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Grewal T, Rentero C, Enrich C, Wahba M, Raabe CA, Rescher U. Annexin Animal Models-From Fundamental Principles to Translational Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073439. [PMID: 33810523 PMCID: PMC8037771 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Routine manipulation of the mouse genome has become a landmark in biomedical research. Traits that are only associated with advanced developmental stages can now be investigated within a living organism, and the in vivo analysis of corresponding phenotypes and functions advances the translation into the clinical setting. The annexins, a family of closely related calcium (Ca2+)- and lipid-binding proteins, are found at various intra- and extracellular locations, and interact with a broad range of membrane lipids and proteins. Their impacts on cellular functions has been extensively assessed in vitro, yet annexin-deficient mouse models generally develop normally and do not display obvious phenotypes. Only in recent years, studies examining genetically modified annexin mouse models which were exposed to stress conditions mimicking human disease often revealed striking phenotypes. This review is the first comprehensive overview of annexin-related research using animal models and their exciting future use for relevant issues in biology and experimental medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grewal
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Correspondence: (T.G.); (U.R.); Tel.: +61-(0)2-9351-8496 (T.G.); +49-(0)251-83-52121 (U.R.)
| | - Carles Rentero
- Departament de Biomedicina, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (C.R.); (C.E.)
- Centre de Recerca Biomèdica CELLEX, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Enrich
- Departament de Biomedicina, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (C.R.); (C.E.)
- Centre de Recerca Biomèdica CELLEX, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mohamed Wahba
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Carsten A. Raabe
- Research Group Regulatory Mechanisms of Inflammation, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE) and Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center (CiM), Institute of Medical Biochemistry, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany;
| | - Ursula Rescher
- Research Group Regulatory Mechanisms of Inflammation, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE) and Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center (CiM), Institute of Medical Biochemistry, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany;
- Correspondence: (T.G.); (U.R.); Tel.: +61-(0)2-9351-8496 (T.G.); +49-(0)251-83-52121 (U.R.)
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52
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Akkoc Y, Peker N, Akcay A, Gozuacik D. Autophagy and Cancer Dormancy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:627023. [PMID: 33816262 PMCID: PMC8017298 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.627023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis and relapse account for the great majority of cancer-related deaths. Most metastatic lesions are micro metastases that have the capacity to remain in a non-dividing state called “dormancy” for months or even years. Commonly used anticancer drugs generally target actively dividing cancer cells. Therefore, cancer cells that remain in a dormant state evade conventional therapies and contribute to cancer recurrence. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer dormancy are not fully understood. Recent studies indicate that a major cellular stress response mechanism, autophagy, plays an important role in the adaptation, survival and reactivation of dormant cells. In this review article, we will summarize accumulating knowledge about cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer dormancy, and discuss the role and importance of autophagy in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Akkoc
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nesibe Peker
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Arzu Akcay
- Yeni Yüzyıl University, School of Medicine, Private Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital, Department of Pathology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Devrim Gozuacik
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey.,Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Sabancı University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Istanbul, Turkey
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53
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Autophagy, an accomplice or antagonist of drug resistance in HCC? Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:266. [PMID: 33712559 PMCID: PMC7954824 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal malignancy characterized by poor prognosis and a low 5-year survival rate. Drug treatment is proving to be effective in anti-HCC. However, only a small number of HCC patients exhibit sensitive responses, and drug resistance occurs frequently in advanced patients. Autophagy, an evolutionary process responsible for the degradation of cellular substances, is closely associated with the acquisition and maintenance of drug resistance for HCC. This review focuses on autophagic proteins and explores the intricate relationship between autophagy and cancer stem cells, tumor-derived exosomes, and noncoding RNA. Clinical trials involved in autophagy inhibition combined with anticancer drugs are also concerned.
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Chu H, Wu C, Zhao Q, Sun R, Yang K, Zhao B, Liu Y, Liang Z, Zhong S, Zhang L, Zhang Y. Quantitative proteomics identifies FOLR1 to drive sorafenib resistance via activating autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:753-761. [PMID: 33677528 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is commonly used to treat advanced human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, clinical efficacy has been limited by drug resistance. In this study, we used label-free quantitative proteomic analysis to systematically investigate the underlying mechanisms of sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. A total of 1709 proteins were confidently quantified. Among them, 89 were differentially expressed and highly enriched in the processes of cell-cell adhesion, negative regulation of apoptosis, response to drug and metabolic processes involving in sorafenib resistance. Notably, folate receptor α (FOLR1) was found to be significantly upregulated in resistant HCC cells. In addition, in vitro studies showed that overexpression of FOLR1 decreased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib, whereas siRNA-directed knockdown of FOLR1 increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry analysis suggested a strong link between FOLR1 and autophagy-related proteins. Further biological experiments found that FOLR1-related sorafenib resistance was accompanied by the activation of autophagy, whereas inhibition of autophagy significantly reduced FOLR1-induced cell resistance. These results suggest the driving role of FOLR1 in HCC resistance to sorafenib, which may be exerted through FOLR1-induced autophagy. Therefore, this study may provide new insights into understanding the mechanism of sorafenib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Chu
- Zhang Dayu School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R. & A. Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, China
| | - Changqing Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R. & A. Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, China.,Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R. & A. Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, China
| | - Rui Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R. & A. Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, China
| | - Kuo Yang
- BNRIST/Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Baofeng Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R. & A. Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, China
| | - Yang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R. & A. Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, China.,Innovative Research Center for Integrated Cancer Omics, the Second Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhen Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R. & A. Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, China
| | - Shijun Zhong
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R. & A. Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, China
| | - Yukui Zhang
- Zhang Dayu School of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R. & A. Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, China
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55
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Ng K, Shea QT, Wong T, Luk ST, Tong M, Lo C, Man K, Yun J, Guan X, Lee TK, Zheng Y, Ma S. Chemotherapy-Enriched THBS2-Deficient Cancer Stem Cells Drive Hepatocarcinogenesis through Matrix Softness Induced Histone H3 Modifications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2002483. [PMID: 33717837 PMCID: PMC7927606 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The physical microenvironment is a critical mediator of tumor behavior. However, detailed biological and mechanistic insight is lacking. The present study reveals the role of chemotherapy-enriched CD133+ liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) with THBS2 deficiency. This subpopulation of cells contributes to a more aggressive cancer and functional stemness phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) through the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, collagen degradation, and matrix stiffness. The local soft spots created by these liver CSCs can enhance stemness and drug resistance and provide a route of escape to facilitate HCC metastasis. Interestingly, a positive feed-forward loop is identified where a local soft spot microenvironment in the HCC tumor is enriched with CD133 expressing cells that secrete markedly less ECM-modifying THBS2 upon histone H3 modification at its promoter region, allowing the maintenance of a localized soft spot matrix. Clinically, THBS2 deficiency is also correlated with low HCC survival, where high levels of CSCs with low THBS2 expression in HCC are associated with decreased collagen fiber deposits and an invasive tumor front. The findings have implications for the treatment of cancer stemness and for the prevention of tumor outgrowth through disseminated tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai‐Yu Ng
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Queenie T. Shea
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Tin‐Lok Wong
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Steve T. Luk
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Man Tong
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Chung‐Mau Lo
- Department of SurgeryQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of SurgeryQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
| | - Jing‐Ping Yun
- Department of PathologySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CentreGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Xin‐Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
- Department of Clinical OncologyQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Terence K. Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical TechnologyThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Yong‐Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
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Zhang N, Zhang S, Wu W, Lu W, Jiang M, Zheng N, Huang J, Wang L, Liu H, Zheng M, Wang J. Regorafenib inhibits migration, invasion, and vasculogenic mimicry of hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting ID1-mediated EMT. Mol Carcinog 2021; 60:151-163. [PMID: 33428809 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Regorafenib is approved for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following sorafenib. However, the effect of regorafenib on HCC metastasis and its mechanism are poorly understood. Here, our data showed that regorafenib significantly restrained the migration, invasion and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) of HCC cells, and downregulated the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)/VM-related molecules. Using RNA-seq and cellular thermal shift assays, we found that inhibitor of differentiation 1 (ID1) was a key target of regorafenib. In HCC tissues, the protein expression of ID1 was positively correlated with EMT and VM formation (CD34- /PAS+ ). Functionally, ID1 knockdown inhibited HCC cell migration, invasion, metastasis, and VM formation in vitro and in vivo, with upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of Snail and VE-cadherin. Moreover, Snail overexpression promoted the migration, invasion, and VM formation of ID1 knockdown cells. Snail knockdown reduced the migration, invasion, and VM formation of ID1 overexpression cells. Finally, regorafenib suppressed VM formation and decreased the expression of ID1, VE-cadherin and Snail in HCC PDX model. In conclusion, we manifested that regorafenib distinctly inhibited EMT in HCC cells via targeting ID1, leading to the suppression of cell migration, invasion and VM formation. These findings suggest that regorafenib may be developed as a suitable therapeutic agent for HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Shaoqin Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Wenda Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Wenxian Lu
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Mingting Jiang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Ning Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Long Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Hekun Liu
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Min Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Jichuang Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
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Hou J, Karin M, Sun B. Targeting cancer-promoting inflammation - have anti-inflammatory therapies come of age? Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2021; 18:261-279. [PMID: 33469195 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-020-00459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The immune system has crucial roles in cancer development and treatment. Whereas adaptive immunity can prevent or constrain cancer through immunosurveillance, innate immunity and inflammation often promote tumorigenesis and malignant progression of nascent cancer. The past decade has witnessed the translation of knowledge derived from preclinical studies of antitumour immunity into clinically effective, approved immunotherapies for cancer. By contrast, the successful implementation of treatments that target cancer-associated inflammation is still awaited. Anti-inflammatory agents have the potential to not only prevent or delay cancer onset but also to improve the efficacy of conventional therapeutics and next-generation immunotherapies. Herein, we review the current clinical advances and experimental findings supporting the utility of an anti-inflammatory approach to the treatment of solid malignancies. Gaining a better mechanistic understanding of the mode of action of anti-inflammatory agents and designing more effective treatment combinations would advance the clinical application of this therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Hou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
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58
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Granito A, Forgione A, Marinelli S, Renzulli M, Ielasi L, Sansone V, Benevento F, Piscaglia F, Tovoli F. Experience with regorafenib in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2021; 14:17562848211016959. [PMID: 34104211 PMCID: PMC8165525 DOI: 10.1177/17562848211016959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Regorafenib is a diphenylurea oral multikinase inhibitor, structurally comparable to sorafenib, which targets a variety of kinases implicated in angiogenic and tumor growth-promoting pathways. Regorafenib was the first agent to positively show significant survival advantage as a second-line therapy in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had previously failed first-line treatment with sorafenib. Recent evidence has shown that its antitumor efficacy is due to a comprehensive spectrum of tumor neo-angiogenesis and proliferation inhibition and immunomodulatory effects on the tumor microenvironment, which plays a crucial role in tumor development. This review addresses the rationale and supporting evidence for regorafenib's efficacy in HCC that led to regorafenib's approval as a second-line therapy. In addition, we review proof from clinical practice studies that validate the RESORCE trial results. We discuss regorafenib's potential role in the newly emerging therapeutic strategy based on combination with immune checkpoint blockade and its possible extensibility to patient categories not enrolled in the registrative study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonella Forgione
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Sara Marinelli
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Renzulli
- Radiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Ielasi
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Vito Sansone
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Francesca Benevento
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Francesco Tovoli
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italia
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59
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Luo YD, Fang L, Yu HQ, Zhang J, Lin XT, Liu XY, Wu D, Li GX, Huang D, Zhang YJ, Chen S, Jiang Y, Shuai L, He Y, Zhang LD, Bie P, Xie CM. p53 haploinsufficiency and increased mTOR signalling define a subset of aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2021; 74:96-108. [PMID: 32738450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS p53 mutations occur frequently in human HCC. Activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is also associated with HCC. However, it is still unknown whether these changes together initiate HCC and can be targeted as a potential therapeutic strategy. METHODS We generated mouse models in which mTOR was hyperactivated by loss of tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (Tsc1) with or without p53 haplodeficiency. Primary cells were isolated from mouse livers. Oncogenic signalling was assessed in vitro and in vivo, with or without targeted inhibition of a single molecule or multiple molecules. Transcriptional profiling was used to identify biomarkers predictive of HCC. Human HCC materials were used to corroborate the findings from mouse models. RESULTS p53 haploinsufficiency facilitates mTOR signalling via the PTEN/PI3K/Akt axis, promoting HCC tumorigenesis and lung metastasis. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt reduced mTOR activity, which effectively enhanced the anticancer effort of an mTOR inhibitor. ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 4 (Abcc4) was found to be responsible for p53 haploinsufficiency- and Tsc1 loss-driven HCC tumorigenesis. Moreover, in clinical HCC samples, Abcc4 was specifically identified an aggressive subtype. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin significantly reduced hepatocarcinogenesis triggered by Tsc1 loss and p53 haploinsufficiency in vivo, as well as the biomarker Abcc4. CONCLUSIONS Our data advance the current understanding of the activation of the PTEN/PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis and its downstream target Abcc4 in hepatocarcinogenesis driven by p53 reduction and Tsc1 loss. Targeting mTOR, an unexpected vulnerability in p53 (haplo)deficiency HCC, can be exploited therapeutically to treat Abcc4-positive patients with HCC. LAY SUMMARY Tsc1 loss facilitates the p53 (haplo)insufficiency-mediated activation of the PTEN/Akt/mTOR axis, leading to the elevated expression of Abcc4 to drive HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis in mice. Inhibition of mTOR protects against p53 haploinsufficiency and Tsc1 loss-triggered tumour-promoting activity, providing a new approach for treating an aggressive subtype of HCC exhibiting high Abcc4 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Deng Luo
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Fang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Qiang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Gui-Xi Li
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Deng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Shuai
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yu He
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lei-Da Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| | - Ping Bie
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (General Hospital), Chongqing, China.
| | - Chuan-Ming Xie
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
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Wu H, Wang T, Liu Y, Li X, Xu S, Wu C, Zou H, Cao M, Jin G, Lang J, Wang B, Liu B, Luo X, Xu C. Mitophagy promotes sorafenib resistance through hypoxia-inducible ATAD3A dependent Axis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:274. [PMID: 33280610 PMCID: PMC7720487 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of novel targets for recovering sorafenib resistance is pivotal for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Mitophagy is the programmed degradation of mitochondria, and is likely involved in drug resistance of cancer cells. Here, we identified hyperactivated mitophagy is essential for sorafenib resistance, and the mitophagy core regulator gene ATAD3A (ATPase family AAA domain containing 3A) was down regulated in hypoxia induced resistant HCC cells. Blocking mitophagy may restore the sorafenib sensitivity of these cells and provide a new treatment strategy for HCC patients. METHODS Hypoxia induced sorafenib resistant cancer cells were established by culturing under 1% O2 with increasing drug treatment. RNA sequencing was conducted in transfecting LM3 cells with sh-ATAD3A lentivirus. Subsequent mechanistic studies were performed in HCC cell lines by manipulating ATAD3A expression isogenically where we evaluated drug sensitivity, molecular signaling events. In vivo study, we investigated the combined treatment effect of sorafenib and miR-210-5P antagomir. RESULTS We found a hyperactivated mitophagy regulating by ATAD3A-PINK1/PARKIN axis in hypoxia induced sorafenib resistant HCC cells. Gain- and loss- of ATAD3A were related to hypoxia-induced mitophagy and sorafenib resistance. In addition, ATAD3A is a functional target of miR-210-5p and its oncogenic functions are likely mediated by increased miR-210-5P expression. miR-210-5P was upregulated under hypoxia and participated in regulating sorafenib resistance. In vivo xenograft assay showed that miR-210-5P antagomir combined with sorafenib abrogated the tumorigenic effect of ATAD3A down-regulation in mice. CONCLUSIONS Loss of ATAD3A hyperactivates mitophagy which is a core event in hypoxia induced sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. Targeting miR-210-5P-ATAD3A axis is a novel therapeutic target for sorafenib-resistant HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, 518055, Shenzhen, China
- Integrative Cancer Center&Cancer Clinical Research Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China
- Department of Experimental Research, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 510000, P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Yiqiang Liu
- Integrative Cancer Center&Cancer Clinical Research Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China
- Department of Experimental Research, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 510000, P. R. China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Experimental Research, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 510000, P. R. China
| | - Senlin Xu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Changtao Wu
- Integrative Cancer Center&Cancer Clinical Research Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China
- Department of Experimental Research, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 510000, P. R. China
| | - Hongbo Zou
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Mianfu Cao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Guoxiang Jin
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Jinyi Lang
- Integrative Cancer Center&Cancer Clinical Research Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Baohua Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xiaolin Luo
- Department of Experimental Research, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 510000, P. R. China.
| | - Chuan Xu
- Integrative Cancer Center&Cancer Clinical Research Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China.
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Guo C, Li N, Dong C, Wang L, Li Z, Liu Q, Ma Q, Greenaway FT, Tian Y, Hao L, Liu S, Sun MZ. 33-kDa ANXA3 isoform contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis via modulating ERK, PI3K/Akt-HIF and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. J Adv Res 2020; 30:85-102. [PMID: 34026289 PMCID: PMC8132212 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction As a member of annexin family proteins, annexin A3 (ANXA3) has 36-kDa and 33-kDa isoforms. ANXA3 plays crucial roles in the tumorigenesis, aggressiveness and drug-resistance of cancers. However, previous studies mainly focused on the role of total ANXA3 in cancers without distinguishing the distinction between the two isoforms, the role of 33-kDa ANXA3 in cancer remains unclear. Objectives Current work aimed to investigate the function and regulation mechanism of 33-kDa ANXA3 in hepatocarcinoma. Methods The expressions of ANXA3, CRKL, Rac1, c-Myc and pAkt were analyzed in hepatocarcinoma specimens by Western blotting. The biological function of 33-kDa ANXA3 in the growth, metastasis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, chemoresistance of hepatocarcinoma cells with the underlying molecular mechanism were investigated using gain-of-function strategy in vitro or in vivo. Results 33-kDa ANXA3 was remarkably upregulated in tumor tissues compared with corresponding normal liver tissues of hepatocarcinoma patients. Its stable knockdown decreased the in vivo tumor growing velocity and malignancy of hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells transplanted in nude mice. The in vitro experimental results indicated 33-kDa ANXA3 knockdown suppressed the proliferation, colony forming, migration and invasion abilities of HepG2 cells through downregulating CRKL, Rap1b, Rac1, pMEK, pERK2 and c-Myc in ERK pathway; inhibited angiogenesisability of HepG2 cells through inactivating PI3K/Akt-HIF pathway; induced apoptosis and enhanced chemoresistance of HepG2 cells through increasing Bax/decreasing Bcl-2 expressions and inactivating caspase 9/caspase 3 in intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Accordingly, CRKL, Rac1, c-Myc and pAkt were also upregulated in hepatocarcinoma patients ’ tumor tissues compared with corresponding normal liver tissues. Conclusions The overexpression of 33-kDa ANXA3 is involved in the clinical progression of hepatocarcinoma and in the malignancy, angiogenesis and apoptosis of hepatocarcinoma cells. It is of potential use in hepatocarcinoma diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Guo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Nannan Li
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Chengyong Dong
- Department of General Surgery, the 2 Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the 2 Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China
| | - Zhaopeng Li
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Qinlong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the 2 Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China
| | - Qinglai Ma
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Frederick T Greenaway
- Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, Worcester, MA 01610, USA
| | - Yuxiang Tian
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Lihong Hao
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Shuqing Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Ming-Zhong Sun
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China.,Institute of Hematology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China
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Toufiq M, Roelands J, Alfaki M, Syed Ahamed Kabeer B, Saadaoui M, Lakshmanan AP, Bangarusamy DK, Murugesan S, Bedognetti D, Hendrickx W, Al Khodor S, Terranegra A, Rinchai D, Chaussabel D, Garand M. Annexin A3 in sepsis: novel perspectives from an exploration of public transcriptome data. Immunology 2020; 161:291-302. [PMID: 32682335 PMCID: PMC7692248 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
According to publicly available transcriptome datasets, the abundance of Annexin A3 (ANXA3) is robustly increased during the course of sepsis; however, no studies have examined the biological significance or clinical relevance of ANXA3 in this pathology. Here we explored this interpretation gap and identified possible directions for future research. Based on reference transcriptome datasets, we found that ANXA3 expression is restricted to neutrophils, is upregulated in vitro after exposure to plasma obtained from septic patients, and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Secondly, an increase in ANXA3 transcript abundance was also observed in vivo, in the blood of septic patients in multiple independent studies. ANXA3 is known to mediate calcium-dependent granules-phagosome fusion in support of microbicidal activity in neutrophils. More recent work has also shown that ANXA3 enhances proliferation and survival of tumour cells via a Caspase-3-dependent mechanism. And this same molecule is also known to play a critical role in regulation of apoptotic events in neutrophils. Thus, we posit that during sepsis ANXA3 might either play a beneficial role, by facilitating microbial clearance and resolution of the infection; or a detrimental role, by prolonging neutrophil survival, which is known to contribute to sepsis-mediated organ damage.
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Huang A, Yang XR, Chung WY, Dennison AR, Zhou J. Targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:146. [PMID: 32782275 PMCID: PMC7419547 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00264-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 345] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The last 3 years have seen the emergence of promising targeted therapies for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sorafenib has been the mainstay of treatment for a decade and newer modalities were ineffective and did not confer any increased therapeutic benefit until the introduction of lenvatinib which was approved based on its non-inferiority to sorafenib. The subsequent success of regorafenib in HCC patients who progress on sorafenib treatment heralded a new era of second-line treatment and was quickly followed by ramucirumab, cabozantinib, and the most influential, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Over the same period combination therapies, including anti-angiogenesis agents with ICIs, dual ICIs and targeted agents in conjunction with surgery or other loco-regional therapies, have been extensively investigated and have shown promise and provided the basis for exciting clinical trials. Work continues to develop additional novel therapeutic agents which could potentially augment the presently available options and understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for drug resistance, with the goal of improving the survival of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Yuan Chung
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Ashley R Dennison
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Wang P, Jiang Z, Liu X, Yu K, Wang C, Li H, Zhong L. PI16 attenuates response to sorafenib and represents a predictive biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2020; 9:6972-6983. [PMID: 32779397 PMCID: PMC7541153 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib has become the only FDA‐approved first‐line therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for more than 10 years, but there is still no validated predictive or prognostic marker. Peptidase inhibitor 16 (PI16) is a functionally unknown gene in cancer research. This study aimed to determine the exact function of PI16 in HCC and whether it can represent as a biomarker for sorafenib response. We found that PI16 was over expressed in HCC tissues vs paired normal tissues. PI16 knockdown sensitize HCC cells to sorafenib treatment both in vitro and in vivo, whereas ectopic PI16 expression produced the opposite effect. Mechanistically, PI16 could suppress p38 MAPK/caspase‐dependent apoptosis in this process, and p38 MAPK inhibitor reversed the sorafenib sensitive phenotype caused by PI16 inhibition. Clinically, immunohistochemistry was used to detect PI16 levels in resected patients with HCC prior to sorafenib treatment. We showed that high PI16 levels represented an independent risk factor for disease progression in patients treated with sorafenib. Patients with low PI16 showed significantly better progression free survival and overall survival after sorafenib therapy. In conclusion, PI16 attenuates response to sorafenib treatment in HCC, and may be a helpful prognostic biomarker of sorafenib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pusen Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongyi Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueni Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kanru Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunguang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Alpha-Fetoprotein Regulates the Expression of Immune-Related Proteins through the NF- κB (P65) Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2020; 2020:9327512. [PMID: 32774373 PMCID: PMC7407027 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9327512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poor, with 60% to 70% of patients developing recurrence and metastasis within five years of radical resection. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) plays a significant role in predicting the recurrence and metastasis of HCC after surgery. However, its role in modulating tumor immunity has not been investigated. Our objective was to examine the effect of AFP on the expression of B7 family and activation of the NF-κB (P65) pathway in HCC. Methods We generated human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cell lines with or without recombinant AFP transfection (AFPup and control groups). Colony formation assay, Transwell invasion assay, and wound healing assay were used to detect the function of AFP. Liver cancer xenografts were made in BALB/c nude male mice (N = 6 per group). After 28 days of inoculation, the expression of immune genes in the HCC tissues, including PD-L (B7-H1), B7-H3, B7-H4, and P65, was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blot. In addition, immunofluorescence was used to determine the subcellular localization of the P65 protein, a key factor in the NF-κB pathway. An online HCC patients' dataset was also used to detect the connection between AFP and P65. Results Overexpression of AFP could enhance proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells. Both qPCR and western blot results demonstrated that the expressions of PD-L1, B7-H4, and P65 were significantly higher in the AFP group compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence results indicated that the majority of the P65 protein was located in the cytoplasm in the control group but was translocated to the nucleus in the AFPup group. The Spearman correlation coefficient confirms that AFP has a positive correlation with P65 in HCC patients (R = 0.33, P=0.05). Conclusion AFP could enhance proliferation, invasion, and migration in HCC cells. The upregulation of AFP would increase the PD-L1 and B7-H4 mRNA and protein expression in HCC tissues through the upregulation and activation of the P65 protein.
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Leung CON, Tong M, Chung KPS, Zhou L, Che N, Tang KH, Ding J, Lau EYT, Ng IOL, Ma S, Lee TKW. Overriding Adaptive Resistance to Sorafenib Through Combination Therapy With Src Homology 2 Domain-Containing Phosphatase 2 Blockade in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatology 2020; 72:155-168. [PMID: 31610028 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The survival benefit of sorafenib for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unsatisfactory due to the development of adaptive resistance. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that drug resistance can be acquired by cancer cells by activating a number of signaling pathways through receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs); nevertheless, the detailed mechanism for the activation of these alternative pathways is not fully understood. APPROACH AND RESULTS Given the physiological role of Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) as a downstream effector of many RTKs for activation of various signaling cascades, we first found that SHP2 was markedly up-regulated in our established sorafenib-resistant cell lines as well as patient-derived xenografts. Upon sorafenib treatment, adaptive resistance was acquired in HCC cells through activation of RTKs including AXL, epidermal growth factor receptor, EPH receptor A2, and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, leading to RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and AKT reactivation. We found that the SHP2 inhibitor SHP099 abrogated sorafenib resistance in HCC cell lines and organoid culture in vitro by blocking this negative feedback mechanism. Interestingly, this sensitization effect was also mediated by induction of cellular senescence. SHP099 in combination with sorafenib was highly efficacious in the treatment of xenografts and genetically engineered models of HCC. CONCLUSIONS SHP2 blockade by SHP099 in combination with sorafenib attenuated the adaptive resistance to sorafenib by impeding RTK-induced reactivation of the MEK/ERK and AKT signaling pathways. SHP099 in combination with sorafenib may be a safe therapeutic strategy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Oi Ning Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Man Tong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Katherine Po Sin Chung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Lena Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Noélia Che
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kwan Ho Tang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Jin Ding
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Irene Oi Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
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Marin JJ, Macias RI, Monte MJ, Romero MR, Asensio M, Sanchez-Martin A, Cives-Losada C, Temprano AG, Espinosa-Escudero R, Reviejo M, Bohorquez LH, Briz O. Molecular Bases of Drug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061663. [PMID: 32585893 PMCID: PMC7352164 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor outcome of patients with non-surgically removable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent type of primary liver cancer, is mainly due to the high refractoriness of this aggressive tumor to classical chemotherapy. Novel pharmacological approaches based on the use of inhibitors of tyrosine kinases (TKIs), mainly sorafenib and regorafenib, have provided only a modest prolongation of the overall survival in these HCC patients. The present review is an update of the available information regarding our understanding of the molecular bases of mechanisms of chemoresistance (MOC) with a significant impact on the response of HCC to existing pharmacological tools, which include classical chemotherapeutic agents, TKIs and novel immune-sensitizing strategies. Many of the more than one hundred genes involved in seven MOC have been identified as potential biomarkers to predict the failure of treatment, as well as druggable targets to develop novel strategies aimed at increasing the sensitivity of HCC to pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose J.G. Marin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.J.G.M.); (O.B.); Tel.: +34-663182872 (J.J.G.M.); +34-923294674 (O.B.)
| | - Rocio I.R. Macias
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria J. Monte
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta R. Romero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maitane Asensio
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Anabel Sanchez-Martin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Candela Cives-Losada
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Alvaro G. Temprano
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Ricardo Espinosa-Escudero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Maria Reviejo
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Laura H. Bohorquez
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Oscar Briz
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.J.G.M.); (O.B.); Tel.: +34-663182872 (J.J.G.M.); +34-923294674 (O.B.)
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Cheng Z, Wei-Qi J, Jin D. New insights on sorafenib resistance in liver cancer with correlation of individualized therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188382. [PMID: 32522600 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is highly malignant and insensitive to cytotoxic chemotherapy and is associated with very poor patient prognosis. In 2007, the small-molecule targeted drug sorafenib was approved for the treatment of advanced liver cancer. In the subsequent ten years, sorafenib has been the only first-line therapeutic targeted drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, a number of clinical studies show that a considerable percentage of patients with liver cancer are insensitive to sorafenib. The number of patients who actually benefit significantly from sorafenib treatment is very limited, and the overall efficacy of sorafenib is far from satisfactory, which has attracted the attention of researchers. Based on previous studies and reports, this article reviews the potential mechanisms of sorafenib resistance (SR) and summarizes the biomarkers and clinicopathological indicators that might be used for predicting sorafenib response and developing personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Cheng
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiang Wei-Qi
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ding Jin
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200433, China.
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69
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Fan G, Wei X, Xu X. Is the era of sorafenib over? A review of the literature. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920927602. [PMID: 32518599 PMCID: PMC7252361 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920927602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most severe diseases worldwide. For the different stages of HCC, there are different clinical treatment strategies, such as surgical therapy for the early stage, and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) for intermediate-stage disease. Systemic treatment, which uses mainly targeted drugs, is the standard therapy against advanced HCC. Sorafenib is an important first-line therapy for advanced HCC. As a classically effective drug, sorafenib can increase overall survival markedly. However, it still has room for improvement because of the heterogeneity of HCC and acquired resistance. Scientists have reported the acquired sorafenib resistance is associated with the anomalous expression of certain genes, most of which are also related with HCC onset and development. Combining sorafenib with inhibitors targeting these genes may be an effective treatment. Combined treatment may not only overcome drug resistance, but also inhibit the expression of carcinoma-related genes. This review focuses on the current status of sorafenib in advanced HCC, summarizes the inhibitors that can combine with sorafenib in the treatment against HCC, and provides the rationale for clinical trials of sorafenib in combination with other inhibitors in HCC. The era of sorafenib in the treatment of HCC is far from over, as long as we find better methods of medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghan Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, CAMS; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, CAMS; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, CAMS; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, 79 QingChun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
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70
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Synergies in exosomes and autophagy pathways for cellular homeostasis and metastasis of tumor cells. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:64. [PMID: 32426106 PMCID: PMC7218515 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00426-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eukaryotic cells demonstrate two tightly linked vesicular transport systems, comprising intracellular vesicle transport and extracellular vesicle transport system. Intracellular transport vesicles can translocate biomolecules between compartments inside the cell, for example, proteins from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. Whereas, the secreted vesicles so-called extracellular vesicles facilitate the transport of biomolecules, for example, nucleic acids, proteins and lipids between cells. Vesicles can be formed during the process of endocytosis or/and autophagy and not only act as mediators of intra- and inter-cellular communication but also represent pathological conditions of cells or tissues. Methods In this review, we searched articles in PubMed, published between 2000 and 2020, with following terms: autophagy, autophagocytosis, transport vesicles, lysosomes, endosomes, exocytosis, exosomes, alone or in different combinations. The biological functions that were selected based on relevancy to our topic include cellular homeostasis and tumorigenesis. Results The searched literature shows that there is a high degree of synergies between exosome biogenesis and autophagy, which encompass endocytosis and endosomes, lysosomes, exocytosis and exosomes, autophagocytosis, autophagosomes and amphisomes. These transport systems not only maintain cellular homeostasis but also operate synergically against fluctuations in the external and internal environment such as during tumorigenesis and metastasis. Additionally, exosomal and autophagic proteins may serve as cancer diagnosis approaches. Conclusion Exosomal and autophagy pathways play pivotal roles in homeostasis and metastasis of tumor cells. Understanding the crosstalk between endomembrane organelles and vesicular trafficking may expand our insight into cooperative functions of exosomal and autophagy pathways during disease progression and may help to develop effective therapies against lysosomal diseases including cancers and beyond.
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71
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Lin Z, Niu Y, Wan A, Chen D, Liang H, Chen X, Sun L, Zhan S, Chen L, Cheng C, Zhang X, Bu X, He W, Wan G. RNA m 6 A methylation regulates sorafenib resistance in liver cancer through FOXO3-mediated autophagy. EMBO J 2020; 39:e103181. [PMID: 32368828 PMCID: PMC7298296 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019103181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant nucleotide modification in mRNA, known to regulate mRNA stability, splicing, and translation, but it is unclear whether it is also has a physiological role in the intratumoral microenvironment and cancer drug resistance. Here, we find that METTL3, a primary m6A methyltransferase, is significantly down‐regulated in human sorafenib‐resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Depletion of METTL3 under hypoxia promotes sorafenib resistance and expression of angiogenesis genes in cultured HCC cells and activates autophagy‐associated pathways. Mechanistically, we have identified FOXO3 as a key downstream target of METTL3, with m6A modification of the FOXO3 mRNA 3′‐untranslated region increasing its stability through a YTHDF1‐dependent mechanism. Analysis of clinical samples furthermore showed that METTL3 and FOXO3 levels are tightly correlated in HCC patients. In mouse xenograft models, METTL3 depletion significantly enhances sorafenib resistance of HCC by abolishing the identified METTL3‐mediated FOXO3 mRNA stabilization, and overexpression of FOXO3 restores m6A‐dependent sorafenib sensitivity. Collectively, our work reveals a critical function for METTL3‐mediated m6A modification in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and identifies FOXO3 as an important target of m6A modification in the resistance of HCC to sorafenib therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyou Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Niu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Arabella Wan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongshi Chen
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Heng Liang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xijun Chen
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Sun
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyue Zhan
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liutao Chen
- School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianzhang Bu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiling He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Wan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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72
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Juengpanich S, Topatana W, Lu C, Staiculescu D, Li S, Cao J, Lin J, Hu J, Chen M, Chen J, Cai X. Role of cellular, molecular and tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: Possible targets and future directions in the regorafenib era. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:1778-1792. [PMID: 32162677 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains as one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality, despite the recent development of new therapeutic options. Regorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, is the first systemic therapy that has a survival benefit for patients with advanced HCC that have a poor response to sorafenib. Even though regorafenib has been approved by the FDA, the clinical trial for regorafenib treatment does not show significant improvement in overall survival. The impaired efficacy of regorafenib caused by various resistance mechanisms, including epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, inflammation, angiogenesis, hypoxia, oxidative stress, fibrosis and autophagy, still needs to be resolved. In this review, we provide insight on regorafenib microenvironmental, molecular and cellular mechanisms and interactions in HCC treatment. The aim of this review is to help physicians select patients that would obtain the maximal benefits from regorafenib in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarun Juengpanich
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Win Topatana
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Daniel Staiculescu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shijie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiasheng Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Lin
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingyu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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73
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Tsui YM, Chan LK, Ng IOL. Cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and translational potential. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:1428-1440. [PMID: 32231294 PMCID: PMC7217836 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0823-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stemness, referring to the stem-cell-like phenotype of cancer cells, has been recognised to play important roles in different aspects of hepatocarcinogenesis. A number of well-established cell-surface markers already exist for liver cancer stem cells, with potential new markers of liver cancer stem cells being identified. Both genetic and epigenetic factors that affect various signalling pathways are known to contribute to cancer stemness. In addition, the tumour microenvironment—both physical and cellular—is known to play an important role in regulating cancer stemness, and the potential interaction between cancer stem cells and their microenvironment has provided insight into the regulation of the tumour-initiating ability as well as the cellular plasticity of liver CSCs. Potential specific therapeutic targeting of liver cancer stemness is also discussed. With increased knowledge, effective druggable targets might be identified, with the aim of improving treatment outcome by reducing chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lo-Kong Chan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong. .,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Inactivation of Transcriptional Repressor Capicua Confers Sorafenib Resistance in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 10:269-285. [PMID: 32169577 PMCID: PMC7305345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Sorafenib is a multireceptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that can prolong overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although most HCC patients who receive sorafenib ultimately show disease progression, it still is unclear whether and how HCC cells acquire chemoresistance during sorafenib treatment in human beings. METHODS We analyzed surgically resected HCC tissues from a patient who received sorafenib for prevention of HCC recurrence after surgery (Adjuvant Sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Resection or Ablation trial) and established patient-derived HCC cells. Whole-exome sequence analysis was performed to detect mutations in sorafenib-resistant clones. We examined 30 advanced HCC cases immunohistochemically and 140 HCC cases enrolled in the Adjuvant Sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Resection or Ablation trial using microarray analysis to evaluate the association of Capicua Transcriptional Repressor (CIC) status with sorafenib treatment response. RESULTS We found a CIC mutation in recurrent HCC specimens after sorafenib. CIC encodes Capicua, a general sensor of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. HCC cells established from the recurrent tumor specimen showed chemoresistance to sorafenib in vitro and in vivo. Established sorafenib-resistant Huh1 and Huh7 cell lines showed reduced expression of Capicua without mutations. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that HCC patients with low Capicua expression showed poor overall survival. Microarray analysis showed that the CIC gene signature could predict the preventive effect of adjuvant sorafenib treatment on HCC recurrence. Intriguingly, although CIC knockdown induced sorafenib resistance in HCC cell lines, regorafenib suppressed growth of sorafenib-resistant, Capicua-inactivated HCC cells and inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of Capicua status may be pivotal to predict response to sorafenib, and regorafenib treatment could be effective to treat HCC with functional Capicua impairment.
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75
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Xu Y, Kong Y, Xu J, Li X, Gou J, Yin T, He H, Zhang Y, Tang X. Doxorubicin intercalated copper diethyldithiocarbamate functionalized layered double hydroxide hybrid nanoparticles for targeted therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:897-911. [PMID: 31825410 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm01394f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers due to its long incubation period and low cure rate. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles have attracted considerable research interest in the field of nanomedicine owing to their surface effects and good biocompatibility. In this research, we synthesized a hexagonal nanoparticle by the co-precipitation method, referred to as Cu-Al LDH. As an alternative to traditional drug-loading methods, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) was introduced and combined with Cu2+ in LDHs to form a diethyldithiocarbamate-copper complex (Cu(DDC)2), which was not only the composition of carrier materials but also an effective component for cancer therapy. Doxorubicin (DOX) was also encapsulated into LDHs due to the clinical relevance of DOX treatment for HCC. Formulations of the Cu(DDC)2 and DOX co-loaded nanoparticles were optimized to precisely control the Cu(DDC)2/DOX ratio. The nanoparticles were coated with polyethylene glycol-graft-polyglutamic acid (PEG-PLG) through electrostatic adsorption to improve the stability of the nanoparticles. The outer layer was decorated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to achieve specific targeting of tumors. Compared with non-HA coated nanoparticles, HA coated nanoparticles showed greater cellular uptake in Hep G2 cells, which could cause higher cytotoxicity. In addition, targeted nanoparticles effectively inhibited tumor growth in mouse models of ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma. It can be concluded that there is a great potential for synergistic cancer therapy using the novel DOX intercalated Cu(DDC)2 functionalized layered double hydroxide hybrid nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Yihan Kong
- Tianjin Pharmaceutical Research Institute Co., Ltd, Tianjin 300110, China
| | - Jiawen Xu
- Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Xiaowen Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Jingxin Gou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Tian Yin
- Department of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Haibing He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Xing Tang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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76
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Siracusano G, Tagliamonte M, Buonaguro L, Lopalco L. Cell Surface Proteins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Bench to Bedside. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010041. [PMID: 31991677 PMCID: PMC7157713 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell surface proteins act as the go-between in carrying the information from the extracellular environment to the intracellular signaling proteins. However, these proteins are often deregulated in neoplastic diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma. This review discusses several recent studies that have investigated the role of cell surface proteins in the occurrence and progression of HCC, highlighting the possibility to use them as biomarkers of the disease and/or targets for vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Siracusano
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-022643-4957
| | - Maria Tagliamonte
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, “Fondazione Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (L.B.)
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, “Fondazione Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (L.B.)
| | - Lucia Lopalco
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
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77
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Gu XY, Jiang Y, Li MQ, Han P, Liu YL, Cui BB. Over-expression of EGFR regulated by RARA contributes to 5-FU resistance in colon cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:156-177. [PMID: 31896739 PMCID: PMC6977699 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A promising new strategy for cancer therapy is to target the autophagic pathway. However, comprehensive characterization of autophagy genes and their clinical relevance in cancer is still lacking. Here, we systematically characterized alterations of autophagy genes in multiple cancer lines by analyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and CellMiner database. Interactions between autophagy genes and clinically actionable genes (CAGs) were identified by analyzing co-expression, protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and transcription factor (TF) data. A key subnetwork was identified that included 18 autophagy genes and 22 CAGs linked by 28 PPI pairs and 1 TF-target pair, which was EGFR targeted by RARA. Alterations in the expression of autophagy genes were associated with patient survival in multiple cancer types. RARA and EGFR were associated with worse survival in colorectal cancer patients. The regulatory role of EGFR in 5-FU resistance was validated in colon cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. EGFR contributed to 5-FU resistance in colon cancer cells through autophagy induction, and EGFR overexpression in 5-FU resistant colon cancer was regulated by RARA. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of autophagy in different cancer cell lines and highlights the potential clinical utility of targeting autophagy genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yue Gu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qi Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Han
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Long Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin-Bin Cui
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
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Xu Z, Han X, Ou D, Liu T, Li Z, Jiang G, Liu J, Zhang J. Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy for tumor therapy. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 104:575-587. [PMID: 31832711 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic process and participates in a variety of cellular biological activities. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, as a critical regulator of autophagy, is involved in the initiation and promotion of a series of pathological disorders including various tumors. Autophagy also participates in regulating the balance between the tumor and the tumor microenvironment. Natural products have been considered a treasure of new drug discoveries and are of great value to medicine. Mounting evidence has suggested that numerous natural products are targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy, thereby suppressing tumor growth. Furthermore, autophagy plays a "double-edged sword" role in different tumors. Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy is an important therapeutic strategy for a variety of tumors, and plays important roles in enhancing the chemosensitivity of tumor cells and avoiding drug resistance. Therefore, we summarized the roles of PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy in tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance of tumors, which may be utilized to design preferably therapeutic strategies for various tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenru Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xu Han
- Molecular Biology Research Center & Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Daming Ou
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Zunxiong Li
- University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Guanmin Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Molecular Biology Research Center & Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
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79
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Autophagy: A novel mechanism of chemoresistance in cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 119:109415. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Fondevila F, Méndez-Blanco C, Fernández-Palanca P, González-Gallego J, Mauriz JL. Anti-tumoral activity of single and combined regorafenib treatments in preclinical models of liver and gastrointestinal cancers. Exp Mol Med 2019; 51:1-15. [PMID: 31551425 PMCID: PMC6802659 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-019-0308-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Regorafenib is a sorafenib-derived chemotherapy drug belonging to the multikinase inhibitor family. This agent effectively targets a wide range of tyrosine kinases involved in cancer biology, such as those implicated in oncogenesis, angiogenesis, and tumor microenvironment control. The beneficial effects of regorafenib in clinical trials of patients who suffer from advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), colorectal cancer (CRC) or gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) refractory to standard treatments led to regorafenib monotherapy approval as a second-line treatment for advanced HCC and as a third-line treatment for advanced CRC and GISTs. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies have been performed over the last decade to reveal the molecular mechanisms of the favorable actions exerted by regorafenib in patients. Given the hypothetical loss of sensitivity to regorafenib in tumor cells, preclinical research is also searching for novel therapeutic approaches consisting of co-administration of this drug plus other agents as a strategy to improve regorafenib effectiveness. This review summarizes the anti-tumor effects of regorafenib in single or combined treatment in preclinical models of HCC, CRC and GISTs and discusses both the global and molecular effects that account for its anti-cancer properties in the clinical setting. The cancer drug regorafenib exhibits a broad range of anti-tumor activities that could be enhanced by combination with other treatments. A team led by José L. Mauriz from the University of León, Spain, review the ways in which regorafenib, blocking several enzymes involved in cancer biology, has been shown to shrink tumors in different models of liver, colon and gastrointestinal cancer. Its mechanisms of action include blockade of new blood vessel formation, induction of cell death and modulation of the immune microenvironment. Research studies show that co-administration of regorafenib with other drugs directed at various molecular targets or immune pathways produces synergistic effects against cancer cells. The preclinical data highlights the potential of combination drug regimens to improve outcomes among patients eligible for regorafenib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Fondevila
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Méndez-Blanco
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Fernández-Palanca
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier González-Gallego
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - José L Mauriz
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.
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81
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Zhou B, Lu Q, Liu J, Fan L, Wang Y, Wei W, Wang H, Sun G. Melatonin Increases the Sensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Sorafenib through the PERK-ATF4-Beclin1 Pathway. Int J Biol Sci 2019; 15:1905-1920. [PMID: 31523192 PMCID: PMC6743299 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.32550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of resistance to the targeted drug sorafenib in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of sorafenib resistance and to elucidate the role of melatonin in overcoming sorafenib resistance. We first observed that sorafenib induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activated autophagy in HCC, and the inhibition of ER stress and autophagy by specific inhibitors (PBA, TUDC and 3-MA) increased sorafenib-induced apoptosis, indicating that cells resist apoptosis by inducing ER stress and autophagy in the presence of sorafenib. Furthermore, specimens from patients with HCC revealed a close relationship between ER stress and autophagy, as demonstrated by the high correlation between expression of the autophagy-associated protein Beclin1 and expression of unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway proteins, especially PKR-like ER stress kinase (PERK); moreover, patients with combined expression of PERK and Beclin1 had more advanced disease (higher clinical stage) and a shorter overall survival time. ER stress inhibitors significantly blocked sorafenib-induced autophagy, selective knockdown of PERK and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) expression reduced sorafenib-induced autophagy activity compared with knockdown of the other two UPR pathways, and silencing ATF4 inhibited the expression of Beclin1. These results suggest that autophagy is downstream of ER stress and that the PERK-ATF4-Beclin1 pathway plays a role in ER stress-related autophagy. Interestingly, a low concentration of melatonin increased the sensitivity of HCC to sorafenib by inhibiting autophagy through the PERK-ATF4-Beclin1 pathway. Taken together, our findings suggest that cotreatment with sorafenib and melatonin is a potential therapy for HCC. Furthermore, ER stress-related autophagy plays key roles in apoptosis resistance. Therefore, targeting the PERK-ATF4-Beclin1 pathway may prove instrumental in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Zhou
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Qianqian Lu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Jiatao Liu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China.,Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Lulu Fan
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Guoping Sun
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
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82
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Zhang X, Du L, Qiao Y, Zhang X, Zheng W, Wu Q, Chen Y, Zhu G, Liu Y, Bian Z, Guo S, Yang Y, Ma L, Yu Y, Pan Q, Sun F, Wang J. Ferroptosis is governed by differential regulation of transcription in liver cancer. Redox Biol 2019; 24:101211. [PMID: 31108460 PMCID: PMC6526247 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an outcome of metabolic disorders and closely linked to liver cancer. However, the mechanism underlying the fine regulation of ferroptosis in liver cancer remains unclear. Here, we have identified two categories of genes: ferroptosis up-regulated factors (FUF) and ferroptosis down-regulated factors (FDF), which stimulate and suppress ferroptosis by affecting the synthesis of GSH. Furthermore, FUF are controlled by one transcription factor HIC1, while FDF controlled by another transcription factor HNF4A. Occurrence of ferroptosis might depend on the histone acetyltransferase KAT2B. Upon stimulation of ferroptosis, dissociation of KAT2B prevents HNF4A from binding to the FDF promoter. This effect happens prior to the recruitment of KAT2B to the FUF promoter, which facilitates HIC1 binding to transcribe FUF. Clinically, HIC1 and HNF4A conversely correlate with tumor stage in liver cancer. Patients with lower HIC1 and higher HNF4A exhibit poorer prognostic outcomes. Disrupting the balance between HIC1 and HNF4A might be helpful in treating liver cancer. Opposite gene expression profiles trigged by ferroptosis are identified. Reduction of GSH is the major cause of inducing ferroptosis in liver cancer cells. Genes related to ferroptosis are controlled by transcription factors HIC1 and HNF4A. Stimulation of ferroptosis breaks the balance between HIC1 and HNF4A. Lower HIC1 with higher HNF4A has poorer clinical outcomes in liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Lutao Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong province, China
| | - Yongxia Qiao
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaobai Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Weisheng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Guoqing Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Zhixuan Bian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Susu Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yueyue Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Lifang Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Thoracic Tumors, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yongchun Yu
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Qiuhui Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Fenyong Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China; Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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83
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Yang K, Guo W, Ren T, Huang Y, Han Y, Zhang H, Zhang J. Knockdown of HMGA2 regulates the level of autophagy via interactions between MSI2 and Beclin1 to inhibit NF1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour growth. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:185. [PMID: 31053152 PMCID: PMC6500071 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1183-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) are sarcomas of Schwann cell lineage origin that occur sporadically or in association with the inherited syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This study aimed to examine the function of High mobility group protein A2 (HMGA2) in NF1 MPNST progression and the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect HMGA2 expression in MPNST and neurofibroma patient samples. Cell Cycle Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labelling, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to reveal HMGA2 functions in NF1 MPNST cells in vitro and in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) were used to detect HMGA2-modulated genes regulating autophagy and growth in NF1 MPNSTs in vitro and in vivo. Results NF1 MPNST samples exhibit higher HMGA2 positivity rates (13/16) than sporadic MPNST (16/41) and neurofibroma (0/7) patient samples. High HMGA2 expression is correlated with poor prognosis. Neurofibromin 1 (NF1)-deficient MPNST cells display elevated HMGA2 expression. Functional experiments revealed that HMGA2 knockdown inhibits NF1 MPNST cell growth in vitro and in vivo. In addition to promoting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, HMGA2 knockdown inhibits autophagy, favouring cell death. RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq revealed that HMGA2 directly activates the Musashi-2 (MSI2) promoter region, and MSI2 overexpression reverses autophagy and growth in shHMGA2-transfected cells. MSI2 interacts with Beclin1, and Beclin1 blockade inhibits autophagy, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation. Conclusions HMGA2 knockdown regulates autophagy via MSI2-Beclin1 interactions to inhibit NF1 MPNST growth, revealing potential therapeutic targets for these untreatable tumours. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1183-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Yang
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Guo
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tingting Ren
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Huang
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Han
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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84
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Zheng BN, Ding CH, Chen SJ, Zhu K, Shao J, Feng J, Xu WP, Cai LY, Zhu CP, Duan W, Ding J, Zhang X, Luo C, Xie WF. Targeting PRMT5 Activity Inhibits the Malignancy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Promoting the Transcription of HNF4α. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:2606-2617. [PMID: 31131056 PMCID: PMC6525986 DOI: 10.7150/thno.32344] [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: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are responsible for the initiation, progression and chemoresistance of liver cancer. However, no agent targeting LCSC is available in the clinic to date. Here, we investigated the effects of targeting protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), an epigenetic regulator, on LCSCs and HCC using a novel PRMT5 inhibitor DW14800. Methods: Tumor spheroid formation culture was used to enrich LCSCs and assess their self-renewal capability. Human alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) ELISA, acetylated low-density lipoprotein (ac-LDL) uptake, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reactions and senescence associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity assays were performed to examine the differentiation status of HCC cells. The effects of DW14800 on HCC malignancy were assessed in HCC cell lines and on an HCC xenograft model in mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was applied to clarify the transcriptional regulation of HNF4α by PRMT5-mediated Histone H4 arginine-3 symmetrical dimethylation (H4R3me2s). Results: Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the expression of PRMT5 was upregulated in LCSCs. DW14800 specifically decreased the symmetrical dimethylation of arginine residues in HCC cells. Treatment of DW14800 suppressed the self-renewal capacity of LCSCs while re-establishing hepatocyte-specific characteristics in HCC cells. DW14800 displayed antitumor effects in HCC cells in vitro and in xenograft HCC in vivo. Importantly, ChIP assay showed that PRMT5 and H4R3me2s bound to the promoter region of HNF4α gene, and DW14800 increased the expression of HNF4α via reducing the H4R3me2s levels and enhancing the transcription of HNF4α. Conclusions: Our data revealed the significance of targeting PRMT5 activity in LCSC elimination and HCC differentiation, and proposed that DW14800 may represent a promising therapeutic agent for HCC in the clinic.
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85
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Wang L, Li X, Ren Y, Geng H, Zhang Q, Cao L, Meng Z, Wu X, Xu M, Xu K. Cancer-associated fibroblasts contribute to cisplatin resistance by modulating ANXA3 in lung cancer cells. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:1609-1620. [PMID: 30868675 PMCID: PMC6500998 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer tissues consist of cancer cells, surrounding stromal cells and the extracellular matrix. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) are one of the key components of stromal cells. CAF have a great impact on the behavior of cancer cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance in many ways. However, the underlying mechanism had not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of CAF in cisplatin resistance of lung cancer cells. By using conditioned medium from CAF (CAF‐CM), we found that CAF decreased the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to cisplatin. RNA sequencing results showed that CAF expressed a higher level of Annexin A3 (ANXA3) than normal fibroblasts (NF), and CAF‐CM incubation increased the ANXA3 level in lung cancer cells. Overexpression of ANXA3 in lung cancer cells increased cisplatin resistance and activated c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), whereas knockdown of ANXA3 increased cisplatin sensitivity. Further study showed that CAF‐CM enhanced cisplatin resistance by inhibiting cisplatin‐induced apoptosis, determined by repression of caspase‐3 and caspase‐8, through activation of the ANXA3/JNK pathway. Conversely, suppression of JNK activation by specific inhibitor retarded the effect of CAF‐CM and ANXA3 on cisplatin sensitivity. Taken together, our study demonstrated that CAF potentiated chemoresistance of lung cancer cells through a novel ANXA3/JNK pathway both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting ANXA3 could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of chemoresistant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueqin Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yinghui Ren
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Geng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qicheng Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Limin Cao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaowei Meng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Core Facility Center, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Meilin Xu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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86
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Nenu I, Breaban I, Pascalau S, Bora CN, Stefanescu H. The future is now: beyond first line systemic therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Transl Cancer Res 2019; 8:S261-S274. [PMID: 35117106 PMCID: PMC8797356 DOI: 10.21037/tcr.2018.11.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is becoming a worldwide concern due to its rising incidence. Although for the incipient stages there are curative therapies, the advanced disease represents a major provocation for the clinicians. 2008 marked as an important year for the hepatology community with the administration of sorafenib for late stages of HCC. Six years after this major discovery, the multikinase inhibitor still represents an important pillar, the first line treatment for the advanced liver cancer. Lenvatinib may represent a new promising first line strategy, but it is still unavailable in many countries. The last years represented an explosion in the research of HCC. Beyond the first line treatments there are a plethora of new emerging therapies. By far immunotherapy represents the major revolution in oncology. While adoptive immunotherapy is still at the beginning, immune check-point inhibitors bursted in many clinical trials with very encouraging results. This review summarises the major discoveries in the field of HCC with an emphasis on immunotherapy. It also briefly describes the important aspects of primary liver cancer immunology and the major ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliana Nenu
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Liver Research Club, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iulia Breaban
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Liver Research Club, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sorana Pascalau
- Liver Research Club, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina-Nelida Bora
- Liver Research Club, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Horia Stefanescu
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Liver Research Club, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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High Expression of ANXA2 Pseudogene ANXA2P2 Promotes an Aggressive Phenotype in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. DISEASE MARKERS 2019; 2019:9267046. [PMID: 30881525 PMCID: PMC6387700 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9267046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective Accumulating evidence suggests that pseudogenes play potential roles in the regulation of their cognate wild-type genes, oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes. ANXA2P2 (annexin A2 pseudogene 2) is one of three pseudogenes of annexin A2 that have recently been shown to be aberrantly transcribed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, its clinical meaning and biological function in HCC have remained unclear. Therefore, the present study was aimed at exploring the prognostic value of a high expression of ANXA2P2 in HCC tissue and at identifying whether it can affect the efficacy of targeted drugs (sorafenib, regorafenib, and lenvatinib). Methods We obtained ANXA2P2 mRNA expression levels from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) RNA sequence database. The expression levels of ANXA2P2 in 49 pairs of intratumoral and peritumoral liver tissues were examined by RT-PCR. Wound healing and transwell assays were performed to confirm the tumor-promoting properties of ANXA2P2 in HCC cells. CCK8 assay was conducted to identify whether ANXA2P2 can affect the growth of HCC cells when administered with targeted drugs (sorafenib, regorafenib, and lenvatinib). Results The expression of ANXA2P2 in HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent cancerous tissues from TCGA database and validation group. Additionally, patients with high ANXA2P2 expression in HCC tissue had a shorter overall survival, whereas no statistically significant correlation was found between ANXA2P2 expression and disease-free survival (p = 0.08) as well as other clinical parameters, such as age, gender, histological grade, T classification, stage, albumin level, alpha-fetoprotein, and vascular invasion (p = 0.7323, 0.8807, 0.5762, 0.8515, 0.7113, 0.242, 1.0000, and 0.7685, respectively). Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that knockdown of ANXA2P2 inhibited migration and invasion of HCC cells but did not have an influence on the HCC cell proliferation when treated with targeted drugs (sorafenib, regorafenib, and lenvatinib). Conclusion Our study confirmed elevated ANXA2P2 expression levels in HCC tissue compared with adjacent noncancerous tissue and a worse prognosis of patients with high ANXA2P2 levels in the HCC tissue. The newly found properties of promoting migration and invasion of ANXA2P2 in HCC help to explain this phenomenon. ANXA2P2 could be a novel and suitable predicative biomarker for the risk assessment of recurrence or metastasis of HCC patients but may not be effective to predict the efficacy of targeted drugs.
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Weiskirchen R, Tacke F. Relevance of Autophagy in Parenchymal and Non-Parenchymal Liver Cells for Health and Disease. Cells 2019; 8:E16. [PMID: 30609663 PMCID: PMC6357193 DOI: 10.3390/cells8010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved intracellular process for the ordered degradation and recycling of cellular components in lysosomes. In the liver, parenchymal cells (i.e., mainly hepatocytes) utilize autophagy to provide amino acids, glucose, and free fatty acids as sources of energy and biosynthesis functions, but also for recycling and controlling organelles such as mitochondria. Non-parenchymal cells of the liver, including endothelial cells, macrophages (Kupffer cells), and hepatic stellate cells (HSC), also employ autophagy, either for maintaining cellular homeostasis (macrophages, endothelium) or for providing energy for their activation (stellate cells). In hepatocytes, autophagy contributes to essential homeostatic functions (e.g., gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, fatty acid oxidation), but is also implicated in diseases. For instance, storage disorders (alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson's disease), metabolic (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH), and toxic (alcohol) liver diseases may benefit from augmenting autophagy in hepatocytes. In hepatic fibrosis, autophagy has been implicated in the fibrogenic activation of HSC to collagen-producing myofibroblasts. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), autophagy may contribute to tumor surveillance as well as invasiveness, indicating a dual and stage-dependent function in cancer. As many drugs directly or indirectly modulate autophagy, it is intriguing to investigate autophagy-targeting, possibly even cell type-directed strategies for the treatment of hereditary liver diseases, NASH, fibrosis, and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
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