical diagnosis and treatment modalities are still relatively limited, which urgently require the development of new effective technologies. Recently, nanotechnology has gained extensive attention in HCC surveillance, imaging and pathological diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies. Typically, nanomedicines have been focused on early HCC diagnosis and precise treatment of advanced HCC, which has developed and improved a variety of new technologies and agents for future clinical practice. Furthermore, strategies of facilitating drug release and delivery in current treatment processes such as ablation, systematic therapy, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, molecular targeted therapy, and immune-modulating therapy have also been studied widely. This review summarizes the recent advances in this area according to current clinical HCC guidelines: 1) Nanoparticle-based HCC surveillance; 2) Nanotechnology for HCC diagnosis; 3) Therapeutic advances for HCC Management; 4) Limitations of applications in nanotechnology for HCC; 5) Conclusions and perspectives. Although there are still many limitations and difficulties to overcome, the investigations of nanomedicines are believed to show potential applications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, 310014, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Ming-Da Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Lei Liang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, 310014, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Hao Xing
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Cheng-Wu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, 310014, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Tian Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, 310014, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
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Maladaptive regeneration - the reawakening of developmental pathways in NASH and fibrosis. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:131-142. [PMID: 33051603 PMCID: PMC7854502 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-00365-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid expansion of the obesity epidemic, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is now the most common chronic liver disease, with almost 25% global prevalence. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ranges in severity from simple steatosis, a benign 'pre-disease' state, to the liver injury and inflammation that characterize nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which in turn predisposes individuals to liver fibrosis. Fibrosis is the major determinant of clinical outcomes in patients with NASH and is associated with increased risks of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NASH has no approved therapies, and liver fibrosis shows poor response to existing pharmacotherapy, in part due to an incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Patient and mouse data have shown that NASH is associated with the activation of developmental pathways: Notch, Hedgehog and Hippo-YAP-TAZ. Although these evolutionarily conserved fundamental signals are known to determine liver morphogenesis during development, new data have shown a coordinated and causal role for these pathways in the liver injury response, which becomes maladaptive during obesity-associated chronic liver disease. In this Review, we discuss the aetiology of this reactivation of developmental pathways and review the cell-autonomous and cell-non-autonomous mechanisms by which developmental pathways influence disease progression. Finally, we discuss the potential prognostic and therapeutic implications of these data for NASH and liver fibrosis.
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Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the predominant primary liver tumor in children. While the prognosis is favorable when the tumor can be resected, the outcome is dismal for patients with progressed HB. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for HB is imperative for early detection and effective treatment. Sequencing analysis of human HB specimens unraveled the pivotal role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in this disease. Nonetheless, β-catenin activation alone does not suffice to induce HB, implying the need for additional alterations. Perturbations of several pathways, including Hippo, Hedgehog, NRF2/KEAP1, HGF/c-Met, NK-1R/SP, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascades and aberrant activation of c-MYC, n-MYC, and EZH2 proto-oncogenes, have been identified in HB, although their role requires additional investigation. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on HB molecular pathogenesis, the relevance of the preclinical findings for the human disease, and the innovative therapeutic strategies that could be beneficial for the treatment of HB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Antonio Solinas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Stefano Cairo
- XenTech, Evry, France,Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, Padova, Italy
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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69
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Lu X, Paliogiannis P, Calvisi DF, Chen X. Role of the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway in Liver Cancer: From Molecular Genetics to Targeted Therapies. Hepatology 2021; 73 Suppl 1:49-61. [PMID: 32394479 PMCID: PMC7655627 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Primary liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), are highly lethal tumors, with high worldwide frequency and few effective treatment options. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex is a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism that integrates inputs from amino acids, nutrients, and extracellular signals. The mTOR protein is incorporated into two distinct complexes: mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). Specifically, mTORC1 regulates protein synthesis, glucose and lipid metabolism, and autophagy, whereas mTORC2 promotes liver tumorigenesis through modulating the adenine/cytosine/guanine family of serine/threonine kinases, especially the protein kinase B proteins. In human HCC and iCCA samples, genomics analyses have revealed the frequent deregulation of the mTOR complexes. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the key role of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in liver-tumor development and progression. The first-generation mTOR inhibitors have been evaluated for effectiveness in liver-tumor treatment and have provided unsatisfactory results. Current research efforts are devoted to generating more efficacious mTOR inhibitors and identifying biomarkers for patient selection as well as for combination therapies. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the mechanisms leading to a deregulated mTOR signaling cascade in liver cancers, the mechanisms whereby the mTOR pathway contributes to HCC and iCCA molecular pathogenesis, the therapeutic strategies, and the challenges to effectively inhibit mTOR in liver-cancer treatment. Conclusion: Deregulated mTOR signaling significantly contributes to HCC and iCCA molecular pathogenesis. mTOR inhibitors, presumably administered in association with other drugs, might be effective against subsets of human liver tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjun Lu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Panagiotis Paliogiannis
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Tenen DG, Chai L, Tan JL. Metabolic alterations and vulnerabilities in hepatocellular carcinoma. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2021; 9:1-13. [PMID: 33747521 PMCID: PMC7962738 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goaa066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a serious disease. It is ranked as the cancer with the second highest number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which arises from transformed hepatocytes, is the major subtype of liver cancer. It accounts for 85% of total liver-cancer cases. An important aspect of HCC that has been actively studied is its metabolism. With the liver as the primary site of numerous metabolic processes in the body, it has been shown that the metabolism of HCC cells is highly dysregulated compared to that of normal hepatocytes. It is therefore crucial to understand the metabolic alterations caused by HCC and the underlying mechanisms for these alterations. This deeper understanding will allow diagnostic and therapeutic advancements in the treatment of HCC. In this review, we will summarize the current literature in HCC metabolic alterations, induced vulnerabilities, and potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Tenen
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Li Chai
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justin L Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
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Shi Z, Liu R, Lu Q, Zeng Z, Liu Y, Zhao J, Liu X, Li L, Huang H, Yao Y, Huang D, Xu Q. UBE2O promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion by regulating the AMPKα2/mTOR pathway. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:3749-3758. [PMID: 34790050 PMCID: PMC8579295 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.63220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2) is a critical component of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and regulates hepatocarcinogenesis by controlling protein degradation. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 O (UBE2O), a member of the E2 family, functions as an oncogene in human cancers. Nevertheless, the role of UBE2O in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown yet. Here, we demonstrated that the UBE2O level was markedly upregulated in HCC compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues. UBE2O overexpression was also confirmed in HCC cell lines. UBE2O overexpression was prominently associated with advanced tumor stage, high tumor grade, venous infiltration, and reduced HCC patients' survivals. UBE2O knockdown inhibited the migration, invasion, and proliferation of HCCLM3 cells. UBE2O overexpression enhanced the proliferation and mobility of Huh7 cells. Mechanistically, UBE2O mediated the ubiquitination and degradation of AMP-activated protein kinase α2 (AMPKα2) in HCC cells. UBE2O silencing prominently increased AMPKα2 level and reduced phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (p-mTOR), MYC, Cyclin D1, HIF1α, and SREBP1 levels in HCCLM3 cells. UBE2O depletion markedly activated the AMPKα2/mTOR pathway in Huh7 cells. Moreover, AMPKα2 silencing reversed UBE2O downregulation-induced mTOR pathway inactivation. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, remarkably abolished UBE2O-induced mTOR phosphorylation and HCC cell proliferation and mobility. To conclude, UBE2O was highly expressed in HCC and its overexpression conferred to the poor clinical outcomes of patients. UBE2O contributed to the malignant behaviors of HCC cells, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, by reducing AMPKα2 stability and activating the mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Shi
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.,The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Runkun Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Qiliang Lu
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zhi Zeng
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Junjun Zhao
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Xin Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Lijie Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Affiliated Zhejiang Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Affiliated Quzhou People's Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Quzhou 324002, China
| | - Yingmin Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Qiuran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
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Dampened VEPH1 activates mTORC1 signaling by weakening the TSC1/TSC2 association in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2020; 73:1446-1459. [PMID: 32610114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Abnormal activation of mTORC1 signaling occurs at high frequency in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying causes of this aberrant activation remain elusive. In this study, we identified ventricular zone expressed pleckstrin homology domain-containing 1 (VEPH1) as a novel tumor suppressor that acts via the mTORC1 axis. METHODS We performed quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (92 pairs), western blot (30 pairs), and immunostaining (225 cases) assays in HCC tissue samples to evaluate VEPH1 expression. We explored the functional effects of VEPH1 on tumor growth and metastasis. Molecular and biochemical strategies were used to gain insight into mechanisms underlying the tumor-suppressive function of VEPH1. RESULTS VEPH1 is frequently silenced in HCC tissues, primarily resulting from let-7d upregulation. Decreased VEPH1 expression is associated with poor prognosis and aggressive tumor phenotypes in patients with HCC. VEPH1 mediates its tumor-suppressing activity through regulation of cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. The VEPH1 fragments 580-625aa and 447-579 aa bind directly to TSC1 (719-1,164aa) and TSC2 (1-420 aa), respectively, enhancing TSC1/TCS2 binding and promoting translocation of TSC2 to the membrane, which leads to increased TSC2 Ser1387 phosphorylation. Subsequently, Rheb is inactivated by the GTPase activity of TSC2, inhibiting mTORC1 signaling and contributing to changes in HCC carcinogenesis and metastasis. Rapamycin, the mTOR inhibitor, can inhibit the pro-tumorigenic effect of VEPH1 knockdown. Loss of VEPH1 correlates with decreased TSC2 Ser1387 phosphorylation and increased mTOR activity in HCC specimens. CONCLUSIONS The loss of VEPH1 leads to aberrantly activated mTORC1 signaling in HCC; rapamycin (or rapalogs) may serve as an effective treatment option for patients with HCC and dampened VEPH1 expression. LAY SUMMARY Abnormally activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is associated with poor tumor differentiation, early tumor recurrence and worse overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Herein, we identify low VEPH1 expression as a potential cause of abnormally activated mTOR signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. mTOR inhibitors could thus be an effective treatment option for patients with HCC and low VEPH1 expression.
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73
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Animal Models: A Useful Tool to Unveil Metabolic Changes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113318. [PMID: 33182674 PMCID: PMC7696782 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents an important health problem. At the moment, systemic therapies offered only modest clinical benefits. Thus, HCC represents a cancer extremely difficult to treat, and therapeutic breakthroughs are urgently needed. Metabolic reprogramming of neoplastic cells has been recognized as one of the core hallmarks of cancer. Experimental animal models represent an important tool that allows to investigate metabolic changes underlying HCC development and progression. In the present review, we characterize available rodent models of hepatocarcinogenesis. Moreover, we discuss the possibility that pharmacological targeting of Warburg metabolism may represent an additional tool to improve already available therapeutic approaches for HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one the most frequent and lethal human cancers. At present, no effective treatment for advanced HCC exist; therefore, the overall prognosis for HCC patients remains dismal. In recent years, a better knowledge of the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of HCC development and progression, has led to the identification of novel potential targets for therapeutic strategies. However, the obtained benefits from current therapeutic options are disappointing. Altered cancer metabolism has become a topic of renewed interest in the last decades, and it has been included among the core hallmarks of cancer. In the light of growing evidence for metabolic reprogramming in cancer, a wide number of experimental animal models have been exploited to study metabolic changes characterizing HCC development and progression and to further expand our knowledge of this tumor. In the present review, we discuss several rodent models of hepatocarcinogenesis, that contributed to elucidate the metabolic profile of HCC and the implications of these changes in modulating the aggressiveness of neoplastic cells. We also highlight the apparently contrasting results stemming from different animal models. Finally, we analyze whether these observations could be exploited to improve current therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Calvisi DF, Solinas A. Hepatoblastoma: current knowledge and promises from preclinical studies. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 5:42. [PMID: 32632393 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2019.12.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The survival rate for patients with metastatic hepatoblastoma (HB) is steadily increased in the last thirty years from 27% to 79%. These achievements result from accurate risk stratification and effective chemotherapy and surgical care. However, patients with poor prognosis require more effective therapies. Recent years have witnessed new insights on the biology of HB, setting the stage for molecular classification and new targets of therapy. We review here the molecular pathology of HB, focusing on the driver genes involved in the process of oncogenesis and the identification of novel targets. We also address the role of in vivo models in elucidating the mechanisms of development of this disease and the pre-clinical phase of new treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Antonio Solinas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Jian C, Fu J, Cheng X, Shen LJ, Ji YX, Wang X, Pan S, Tian H, Tian S, Liao R, Song K, Wang HP, Zhang X, Wang Y, Huang Z, She ZG, Zhang XJ, Zhu L, Li H. Low-Dose Sorafenib Acts as a Mitochondrial Uncoupler and Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Cell Metab 2020; 31:892-908.e11. [PMID: 32375062 PMCID: PMC9375823 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is becoming one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sorafenib is the only first-line therapy for advanced HCC despite its serious adverse effects. Here, we report that at an equivalent of approximately one-tenth the clinical dose for HCC, sorafenib treatment effectively prevents the progression of NASH in both mice and monkeys without any observed significant adverse events. Mechanistically, sorafenib's benefit in NASH is independent of its canonical kinase targets in HCC, but involves the induction of mild mitochondrial uncoupling and subsequent activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Collectively, our findings demonstrate a previously unappreciated therapeutic effect and signaling mechanism of low-dose sorafenib treatment in NASH. We envision that this new therapeutic strategy for NASH has the potential to translate into a beneficial anti-NASH therapy with fewer adverse events than is observed in the drug's current use in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongshu Jian
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jiajun Fu
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xu Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Li-Jun Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yan-Xiao Ji
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shan Pan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Han Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Song Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Rufang Liao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Kehan Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hai-Ping Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yibin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zan Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhi-Gang She
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Lihua Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Hongliang Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Institute of Model Animal of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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76
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Dai W, Xu L, Yu X, Zhang G, Guo H, Liu H, Song G, Weng S, Dong L, Zhu J, Liu T, Guo C, Shen X. OGDHL silencing promotes hepatocellular carcinoma by reprogramming glutamine metabolism. J Hepatol 2020; 72:909-923. [PMID: 31899205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent metabolic deregulation are commonly observed in cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). When mitochondrial function is impaired, reductive glutamine metabolism is a major cellular carbon source for de novo lipogenesis to support cancer cell growth. The underlying regulators of reductively metabolized glutamine in mitochondrial dysfunction are not completely understood in tumorigenesis. METHODS We systematically investigated the role of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase-like (OGDHL), one of the rate-limiting components of the key mitochondrial multi-enzyme OGDH complex (OGDHC), in the regulation of lipid metabolism in hepatoma cells and mouse xenograft models. RESULTS Lower expression of OGDHL was associated with advanced tumor stage, significantly worse survival and more frequent tumor recurrence in 3 independent cohorts totaling 681 postoperative HCC patients. Promoter hypermethylation and DNA copy deletion of OGDHL were independently correlated with reduced OGDHL expression in HCC specimens. Additionally, OGDHL overexpression significantly inhibited the growth of hepatoma cells in mouse xenografts, while knockdown of OGDHL promoted proliferation of hepatoma cells. Mechanistically, OGDHL downregulation upregulated the α-ketoglutarate (αKG):citrate ratio by reducing OGDHC activity, which subsequently drove reductive carboxylation of glutamine-derived αKG via retrograde tricarboxylic acid cycling in hepatoma cells. Notably, silencing of OGDHL activated the mTORC1 signaling pathway in an αKG-dependent manner, inducing transcription of enzymes with key roles in de novo lipogenesis. Meanwhile, metabolic reprogramming in OGDHL-negative hepatoma cells provided an abundant supply of NADPH and glutathione to support the cellular antioxidant system. The reduction of reductive glutamine metabolism through OGDHL overexpression or glutaminase inhibitors sensitized tumor cells to sorafenib, a molecular-targeted therapy for HCC. CONCLUSION Our findings established that silencing of OGDHL contributed to HCC development and survival by regulating glutamine metabolic pathways. OGDHL is a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC. LAY SUMMARY Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent tumors worldwide and is correlated with a high mortality rate. In patients with HCC, lower expression of the enzyme OGDHL is significantly associated with worse survival. Herein, we show that silencing of OGDHL induces lipogenesis and influences the chemosensitization effect of sorafenib in liver cancer cells by reprogramming glutamine metabolism. OGDHL is a promising prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in OGDHL-negative liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Jiaotong University of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiangnan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Guangcong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hongying Guo
- Department of Severe Hepatitis, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hailin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Guangqi Song
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Shuqiang Weng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ling Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jimin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Taotao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China.
| | - Xizhong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, Shanghai, P.R. China.
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77
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Zhang S, Zhang J, Evert K, Li X, Liu P, Kiss A, Schaff Z, Ament C, Zhang Y, Serra M, Evert M, Chen N, Xu F, Chen X, Tao J, Calvisi DF, Cigliano A. The Hippo Effector Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif Cooperates with Oncogenic β-Catenin to Induce Hepatoblastoma Development in Mice and Humans. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:1397-1413. [PMID: 32283103 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric liver tumor. Though Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo cascades are implicated in HB development, studies on crosstalk between β-catenin and Hippo downstream effector transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in HB are lacking. Expression levels of TAZ and β-catenin in human HB specimens were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Functional interplay between TAZ and β-catenin was determined by overexpression of an activated form of TAZ (TAZS89A), either alone or combined with an oncogenic form of β-catenin (ΔN90-β-catenin), in mouse liver via hydrodynamic transfection. Activation of TAZ often co-occurred with that of β-catenin in clinical specimens. Although the overexpression of TAZS89A alone did not induce hepatocarcinogenesis, concomitant overexpression of TAZS89A and ΔN90-β-catenin triggered the development of HB lesions exhibiting both epithelial and mesenchymal features. Mechanistically, TAZ/β-catenin-driven HB development required TAZ interaction with transcriptional enhanced associate domain factors. Blockade of the Notch cascade did not inhibit TAZ/β-catenin-dependent HB formation in mice but suppressed the mesenchymal phenotype. Neither Yes-associated protein nor heat shock factor 1 depletion affected HB development in TAZ/β-catenin mice. In human HB cell lines, silencing of TAZ resulted in decreased cell growth, which was further reduced when TAZ knockdown was associated with suppression of either β-catenin or Yes-associated protein. Overall, our study identified TAZ as a crucial oncogene in HB development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Thoracic Oncology II, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, PR China
| | - Katja Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, PR China
| | - Pin Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Andras Kiss
- Second Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Schaff
- Second Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Cindy Ament
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Monica Serra
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nianyong Chen
- Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Feng Xu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Junyan Tao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Antonio Cigliano
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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78
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Chen J, Mitra A, Li S, Song S, Nguyen BN, Chen JS, Shin JH, Gough NR, Lin P, Obias V, He AR, Yao Z, Malta TM, Noushmehr H, Latham PS, Su X, Rashid A, Mishra B, Wu RC, Mishra L. Targeting the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase PJA1 Enhances Tumor-Suppressing TGFβ Signaling. Cancer Res 2020; 80:1819-1832. [PMID: 32127355 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RING-finger E3 ligases are instrumental in the regulation of inflammatory cascades, apoptosis, and cancer. However, their roles are relatively unknown in TGFβ/SMAD signaling. SMAD3 and its adaptors, such as β2SP, are important mediators of TGFβ signaling and regulate gene expression to suppress stem cell-like phenotypes in diverse cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, PJA1, an E3 ligase, promoted ubiquitination and degradation of phosphorylated SMAD3 and impaired a SMAD3/β2SP-dependent tumor-suppressing pathway in multiple HCC cell lines. In mice deficient for SMAD3 (Smad3 +/-), PJA1 overexpression promoted the transformation of liver stem cells. Analysis of genes regulated by PJA1 knockdown and TGFβ1 signaling revealed 1,584 co-upregulated genes and 1,280 co-downregulated genes, including many implicated in cancer. The E3 ligase inhibitor RTA405 enhanced SMAD3-regulated gene expression and reduced growth of HCC cells in culture and xenografts of HCC tumors, suggesting that inhibition of PJA1 may be beneficial in treating HCC or preventing HCC development in at-risk patients.Significance: These findings provide a novel mechanism regulating the tumor suppressor function of TGFβ in liver carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Abhisek Mitra
- Pfizer Inc. Integrative Biotechnology Group, Pearl River, New York
| | - Shulin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Shumei Song
- Department of GI Medical Oncology-Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Bao-Ngoc Nguyen
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, D.C
| | - Jiun-Sheng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ji-Hyun Shin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Nancy R Gough
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.,BioSerendipity, LLC, Elkridge, Maryland
| | - Paul Lin
- Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, D.C
| | - Vincent Obias
- Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, D.C
| | - Aiwu Ruth He
- Department of Medicine and Oncology, Georgetown University, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Washington, D.C
| | - Zhixing Yao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Howard University, Washington, D.C
| | - Tathiane M Malta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Houtan Noushmehr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Patricia S Latham
- Department of Pathology, George Washington University, Washington, D.C
| | - Xiaoping Su
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Asif Rashid
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Bibhuti Mishra
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, D.C
| | - Ray-Chang Wu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, George Washington University, Washington, D.C
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. .,Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Section, VA Medical Center, Washington, D.C
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79
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Liu P, Liang B, Liu M, Lebbink JH, Li S, Qian M, Lavrijsen M, Peppelenbosch MP, Chen X, Smits R. Oncogenic Mutations in Armadillo Repeats 5 and 6 of β-Catenin Reduce Binding to APC, Increasing Signaling and Transcription of Target Genes. Gastroenterology 2020; 158:1029-1043.e10. [PMID: 31857074 PMCID: PMC7179799 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.11.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The β-catenin signaling pathway is one of the most commonly deregulated pathways in cancer cells. Amino acid substitutions within armadillo repeats 5 and 6 (K335, W383, and N387) of β-catenin are found in several tumor types, including liver tumors. We investigated the mechanisms by which these substitutions increase signaling and the effects on liver carcinogenesis in mice. METHODS Plasmids encoding tagged full-length β-catenin (CTNNB1) or β-catenin with the K335I or N387K substitutions, along with MET, were injected into tails of FVB/N mice. Tumor growth was monitored, and livers were collected and analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Tagged full-length and mutant forms of β-catenin were expressed in HEK293, HCT116, and SNU449 cells, which were analyzed by immunoblots and immunoprecipitation. A panel of β-catenin variants and cell lines with knock-in mutations were analyzed for differences in N-terminal phosphorylation, half-life, and association with other proteins in the signaling pathway. RESULTS Mice injected with plasmids encoding K335I or N387K β-catenin and MET developed larger, more advanced tumors than mice injected with plasmids encoding WT β-catenin and MET. K335I and N387K β-catenin bound APC with lower affinity than WT β-catenin but still interacted with scaffold protein AXIN1 and in the nucleus with TCF7L2. This interaction resulted in increased transcription of genes regulated by β-catenin. Studies of protein structures supported the observed changes in relative binding affinities. CONCLUSION Expression of β-catenin with mutations in armadillo repeats 5 and 6, along with MET, promotes formation of liver tumors in mice. In contrast to N-terminal mutations in β-catenin that directly impair its phosphorylation by GSK3 or binding to BTRC, the K335I or N387K substitutions increase signaling via reduced binding to APC. However, these mutant forms of β-catenin still interact with the TCF family of transcription factors in the nucleus. These findings show how these amino acid substitutions increase β-catenin signaling in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam
| | - Binyong Liang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA,Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Menggang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, 10 Changjiangzhilu Daping, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Joyce H.G. Lebbink
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam
| | - Manning Qian
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA,The Clinical Medical Testing Laboratory, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, China
| | - Marla Lavrijsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam
| | - Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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80
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Seth Nanda C, Venkateswaran SV, Patani N, Yuneva M. Defining a metabolic landscape of tumours: genome meets metabolism. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:136-149. [PMID: 31819196 PMCID: PMC7051970 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0663-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease of multiple alterations occuring at the epigenomic, genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and/or metabolic levels. The contribution of genetic mutations in cancer initiation, progression and evolution is well understood. However, although metabolic changes in cancer have long been acknowledged and considered a plausible therapeutic target, the crosstalk between genetic and metabolic alterations throughout cancer types is not clearly defined. In this review, we summarise the present understanding of the interactions between genetic drivers of cellular transformation and cancer-associated metabolic changes, and how these interactions contribute to metabolic heterogeneity of tumours. We discuss the essential question of whether changes in metabolism are a cause or a consequence in the formation of cancer. We highlight two modes of how metabolism contributes to tumour formation. One is when metabolic reprogramming occurs downstream of oncogenic mutations in signalling pathways and supports tumorigenesis. The other is where metabolic reprogramming initiates transformation being either downstream of mutations in oncometabolite genes or induced by chronic wounding, inflammation, oxygen stress or metabolic diseases. Finally, we focus on the factors that can contribute to metabolic heterogeneity in tumours, including genetic heterogeneity, immunomodulatory factors and tissue architecture. We believe that an in-depth understanding of cancer metabolic reprogramming, and the role of metabolic dysregulation in tumour initiation and progression, can help identify cellular vulnerabilities that can be exploited for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Neill Patani
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK
| | - Mariia Yuneva
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK.
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81
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Sun T, Pikiolek M, Orsini V, Bergling S, Holwerda S, Morelli L, Hoppe PS, Planas-Paz L, Yang Y, Ruffner H, Bouwmeester T, Lohmann F, Terracciano LM, Roma G, Cong F, Tchorz JS. AXIN2 + Pericentral Hepatocytes Have Limited Contributions to Liver Homeostasis and Regeneration. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 26:97-107.e6. [PMID: 31866224 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The existence of specialized liver stem cell populations, including AXIN2+ pericentral hepatocytes, that safeguard homeostasis and repair has been controversial. Here, using AXIN2 lineage tracing in BAC-transgenic mice, we confirm the regenerative potential of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) but find limited roles for pericentral hepatocytes in liver parenchyma homeostasis. Liver regrowth following partial hepatectomy is enabled by proliferation of hepatocytes throughout the liver, rather than by a pericentral population. Periportal hepatocyte injury triggers local repair as well as auxiliary proliferation in all liver zones. DTA-mediated ablation of AXIN2+ pericentral hepatocytes transiently disrupts this zone, which is reestablished by conversion of pericentral vein-juxtaposed glutamine synthetase (GS)- hepatocytes into GS+ hepatocytes and by compensatory proliferation of hepatocytes across liver zones. These findings show hepatocytes throughout the liver can upregulate AXIN2 and LGR5 after injury and contribute to liver regeneration on demand, without zonal dominance by a putative pericentral stem cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianliang Sun
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Monika Pikiolek
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa Orsini
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Bergling
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sjoerd Holwerda
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lapo Morelli
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp S Hoppe
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lara Planas-Paz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yi Yang
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Heinz Ruffner
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tewis Bouwmeester
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Felix Lohmann
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Guglielmo Roma
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Feng Cong
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jan S Tchorz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.
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82
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Magaway C, Kim E, Jacinto E. Targeting mTOR and Metabolism in Cancer: Lessons and Innovations. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121584. [PMID: 31817676 PMCID: PMC6952948 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells support their growth and proliferation by reprogramming their metabolism in order to gain access to nutrients. Despite the heterogeneity in genetic mutations that lead to tumorigenesis, a common alteration in tumors occurs in pathways that upregulate nutrient acquisition. A central signaling pathway that controls metabolic processes is the mTOR pathway. The elucidation of the regulation and functions of mTOR can be traced to the discovery of the natural compound, rapamycin. Studies using rapamycin have unraveled the role of mTOR in the control of cell growth and metabolism. By sensing the intracellular nutrient status, mTOR orchestrates metabolic reprogramming by controlling nutrient uptake and flux through various metabolic pathways. The central role of mTOR in metabolic rewiring makes it a promising target for cancer therapy. Numerous clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the efficacy of mTOR inhibition for cancer treatment. Rapamycin analogs have been approved to treat specific types of cancer. Since rapamycin does not fully inhibit mTOR activity, new compounds have been engineered to inhibit the catalytic activity of mTOR to more potently block its functions. Despite highly promising pre-clinical studies, early clinical trial results of these second generation mTOR inhibitors revealed increased toxicity and modest antitumor activity. The plasticity of metabolic processes and seemingly enormous capacity of malignant cells to salvage nutrients through various mechanisms make cancer therapy extremely challenging. Therefore, identifying metabolic vulnerabilities in different types of tumors would present opportunities for rational therapeutic strategies. Understanding how the different sources of nutrients are metabolized not just by the growing tumor but also by other cells from the microenvironment, in particular, immune cells, will also facilitate the design of more sophisticated and effective therapeutic regimen. In this review, we discuss the functions of mTOR in cancer metabolism that have been illuminated from pre-clinical studies. We then review key findings from clinical trials that target mTOR and the lessons we have learned from both pre-clinical and clinical studies that could provide insights on innovative therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapy to target mTOR signaling and the metabolic network in cancer.
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83
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Dysregulation of glutaminase and glutamine synthetase in cancer. Cancer Lett 2019; 467:29-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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84
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Satriano L, Lewinska M, Rodrigues PM, Banales JM, Andersen JB. Metabolic rearrangements in primary liver cancers: cause and consequences. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 16:748-766. [PMID: 31666728 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0217-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is the fourth most frequent cause of cancer-related death. The high mortality rates arise from late diagnosis and the limited accuracy of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The liver is a major regulator, orchestrating the clearance of toxins, balancing glucose, lipid and amino acid uptake, managing whole-body metabolism and maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Tumour onset and progression is frequently accompanied by rearrangements of metabolic pathways, leading to dysregulation of metabolism. The limitation of current therapies targeting PLCs, such as hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, points towards the importance of deciphering this metabolic complexity. In this Review, we discuss the role of metabolic liver disruptions and the implications of these processes in PLCs, emphasizing their clinical relevance and value in early diagnosis and prognosis and as putative therapeutic targets. We also describe system biology approaches able to reconstruct the metabolic complexity of liver diseases. We also discuss whether metabolic rearrangements are a cause or consequence of PLCs, emphasizing the opportunity to clinically exploit the rewired metabolism. In line with this idea, we discuss circulating metabolites as promising biomarkers for PLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Satriano
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Monika Lewinska
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pedro M Rodrigues
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Jesus M Banales
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, San Sebastian, Spain.,National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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85
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Tao J, Han D, Gao S, Zhang W, Yu H, Liu P, Fu R, Li L, Shao Z. CD8 + T cells exhaustion induced by myeloid-derived suppressor cells in myelodysplastic syndromes patients might be through TIM3/Gal-9 pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:1046-1058. [PMID: 31756785 PMCID: PMC6933355 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells play a central role in antitumour immunity, which often exhibit ‘exhaustion’ in the setting of malignancy and chronic viral infection due to T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM3) and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Our team previously found that overactive MDSCs and exhausted TIM3+CD8+ T cells were observed in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients. However, it is not obvious whether MDSCs suppress CD8+ T cells through TIM3/Gal‐9 pathway. Here, Gal‐9, as the ligand of TIM3, was overexpressed in MDSCs. The levels of Gal‐9 in bone marrow supernatants, serum and culture supernatants of MDSCs from MDS patients were elevated. CD8+ T cells from MDS or normal controls produced less perforin and granzyme B and exhibited increased early apoptosis after co‐culture with MDSCs from MDS. Meanwhile, the cytokines produced by CD8+ T cells could be partially restored by TIM3/Gal‐9 pathway inhibitors. Furthermore, CD8+ T cells produced less perforin and granzyme B after co‐culture with excess exogenous Gal‐9, and the function of CD8+ T cells was similarly restored by TIM3/Gal‐9 pathway inhibitors. Expression of Notch1, EOMES (associated with perforin and granzyme B secretion), p‐mTOR and p‐AKT (associated with cell proliferation) was decreased in CD8+ T cells from MDS after co‐culture with excess exogenous Gal‐9. These suggested that MDSCs might be the donor of Gal‐9, and TIM3/Gal‐9 pathway might be involved in CD8+ T cells exhaustion in MDS, and that TIM3/Gal‐9 pathway inhibitor might be the promising candidate for target therapy of MDS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglian Tao
- Hematology Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dong Han
- Hematology Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Hematology Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Hematology Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Hematology Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Pei Liu
- Emergency Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Hematology Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Hematology Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zonghong Shao
- Hematology Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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86
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Kalasekar SM, Kotiyal S, Conley C, Phan C, Young A, Evason KJ. Heterogeneous beta-catenin activation is sufficient to cause hepatocellular carcinoma in zebrafish. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio047829. [PMID: 31575545 PMCID: PMC6826293 DOI: 10.1242/bio.047829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to 41% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) result from activating mutations in the CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin. HCC-associated CTNNB1 mutations stabilize the β-catenin protein, leading to nuclear and/or cytoplasmic localization of β-catenin and downstream activation of Wnt target genes. In patient HCC samples, β-catenin nuclear and cytoplasmic localization are typically patchy, even among HCC with highly active CTNNB1 mutations. The functional and clinical relevance of this heterogeneity in β-catenin activation are not well understood. To define mechanisms of β-catenin-driven HCC initiation, we generated a Cre-lox system that enabled switching on activated β-catenin in (1) a small number of hepatocytes in early development; or (2) the majority of hepatocytes in later development or adulthood. We discovered that switching on activated β-catenin in a subset of larval hepatocytes was sufficient to drive HCC initiation. To determine the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling heterogeneity later in hepatocarcinogenesis, we performed RNA-seq analysis of zebrafish β-catenin-driven HCC. At the single-cell level, 2.9% to 15.2% of hepatocytes from zebrafish β-catenin-driven HCC expressed two or more of the Wnt target genes axin2, mtor, glula, myca and wif1, indicating focal activation of Wnt signaling in established tumors. Thus, heterogeneous β-catenin activation drives HCC initiation and persists throughout hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharanya M Kalasekar
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Srishti Kotiyal
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Christopher Conley
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Cindy Phan
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Annika Young
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kimberley J Evason
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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87
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Mak KM, Png CYM. The Hepatic Central Vein: Structure, Fibrosis, and Role in Liver Biology. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:1747-1767. [PMID: 31581357 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The hepatic central vein is a primary source of Wnt2, Wnt9b, and R-spondin3. These angiocrines activate ß-catenin signaling to regulate hepatic metabolic zonation and perivenous gene expression in mice. Little is known about the central vein ultrastructure. Here, we describe the morphological-functional correlates of the central vein and its draining and branching patterns. Central vein fibrosis occurs in liver disease and is often accompanied by perivenous perisinusoidal fibrosis, which may affect perivenous gene expression. We review the biological properties of perivenous hepatocytes and glutamine synthetase that serve as a biomarker of perivenous hepatocytes. Glutamine synthetase and P4502E1 are indicators of ß-catenin activity in centrilobular liver injury and regeneration. The Wnt/ß-catenin pathway is the master regulator of hepatic metabolic zonation and perivenous gene expression and is modulated by the R-spondin-LGR4/5-ZNRF3/RNF43 module. We examined the structures of the molecules of these pathways and their involvements in liver biology. Central vein-derived Wnts and R-spondin3 participate in the cellular-molecular circuitry of the Wnt/ß-catenin and R-spondin-LGR4/5-ZNRF3/RNF43 module. The transport and secretion of lipidated Wnts in Wnt-producing cells require Wntless protein. Secreted Wnts are carried on exosomes in the extracellular matrix to responder cells. The modes of release of Wnts and R-spondin3 from central veins and their transit in the venular wall toward perivenous hepatocytes are unknown. We hypothesize that central vein fibrosis may impact perivenous gene expression. The proposal that the central vein constitutes an anatomical niche of perivenous stem cells that subserve homeostatic hepatic renewal still needs studies using additional mouse models for validation. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1747-1767, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki M Mak
- Department of Medical Education and Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - C Y Maximilian Png
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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88
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Perret C, Decaens T. Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors, New Drugs for Beta-Catenin-Mutated Hepatocellular Carcinomas? Hepatology 2019; 70:1473-1476. [PMID: 31095753 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Perret
- INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Decaens
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, Grenoble, France
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89
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Zhou WJ, Zhang J, Yang HL, Wu K, Xie F, Wu JN, Wang Y, Yao L, Zhuang Y, Xiang JD, Zhang AJ, He YY, Li MQ. Estrogen inhibits autophagy and promotes growth of endometrial cancer by promoting glutamine metabolism. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:99. [PMID: 31429768 PMCID: PMC6700828 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0412-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Excessive estrogen exposure is an important pathogenic factor in uterine endometrial cancer (UEC). Recent studies have reported the metabolic properties can influence the progression of UEC. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Methods Glutaminase (GLS), MYC and autophagy levels were detected. The biological functions of estrogen-MYC-GLS in UEC cells (UECC) were investigated both in vivo and in vitro. Results Our study showed that estrogen remarkably increased GLS level through up-regulating c-Myc, and enhanced glutamine (Gln) metabolism in estrogen-sensitive UEC cell (UECC), whereas fulvestrant (an ER inhibitor antagonist) could reverse these effects. Estrogen remarkably promoted cell viability and inhibited autophagy of estrogen sensitive UECC. However, CB-839, a potent selective oral bioavailable inhibitor of both splice variants of GLS, negatively regulated Gln metabolism, and inhibited the effects of Gln and estrogen on UECC’s growth and autophagy in vitro and / or in vivo. Conclusions CB-839 triggers autophagy and restricts growth of UEC by suppressing ER/Gln metabolism, which provides new insights into the potential value of CB-839 in clinical treatment of estrogen-related UEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jie Zhou
- Center of Reproductive Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.,NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, No.1326, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, No.1326, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Wu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, No.1326, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Xie
- Insititue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Nan Wu
- Clinical Epidemiology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- Insititue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yao
- Insititue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Dong Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai-Jun Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yin-Yan He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, No.1326, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China. .,Insititue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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90
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Katsuda T, Matsuzaki J, Yamaguchi T, Yamada Y, Prieto-Vila M, Hosaka K, Takeuchi A, Saito Y, Ochiya T. Generation of human hepatic progenitor cells with regenerative and metabolic capacities from primary hepatocytes. eLife 2019; 8:47313. [PMID: 31393263 PMCID: PMC6731094 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocytes are regarded as the only effective cell source for cell transplantation to treat liver diseases; however, their availability is limited due to a donor shortage. Thus, a novel cell source must be developed. We recently reported that mature rodent hepatocytes can be reprogrammed into progenitor-like cells with a repopulative capacity using small molecule inhibitors. Here, we demonstrate that hepatic progenitor cells can be obtained from human infant hepatocytes using the same strategy. These cells, named human chemically induced liver progenitors (hCLiPs), had a significant repopulative capacity in injured mouse livers following transplantation. hCLiPs redifferentiated into mature hepatocytes in vitro upon treatment with hepatic maturation-inducing factors. These redifferentiated cells exhibited cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymatic activities in response to CYP-inducing molecules and these activities were comparable with those in primary human hepatocytes. These findings will facilitate liver cell transplantation therapy and drug discovery studies. One of the most successful treatments for liver disease is transplanting a donor liver into a patient. But demands for donor livers far outstrips supply. A promising alternative could be, rather than replacing the whole organ, to transplant patients with individual liver cells called hepatocytes. These cells can then move into the liver, replace damaged cells, and help support the organ. However, hepatocytes are also in short supply, as despite the liver’s amazing regenerative abilities, these cells struggle to divide outside of the body. Improving how these cells multiply, could therefore help more people receive hepatocyte transplants. In 2017, researchers found a way to convert mouse and rat hepatocytes into cells that could divide more rapidly using a cocktail of three small molecules. These 'chemically induced liver progenitors', or CLiPs for short, were able to mature into working hepatocytes and support injured mouse livers. But, discoveries made in rats and mice are not always applicable to humans. Now, Katsuda et al. – including some of the researchers involved in the 2017 work – have set out to investigate whether CLiPs can also be made from human cells, and if so, whether these cells can be used for hepatocyte transplantations. Using a similar cocktail of molecules, Katsuda et al. managed to convert infant human hepatocytes into CLiPs. As with the rodent cells, these human CLiPs were able to turn back into mature, working liver cells. When transplanted into mice with genetic liver diseases, the human CLiPs moved into the liver and became part of the organ. These transplanted cells were able to reconstruct the liver tissue of diseased mice, and in some cases, replaced more than 90% of the liver’s damaged cells. Developing human CLiP technology could provide a new way to support people on the waiting list for liver transplantation. But there are some obstacles still to overcome. At present the technique only works with hepatocytes from infant donors. The next step is to improve the method so that it works with liver cells donated by adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Katsuda
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Juntaro Matsuzaki
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Yamaguchi
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yamada
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Marta Prieto-Vila
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunori Hosaka
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Takeuchi
- Division of Analytical Laboratory, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Saito
- Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ochiya
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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91
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Viveiros P, Riaz A, Lewandowski RJ, Mahalingam D. Current State of Liver-Directed Therapies and Combinatory Approaches with Systemic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081085. [PMID: 31370248 PMCID: PMC6721343 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing set of liver-directed therapies (LDT) have become an integral part of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. These range from percutaneous ablative techniques to arterial embolization, and varied radiotherapy strategies. They are now used for local disease control, symptom palliation, and bold curative strategies. The big challenge in the face of these innovative and sometimes overlapping technologies is to identify the best opportunity of use. In real practice, many patients may take benefit from LDT used as a bridge to curative treatment such as resection and liver transplantation. Varying trans-arterial embolization strategies are used, and comparison between established and developing technologies is scarce. Also, radioembolization utilizing yttrium-90 (Y-90) for locally advanced or intermediate-stage HCC needs further evidence of clinical efficacy. There is increasing interest on LDT-led changes in tumor biology that could have implications in systemic therapy efficacy. Foremost, additional to its apoptotic and necrotic properties, LDT could warrant changes in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and release. However, trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) used alongside tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) sorafenib has had its efficacy contested. Most recently, interest in associating Y-90 and TKI has emerged. Furthermore, LDT-led differences in tumor immune microenvironment and immune cell infiltration could be an opportunity to enhance immunotherapy efficacy for HCC patients. Early attempts to coordinate LDT and immunotherapy are being made. We here review LDT techniques exposing current evidence to understand its extant reach and future applications alongside systemic therapy development for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Viveiros
- Developmental Therapeutics, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ahsun Riaz
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Robert J Lewandowski
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Devalingam Mahalingam
- Developmental Therapeutics, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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92
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Wang W, Smits R, Hao H, He C. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Liver Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E926. [PMID: 31269694 PMCID: PMC6679127 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is among the leading global healthcare issues associated with high morbidity and mortality. Liver cancer consists of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), hepatoblastoma (HB), and several other rare tumors. Progression has been witnessed in understanding the interactions between etiological as well as environmental factors and the host in the development of liver cancers. However, the pathogenesis remains poorly understood, hampering the design of rational strategies aiding in preventing liver cancers. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in the initiation and progression of HCC, CCA, and HB. Targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling potentiates a novel avenue for liver cancer treatment, which may benefit from the development of numerous small-molecule inhibitors and biologic agents in this field. In this review, we discuss the interaction between various etiological factors and components of Wnt/β-catenin signaling early in the precancerous lesion and the acquired mechanisms to further enhance Wnt/β-catenin signaling to promote robust cancer formation at later stages. Additionally, we shed light on current relevant inhibitors tested in liver cancers and provide future perspectives for preclinical and clinical liver cancer studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center and Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Haiping Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Chaoyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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93
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Mo Y, Wang Y, Zhang L, Yang L, Zhou M, Li X, Li Y, Li G, Zeng Z, Xiong W, Xiong F, Guo C. The role of Wnt signaling pathway in tumor metabolic reprogramming. J Cancer 2019; 10:3789-3797. [PMID: 31333796 PMCID: PMC6636296 DOI: 10.7150/jca.31166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and development of tumors is a complex process involving long-term multi-factor participation. In this process, tumor cells from a set of abnormal metabolic patterns that are different from normal cells. This abnormal metabolic change is called metabolic reprogramming of tumors. Wnt signaling pathway is one of the critical signaling pathways regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. In recent years, it has been found that Wnt signaling participates in the occurrence and development of malignant tumors by affecting metabolic reprogramming. This paper reviews the role of Wnt signaling in tumor metabolic reprogramming to provide crucial theoretical guidance for targeted therapy and drug response of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhen Mo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yumin Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Lishen Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Liting Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
| | - Guiyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fang Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Can Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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94
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Abstract
CTNNB1, encoding β-catenin, is frequently mutated in hepatocellular carcinoma, the most rapidly growing solid cancer in the US, and activating mutations in this gene are associated with increased expression of glutamine synthetase. A new report by Adebayo Michael et al. (2019) identifies mTOR as a direct target of WNT/β-catenin signaling through increased production of glutamine, which is required for the carcinogenic effects of WNT/β-catenin activity in the liver.
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95
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Yu XN, Chen H, Liu TT, Wu J, Zhu JM, Shen XZ. Targeting the mTOR regulatory network in hepatocellular carcinoma: Are we making headway? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1871:379-391. [PMID: 30951815 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway coordinates organismal growth and homeostasis in response to growth factors, nutrients, and cellular energy stage. The pathway regulates several major cellular processes and is implicated in various pathological conditions, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review summarizes recent advances of the mTOR pathway, highlights the potential of the mTOR pathway as a therapeutic target, and explores clinical trials targeting the mTOR pathway in HCC. Although the review focuses on the mTOR pathway involved in HCC, more comprehensive discussions (eg, developing a rational design for future trials targeting the mTOR pathway) are also applicable to other tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Nan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao-Tao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Min Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xi-Zhong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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96
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Sun C, Zhang G, Cheng S, Qian H, Li D, Liu M. URG11 promotes proliferation and induced apoptosis of LNCaP cells. Int J Mol Med 2019; 43:2075-2085. [PMID: 30864678 PMCID: PMC6443344 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
von Willebrand factor C and EGF domain-containing protein (URG11), a cell growth regulator, is involved in the progression of a variety of types of cancer, including prostate cancer (Pca). However, the functions of the URG11 gene in Pca cells require in-depth investigation. The mRNA and protein levels of URG11 were measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis. Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound-healing and Transwell assays were used to detect cell viability, migration and invasion, respectively. Apoptosis and cell cycle analyses were performed using flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of epithelial (E)-cadherin, vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), cyclin D1 and MYC proto-oncogene protein (c-Myc) were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. In the present study, the mRNA and protein levels of URG11 were markedly upregulated in Pca cell lines compared with those in the normal prostate epithelial cell line. With functional experiments, the cell viability, migration and invasion of Pca cells were markedly promoted by URG11 overexpression. The cell cycle was effectively induced by URG11 and apoptosis was inhibited by the overexpression of URG11. Concomitantly, the epithelial marker E-cadherin was downregulated, and the mesenchymal markers vimentin and α-SMA were upregulated following URG11 overexpression. By contrast, genetic knockout of URG11 elicited the opposite effects. The present study also identified that the downstream effector genes of the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway, cyclin D1 and c-Myc, were increased following the overexpression of endogenous URG11, which are known to regulate cell proliferation. In addition, the Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor FH535 ameliorated the promotive effects of URG11 on LNCaP cells viability, migration and invasion, and the Wnt/β-catenin agonist LiCl reversed the inhibitory effects of siURG11 in LNCaP cells on cell viability, migration and invasion. The present study demonstrated that URG11 served an oncogenic role in the development of Pca cells and provided evidence that URG11 has potential as a novel therapeutic target in Pca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenmin Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, P.R. China
| | - Guangming Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, P.R. China
| | - Shujie Cheng
- Department of Urology, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, P.R. China
| | - Haining Qian
- Department of Urology, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, P.R. China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Urology, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, P.R. China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, P.R. China
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