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Shroff RT, Javle MM, Xiao L, Kaseb AO, Varadhachary GR, Wolff RA, Raghav KPS, Iwasaki M, Masci P, Ramanathan RK, Ahn DH, Bekaii-Saab TS, Borad MJ. Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, and nab-Paclitaxel for the Treatment of Advanced Biliary Tract Cancers: A Phase 2 Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol 2020; 5:824-830. [PMID: 30998813 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.0270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 291] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Importance Administration of gemcitabine-cisplatin, the current standard therapy for advanced biliary tract cancers, results in median progression-free survival and overall survival of 8.0 and 11.7 months, respectively. New treatments offering improved survival outcomes are therefore needed. Objective To evaluate the association between progression-free survival and the addition of nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab)-paclitaxel to gemcitabine-cisplatin for the treatment of patients with advanced biliary tract cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants This open-label, single-arm, phase 2 clinical trial conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, enrolled 62 patients with advanced biliary tract cancers between April 14, 2015, and April 24, 2017. Interventions Patients initially received gemcitabine, 1000 mg/m2, cisplatin, 25 mg/m2, and nab-paclitaxel, 125 mg/m2, on days 1 and 8 of 21-day cycles. Owing to hematologic adverse events among the first 32 patients enrolled, these starting doses were reduced to 800, 25, and 100 mg/m2, respectively, for the remaining 28 patients. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary trial end point was investigator-assessed progression-free survival in the intention-to-treat population. Results Of 60 patients who started treatment, the mean (SD) age was 58.4 (11.0) years, 38 (63%) had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 9 (15%) had extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 13 (22%) had gallbladder cancer, 47 (78%) had metastatic disease, and 13 (22%) had locally advanced disease. Median follow-up was 12.2 (95% CI, 9.4-19.4) months, and median progression-free survival was 11.8 (95% CI, 6.0 to 15.6) months. The partial response rate was 45%, and the disease control rate was 84%. Median overall survival was 19.2 months (95% CI, 13.2 months to not estimable). Patients in the safety population (n = 57) received a median of 6 (interquartile range, 3-11) cycles of treatment; 26 patients (46%) remained on their starting dose throughout the trial. Grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in 58% of patients, and 9 patients (16%) withdrew owing to adverse events. Neutropenia was the most common grade 3 or higher adverse event, occurring in 19 patients (33%) overall. Post hoc analyses showed that treatment efficacy was not significantly associated with starting dose, tumor type, or disease status and that tolerability was improved with reduced- vs high-dose treatment. Conclusions and Relevance Treatment with nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine-cisplatin prolonged median progression-free survival and overall survival vs those reported for historical controls treated with gemcitabine-cisplatin alone. These findings will be tested in a phase 3 randomized clinical trial. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02392637.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachna T Shroff
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson
| | - Milind M Javle
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Lianchun Xiao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Ahmed O Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Gauri R Varadhachary
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Robert A Wolff
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Kanwal P S Raghav
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Michiko Iwasaki
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Peter Masci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
| | | | - Daniel H Ahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
| | | | - Mitesh J Borad
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
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Das D, Fayazzadeh E, Li X, Koirala N, Wadera A, Lang M, Zernic M, Panick C, Nesbitt P, McLennan G. Quiescent hepatic stellate cells induce toxicity and sensitivity to doxorubicin in cancer cells through a caspase-independent cell death pathway: Central role of apoptosis-inducing factor. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:6167-6182. [PMID: 31975386 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem worldwide and in the United States as its incidence has increased substantially within the past two decades. HCC therapy remains a challenge, primarily due to underlying liver disorders such as cirrhosis that determines treatment approach and efficacy. Activated hepatic stellate cells (A-HSCs) are the key cell types involved in hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis. A-HSCs are important constituents of HCC tumor microenvironment (TME) and support tumor growth, chemotherapy resistance, cancer cell migration, and escaping immune surveillance. This makes A-HSCs an important therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis as well as in HCC. Although many studies have reported the role of A-HSCs in cancer generation and investigated the therapeutic potential of A-HSCs reversion in cancer arrest, not much is known about inactivated or quiescent HSCs (Q-HSCs) in cancer growth or arrest. Here we report that Q-HSCs resist cancer cell growth by inducing cytotoxicity and enhancing chemotherapy sensitivity. We observed that the conditioned media from Q-HSCs (Q-HSCCM) induces cancer cell death through a caspase-independent mechanism that involves an increase in apoptosis-inducing factor expression, nuclear localization, DNA fragmentation, and cell death. We further observed that Q-HSCCM enhanced the efficiency of doxorubicin, as measured by cell viability assay. Exosomes present in the conditioned media were not involved in the mechanism, which suggests the role of other factors (proteins, metabolites, or microRNA) secreted by the cells. Identification and characterization of these factors are important in the development of effective HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dola Das
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ehsan Fayazzadeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Section of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nischal Koirala
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Akshay Wadera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Min Lang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maximilian Zernic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Catherine Panick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Dotter Department of Interventional Radiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Pete Nesbitt
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, Pennsylvania
| | - Gordon McLennan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Section of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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53
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Zhang R, Gao X, Zuo J, Hu B, Yang J, Zhao J, Chen J. STMN1 upregulation mediates hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic stellate cell crosstalk to aggravate cancer by triggering the MET pathway. Cancer Sci 2019; 111:406-417. [PMID: 31785057 PMCID: PMC7004522 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STMN1 has been regarded as an oncogene and its upregulation is closely associated with malignant behavior and poor prognosis in multiple cancers. However, the detailed functions and underlying mechanisms of STMN1 are still largely unknown in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Herein, we analyzed STMN1 expression and the related clinical significance in HCC by using well‐established Protein Atlas, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cancer databases. Analysis indicated that STMN1 was highly expressed in HCC and closely associated with vascular invasion, higher histological grade, advanced clinical grade and shorter survival time in HCC patients. Overexpressing and silencing STMN1 in HCC cell lines showed that STMN1 could regulate cell proliferation, migration, drug resistance, cancer stem cell properties in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo. Further experiments showed that STMN1 mediated intricate crosstalk between HCC and hepatic stellate cells (HSC) by triggering the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET signal pathway. When HSC were cocultured with HCC cells, HSC secreted more HGF to stimulate the expression of STMN1 in HCC cells. Mutually, STMN1 upregulation in HCC cells facilitated HSC activation to acquire cancer‐associated fibroblast (CAF) features. The MET inhibitor crizotinib significantly blocked this crosstalk and slowed tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, our findings shed new insight on STMN1 function, and suggest that STMN1 may be used as a potential marker to identify patients who may benefit from MET inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomei Gao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieliang Zuo
- Department of General Surgery, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beiyuan Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jimeng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Lin Y, Li B, Yang X, Cai Q, Liu W, Tian M, Luo H, Yin W, Song Y, Shi Y, He R. Fibroblastic FAP promotes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma growth via MDSCs recruitment. Neoplasia 2019; 21:1133-1142. [PMID: 31759251 PMCID: PMC6880109 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmoplasia is a hallmark of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), which constitutes a barrier to infiltration of lymphocyte, but not myeloid cells. Given that dense desmoplastic stroma has been reported to be a barrier to infiltration of lymphocyte, but not myeloid cells. We here investigated whether fibroblastic FAP influenced ICC progression via non-T cell-related immune mechanisms. We demonstrated fibroblastic FAP expression was critical for STAT3 activation and CCL2 production, and ICC-CAFs were the primary source of CCL2 in human ICC microenvironment by using ICC-Fbs from six ICC patients. Fibroblastic knockdown of FAP significantly impaired the ability of ICC-CAFs to promote ICC growth, MDSCs infiltration and angiogenesis, which was restored by adding exogenous CCL2. Furthermore, interestingly, the tumor-promoting effect of fibroblastic FAP is dependent on MDSCs via secretion of CCL2, as depletion of Gr-1+ cells reversed the restoring effects of exogenous CCL2 on tumor growth and angiogenesis. In vitro migration assay confirmed that exogenous CCL2 could rescue the impaired ability of ICC-Fbs to attract Gr-1+ cells caused by fibroblastic FAP knockdown. In contrast, fibroblastic FAP knockdown had no effect on ICC cell proliferation and apoptotic resistance. Depletion MDSCs by anti-Gr-1 monoclonal antibody in subcutaneous transplanted tumor model abrogated tumor promotion by ICC-CAFs suggested that the pro-tumor function of Fibroblastic FAP relied on MDSCs. Mechanical, flow cytometry and chamber migration assay were conducted to find Fibroblastic FAP was required by the ability of ICC-CAFs to promote MDSC migration directly. Moreover, fibroblastic FAP knockdown had no effect on cell proliferation and apoptotic resistance. Here, we revealed the T-cell independent mechanisms underlying the ICC-promoting effect of fibroblastic FAP by attracting MDSCs via CCL2, which was mainly attributed to the ability of FAP to attract MDSCs and suggests that specific targeting fibroblastic FAP may represent a promising therapeutic strategy against ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Lin
- Department of Immunology and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, China
| | - Bingji Li
- Department of Immunology and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xuguang Yang
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Cai
- Department of Immunology and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weiren Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, 20032, China
| | - Mengxin Tian
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, 20032, China
| | - Haoyang Luo
- Department of Immunology and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Yin
- Department of Immunology and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Song
- Department of Immunology and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yinghong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, 20032, China.
| | - Rui He
- Department of Immunology and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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55
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Tutusaus A, de Gregorio E, Cucarull B, Cristóbal H, Aresté C, Graupera I, Coll M, Colell A, Gausdal G, Lorens JB, García de Frutos P, Morales A, Marí M. A Functional Role of GAS6/TAM in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Progression Implicates AXL as Therapeutic Target. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 9:349-368. [PMID: 31689560 PMCID: PMC7013198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2019.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS GAS6 signaling, through the TAM receptor tyrosine kinases AXL and MERTK, participates in chronic liver pathologies. Here, we addressed GAS6/TAM involvement in Non-Alcoholic SteatoHepatitis (NASH) development. METHODS GAS6/TAM signaling was analyzed in cultured primary hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and Kupffer cells (KCs). Axl-/-, Mertk-/- and wild-type C57BL/6 mice were fed with Chow, High Fat Choline-Deficient Methionine-Restricted (HFD) or methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet. HSC activation, liver inflammation and cytokine/chemokine production were measured by qPCR, mRNA Array analysis, western blotting and ELISA. GAS6, soluble AXL (sAXL) and MERTK (sMERTK) levels were analyzed in control individuals, steatotic and NASH patients. RESULTS In primary mouse cultures, GAS6 or MERTK activation protected primary hepatocytes against lipid toxicity via AKT/STAT-3 signaling, while bemcentinib (small molecule AXL inhibitor BGB324) blocked AXL-induced fibrogenesis in primary HSCs and cytokine production in LPS-treated KCs. Accordingly; bemcentinib diminished liver inflammation and fibrosis in MCD- and HFD-fed mice. Upregulation of AXL and ADAM10/ADAM17 metalloproteinases increased sAXL in HFD-fed mice. Transcriptome profiling revealed major reduction in fibrotic- and inflammatory-related genes in HFD-fed mice after bemcentinib administration. HFD-fed Mertk-/- mice exhibited enhanced NASH, while Axl-/- mice were partially protected. In human serum, sAXL levels augmented even at initial stages, whereas GAS6 and sMERTK increased only in cirrhotic NASH patients. In agreement, sAXL increased in HFD-fed mice before fibrosis establishment, while bemcentinib prevented liver fibrosis/inflammation in early NASH. CONCLUSION AXL signaling, increased in NASH patients, promotes fibrosis in HSCs and inflammation in KCs, while GAS6 protects cultured hepatocytes against lipotoxicity via MERTK. Bemcentinib, by blocking AXL signaling and increasing GAS6 levels, reduces experimental NASH, revealing AXL as an effective therapeutic target for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tutusaus
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona-Spanish Council of Scientific Research, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain,Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estefanía de Gregorio
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona-Spanish Council of Scientific Research, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Blanca Cucarull
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona-Spanish Council of Scientific Research, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain,Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Cristóbal
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona-Spanish Council of Scientific Research, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Aresté
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona-Spanish Council of Scientific Research, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Graupera
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Coll
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Colell
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona-Spanish Council of Scientific Research, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - James B. Lorens
- BerGenBio AS, Bergen, Norway,Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Pablo García de Frutos
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona-Spanish Council of Scientific Research, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Montserrat Marí, PhD, Albert Morales, PhD, or Pablo García de Frutos, PhD, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), C/ Rosselló 161, 6th Floor, 08036 Barcelona, Spain. fax: +34-93-3638301.
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona-Spanish Council of Scientific Research, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain,Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Biomedical Research Networking Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases, Barcelona, Spain,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Montserrat Marí, PhD, Albert Morales, PhD, or Pablo García de Frutos, PhD, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), C/ Rosselló 161, 6th Floor, 08036 Barcelona, Spain. fax: +34-93-3638301.
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona-Spanish Council of Scientific Research, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Montserrat Marí, PhD, Albert Morales, PhD, or Pablo García de Frutos, PhD, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), C/ Rosselló 161, 6th Floor, 08036 Barcelona, Spain. fax: +34-93-3638301.
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Deregulated Lysophosphatidic Acid Metabolism and Signaling in Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111626. [PMID: 31652837 PMCID: PMC6893780 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide due to late diagnosis and scarcity of treatment options. The major risk factor for liver cancer is cirrhosis with the underlying causes of cirrhosis being viral infection (hepatitis B or C), metabolic deregulation (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the presence of obesity and diabetes), alcohol or cholestatic disorders. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid with numerous effects, most of them compatible with the hallmarks of cancer (proliferation, migration, invasion, survival, evasion of apoptosis, deregulated metabolism, neoangiogenesis, etc.). Autotaxin (ATX) is the enzyme responsible for the bulk of extracellular LPA production, and together with LPA signaling is involved in chronic inflammatory diseases, fibrosis and cancer. This review discusses the most important findings and the mechanisms related to ATX/LPA/LPAR involvement on metabolic, viral and cholestatic liver disorders and their progression to liver cancer in the context of human patients and mouse models. It focuses on the role of ATX/LPA in NAFLD development and its progression to liver cancer as NAFLD has an increasing incidence which is associated with the increasing incidence of liver cancer. Bearing in mind that adipose tissue accounts for the largest amount of LPA production, many studies have implicated LPA in adipose tissue metabolism and inflammation, liver steatosis, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and lipogenesis. At the same time, LPA and ATX play crucial roles in fibrotic diseases. Given that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is usually developed on the background of liver fibrosis, therapies that both delay the progression of fibrosis and prevent its development to malignancy would be very promising. Therefore, ATX/LPA signaling appears as an attractive therapeutic target as evidenced by the fact that it is involved in both liver fibrosis progression and liver cancer development.
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Kendall TJ, Duff CM, Boulter L, Wilson DH, Freyer E, Aitken S, Forbes SJ, Iredale JP, Hastie ND. Embryonic mesothelial-derived hepatic lineage of quiescent and heterogenous scar-orchestrating cells defined but suppressed by WT1. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4688. [PMID: 31615982 PMCID: PMC6794268 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12701-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) orchestrate scarring during liver injury, with putative quiescent precursor mesodermal derivation. Here we use lineage-tracing from development, through adult homoeostasis, to fibrosis, to define morphologically and transcriptionally discreet subpopulations of aHSCs by expression of WT1, a transcription factor controlling morphological transitions in organogenesis and adult homoeostasis. Two distinct populations of aHSCs express WT1 after injury, and both re-engage a transcriptional signature reflecting embryonic mesothelial origin of their discreet quiescent adult precursor. WT1-deletion enhances fibrogenesis after injury, through upregulated Wnt-signalling and modulation of genes central to matrix persistence in aHSCs, and augmentation of myofibroblastic transition. The mesothelial-derived lineage demonstrates punctuated phenotypic plasticity through bidirectional mesothelial-mesenchymal transitions. Our findings demonstrate functional heterogeneity of adult scar-orchestrating cells that can be whole-life traced back through specific quiescent adult precursors to differential origin in development, and define WT1 as a paradoxical regulator of aHSCs induced by injury but suppressing scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy James Kendall
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
| | - Catherine Mary Duff
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Luke Boulter
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David H Wilson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Elisabeth Freyer
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Stuart Aitken
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Stuart John Forbes
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - John Peter Iredale
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
- Senate House, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TH, UK
| | - Nicholas Dixon Hastie
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
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Papoutsoglou P, Louis C, Coulouarn C. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGFβ) Signaling Pathway in Cholangiocarcinoma. Cells 2019; 8:cells8090960. [PMID: 31450767 PMCID: PMC6770250 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma is a deadly cancer worldwide, associated with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Although cholangiocarcinoma accounts for less than 15% of liver primary cancer, its silent nature restricts early diagnosis and prevents efficient treatment. Therefore, it is of clinical relevance to better understand the molecular basis of cholangiocarcinoma, including the signaling pathways that contribute to tumor onset and progression. In this review, we discuss the genetic, molecular, and environmental factors that promote cholangiocarcinoma, emphasizing the role of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway in the progression of this cancer. We provide an overview of the physiological functions of TGFβ signaling in preserving liver homeostasis and describe how advanced cholangiocarcinoma benefits from the tumor-promoting effects of TGFβ. Moreover, we report the importance of noncoding RNAs as effector molecules downstream of TGFβ during cholangiocarcinoma progression, and conclude by highlighting the need for identifying novel and clinically relevant biomarkers for a better management of patients with cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Papoutsoglou
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, Inra, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer), UMR_S 1241, 35033 Rennes, France
| | - Corentin Louis
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, Inra, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer), UMR_S 1241, 35033 Rennes, France
| | - Cédric Coulouarn
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, Inra, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer), UMR_S 1241, 35033 Rennes, France.
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Li J, You S, Zhang S, Hu Q, Wang F, Chi X, Zhao W, Xie C, Zhang C, Yu Y, Liu J, Zhao Y, Liu P, Zhang Y, Wei X, Li Q, Wang X, Yin Z. Elevated N-methyltransferase expression induced by hepatic stellate cells contributes to the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via regulation of the CD44v3 isoform. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:1993-2009. [PMID: 31294922 PMCID: PMC6717763 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The cross‐talk between hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatic carcinoma cells contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. We report here that activated HSCs induce upregulation of nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase (NNMT), which is known to regulate multiple metabolic pathways in hepatoma cells of the liver. High levels of NNMT in HCC tissues were positively correlated with vascular invasion, increased serum HBV‐DNA levels, and distant metastasis. In addition, functional assays showed that NNMT promoted HCC cell invasion and metastasis by altering the histone H3 methylation on 27 methylation pattern and transcriptionally activating cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44). NNMT‐mediated N6‐methyladenosine modification of CD44 mRNA resulted in the formation of a CD44v3 splice variant, while its product 1‐methyl‐nicotinamide stabilized CD44 protein by preventing ubiquitin‐mediated degradation. Finally, NNMT was also shown to be a target of statins that inhibited metastasis of hepatoma cells. Taken together, our study shows for the first time that the NNMT/CD44v3 axis regulates HCC metastasis and presents NNMT as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Song You
- Graduate College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qing Hu
- Medicine Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Xianyue Hospital, Fujian, China
| | - Fuqiang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoqin Chi
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Wenxiu Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Chengrong Xie
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Changmao Zhang
- Graduate College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yaqi Yu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Jianmin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Pingguo Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Xujin Wei
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, ZhongShan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
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Falcomatà C, Bärthel S, Schneider G, Saur D, Veltkamp C. Deciphering the universe of genetic context-dependencies using mouse models of cancer. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2019; 54:97-104. [PMID: 31078084 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Molecular profiling of cancer patients and modelling of human cancer in mice revealed cell type and tissue-specific differences in tumor development and evolution. However, the context-dependent determinants of cancer remain poorly understood. A systematic characterization of the biological underpinnings of context-specificity will, therefore, be pivotal to design more effective therapies. In this review article, we focus on recent advances on molecular, cellular and microenvironmental aspects of context-dependency. We highlight new strategies to study this phenomenon in tumorigenesis and tumor evolution. Notably, we elucidate tissue and cell type-specific signaling cues as well as tumor microenvironment niches, using novel next-generation dual and triple recombinase-based mouse models of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Falcomatà
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany; Institute of Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bärthel
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany; Institute of Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Günter Schneider
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany; Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany; Institute of Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany; Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany.
| | - Christian Veltkamp
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany; Institute of Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany
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61
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Li W, Liao X, Ning P, Cao Y, Zhang M, Bu Y, Lv J, Jia Q. Paracrine effects of CCN3 from non-cancerous hepatic cells increase signaling and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:395. [PMID: 31029128 PMCID: PMC6486990 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5603-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The liver microenvironment plays a key role in the progression and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Gene expression profiling of non-cancerous hepatic tissues obtained from patients with metastatic HCC exhibit a unique immune response signature, including upregulation of CCN3. However, the role of CCN3 secreted from non-cancerous hepatic tissues in the progression of HCC remains unclear. METHODS Using tissue microarrays, we examined CCN3 in non-cancerous hepatic tissues of patients with HCC and correlated expression with clinical and pathological features. In addition, CCN3 localization and mechanisms of HCC progression were investigated in tissues and cell lines. Finally, correlations between CCN3 and cirrhosis were explored in patients. RESULTS CCN3 was primarily localized to hepatic cells of non-cancerous hepatic tissues and was associated with vascular invasion and poor prognosis in patients with HCC. CCN3 expression in non-cancerous hepatic tissues also correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis. Compared with conditioned media from wild-type LO2 cells, conditioned media from hepatic cell line LO2 activated by LX2 (aLO2-CM) induced CCN3 expression and HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. Further, aLO2-CM activated MAPK signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HCC cells. Finally, CCN3 was inversely related to cirrhosis in the prognosis of HCC and negatively regulated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro with downregulation of α-SMA, TGF-β, and collagens. CONCLUSIONS CCN3 was secreted from hepatic cells activated by HSCs and increased MAPK signaling, EMT, proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. CCN3 was also inversely related to cirrhosis, regulating HSCs through a negative feedback loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Li
- Department of Nutrition, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xia Liao
- Department of Nutrition, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Pengbo Ning
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yang Bu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750001, China
| | - Jun Lv
- Clinical Research Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Qingan Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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62
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Cheng HS, Lee JXT, Wahli W, Tan NS. Exploiting vulnerabilities of cancer by targeting nuclear receptors of stromal cells in tumor microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:51. [PMID: 30925918 PMCID: PMC6441226 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-0971-9] [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: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a complex and dynamic cellular community comprising the tumor epithelium and various tumor-supporting cells such as immune cells, fibroblasts, immunosuppressive cells, adipose cells, endothelial cells, and pericytes. The interplay between the tumor microenvironment and tumor cells represents a key contributor to immune evasiveness, physiological hardiness and the local and systemic invasiveness of malignant cells. Nuclear receptors are master regulators of physiological processes and are known to play pro-/anti-oncogenic activities in tumor cells. However, the actions of nuclear receptors in tumor-supporting cells have not been widely studied. Given the excellent druggability and extensive regulatory effects of nuclear receptors, understanding their biological functionality in the tumor microenvironment is of utmost importance. Therefore, the present review aims to summarize recent evidence about the roles of nuclear receptors in tumor-supporting cells and their implications for malignant processes such as tumor proliferation, evasion of immune surveillance, angiogenesis, chemotherapeutic resistance, and metastasis. Based on findings derived mostly from cell culture studies and a few in vivo animal cancer models, the functions of VDR, PPARs, AR, ER and GR in tumor-supporting cells are relatively well-characterized. Evidence for other receptors, such as RARβ, RORγ, and FXR, is limited yet promising. Hence, the nuclear receptor signature in the tumor microenvironment may harbor prognostic value. The clinical prospects of a tumor microenvironment-oriented cancer therapy exploiting the nuclear receptors in different tumor-supporting cells are also encouraging. The major challenge, however, lies in the ability to develop a highly specific drug delivery system to facilitate precision medicine in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Sheng Cheng
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
| | - Jeannie Xue Ting Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Walter Wahli
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore.,INRA ToxAlim, UMR1331, Chemin de Tournefeuille, Toulouse Cedex 3, France.,Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Le Génopode, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nguan Soon Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore. .,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore.
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63
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Imai Y, Yoshida O, Watanabe T, Yukimoto A, Koizumi Y, Ikeda Y, Tokumoto Y, Hirooka M, Abe M, Hiasa Y. Stimulated hepatic stellate cell promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma due to protein kinase R activation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212589. [PMID: 30794626 PMCID: PMC6386440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were reported to promote the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however its mechanism is uncertain. We previously reported that protein kinase R (PKR) in hepatocytes regulated HCC proliferation. In this study, we focused on the role of PKR in HSCs, and clarified the mechanism of its association with HCC progression. We confirmed the activation of PKR in a human HSC cell line (LX-2 cell). IL-1β is produced from HSCs stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or palmitic acid which are likely activators of PKR in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Production was assessed by real-time PCR and ELISA. C16 and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to inhibit PKR in HSCs. The HCC cell line (HepG2 cell) was cultured with HSC conditioning medium to assess HCC progression, which was evaluated by proliferation and scratch assays. Expression of PKR was increased and activated in stimulated HSCs, and IL-1β production was also increased molecular. Key molecules of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway were also upregulated and activated by LPS. Otherwise, PKR inhibition by C16 and PKR siRNA decreased IL-1β production. HCC progression was promoted by HSC-stimulated conditioning medium although it was reduced by the conditioning medium from PKR-inhibited HSCs. Moreover, palmitic acid also upregulated IL-1β expression in HSCs, and conditioning medium from palmitic acid-stimulated HSCs promoted HCC proliferation. Stimulated HSCs by activators of PKR in NASH could play a role in promoting HCC progression through the production of IL-1β, via a mechanism that seems to be dependent on PKR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Osamu Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Takao Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yukimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Yohei Koizumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Yoshio Ikeda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Yoshio Tokumoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masashi Hirooka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masanori Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Yoichi Hiasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
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64
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Bárcena-Varela M, Caruso S, Llerena S, Álvarez-Sola G, Uriarte I, Latasa MU, Urtasun R, Rebouissou S, Alvarez L, Jimenez M, Santamaría E, Rodriguez-Ortigosa C, Mazza G, Rombouts K, San José-Eneriz E, Rabal O, Agirre X, Iraburu M, Santos-Laso A, Banales JM, Zucman-Rossi J, Prósper F, Oyarzabal J, Berasain C, Ávila MA, Fernández-Barrena MG. Dual Targeting of Histone Methyltransferase G9a and DNA-Methyltransferase 1 for the Treatment of Experimental Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatology 2019; 69:587-603. [PMID: 30014490 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications such as DNA and histone methylation functionally cooperate in fostering tumor growth, including that of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Pharmacological targeting of these mechanisms may open new therapeutic avenues. We aimed to determine the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanism of action of our dual G9a histone-methyltransferase and DNA-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) inhibitor in human HCC cells and their crosstalk with fibrogenic cells. The expression of G9a and DNMT1, along with that of their molecular adaptor ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains-1 (UHRF1), was measured in human HCCs (n = 268), peritumoral tissues (n = 154), and HCC cell lines (n = 32). We evaluated the effect of individual and combined inhibition of G9a and DNMT1 on HCC cell growth by pharmacological and genetic approaches. The activity of our lead compound, CM-272, was examined in HCC cells under normoxia and hypoxia, human hepatic stellate cells and LX2 cells, and xenograft tumors formed by HCC or combined HCC+LX2 cells. We found a significant and correlative overexpression of G9a, DNMT1, and UHRF1 in HCCs in association with poor prognosis. Independent G9a and DNMT1 pharmacological targeting synergistically inhibited HCC cell growth. CM-272 potently reduced HCC and LX2 cells proliferation and quelled tumor growth, particularly in HCC+LX2 xenografts. Mechanistically, CM-272 inhibited the metabolic adaptation of HCC cells to hypoxia and induced a differentiated phenotype in HCC and fibrogenic cells. The expression of the metabolic tumor suppressor gene fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP1), epigenetically repressed in HCC, was restored by CM-272. Conclusion: Combined targeting of G9a/DNMT1 with compounds such as CM-272 is a promising strategy for HCC treatment. Our findings also underscore the potential of differentiation therapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefano Caruso
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Inserm U1162, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, IUH, France
| | - Susana Llerena
- Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gloria Álvarez-Sola
- Hepatology Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iker Uriarte
- Hepatology Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Ujue Latasa
- Hepatology Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Raquel Urtasun
- Hepatology Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Rebouissou
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Inserm U1162, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, IUH, France
| | - Laura Alvarez
- Hepatology Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Eva Santamaría
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra-IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Ortigosa
- Hepatology Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra-IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Mazza
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Krista Rombouts
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edurne San José-Eneriz
- Oncohematology Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra-IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Obdulia Rabal
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Oncohematology Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra-IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria Iraburu
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alvaro Santos-Laso
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, Ikerbasque, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Jesus M Banales
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, Ikerbasque, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Inserm U1162, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, IUH, France
| | - Felipe Prósper
- Oncohematology Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra-IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Julen Oyarzabal
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carmen Berasain
- Hepatology Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra-IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Matías A Ávila
- Hepatology Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra-IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite G Fernández-Barrena
- Hepatology Program, Cima-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra-IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
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65
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Zhang R, Lin XH, Liu HH, Ma M, Chen J, Chen J, Gao DM, Cui JF, Chen RX. Activated hepatic stellate cells promote progression of post-heat residual hepatocellular carcinoma from autophagic survival to proliferation. Int J Hyperthermia 2019; 36:253-263. [PMID: 30701994 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2018.1558459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia-Hui Lin
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua-Hua Liu
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Ma
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Mei Gao
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie-Feng Cui
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong-Xin Chen
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
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66
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Huang MY, He JP, Zhang WQ, Liu JL. Pooling analysis reveals that galectin-1 is a reliable prognostic biomarker in various cancers. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:13788-13798. [PMID: 30618160 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Galectin-1 is reported to be upregulated in various human cancers. However, the relationship between galectin-1 expression and cancer prognosis has not been systematically assessed. In this study, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase to collect all relevant studies and a meta-analysis was performed. We found that increased galectin-1 expression was associated with tumor size (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-2.89; p = 0.029), clinical stage (OR = 3.89; 95% CI: 2.40-6.31; p < 0.001), and poorer differentiation (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.14-1.69; p = 0.001), but not with age (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.82-1.39; p = 0.597), sex (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.74-1.07; p = 0.202), or lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.57; 95% CI: 0.98-6.78; p = 0.056). In addition, we found that high galectin-1 expression levels were associated with poor overall survival (HR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.71-2.64; p < 0.001). The results were further validated using The Cancer Genome Atlas data set. Moreover, high galectin-1 expression was significantly associated with disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.17-2.19; p = 0.003), progression-free survival (HR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.65-2.25; p < 0.001), and cancer-specific survival (HR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.30-2.55; p < 0.001). Our meta-analysis demonstrated that galectin-1 might be a useful common biomarker for predicting prognosis in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yu Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Peng He
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Qian Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Long Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Ding SM, Lu JF, Edoo MIA, Zhou L, Xie HY, Zheng SS, Li QY. MRC-5 Cancer-associated Fibroblasts Influence Production of Cancer Stem Cell Markers and Inflammation-associated Cell Surface Molecules, in Liver Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Med Sci 2019; 16:1157-1170. [PMID: 31523179 PMCID: PMC6743285 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.34758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Current opinion suggests that expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and activation of pro-tumoral inflammation cascade correlate with cancer progression. Materials and methods: We explored the possible contributions of MRC-5 cancer-associated fibroblasts to the expression profiles of CSC markers and inflammation-associated cell surface molecules. The liver cancer cell lines Bel-7402, SMMC-7721, MHCC-LM3, and HepG2 cultured in conditioned medium (CM) from MRC-5 served as test groups, whereas the liver cancer cell lines cultured in normal medium served as control groups. Results: Flow cytometry revealed that the proportions of CD90+ cells were significantly higher in MHCC-LM3-(MRC-5)-CM and HepG2-(MRC-5)-CM cells, and moderately higher in Bel-7402-(MRC-5)-CM and SMMC-7721-(MRC-5)-CM cells, than in controls. The CD90+/CD45- proportions were elevated in Bel-7402-(MRC-5)-CM and MHCC-LM3-(MRC-5)-CM cells, but reduced in HepG2-(MRC-5)-CM and SMMC-7721-(MRC-5)-CM cells, as compared to controls. Western blotting indicated that Nanog was downregulated in MHCC-LM3-(MRC-5)-CM and HepG2-(MRC-5)-CM cells, compared to controls; that POU5F1 (OCT4/3) was downregulated in MHCC-LM3-(MRC-5)-CM, but upregulated in Bel-7402-(MRC-5)-CM and HepG2-(MRC-5)-CM cells, compared to controls, and that CK19 was upregulated in Bel-7402-(MRC-5)-CM and MHCC-LM3-(MRC-5)-CM cells, compared to controls. Proportions of cells expressing Toll-like receptor-1+ (TLR1) and TLR4 were significantly higher in MHCC-LM3-(MRC-5)-CM cells, and moderately higher in HepG2-(MRC-5)-CM cells, than controls. However, the TLR1+ and TLR4+ proportions were lower in Bel-7402-(MRC-5)-CM and SMMC-7721-(MRC-5)-CM cells than controls. Proportions of CD25+ cells were reduced in HepG2-(MRC-5)-CM and SMMC-7721-(MRC-5)-CM cells, but elevated in MHCC-LM3-(MRC-5)-CM and Bel-7402-(MRC-5)-CM cells, compared to controls. Proportion of CD61+ cells was higher in liver cancer cells cultured in MRC-5-CM than in controls. Proportion of CD14+ cells was lower in HCC cells cultured in MRC-5-CM than in controls. Conclusion: MRC-5 extensively affected the production of CSC markers and inflammation-associated cell surface molecules. Tumor-targeting molecular therapies should consider these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Ming Ding
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Fang Lu
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim Alhadi Edoo
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Organ Trans-plantation, Zhejiang Province; Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Organ Trans-plantation, Zhejiang Province; Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hai-Yang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Organ Trans-plantation, Zhejiang Province; Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shu-Sen Zheng
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Organ Trans-plantation, Zhejiang Province; Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Qi-Yong Li
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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68
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Chen Z, Guo P, Xie X, Yu H, Wang Y, Chen G. The role of tumour microenvironment: a new vision for cholangiocarcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 23:59-69. [PMID: 30394682 PMCID: PMC6307844 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a relatively rare malignant and lethal tumour derived from bile duct epithelium and the morbidity is now increasing worldwide. This disease is difficult to diagnose at its inchoate stage and has poor prognosis. Therefore, a clear understanding of pathogenesis and major influencing factors is the key to develop effective therapeutic methods for CCA. In previous studies, canonical correlation analysis has demonstrated that tumour microenvironment plays an intricate role in the progression of various types of cancers including CCA. CCA tumour microenvironment is a dynamic environment consisting of authoritative tumour stromal cells and extracellular matrix where tumour stromal cells and cancer cells can thrive. CCA stromal cells include immune and non‐immune cells, such as inflammatory cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages. Likewise, CCA tumour microenvironment contains abundant proliferative factors and can significantly impact the behaviour of cancer cells. Through abominably intricate interactions with CCA cells, CCA tumour microenvironment plays an important role in promoting tumour proliferation, accelerating neovascularization, facilitating tumour invasion, and preventing tumour cells from organismal immune reactions and apoptosis. This review summarizes the recent research progress regarding the connection between tumour behaviours and tumour stromal cells in CCA, as well as the mechanism underlying the effect of tumour stromal cells on the growth of CCA. A thorough understanding of the relationship between CCA and tumour stromal cells can shed some light on the development of new therapeutic methods for treating CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Pengyi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaozai Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Haitao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Environmental and Public, Health School of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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69
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Seitz HK, Bataller R, Cortez-Pinto H, Gao B, Gual A, Lackner C, Mathurin P, Mueller S, Szabo G, Tsukamoto H. Alcoholic liver disease. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2018; 4:16. [PMID: 30115921 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-018-0014-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 605] [Impact Index Per Article: 100.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most prevalent type of chronic liver disease worldwide. ALD can progress from alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) to alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), which is characterized by hepatic inflammation. Chronic ASH can eventually lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis and in some cases hepatocellular cancer (HCC). In addition, severe ASH (with or without cirrhosis) can lead to alcoholic hepatitis, which is an acute clinical presentation of ALD that is associated with liver failure and high mortality. Most individuals consuming >40 g of alcohol per day develop AFL; however, only a subset of individuals will develop more advanced disease. Genetic, epigenetic and non-genetic factors might explain the considerable interindividual variation in ALD phenotype. The pathogenesis of ALD includes hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, acetaldehyde-mediated toxicity and cytokine and chemokine-induced inflammation. Diagnosis of ALD involves assessing patients for alcohol use disorder and signs of advanced liver disease. The degree of AFL and liver fibrosis can be determined by ultrasonography, transient elastography, MRI, measurement of serum biomarkers and liver biopsy histology. Alcohol abstinence achieved by psychosomatic intervention is the best treatment for all stages of ALD. In the case of advanced disease such as cirrhosis or HCC, liver transplantation may be required. Thus, new therapies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut K Seitz
- Centre of Alcohol Research (CAR),, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg and Department of Medicine, Salem Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Helena Cortez-Pinto
- Departmento de Gastroenterologia, CHLN, Laboratorio de Nutricão, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bin Gao
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Antoni Gual
- Addiction Unit, Neuroscience Institute Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolin Lackner
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Philippe Mathurin
- Service des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Universite Lille 2 and INSERM U795, Lille, France
| | - Sebastian Mueller
- Centre of Alcohol Research (CAR),, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg and Department of Medicine, Salem Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hidekazu Tsukamoto
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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70
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Khawar IA, Park JK, Jung ES, Lee MA, Chang S, Kuh HJ. Three Dimensional Mixed-Cell Spheroids Mimic Stroma-Mediated Chemoresistance and Invasive Migration in hepatocellular carcinoma. Neoplasia 2018; 20:800-812. [PMID: 29981501 PMCID: PMC6034588 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) play an important role in promoting the profibrotic microenvironment and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), resulting in tumor progression and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we developed a mixed-cell spheroid model using Huh-7 HCC cells and LX-2 stellate cells to simulate the in vivo tumor environment with respect to tumor-CAF interactions. Spheroids were cultured from cancer cells alone (monospheroids) or as a mixture (mixed-cell spheroids) in ultra-low-attachment plates. Compact, well-mixed, and stroma-rich mixed-cell spheroids were successfully established with heterotypic cell-cell contacts shown by the presence of gap junctions and desmosomes. Mixed-cell spheroids showed enhanced expression of collagen type-I (Col‐I) and pro‐fibrotic factors such as, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) compared to the levels expressed in mono-spheroids. The EMT phenotype was evident in mixed-cell spheroids as shown by the altered expression of E-cadherin and vimentin. Differential drug sensitivity was observed in mixed-cell spheroids, and only sorafenib and oxaliplatin showed dose-dependent antiproliferative effects. Simultaneous treatment with TGF-β inhibitors further improved sorafenib efficacy in the mixed-cell spheroids, indicating the involvement of TGF-β in the mechanism of sorafenib resistance. In 3D matrix invasion assay, mixed-cell spheroids exhibited fibroblast-led collective cell movement. Overall, our results provide evidence that mixed-cell spheroids formed with Huh-7 and LX-2 cells well represent HCC tumors and their TME in vivo and hence are useful in studying tumor-stroma interactions as mechanisms associated with drug resistance and increased cell motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iftikhar Ali Khawar
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Kook Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sun Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Ah Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhwan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jeong Kuh
- Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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71
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Makino Y, Hikita H, Kodama T, Shigekawa M, Yamada R, Sakamori R, Eguchi H, Morii E, Yokoi H, Mukoyama M, Hiroshi S, Tatsumi T, Takehara T. CTGF Mediates Tumor-Stroma Interactions between Hepatoma Cells and Hepatic Stellate Cells to Accelerate HCC Progression. Cancer Res 2018; 78:4902-4914. [PMID: 29967264 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-3844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a matricellular protein related to hepatic fibrosis. This study aims to clarify the roles of CTGF in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which usually develops from fibrotic liver. CTGF was overexpressed in 93 human HCC compared with nontumorous tissues, primarily in tumor cells. Increased CTGF expression was associated with clinicopathologic malignancy of HCC. CTGF was upregulated in hepatoma cells in hepatocyte-specific Kras-mutated mice (Alb-Cre KrasLSL-G12D/+). Hepatocyte-specific knockout of CTGF in these mice (Alb-Cre KrasLSL-G12D/+ CTGFfl/fl) decreased liver tumor number and size. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were present in both human and murine liver tumors, and α-SMA expression, a marker of HSC activation, positively correlated with CTGF expression. Forced expression of CTGF did not affect growth of PLC/PRF/5 cells, a hepatoma cell line with little CTGF expression, but facilitated their growth in the presence of LX-2 cells, an HSC line. The growth of HepG2 cells, which express high levels of CTGF, was promoted by coculture with LX-2 cells compared with monoculture. Growth promotion by LX-2 cells was negated by an anti-CTGF antibody in both culture and xenografts. Coculturing LX-2 cells with HepG2 cells drove LX-2-derived production of IL6, which led to STAT-3 activation and proliferation of HepG2 cells. An anti-CTGF antibody reduced IL6 production in LX-2 cells and suppressed STAT-3 activation in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our data identify tumor cell-derived CTGF as a keystone in the HCC microenvironment, activating nearby HSC that transmit progrowth signals to HCC cells, and this interaction is susceptible to inhibition by an anti-CTGF antibody.Significance: Protumor cross-talk between cancer cells and hepatic stellate cells presents an opportunity for therapeutic intervention against HCC.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/17/4902/F1.large.jpg Cancer Res; 78(17); 4902-14. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Makino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hayato Hikita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Minoru Shigekawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryoko Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Sakamori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Eiichi Morii
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Yokoi
- Department of Nephrology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masashi Mukoyama
- Department of Nephrology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Nephrology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Tomohide Tatsumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
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72
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Cătană CS, Pichler M, Giannelli G, Mader RM, Berindan-Neagoe I. Non-coding RNAs, the Trojan horse in two-way communication between tumor and stroma in colorectal and hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:29519-29534. [PMID: 28392501 PMCID: PMC5438748 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In a continuous and mutual exchange of information, cancer cells are invariably exposed to microenvironment transformation. This continuous alteration of the genetic, molecular and cellular peritumoral stroma background has become as critical as the management of primary tumor progression events in cancer cells. The communication between stroma and tumor cells within the extracellular matrix is one of the triggers in colon and liver carcinogenesis. All non- codingRNAs including long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs and ultraconserved genes play a critical role in almost all cancers and are responsible for the modulation of the tumor microenvironment in several malignant processes such as initiation, progression and dissemination. This review details the involvement of non codingRNAs in the evolution of human colorectal carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma in relationship with the microenvironment. Recent research has shown that a considerable number of dysregulated non- codingRNAs could be valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cancer. Therefore, more in-depth knowledge of the role non- codingRNAs play in stroma-tumor communication and of the complex regulatory mechanisms between ultraconserved genes and microRNAs supports the validation of future effective therapeutic targets in patients suffering from hepatocellular and colorectal carcinoma, two distinctive entities which share quite a lot common non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina- Sorina Cătană
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, ""Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Martin Pichler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Robert M Mader
- Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Institute of Doctoral Studies, ""Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Experimental Pathology, "Ion Chiricuta" Institute of Oncology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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73
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Chung CL, Wang SW, Sun WC, Shu CW, Kao YC, Shiao MS, Chen CL. Sorafenib suppresses TGF-β responses by inducing caveolae/lipid raft-mediated internalization/degradation of cell-surface type II TGF-β receptors: Implications in development of effective adjunctive therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 154:39-53. [PMID: 29678520 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib is the only FDA approved drug for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other malignancies. Studies indicate that TGF-β signalling is associated with tumour progression in HCC. Autocrine and paracrine TGF-β promotes tumour growth and malignancy by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Sorafenib is believed to antagonize tumour progression by inhibiting TGF-β-induced EMT. It improves survival of patients but HCC later develops resistance and relapses. The underlying mechanism of resistance is unknown. Understanding of the molecular mechanism of sorafenib inhibition of TGF-β-induced signalling or responses in HCC may lead to development of adjunctive effective therapy for HCC. In this study, we demonstrate that sorafenib suppresses TGF-β responsiveness in hepatoma cells, hepatocytes, and animal liver, mainly by downregulating cell-surface type II TGF-β receptors (TβRII) localized in caveolae/lipid rafts and non-lipid raft microdomains via caveolae/lipid rafts-mediated internalization and degradation. Furthermore, sorafenib-induced downregulation and degradation of cell-surface TβRII is prevented by simultaneous treatment with a caveolae disruptor or lysosomal inhibitors. On the other hand, sorafenib only downregulates cell-surface TβRII localized in caveolae/lipid rafts but not localized in non-lipid raft microdomains in hepatic stellate cells. These results suggest that sorafenib inhibits TGF-β signalling mainly by inducing caveolae/lipid raft-mediated internalization and degradation of cell-surface TβR-II in target cells. They may also imply that treatment with agents which promote formation of caveolae/lipid rafts, TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitors (e.g., LY2157299) or TGF-β peptide antagonists (by liver-targeting delivery) may be considered as effective adjunct therapy with sorafenib for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ling Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shih-Wei Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei-Chih Sun
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81326, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Wen Shu
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81326, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Chen Kao
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Meng-Shin Shiao
- Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Chun-Lin Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan, ROC; Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Sun Yat-sen University and Academia Sinica, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan, ROC.
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74
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You Y, Tan JX, Dai HS, Chen HW, Xu XJ, Yang AG, Zhang YJ, Bai LH, Bie P. MiRNA-22 inhibits oncogene galectin-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:57099-57116. [PMID: 27494859 PMCID: PMC5302976 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) induce immune privilege and promote hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by suppressing the immune system. On the other hand, galectin-1 and miRNA-22 (miR-22) are dysregulated in HCC and serve as prognostic indicators for patients. In this study, therefore, we measured galectin-1 and miR-22 expression in HSCs isolated from HCC tissues (Ca-HSCs), and in normal liver tissues (N-HSCs) as a control. We also investigated the apoptosis rate among T cells and the production of cytokines (IFN-η and IL-10) in HSCs co-cultured with T cells. And we used immunohistochemical staining to tested for correlation between galectin-1 expression, CD3 expression and clinicopathological features in 162 HCC patients. Our results showed that galectin-1 expression was much higher in Ca-HSCs than in N-HSCs. Overexpression of galectin-1 promoted HSC-induced T cell apoptosis and cytokine production (IFN-η and IL-10), while miR-22 expression inhibited it. Galectin-1 expression correlated negatively with miR-22 expression in HSCs. High galectin-1 and low CD3 expression levels were associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. These results suggest that the immunosuppressive microenvironment promoted by HSC-derived galectin-1 in HCC can be inhibited by miR-22. Galectin-1 and miR-22 could potentially serve as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu You
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, South Western Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jia-Xin Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, South Western Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hai-Su Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, South Western Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hao-Wei Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, South Western Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xue-Jun Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, South Western Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ai-Gang Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, South Western Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yu-Jun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, South Western Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lian-Hua Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, South Western Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ping Bie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, South Western Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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Chiyonobu N, Shimada S, Akiyama Y, Mogushi K, Itoh M, Akahoshi K, Matsumura S, Ogawa K, Ono H, Mitsunori Y, Ban D, Kudo A, Arii S, Suganami T, Yamaoka S, Ogawa Y, Tanabe M, Tanaka S. Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (FABP4) Overexpression in Intratumoral Hepatic Stellate Cells within Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Metabolic Risk Factors. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:1213-1224. [PMID: 29454748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is a newly identified risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, tumor-specific biomarkers still remain unclear. We performed cross-species analysis to compare gene signatures of HCC from human patients and melanocortin 4 receptor-knockout mice, which develop HCC with obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering and principle component analysis of 746 differentially expressed orthologous genes classified HCC of 152 human patients and melanocortin 4 receptor-knockout mice into two distinct subgroups, one of which included mouse HCC and was causatively associated with metabolic risk factors. Nine genes commonly overexpressed in human and mouse metabolic disease-associated HCC were identified; fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) was remarkably enriched in intratumoral activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Subclones constitutively expressing FABP4 were established from a human HSC cell line in which expression levels of inflammatory chemokines, including IL-1A and IL-6, were up-regulated through NF-κB nuclear translocation, resulting in recruitment of macrophages. An immunohistochemical validation study of 106 additional human HCC samples indicated that FABP4-positive HSCs were distributed in tumors of 38 cases, and the FABP4-high group consisted of patients with nonviral and nonalcoholic HCC (P = 0.027) and with multiple metabolic risk factors (P < 0.001) compared with the FABP4-low group. Thus, FABP4 overexpression in HSCs may contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with metabolic risk factors by modulation of inflammatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norimichi Chiyonobu
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shu Shimada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimitsu Akiyama
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Mogushi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michiko Itoh
- Department of Organ Network and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiichi Akahoshi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Matsumura
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kosuke Ogawa
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ono
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Mitsunori
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ban
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kudo
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeki Arii
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Suganami
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Metabolism, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shoji Yamaoka
- Department of Molecular Virology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medical and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Molecular and Cellular Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanabe
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinji Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
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76
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Xu ZC, Shen HX, Chen C, Ma L, Li WZ, Wang L, Geng ZM. Neuropilin-1 promotes primary liver cancer progression by potentiating the activity of hepatic stellate cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:2245-2251. [PMID: 29434931 PMCID: PMC5777127 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As a co-receptor for a variety of cytokines, neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is detectable in primary liver cancer (PLC) cells. Previous studies determined that silencing of NRP-1 expression attenuated the proliferation, migration and invasion of PLC cells. An increasing number of studies have highlighted the crucial role of the tumor microenvironment in the pathogenesis of cancer. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are one of the major interstitial cell types present in the liver tumor microenvironment, and can promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of PLC cells. It remains unknown whether NRP-1 can promote PLC progression by potentiating the activity of HSCs. In the present study, the expression of NRP-1, and its co-expression with platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, in HSCs was detected via immunofluorescence. LX2 HSCs were transfected with NRP-1 short hairpin RNA lentiviral vectors and their proliferation was observed. The proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells co-cultured with LX2 cells were also observed. Finally, LX2 and HepG2 cells were co-injected into nude mice as subcutaneous xenografts, and the tumor growth and α-smooth muscle actin expression levels were observed. NRP-1 knockdown attenuated LX2 cell activation, with concomitant downregulation of HepG2 cell proliferation, migration and invasion (P<0.05). Thus, silencing of NRP-1 expression may inhibit the activation of HSCs, as well as the proliferation, migration and invasion of PLC cells. The mechanism underlying the inhibition of PLC cell progression is possibly mediated by the inhibition of HSC activation, reduction of transforming growth factor-β1 levels in the conditioned medium and downregulation of extracellular signal-related kinase activity in PLC cells. Thus, NRP-1 could be regarded as a potential gene therapy target for PLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Chao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Hao-Xin Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Zhi Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Min Geng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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77
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Dropmann A, Dediulia T, Breitkopf-Heinlein K, Korhonen H, Janicot M, Weber SN, Thomas M, Piiper A, Bertran E, Fabregat I, Abshagen K, Hess J, Angel P, Coulouarn C, Dooley S, Meindl-Beinker NM. TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 abundance in liver diseases of mice and men. Oncotarget 2017; 7:19499-518. [PMID: 26799667 PMCID: PMC4991397 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
TGF-β1 is a major player in chronic liver diseases promoting fibrogenesis and tumorigenesis through various mechanisms. The expression and function of TGF-β2 have not been investigated thoroughly in liver disease to date. In this paper, we provide evidence that TGF-β2 expression correlates with fibrogenesis and liver cancer development. Using quantitative realtime PCR and ELISA, we show that TGF-β2 mRNA expression and secretion increased in murine HSCs and hepatocytes over time in culture and were found in the human-derived HSC cell line LX-2. TGF-β2 stimulation of the LX-2 cells led to upregulation of the TGF-β receptors 1, 2, and 3, whereas TGF-β1 treatment did not alter or decrease their expression. In liver regeneration and fibrosis upon CCl4 challenge, the transient increase of TGF-β2 expression was accompanied by TGF-β1 and collagen expression. In bile duct ligation-induced fibrosis, TGF-β2 upregulation correlated with fibrotic markers and was more prominent than TGF-β1 expression. Accordingly, MDR2-KO mice showed significant TGF-β2 upregulation within 3 to 15 months but minor TGF-β1 expression changes. In 5 of 8 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)/hepatoblastoma cell lines, relatively high TGF-β2 expression and secretion were observed, with some cell lines even secreting more TGF-β2 than TGF-β1. TGF-β2 was also upregulated in tumors of TGFα/cMyc and DEN-treated mice. The analysis of publically available microarray data of 13 human HCC collectives revealed considerable upregulation of TGF-β2 as compared to normal liver. Our study demonstrates upregulation of TGF-β2 in liver disease and suggests TGF-β2 as a promising therapeutic target for tackling fibrosis and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Dropmann
- Molecular Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Dediulia
- Molecular Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Breitkopf-Heinlein
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Susanne N Weber
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Maria Thomas
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Albrecht Piiper
- Medizinische Klinik 1, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Esther Bertran
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and University of Barcelona L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and University of Barcelona L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kerstin Abshagen
- Institute for Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jochen Hess
- Research Group Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Section Experimental and Translational Head and Neck Oncology, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Angel
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cédric Coulouarn
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR991, University of Rennes, Pontchaillou University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - Steven Dooley
- Molecular Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nadja M Meindl-Beinker
- Molecular Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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78
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Ye J, Zhang Z, Zhu L, Lu M, Li Y, Zhou J, Lu X, Du Q. Polaprezinc inhibits liver fibrosis and proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:5523-5528. [PMID: 28849143 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is defined as a pathological process, and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is believed to be the key event of liver fibrosis. Additionally, activated HSCs may participate in the formation of the tumor microenvironment. Polaprezinc, a protector of the gastric mucosa, has been recently demonstrated to be an inhibitor of liver fibrosis in a mouse model. Proliferation and colony formation assays were performed to determine the inhibitory effects of polaprezinc on the growth of LX‑2 and hepG2 cells. A migration assay was used to evaluate the change in mobility of LX‑2 cells and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the expression levels of key markers of fibrosis. Finally, a gene chip assay for polaprezinc‑treated hepG2 cells was performed to evaluate the effect of polaprezinc on the hepG2 gene expression profile. The proliferation assay indicated that polaprezinc may inhibit the LX‑2 cell proliferation and the migration assays confirmed the inhibition of mobility. The expression levels of fibrotic markers such as collagen I, fibronectin and α‑smooth muscle actin were downregulated following polaprezinc treatment. The proliferation activity of polaprezinc‑treated hepG2 cells was reduced and the gene chip assay indicated that series of gene expression changes associated with cancer migration, cell skeletal organization and proliferation had occurred. In conclusion, polaprezinc treatment mayinhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and reverse liver fibrosis by deactivating HSCs. The present findings suggest that polaprezinc provides a novel treatment for patients with gastritis complicated with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Zhengsen Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Liang Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Construction and Management, Hangzhou Normal University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Minfang Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Xinliang Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Qin Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
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79
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Yin X, Yi H, Wang L, Wu W, Wu X, Yu L. R-spondin 2 promotes proliferation and migration via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:1757-1765. [PMID: 28789406 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of malignant disease-associated mortality, particularly in China. The RSPO2 (R-spondin 2) gene is evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates and is involved in developmental and physiological processes. Importantly, RSPO2 has been reported to be associated with colon cancer and potentiate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In the present study, enhanced expression of RSPO2 in HCC was observed using tissue microarray. Similarly, the expression level of RSPO2 was higher in HepG2, Huh7 and Hep3B cells but lower in Bel7404 and QGY7703 cells compared with human normal QSG7701 liver cells. Subsequently, gain-of-function studies indicated that RSPO2 promotes the proliferation and migration of QGY7703 cells based on lentivirus-based gene delivery. Furthermore, it was revealed that p21 and leptin, rather than vascular endothelial growth factor-A, are involved in the function of RSPO2 in QGY7703 cells. Particularly, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways are involved in this process. Overexpression of RSPO2 resulted in the elevated expression of phosphorylated STAT3, β-catenin and c-Myc. Therefore, the present study is beneficial to the understanding of RSPO2-involved liver cancer transformation and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinguang Yin
- Centre for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing College, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314001, P.R. China.,Centre for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Jiaxing College, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314001, P.R. China
| | - Huixing Yi
- Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, P.R. China
| | - Wanxin Wu
- Deparment of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing College, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Centre for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing College, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314001, P.R. China
| | - Linghua Yu
- Centre for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing College, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314001, P.R. China
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80
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Devarasetty M, Wang E, Soker S, Skardal A. Mesenchymal stem cells support growth and organization of host-liver colorectal-tumor organoids and possibly resistance to chemotherapy. Biofabrication 2017; 9:021002. [PMID: 28589925 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/aa7484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite having yielded extensive breakthroughs in cancer research, traditional 2D cell cultures have limitations in studying cancer progression and metastasis and screening therapeutic candidates. 3D systems can allow cells to grow, migrate, and interact with each other and the surrounding matrix, resulting in more realistic constructs. Furthermore, interactions between host tissue and developing tumors influence the susceptibility of tumors to drug treatments. Host-liver colorectal-tumor spheroids composed of primary human hepatocytes, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and colon carcinoma HCT116 cells were created in simulated microgravity rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactors. The cells were seeded on hyaluronic acid-based microcarriers, loaded with liver-specific growth factors and ECM components. Only in the presence of MSC, large tumor foci rapidly formed inside the spheroids and increased in size steadily over time, while not greatly impacting albumin secretion from hepatocytes. The presence of MSC appeared to drive self-organization and formation of a stroma-like tissue surrounding the tumor foci and hepatocytes. Exposure to a commonly used chemotherapeutic 5-FU showed a dose-dependent cytotoxicity. However, if tumor organoids were allowed to mature in the RWV, they were less sensitive to the drug treatment. These data demonstrate the potential utility of liver tumor organoids for cancer progression and drug response modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Devarasetty
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America. Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America
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81
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Zhang R, Yao RR, Li JH, Dong G, Ma M, Zheng QD, Gao DM, Cui JF, Ren ZG, Chen RX. Activated hepatic stellate cells secrete periostin to induce stem cell-like phenotype of residual hepatocellular carcinoma cells after heat treatment. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2164. [PMID: 28526827 PMCID: PMC5438402 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01177-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Some evidences show that residual tumor after thermal ablation will progress rapidly. However, its mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we assessed whether activated HSCs could regulate stem cell-like property of residual tumor after incomplete thermal ablation to promote tumor progression. Human HCC cell lines were exposed to sublethal heat treatment to simulate the peripheral zone of thermal ablation. After residual HCC cells were cultured with conditional medium (CM) from activated HSCs, parameters of the stem cell-like phenotypes were analyzed. Nude mice bearing heat-exposed residual HCC cells and HSCs were subjected to metformin treatment to thwarter tumor progression. CM from activated primary HSCs or LX-2 cells significantly induced the stem cell-like phenotypes of residual HCC cells after heat treatment. These effects were significantly abrogated by neutralizing periostin (POSTN) in the CM. POSTN regulated the stemness of heat-exposed residual HCC cells via activation of integrin β1/AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin/TCF4/Nanog signaling pathway. Metformin significantly inhibited in vivo progression of heat-exposed residual HCC via suppressing POSTN secretion and decreasing cancer stem cell marker expression. Our data propose a new mechanism of activated HSCs promoting the stemness traits of residual HCC cells after incomplete thermal ablation and suggest metformin as a potential drug to reverse this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong-Rong Yao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Huan Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Dong
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Ma
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong-Dan Zheng
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Mei Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie-Feng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng-Gang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong-Xin Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
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82
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Meprin metalloproteases: Molecular regulation and function in inflammation and fibrosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2017; 1864:2096-2104. [PMID: 28502593 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The zinc-endopeptidases meprin α and meprin β are extracellular proteases involved in connective tissue homeostasis, intestinal barrier function and immunological processes. Meprins are unique among other extracellular proteases with regard to cleavage specificity and structure. Meprin α and meprin β have a strong preference for negatively charged amino acids around the scissile bond, reflected by cleavage sites identified in procollagen I, the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R). In this review we report on recent findings that summarize the complex molecular regulation of meprins, particular folding, activation and shedding. Dysregulation of meprin α and meprin β is often associated with pathological conditions such as neurodegeneration, inflammatory bowel disease and fibrosis. Based on mouse models and patient data we suggest meprins as possible key regulators in the onset and progression of fibrotic disorders, leading to severe diseases such as pulmonary hypertension. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteolysis as a Regulatory Event in Pathophysiology edited by Stefan Rose-John.
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83
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Smith B, Agarwal P, Bhowmick NA. MicroRNA applications for prostate, ovarian and breast cancer in the era of precision medicine. Endocr Relat Cancer 2017; 24:R157-R172. [PMID: 28289080 PMCID: PMC5446589 DOI: 10.1530/erc-16-0525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The high degree of conservation in microRNA from Caenorhabditiselegans to humans has enabled relatively rapid implementation of findings in model systems to the clinic. The convergence of the capacity for genomic screening being implemented in the prevailing precision medicine initiative and the capabilities of microRNA to address these changes holds significant promise. However, prostate, ovarian and breast cancers are heterogeneous and face issues of evolving therapeutic resistance. The transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling axis plays an important role in the progression of these cancers by regulating microRNAs. Reciprocally, microRNAs regulate TGFβ actions during cancer progression. One must consider the expression of miRNA in the tumor microenvironment a source of biomarkers of disease progression and a viable target for therapeutic targeting. The differential expression pattern of microRNAs in health and disease, therapeutic response and resistance has resulted in its application as robust biomarkers. With two microRNA mimetics in ongoing restorative clinical trials, the paradigm for future clinical studies rests on the current observational trials to validate microRNA markers of disease progression. Some of today's biomarkers can be translated to the next generation of microRNA-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Smith
- Department of MedicineSamuel Ochin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Priyanka Agarwal
- Department of MedicineSamuel Ochin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Neil A Bhowmick
- Department of MedicineSamuel Ochin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans AdministrationLos Angeles, California, USA
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84
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Lai KKY, Kweon SM, Chi F, Hwang E, Kabe Y, Higashiyama R, Qin L, Yan R, Wu RP, Lai K, Fujii N, French S, Xu J, Wang JY, Murali R, Mishra L, Lee JS, Ntambi JM, Tsukamoto H. Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase Promotes Liver Fibrosis and Tumor Development in Mice via a Wnt Positive-Signaling Loop by Stabilization of Low-Density Lipoprotein-Receptor-Related Proteins 5 and 6. Gastroenterology 2017; 152:1477-1491. [PMID: 28143772 PMCID: PMC5406249 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) synthesizes monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and has been associated with the development of metabolic syndrome, tumorigenesis, and stem cell characteristics. We investigated whether and how SCD promotes liver fibrosis and tumor development in mice. METHODS Rodent primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), mouse liver tumor-initiating stem cell-like cells (TICs), and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines were exposed to Wnt signaling inhibitors and changes in gene expression patterns were analyzed. We assessed the functions of SCD by pharmacologic and conditional genetic manipulation in mice with hepatotoxic or cholestatic induction of liver fibrosis, orthotopic transplants of TICs, or liver tumors induced by administration of diethyl nitrosamine. We performed bioinformatic analyses of SCD expression in HCC vs nontumor liver samples collected from patients, and correlated levels with HCC stage and patient mortality. We performed nano-bead pull-down assays, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, computational modeling, and ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation analyses to identify MUFA-interacting proteins. We examined the effects of SCD inhibition on Wnt signaling, including the expression and stability of low-density lipoprotein-receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 (LRP5 and LRP6), by immunoblot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. RESULTS SCD was overexpressed in activated HSC and HCC cells from patients; levels of SCD messenger RNA (mRNA) correlated with HCC stage and patient survival time. In rodent HSCs and TICs, the Wnt effector β-catenin increased sterol regulatory element binding protein 1-dependent transcription of Scd, and β-catenin in return was stabilized by MUFAs generated by SCD. This loop required MUFA inhibition of binding of Ras-related nuclear protein 1 (Ran1) to transportin 1 and reduced nuclear import of elav-like protein 1 (HuR), increasing cytosolic levels of HuR and HuR-mediated stabilization of mRNAs encoding LRP5 and LRP6. Genetic disruption of Scd and pharmacologic inhibitors of SCD reduced HSC activation and TIC self-renewal and attenuated liver fibrosis and tumorigenesis in mice. Conditional disruption of Scd2 in activated HSCs prevented growth of tumors from TICs and reduced the formation of diethyl nitrosamine-induced liver tumors in mice. CONCLUSIONS In rodent HSCs and TICs, we found SCD expression to be regulated by Wnt-β-catenin signaling, and MUFAs produced by SCD provided a forward loop to amplify Wnt signaling via stabilization of Lrp5 and Lrp6 mRNAs, contributing to liver fibrosis and tumor growth. SCD expressed by HSCs promoted liver tumor development in mice. Components of the identified loop linking HSCs and TICs might be therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keane K Y Lai
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Soo-Mi Kweon
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Feng Chi
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Edward Hwang
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yasuaki Kabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reiichi Higashiyama
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lan Qin
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rui Yan
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Raymond P Wu
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Keith Lai
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Naoaki Fujii
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Samuel French
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Jun Xu
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jian-Ying Wang
- Departments of Surgery and Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ramachandran Murali
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - James M Ntambi
- Departments of Biochemistry and Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Hidekazu Tsukamoto
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Veterans Affairs, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California.
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85
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Brivio S, Cadamuro M, Strazzabosco M, Fabris L. Tumor reactive stroma in cholangiocarcinoma: The fuel behind cancer aggressiveness. World J Hepatol 2017; 9:455-468. [PMID: 28396716 PMCID: PMC5368623 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v9.i9.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive epithelial malignancy still carrying a dismal prognosis, owing to early lymph node metastatic dissemination and striking resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Although mechanisms underpinning CCA progression are still a conundrum, it is now increasingly recognized that the desmoplastic microenvironment developing in conjunction with biliary carcinogenesis, recently renamed tumor reactive stroma (TRS), behaves as a paramount tumor-promoting driver. Indeed, once being recruited, activated and dangerously co-opted by neoplastic cells, the cellular components of the TRS (myofibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells) continuously rekindle malignancy by secreting a huge variety of soluble factors (cyto/chemokines, growth factors, morphogens and proteinases). Furthermore, these factors are long-term stored within an abnormally remodeled extracellular matrix (ECM), which in turn can deleteriously mold cancer cell behavior. In this review, we will highlight evidence for the active role played by reactive stromal cells (as well as by the TRS-associated ECM) in CCA progression, including an overview of the most relevant TRS-derived signals possibly fueling CCA cell aggressiveness. Hopefully, a deeper knowledge of the paracrine communications reciprocally exchanged between cancer and stromal cells will steer the development of innovative, combinatorial therapies, which can finally hinder the progression of CCA, as well as of other cancer types with abundant TRS, such as pancreatic and breast carcinomas.
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86
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Tumor Microenvironment, a Paradigm in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2017. [PMID: 28216578 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020405.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most lethal and prevalent cancers in the human population. Different etiological factors such as hepatitis B and C virus, alcohol and diabetes cause liver injury followed by inflammation, necrosis and hepatocytes proliferation. Continuous cycles of this destructive-regenerative process culminates in liver cirrhosis which is characterized by regenerating nodules that progress to dysplastic nodules and ultimately HCC. Despite its significance, there is only an elemental understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms, and there are only limited therapeutic options. Therefore, the study of the involved molecular mechanisms can open a new insight to define more effective treatment strategies. A variety of alterations have been reported in HCC patients, particularly the cancer-associated microenvironment components including immune cells, fibroblast cells, endothelial cells and extracellular matrix can support the neoplastic cells to proliferate, growth and invade. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge and highlights the principal challenges that are relevant to controlling this milieu.
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87
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Tahmasebi Birgani M, Carloni V. Tumor Microenvironment, a Paradigm in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020405. [PMID: 28216578 PMCID: PMC5343939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most lethal and prevalent cancers in the human population. Different etiological factors such as hepatitis B and C virus, alcohol and diabetes cause liver injury followed by inflammation, necrosis and hepatocytes proliferation. Continuous cycles of this destructive–regenerative process culminates in liver cirrhosis which is characterized by regenerating nodules that progress to dysplastic nodules and ultimately HCC. Despite its significance, there is only an elemental understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms, and there are only limited therapeutic options. Therefore, the study of the involved molecular mechanisms can open a new insight to define more effective treatment strategies. A variety of alterations have been reported in HCC patients, particularly the cancer-associated microenvironment components including immune cells, fibroblast cells, endothelial cells and extracellular matrix can support the neoplastic cells to proliferate, growth and invade. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge and highlights the principal challenges that are relevant to controlling this milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Tahmasebi Birgani
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 63461, Iran.
| | - Vinicio Carloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy.
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88
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Zhang H, He G, Kong Y, Chen Y, Wang B, Sun X, Jia B, Xie X, Wang X, Chen D, Wei L, Zhang M, Zeng H, Chen H. Tumour-activated liver stromal cells regulate myeloid-derived suppressor cells accumulation in the liver. Clin Exp Immunol 2017; 188:96-108. [PMID: 28019655 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulating mechanisms underlying hepatic myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) accumulation remain to be described. Here, we provide evidence for the involvement of tumour-activated liver stromal cells in the process of hepatic MDSCs migration and accumulation. Our data showed an elevated frequency of MDSCs in the liver of tumour-bearing mice. Moreover, tumour-activated liver stromal cells promote MDSC migration into the liver site. Further investigation indicated higher levels of cytokine and chemokine expression in liver stromal cells after exposure to the tumour-conditioned supernatant. Notably, the expression levels of proinflammatory factors, mainly including macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), increased after treatment with tumour-conditioned supernatant, and blockade of MCP-1 or SDF-1 decreased the proportion of tumour infiltrated MDSCs in mice co-transplanted with liver stromal cells and tumour cells, but not in mice with only tumour cells injection. These findings demonstrate that tumour-activated liver stromal cells produce higher levels of chemokines and cytokines, which may contribute to MDSC accumulation into the liver site in patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Zhang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing, China.,Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - G He
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Y Kong
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Y Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - B Wang
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - X Sun
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - B Jia
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - X Xie
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - X Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - D Chen
- Institute of Immunology, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - L Wei
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - M Zhang
- Institute of Immunology, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - H Zeng
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - H Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing, China
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89
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Azzariti A, Mancarella S, Porcelli L, Quatrale AE, Caligiuri A, Lupo L, Dituri F, Giannelli G. Hepatic stellate cells induce hepatocellular carcinoma cell resistance to sorafenib through the laminin-332/α3 integrin axis recovery of focal adhesion kinase ubiquitination. Hepatology 2016; 64:2103-2117. [PMID: 27639064 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving sorafenib, drug resistance is common. HCC develops in a microenvironment enriched with extracellular matrix proteins including laminin (Ln)-332, produced by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Ln-332 is the ligand of α3β1 and α6β4 integrins, differently expressed on the HCC cell surface, that deliver intracellular pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ln-332 on sorafenib's effectiveness. HCC cells were challenged with sorafenib in the presence of Ln-332 and of HSC conditioned medium (CM). Sorafenib impaired HCC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. HSC-CM or Ln-332 inhibited sorafenib's effectiveness in HCC cells expressing both α3β1 and α6β4. Inhibiting α3 but not α6 integrin subunit using blocking antibodies or small interfering RNA abrogated the protection induced by Ln-332 and HSC-CM. Hep3B cells expressing α6β4 but lacking the α3 integrin were insensitive to Ln-332 and HSC-CM protective effects. Hep3B α3-positive, but not wild-type and scramble transfected, cells acquired protection by sorafenib when plated on Ln-332-CM or HSCs. Sorafenib dephosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, whereas Ln-332 and HSC-CM partially restored the pathways. Silencing FAK, but not extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, abrogated the protection induced by Ln-332 and HSC-CM, suggesting a specific role for FAK. Sorafenib down-regulated total FAK, inducing its proteasomal degradation, while Ln-332 and HSC-CM promoted the escape of FAK from ubiquitination, probably inducing a preferential membrane localization. CONCLUSION This study unveils a novel mechanism of sorafenib resistance depending on the α3β1/Ln-332 axis and requiring FAK ubiquitination, providing new insights into personalizing therapy for patients with HCC. (Hepatology 2016;64:2103-2117).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Azzariti
- National Cancer Institute, Istituto Tumori G. Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "S. De Bellis", Castellana Grotte Bari, Italy
| | - Letizia Porcelli
- National Cancer Institute, Istituto Tumori G. Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Luigi Lupo
- University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "S. De Bellis", Castellana Grotte Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "S. De Bellis", Castellana Grotte Bari, Italy
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90
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Human hepatic stellate cells and inflammation: A regulated cytokine network balance. Cytokine 2016; 90:130-134. [PMID: 27865205 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM Uncertainty about the safety of cell therapy continues to be a major challenge to the medical community. Inflammation and the associated immune response represent a major safety concern hampering the development of long-term clinical therapy. In vivo interactions between the cell graft and the host immune system are mediated by functional environmental sensors and stressors that play significant roles in the immunobiology of the graft. Within this context, human liver stellate cells (HSC) demonstrated marked immunological plasticity that has main importance for future liver cell therapy application. METHODS By using qPCR technique, we established the cytokine gene expression profile of HSCs and investigated the effect of an inflammatory environment on the immunobiology of HSCs. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION HSCs present a specific immunological profile as demonstrated by the expression and modulation of major immunological cytokines. Under constitutive conditions, the cytokine pattern expressed by HSCs was characterized by the high expression of IL-6. Inflammation critically modulated the expression of major immunological cytokines. As evidenced by the induction of the expression of several inflammatory genes, HSCs acquire a pro-inflammatory profile that ultimately might have critical implications for their immunological shape. CONCLUSION These new observations have to be taken into account in any future liver cell therapy application based on the use of HSCs.
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91
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Abstract
The multidomain adaptor protein p62 has been suggested to exert pro-oncogenic functions in hepatocytes and other epithelial cells. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Duran et al. show that p62 acts as a non-cell-autonomous tumor suppressor in liver cancer by counteracting the activation of hepatic stellate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexi Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Department of Physiology I, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lars Zender
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Department of Physiology I, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Translational Gastrointestinal Oncology Group within the German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany.
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92
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Hepatic injury associated with Trypanosoma cruzi infection is attenuated by treatment with 15-deoxy-Δ 12,14 prostaglandin J 2. Exp Parasitol 2016; 170:100-108. [PMID: 27693222 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas' disease, causes an intense inflammatory response in several tissues, including the liver. Since this organ is central to metabolism, its infection may be reflected in the outcome of the disease. 15-deoxy-Δ12,14 prostaglandin J2 (15dPGJ2), a natural agonist of peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ, has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects in the heart upon T. cruzi infection. However, its role in the restoration of liver function and reduction of liver inflammation has not been studied yet. BALB/c mice were infected with T. cruzi. The effects of in vivo treatment with 15dPGJ2 on liver inflammation and fibrosis, as well as on the GOT/GPT ratio were studied and the role of NF-κB pathway on 15dPGJ2-mediated effects was analysed. 15dPGJ2 reduced liver inflammatory infiltrates, proinflammatory enzymes and cytokines expression, restored the De Ritis ratio values to normal, reduced the deposits of interstitial and perisinusoidal collagen, reduced the expression of the pro-fibrotic cytokines and inhibited the translocation of the p65 NF-κB subunit to the nucleus. Thus, we showed that 15dPGJ2 is able to significantly reduce the inflammatory response and fibrosis and reduced enzyme markers of liver damage in mice infected with T. cruzi.
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93
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Li W, Miao S, Miao M, Li R, Cao X, Zhang K, Huang G, Fu B. Hedgehog Signaling Activation in Hepatic Stellate Cells Promotes Angiogenesis and Vascular Mimicry in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Invest 2016; 34:424-430. [PMID: 27657189 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2016.1227442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have established that hedgehog (Hh) signaling mediates tumor-stroma interaction and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Here, we demonstrated that activation of Hh signaling in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 by Huh-7-derived sonic Hh led to increased secretion of angiogenic factors and promoted angiogenesis in vitro. The activated LX-2 also enhanced vascular mimicry of hepatoma cells. Furthermore, co-injection of Huh-7 and LX-2 significantly accelerated tumor growth with enhanced angiogenesis compared with Huh-7 alone, which could be partly abrogated by Hh signaling inhibitor. Collectively, our data showed that paracrine Hh signaling mediated pro-angiogenic function of HSC and enhanced hepatoma growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Shuanlin Miao
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Manyuan Miao
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Renshuan Li
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Xiaopeng Cao
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Kun Zhang
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Genzuan Huang
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
| | - Bin Fu
- a Department of Surgical Oncology , Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University , Xianyang, Shannxi , China
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94
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Cho Y, Cho EJ, Lee JH, Yu SJ, Kim YJ, Kim CY, Yoon JH. Hypoxia Enhances Tumor-Stroma Crosstalk that Drives the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Dig Dis Sci 2016; 61:2568-77. [PMID: 27074919 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-016-4158-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crosstalk between tumor cells and their microenvironment plays a crucial role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hypoxia, a common feature of advanced HCC, has been shown to modulate the evolution of the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we investigated the effect of hypoxia on tumor-stroma crosstalk in HCC. METHODS Human HCC cell lines (Huh-BAT, SNU-475) were cocultured with an activated human hepatic stellate cell line (HSCs; LX-2) under either normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Cell growth was evaluated with the MTS assay. Apoptotic signaling cascades were assessed by immunoblot analysis. Expression of CD31 and phosphorylated (p-) Akt in HCC tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Coculturing HCC cells with HSCs under hypoxic conditions enhanced their proliferation, migration, and resistance to bile acid (BA)-induced apoptosis compared to coculturing under normoxic conditions. Under hypoxia, of various HSC-derived growth factors, PDGF-BB was the most up-regulated, leading to the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway in HCC cells. Immunohistochemical study also revealed that p-Akt was highly expressed in hypoxic, hypovascular HCC as compared to hypervascular HCC. Neutralizing antisera to PDGF-BB or a PI3K inhibitor attenuated the proliferation of HCC cells cocultured with HSCs, and sensitized HCC cells to BA-induced apoptosis, especially under hypoxic conditions. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, hypoxic HSC-derived PDGF-BB stimulates the proliferation of HCC cells through activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, while the inhibition of PDGF-BB or PI3K/Akt pathways enhances apoptotic cell death. Targeting tumor-stroma crosstalk might be a novel therapy in the management of human HCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ju Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jong Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Jun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Chung Yong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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95
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Mußbach F, Ungefroren H, Günther B, Katenkamp K, Henklein P, Westermann M, Settmacher U, Lenk L, Sebens S, Müller JP, Böhmer FD, Kaufmann R. Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) in hepatic stellate cells - evidence for a role in hepatocellular carcinoma growth in vivo. Mol Cancer 2016; 15:54. [PMID: 27473374 PMCID: PMC4966804 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-016-0538-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have established that proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) promotes migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, suggesting a role in HCC progression. Here, we assessed the impact of PAR2 in HCC stromal cells on HCC growth using LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and Hep3B cells as model. METHODS PAR2 expression and function in LX-2 cells was analysed by RT-PCR, confocal immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and [Ca(2+)]i measurements, respectively. The impact of LX-2-expressed PAR2 on tumour growth in vivo was monitored using HCC xenotransplantation experiments in SCID mice, in which HCC-like tumours were induced by coinjection of LX-2 cells and Hep3B cells. To characterise the effects of PAR2 activation in LX-2 cells, various signalling pathways were analysed by immunoblotting and proteome profiler arrays. RESULTS Following verification of functional PAR2 expression in LX-2 cells, in vivo studies showed that these cells promoted tumour growth and angiogenesis of HCC xenografts in mice. These effects were significantly reduced when F2RL1 (encoding PAR2) was downregulated by RNA interference (RNAi). In vitro studies confirmed these results demonstrating RNAi mediated inhibition of PAR2 attenuated Smad2/3 activation in response to TGF-β1 stimulation in LX-2 cells and blocked the pro-mitotic effect of LX-2 derived conditioned medium on Hep3B cells. Furthermore, PAR2 stimulation with trypsin or a PAR2-selective activating peptide (PAR2-AP) led to activation of different intracellular signalling pathways, an increased secretion of pro-angiogenic and pro-mitotic factors and proteinases, and an enhanced migration rate across a collagen-coated membrane barrier. Silencing F2RL1 by RNAi or pharmacological inhibition of Src, hepatocyte growth factor receptor (Met), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), p42/p44 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) or matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) blocked PAR2-AP-induced migration. CONCLUSION PAR2 in HSCs plays a crucial role in promoting HCC growth presumably by mediating migration and secretion of pro-angiogenic and pro-mitotic factors. Therefore, PAR2 in stromal HSCs may have relevance as a therapeutic target of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Mußbach
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Erlanger Allee 101, D-07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Hendrik Ungefroren
- First Department of Medicine, UKSH and University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Bernd Günther
- Service Unit Small Animal, Research Center Lobeda (FZL), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Utz Settmacher
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Erlanger Allee 101, D-07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Lennart Lenk
- Group Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Group Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jörg P Müller
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Frank-Dietmar Böhmer
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Roland Kaufmann
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Erlanger Allee 101, D-07747, Jena, Germany.
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96
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Hunter JE, Leslie J, Perkins ND. c-Rel and its many roles in cancer: an old story with new twists. Br J Cancer 2016; 114:1-6. [PMID: 26757421 PMCID: PMC4716536 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2015.410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
When the genes encoding NF-κB subunits were first isolated, their homology to the previously identified c-Rel proto-oncogene and its viral homologue v-Rel was clear. This provided the first indication that these transcription factors also had a role in cancer. Because of its homology to v-Rel, which transforms chicken B cells together with the important role c-Rel can have as a regulator of B- and T-cell proliferation, most attention has focussed on its role in B-cell lymphomas, where the REL gene is frequently amplified. However, a growing number of reports now indicate that c-Rel has important functions in many solid tumours, although studies in mice suggest it may not always function as an oncogene. Moreover, c-Rel is a critical regulator of fibrosis, which provides an environment for tumour development in many settings. Overall, c-Rel is emerging as a complex regulator of tumorigenesis, and there is still much to learn about its functions in human malignancies and the response to cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Hunter
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Jack Leslie
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Neil D Perkins
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
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97
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Ma Y, Han CC, Huang Q, Sun WY, Wei W. GRK2 overexpression inhibits IGF1-induced proliferation and migration of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by downregulating EGR1. Oncol Rep 2016; 35:3068-74. [PMID: 26936374 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is a serine/threonine kinase that is involved in a variety of important signaling pathways and alternation of GRK2 protein level or activity causes diseases such as heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, and obesity. However, the role and mechanism of GRK2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression is not fully investigated. In this study we found that GRK2 plays an inhibitory role in IGF1-induced HCC cell proliferation and migration. Overexpression of GRK2 causes a decrease in early growth response-1 (EGR1) expression, while knockdown of GRK2 leads to marked increase in EGR1 expression in the treatment of IGF1. Through co-immunoprecipitation and western blot assay, we confirmed that GRK2 can interact with insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and inhibits IGF1-induced activation of IGF1R signaling pathway. Silencing EGR1 attenuates GRK2 overexpression-caused inhibition of cell proliferation, tumor colony number and migration activity, while overexpressing of EGR1 restores the anti-proliferative and migratory effect by GRK2 overexpression in HCCLM3 cells. Collectively, these results suggest that GRK2 may inhibit IGF1-induced HCC cell growth and migration through downregulation of EGR1 and indicate that enforced GRK2 may offer a potential therapeutic approach against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ma
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Chen-Chen Han
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Huang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Wu-Yi Sun
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
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98
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Fabregat I, Moreno-Càceres J, Sánchez A, Dooley S, Dewidar B, Giannelli G, ten Dijke P. TGF-β signalling and liver disease. FEBS J 2016; 283:2219-32. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.13665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 345] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL); L'Hospitalet; Barcelona Spain
- Department of Physiological Sciences II; University of Barcelona; Spain
| | | | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II; San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC); Madrid Spain
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II; Heidelberg University; Mannheim Germany
| | - Bedair Dewidar
- Department of Medicine II; Heidelberg University; Mannheim Germany
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Tanta University; Egypt
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology; University of Bari Medical School; Italy
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology; Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands; Leiden The Netherlands
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99
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Li D, He L, Guo H, Chen H, Shan H. Targeting activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) for liver fibrosis imaging. EJNMMI Res 2015; 5:71. [PMID: 26650603 PMCID: PMC4674461 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-015-0151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Following injurious stimuli, quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSCs) transdifferentiate into activated HSCs (aHSCs). aHSCs play pivotal roles in the onset and progression of liver fibrosis. Therefore, molecular imaging of aHSCs in liver fibrosis will facilitate early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and instruction and evaluation of aHSC-targeted treatment. To date, several receptors, such as integrin αvβ3, mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor (M6P/IGF-IIR), collagen type VI receptor (CVIR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β), vimentin, and desmin, have been identified as biomarkers of aHSCs. Corresponding ligands to these receptors have also been developed. This review will discuss strategies for developing aHSC-targeted imaging in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Li He
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Huizhuang Guo
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, 511400, China
| | - Hanwei Chen
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, 511400, China.
| | - Hong Shan
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, Guangzhou, 510630, China. .,Interventional Radiology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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100
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Zhu B, Lin N, Zhang M, Zhu Y, Cheng H, Chen S, Ling Y, Pan W, Xu R. Activated hepatic stellate cells promote angiogenesis via interleukin-8 in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2015; 13:365. [PMID: 26593962 PMCID: PMC4655083 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0730-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemokines have been recognized as important modulators of angiogenesis, and they play critical roles in the development and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although their origins and latent molecular mechanisms remain elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate how activated hepatic stellate cells (a-HSCs) promote angiogenesis in HCC. METHODS A total of 22 HCC patients were enrolled randomly. We used immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to analyse the production of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in a-HSCs derived from HCC tissues. The angiogenic effects of IL-8 in vitro and in vivo were assessed by ELISA, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, capillary tube formation assay, and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay. RESULTS The present study showed that IL-8 was enriched predominantly in the tumour stroma of HCC tissues and was mainly derived from a-HSCs, rather than from hepatoma cells, in vivo and in vitro. Angiogenesis was most active at the invading edge, which was close to the a-HSCs. The angiogenic effect was dramatically attenuated by an IL-8 neutralizing antibody both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the IL-8 neutralizing antibody down-regulated Ser727-phosphorylated STAT3 levels in hepatoma cells treated with a-HSCs conditioned medium. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal that a-HSCs within the stroma of HCC contribute to tumour angiogenesis via IL-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
| | - Nan Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The 4th Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Huanhuan Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shuxian Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yunbiao Ling
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
| | - Weidong Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ruiyun Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
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