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Romualdo GR, Leroy K, Costa CJS, Prata GB, Vanderborght B, da Silva TC, Barbisan LF, Andraus W, Devisscher L, Câmara NOS, Vinken M, Cogliati B. In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Strategies for Translational Modeling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5583. [PMID: 34771745 PMCID: PMC8582701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC is a complex multistep disease and usually emerges in the setting of chronic liver diseases. The molecular pathogenesis of HCC varies according to the etiology, mainly caused by chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections, chronic alcohol consumption, aflatoxin-contaminated food, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. The establishment of HCC models has become essential for both basic and translational research to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology and unravel new molecular drivers of this disease. The ideal model should recapitulate key events observed during hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to be translated into clinical practice. Despite considerable efforts currently devoted to liver cancer research, only a few anti-HCC drugs are available, and patient prognosis and survival are still poor. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used for translational modeling of HCC with a specific focus on their key molecular hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Gabriel Bacil Prata
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Wellington Andraus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences IV, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
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Zhang W, Hu B, Han J, Wang Z, Ma G, Ye H, Yuan J, Cao J, Zhang Z, Shi J, Chen M, Wang X, Xu Y, Cheng Y, Tian L, Wang H, Lu S. Surgery After Conversion Therapy With PD-1 Inhibitors Plus Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Are Effective and Safe for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study of Ten Patients. Front Oncol 2021; 11:747950. [PMID: 34737958 PMCID: PMC8560793 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.747950] [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: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Immunotherapy with PD-1 inhibitors combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has been proven to be effective against advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to identify the feasibility and safety of subsequent salvage surgery after this combination therapy. Methods and Patients A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with primary HCC with major vascular invasion between 2018 and 2019. All cases were treated with a combination of a PD-1 inhibitor and TKI agents and subsequent surgery. Results A total of 10 HCC cases with major vascular invasion met the successful conversion criteria after the combination therapy, and eight patients underwent subsequent salvage surgery after both radiology and 3D quantitative oncological assessment. Partial response (PR) was recorded in 7 of 10 patients and complete response (CR) in 3 of 10 patients before salvage surgery. Salvage surgery included right hepatectomy, left hepatectomy, and anatomic segmental hepatectomy. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 1,650 ml (50–3,000 ml). No complications beyond Clavien–Dindo level III or postoperative mortality were observed. The viable tumor cell rate of the PR cases (modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, mRECIST) varied from 1.5% to 100%, and only one patient had pathology-proven pathological complete response (pCR). The postoperative median follow-up time was 19.7 months (9.1–24.9 months). The 12-month recurrence-free survival rate of all cases who underwent salvage surgery was 75%. Conclusion Salvage surgery was effective and safe after conversion therapy with PD-1 inhibitors plus TKIs and may increase the long-term oncological benefit for patients with unresectable HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Bingyang Hu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Han
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanbo Wang
- Department of Pathology, the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyu Ma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huiyi Ye
- Department of Radiology, the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Pathology, the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junning Cao
- Organ Transplant Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Jihang Shi
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyi Chen
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Wang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yinzhe Xu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yanshuang Cheng
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Lantian Tian
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongguang Wang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shichun Lu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
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Desert R, Ge X, Song Z, Han H, Lantvit D, Chen W, Das S, Athavale D, Abraham-Enachescu I, Blajszczak C, Chen Y, Musso O, Guzman G, Hoshida Y, Nieto N. Role of Hepatocyte-Derived Osteopontin in Liver Carcinogenesis. Hepatol Commun 2021; 6:692-709. [PMID: 34730871 PMCID: PMC8948552 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteopontin (OPN) expression correlates with tumor progression in many cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its role in the onset of HCC remains unclear. We hypothesized that increased hepatocyte‐derived OPN is a driver of hepatocarcinogenesis. Analysis of a tissue microarray of 366 human samples revealed a continuous increase in OPN expression during hepatocarcinogenesis. In patients with cirrhosis, a transcriptome‐based OPN correlation network was associated with HCC incidence along 10 years of follow‐up, together with messenger RNA (mRNA) signatures of carcinogenesis. After diethylnitrosamine (DEN) injection, mice with conditional overexpression of Opn in hepatocytes (OpnHep transgenic [Tg]) showed increased tumor burden. Surprisingly, mice with conditional ablation of Opn in hepatocytes (OpnΔHep) expressed a similar phenotype. The acute response to DEN was reduced in OpnΔHep, which also showed more cancer stem/progenitor cells (CSCs, CD44+AFP+) at 5 months. CSCs from OpnHep Tg mice expressed several mRNA signatures known to promote carcinogenesis, and mRNA signatures from OpnHep Tg mice were associated with poor outcome in human HCC patients. Treatment with rOPN had little effect on CSCs, and their progression to HCC was similar in Opn−/− compared with wild‐type mice. Finally, ablation of Cd44, an OPN receptor, did not reduce tumor burden in Cd44−/−OpnHep Tg mice. Conclusions: Hepatocyte‐derived OPN acts as a tumor suppressor at physiological levels by controlling the acute response to DEN and the presence of CSCs, while induction of OPN is pro‐tumorigenic. This is primarily due to intracellular events rather that by the secretion of the protein and receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Desert
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiaodong Ge
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhuolun Song
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hui Han
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel Lantvit
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sukanta Das
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dipti Athavale
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ioana Abraham-Enachescu
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chuck Blajszczak
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Orlando Musso
- INSERM, University of Rennes, INRA, Institut NuMeCAN (Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer), Rennes, France
| | - Grace Guzman
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Natalia Nieto
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Wang Y, Wang J, Li X, Xiong X, Wang J, Zhou Z, Zhu X, Gu Y, Dominissini D, He L, Tian Y, Yi C, Fan Z. N 1-methyladenosine methylation in tRNA drives liver tumourigenesis by regulating cholesterol metabolism. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6314. [PMID: 34728628 PMCID: PMC8563902 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26718-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers and is characterized by high recurrence and heterogeneity, yet its mechanism is not well understood. Here we show that N1-methyladenosine methylation (m1A) in tRNA is remarkably elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient tumour tissues. Moreover, m1A methylation signals are increased in liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) and are negatively correlated with HCC patient survival. TRMT6 and TRMT61A, forming m1A methyltransferase complex, are highly expressed in advanced HCC tumours and are negatively correlated with HCC survival. TRMT6/TRMT61A-mediated m1A methylation is required for liver tumourigenesis. Mechanistically, TRMT6/TRMT61A elevates the m1A methylation in a subset of tRNA to increase PPARδ translation, which in turn triggers cholesterol synthesis to activate Hedgehog signaling, eventually driving self-renewal of liver CSCs and tumourigenesis. Finally, we identify a potent inhibitor against TRMT6/TRMT61A complex that exerts effective therapeutic effect on liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanying Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xushen Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Ziheng Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of RNA Biology; Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Gu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Dominissini
- Cancer Research Center and Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lei He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Tian
- CAS Key Laboratory of RNA Biology; Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zusen Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
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Circular RNA circIPO11 drives self-renewal of liver cancer initiating cells via Hedgehog signaling. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:132. [PMID: 34649567 PMCID: PMC8515748 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01435-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most intractable tumors in the world due to its high rate of recurrence and heterogeneity. Liver cancer initiating cells also called cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a critical role in resistance against typical therapy and high tumor-initiating potential. However, the role of the novel circular RNA (circRNA) circIPO11 in the maintenance of liver cancer initiating cells remains elusive. METHODS CircRNAs highly conserved in humans and mice were identified from 3 primary HCC samples by circRNA array. The expression and function of circIPO11 were further evaluated by Northern blot, limiting dilution xenograft analysis, chromatin isolation by RNA purification-PCR assay (ChIRP) and HCC patient-derived tumor cells (PDC) models. CircIpo11 knockout (KO) mice were generated by a CRISPR/Cas9 technology. RESULTS CircIPO11 is highly expressed in HCC tumor tissues and liver CSCs. CircIPO11 is required for the self-renewal maintenance of liver CSCs to initiate HCC development. Mechanistically, circIPO11 recruits TOP1 to GLI1 promoter to trigger its transcription, leading to the activation of Hedgehog signaling. Moreover, GLI1 is also highly expressed in HCC tumor tissues and liver CSCs, and TOP1 expression levels positively correlate with the metastasis, recurrence and survival of HCC patients. Additionally, circIPO11 knockout in mice suppresses the progression of chemically induced liver cancer development. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal that circIPO11 drives the self-renewal of liver CSCs and promotes the propagation of HCC via activating Hedgehog signaling pathway. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) against circIPO11 combined with TOP1 inhibitor camptothecin (CPT) exert synergistic antitumor effect. Therefore, circIPO11 and the Hedgehog signaling pathway may provide new potential targets for the treatment of HCC patients.
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Chen L, Yi X, Guo P, Guo H, Chen Z, Hou C, Qi L, Wang Y, Li C, Liu P, Liu Y, Xu Y, Zhang N. The role of bone marrow-derived cells in the origin of liver cancer revealed by single-cell sequencing. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 17:142-153. [PMID: 32296582 PMCID: PMC7142842 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2019.0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Epithelial cancers often originate from progenitor cells, while the origin of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still controversial. HCC, one of the deadliest cancers, is closely linked with liver injuries and chronic inflammation, which trigger massive infiltration of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) during liver repair. Methods: To address the possible roles of BMDCs in HCC origination, we established a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC model in bone marrow transplanted mice. Immunohistochemistry and frozen tissue immunofluorescence were used to verify DEN-induced HCC in the pathology of the disease. The cellular origin of DEN-induced HCC was further studied by single cell sequencing, single-cell nested PCR, and immunofluorescence-fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results: Studies by using single cell sequencing and biochemical analysis revealed that HCC cells in these mice were coming from donor mice BMDCs, and not from recipient mice. Furthermore, the copy numbers of mouse orthologs of several HCC-related genes previously reported in human HCC were also altered in our mouse model. DEN-induced HCCs exhibited a similar histological phenotype and genomic profile as human HCCs. Conclusions: These results suggested that BMDCs are an important origin of HCC, which provide important clues to HCC prevention, detection, and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- The concrete information of affiliations should be presented, for instance, Department of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xianfu Yi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Piao Guo
- The concrete information of affiliations should be presented, for instance, Department of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Hua Guo
- The concrete information of affiliations should be presented, for instance, Department of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Ziye Chen
- The concrete information of affiliations should be presented, for instance, Department of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Chunyu Hou
- The Center for Translational Cancer Research, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Lisha Qi
- The concrete information of affiliations should be presented, for instance, Department of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yongrong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China.,CAMS Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Hematological Disease Treatment Related Infection, Tianjin 300020, China
| | - Chengwen Li
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
| | - Yucun Liu
- The Center for Translational Cancer Research, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Yuanfu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China.,CAMS Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Hematological Disease Treatment Related Infection, Tianjin 300020, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- The concrete information of affiliations should be presented, for instance, Department of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300070, China.,The Center for Translational Cancer Research, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
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Li X, Ramadori P, Pfister D, Seehawer M, Zender L, Heikenwalder M. The immunological and metabolic landscape in primary and metastatic liver cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:541-557. [PMID: 34326518 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The liver is the sixth most common site of primary cancer in humans, and generally arises in a background of cirrhosis and inflammation. Moreover, the liver is frequently colonized by metastases from cancers of other organs (particularly the colon) because of its anatomical location and organization, as well as its unique metabolic and immunosuppressive environment. In this Review, we discuss how the hepatic microenvironment adapts to pathologies characterized by chronic inflammation and metabolic alterations. We illustrate how these immunological or metabolic changes alter immunosurveillance and thus hinder or promote the development of primary liver cancer. In addition, we describe how inflammatory and metabolic niches affect the spreading of cancer metastases into or within the liver. Finally, we review the current therapeutic options in this context and the resulting challenges that must be surmounted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pierluigi Ramadori
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominik Pfister
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marco Seehawer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lars Zender
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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58
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Sun L, Hui L. Progress in human liver organoids. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 12:607-617. [PMID: 32236564 PMCID: PMC7683012 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the development, regeneration, and disorders of the liver is the major goal in liver biology. Current mechanistic knowledge of human livers has been largely derived from mouse models and cell lines, which fall short in recapitulating the features of human liver cells or the structures and functions of human livers. Organoids as an in vitro system hold the promise to generate organ-like tissues in a dish. Recent advances in human liver organoids also facilitate the understanding of the biology and diseases in this complex organ. Here we review the progress in human liver organoids, mainly focusing on the methods to generate liver organoids, their applications, and possible future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lijian Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,Bio-Research Innovation Center, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215121, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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59
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Zhang S, Cheng ZM, Yu JL, Lu K, Xu SJ, Lu Y, Liu T, Xia BJ, Huang Z, Zhao XY, He W, Li JX, Cao W, Huang Y, Wang L, Zeng Z, Zou X, Liu R, Zhang YS, Wu XP, Jiang TP, Zhou S. Malic enzyme 2 promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via increasing triglyceride production. Cancer Med 2021; 10:6795-6806. [PMID: 34427987 PMCID: PMC8495273 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are gradually increasing during the past years. Recently, some studies have reported that malic enzyme (ME) plays an important role in cancer development, while the involvement of ME2 in HCC remains still undetermined. Here, we demonstrated that ME2 played an oncogenic role in HCC. ME2 was overexpressed in HCC tissues. TCGA database showed that the ME2 transcript level was inversely associated with the survival of HCC patients. Loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function assays showed that ME2 promoted HCC cell growth and migration. Furthermore, the xenografted tumorigenesis of MHCC97H cells was retarded by ME2 knockdown. ME2 silencing also suppressed the cell cycle process and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, ME2 potentiated triglyceride synthesis, inhibition of which suppressed the proliferation and migration. We propose that ME2 promotes HCC progression by increasing triglyceride production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhi-Mei Cheng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jia-Li Yu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Kai Lu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Sheng-Jie Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Bai-Juan Xia
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhi Huang
- Department of Radiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xu-Ya Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jun-Xiang Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhu Zeng
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xun Zou
- Department of Radiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Yu-Sui Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Tian-Peng Jiang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shi Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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60
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Czauderna C, Poplawski A, O Rourke CJ, Castven D, Pérez-Aguilar B, Becker D, Heilmann-Heimbach S, Odenthal M, Amer W, Schmiel M, Drebber U, Binder H, Ridder DA, Schindeldecker M, Straub BK, Galle PR, Andersen JB, Thorgeirsson SS, Park YN, Marquardt JU. Epigenetic modifications precede molecular alterations and drive human hepatocarcinogenesis. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e146196. [PMID: 34375307 PMCID: PMC8492348 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.146196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of primary liver cancer is a multi-stage process. Detailed understanding of sequential epigenetic alterations is largely missing. Here, we performed Infinium Human Methylation 450k BeadChips and RNA sequencing analyses for genome-wide methylome and transcriptome profiling of cirrhotic liver (n=7), low- (n=4) and high-grade (n=9) dysplastic lesions, early (n=5) and progressed (n=3) hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) synchronously detected in eight HCC patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Integrative analyses of epigenetically driven molecular changes were identified and validated in two independent cohorts comprising 887 HCC. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing was further employed for clonality analyses and indicates multi-clonal origin in the majority of investigated HCC. Alterations in DNA methylation progressively increased from CL to dysplastic lesions and reached a maximum in early HCC. Associated early alterations identified by IPA pathway analyses involved apoptosis, immune regulation and stemness pathways, while late changes centered on cell survival, proliferation and invasion. We further validated putative 23 epi-drivers with concomitant expression changes and associated with overall survival. Functionally, Striatin 4 (STRN4) was demonstrated to be epigenetically regulated and inhibition of STRN4 significantly suppressed tumorigenicity of HCC cell lines.Overall, application of integrative genomic analyses defines epigenetic driver alterations and provides promising targets for novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Czauderna
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alicia Poplawski
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Colm J O Rourke
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Darko Castven
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Diana Becker
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | - Wafa Amer
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marcel Schmiel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Uta Drebber
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Harald Binder
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dirk A Ridder
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Beate K Straub
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter R Galle
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Snorri S Thorgeirsson
- Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis (LEC), National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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61
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Sabbadini F, Bertolini M, De Matteis S, Mangiameli D, Contarelli S, Pietrobono S, Melisi D. The Multifaceted Role of TGF-β in Gastrointestinal Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13163960. [PMID: 34439114 PMCID: PMC8391793 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The transforming growth factor β signaling pathway elicits a broad range of physiological re-sponses, and its misregulation has been related to cancer. The secreted cytokine TGFβ exerts a tumor-suppressive effect that counteracts malignant transformation. However, once tumor has developed, TGFβ can support tumor progression regulating epithelial to mesenchymal transition, invasion and metastasis, stimulating fibrosis, angiogenesis and immune suppression. Here we review the dichotomous role of TGF-β in the progression of gastrointestinal tumors, as well as its intricate crosstalk with other signaling pathways. We also discuss about the therapeutic strate-gies that are currently explored in clinical trials to counteract TGF-β functions. Abstract Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a secreted cytokine that signals via serine/threonine kinase receptors and SMAD effectors. Although TGF-β acts as a tumor suppressor during the early stages of tumorigenesis, it supports tumor progression in advanced stages. Indeed, TGF-β can modulate the tumor microenvironment by modifying the extracellular matrix and by sustaining a paracrine interaction between neighboring cells. Due to its critical role in cancer development and progression, a wide range of molecules targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway are currently under active clinical development in different diseases. Here, we focused on the role of TGF-β in modulating different pathological processes with a particular emphasis on gastrointestinal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Sabbadini
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.S.); (M.B.); (S.D.M.); (D.M.); (S.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Monica Bertolini
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.S.); (M.B.); (S.D.M.); (D.M.); (S.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Serena De Matteis
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.S.); (M.B.); (S.D.M.); (D.M.); (S.C.); (S.P.)
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, AlmaMater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Domenico Mangiameli
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.S.); (M.B.); (S.D.M.); (D.M.); (S.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Serena Contarelli
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.S.); (M.B.); (S.D.M.); (D.M.); (S.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Silvia Pietrobono
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.S.); (M.B.); (S.D.M.); (D.M.); (S.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Davide Melisi
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.S.); (M.B.); (S.D.M.); (D.M.); (S.C.); (S.P.)
- Experimental Cancer Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Correspondence:
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62
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Sukowati CHC, El-Khobar KE, Tiribelli C. Immunotherapy against programmed death-1/programmed death ligand 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma: Importance of molecular variations, cellular heterogeneity, and cancer stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:795-824. [PMID: 34367478 PMCID: PMC8316870 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous malignancy related to diverse etiological factors. Different oncogenic mechanisms and genetic variations lead to multiple HCC molecular classifications. Recently, an immune-based strategy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) was presented in HCC therapy, especially with ICIs against the programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1. However, despite the success of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in other cancers, a substantial proportion of HCC patients fail to respond. In this review, we gather current information on biomarkers of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment and the contribution of HCC heterogeneity and hepatic cancer stem cells (CSCs). Genetic variations of PD-1 and PD-L1 are associated with chronic liver disease and progression to cancer. PD-L1 expression in tumoral tissues is differentially expressed in CSCs, particularly in those with a close association with the tumor microenvironment. This information will be beneficial for the selection of patients and the management of the ICIs against PD-1/PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Centro Studi Fegato, Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, Trieste 34149, Italy
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63
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Kong FE, Li GM, Tang YQ, Xi SY, Loong JHC, Li MM, Li HL, Cheng W, Zhu WJ, Mo JQ, Gong YF, Tang H, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Ma S, Guan XY, Ma NF, Xie MB, Liu M. Targeting tumor lineage plasticity in hepatocellular carcinoma using an anti-CLDN6 antibody-drug conjugate. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/579/eabb6282. [PMID: 33536280 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abb6282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor lineage plasticity is emerging as a critical mechanism of therapeutic resistance and tumor relapse. Highly plastic tumor cells can undergo phenotypic switching to a drug-tolerant state to avoid drug toxicity. Here, we investigate the transmembrane tight junction protein Claudin6 (CLDN6) as a therapeutic target related to lineage plasticity for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CLDN6 was highly expressed in embryonic stem cells but markedly decreased in normal tissues. Reactivation of CLDN6 was frequently observed in HCC tumor tissues as well as in premalignant lesions. Functional assays indicated that CLDN6 is not only a tumor-associated antigen but also conferred strong oncogenic effects in HCC. Overexpression of CLDN6 induced phenotypic shift of HCC cells from hepatic lineage to biliary lineage, which was more refractory to sorafenib treatment. The enhanced tumor lineage plasticity and cellular identity change were potentially induced by the CLDN6/TJP2 (tight junction protein 2)/YAP1 (Yes-associated protein 1) interacting axis and further activation of the Hippo signaling pathway. A de novo anti-CLDN6 monoclonal antibody conjugated with cytotoxic agent (Mertansine) DM1 (CLDN6-DM1) was developed. Preclinical data on both HCC cell lines and primary tumors showed the potent antitumor efficiency of CLDN6-DM1 as a single agent or in combination with sorafenib in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan-En Kong
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Guang-Meng Li
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yun-Qiang Tang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Shao-Yan Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jane Ho Chun Loong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong 852, Hong Kong
| | - Mei-Mei Li
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Hao-Long Li
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Jia-Qiang Mo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yuan-Feng Gong
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne 50923, Germany
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong 852, Hong Kong
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, University of Hong Kong 852, Hong Kong
| | - Ning-Fang Ma
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Mao-Bin Xie
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.
| | - Ming Liu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China. .,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
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Yuan C, Pang L, Wang W, Ouyang Y, Guo X, Liu K. POU2F2-IL-31 Autoregulatory Circuit Converts Hepatocytes into the Origin Cells of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2004683. [PMID: 37733361 PMCID: PMC10619474 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originates from fully differentiated hepatocytes, but the decisive events for converting hepatocytes to the cells of origin for HCC are still unclear. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) cause HCC but are not bona fide cells of origin. Here, the expressions of POU2F2 and IL-31 are identified in macroscopically normal livers of diethylnitrosamine-challenged mice. An autoregulatory circuit formed by mutual induction between POU2F2 and IL-31 drives hepatocytes to progress to LCSCs by acquiring stemness, as well as stimulates them to in vivo grow and malignantly progress. The development of the autoregulatory circuit is a decisive event for converting hepatocytes into the cells of origin, since hepatocytes expressing the circuit have acquired tumorigenic potential before progressing to LCSCs. Nonetheless, acquiring stemness is still required for the cells of origin to initiate hepatocarcinogenesis. The circuit also occurs in human cirrhotic tissues, partially elucidating how premalignant lesions progress to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunwang Yuan
- Capital Medical University Affiliated to Beijing You An HospitalBeijing100069China
| | - Lijun Pang
- Capital Medical University Affiliated to Beijing You An HospitalBeijing100069China
- Beijing Institute of HepatologyBeijing100069China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Capital Medical University Affiliated to Beijing You An HospitalBeijing100069China
- Beijing Institute of HepatologyBeijing100069China
| | - Yabo Ouyang
- Capital Medical University Affiliated to Beijing You An HospitalBeijing100069China
- Beijing Institute of HepatologyBeijing100069China
| | - Xianghua Guo
- Capital Medical University Affiliated to Beijing You An HospitalBeijing100069China
- Beijing Institute of HepatologyBeijing100069China
| | - Kai Liu
- Capital Medical University Affiliated to Beijing You An HospitalBeijing100069China
- Beijing Institute of HepatologyBeijing100069China
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65
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Liu T, Yu J, Ge C, Zhao F, Miao C, Jin W, Su Y, Geng Q, Chen T, Xie H, Cui Y, Yao M, Li J, Hou H, Li H. B-Cell Receptor-Associated Protein 31 Promotes Metastasis via AKT/β-Catenin/Snail Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:656151. [PMID: 34179078 PMCID: PMC8231437 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.656151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancer worldwide, characterized with high heterogeneity and inclination to metastasize. Emerging evidence suggests that BAP31 gets involved in cancer progression with different kinds. It still remains unknown whether and how BAP31 plays a role in HCC metastasis. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been a common feature in tumor micro-environment, whose inducer TGF-β increased BAP31 expression in this research. Elevated expression of BAP31 was positively correlated with tumor size, vascular invasion and poor prognosis in human HCC. Ectopic expression of BAP31 promoted cell migration and invasion while BAP31 knockdown markedly attenuated metastatic potential in HCC cells and mice orthotopic xenografts. BAP31 induced EMT process, and enhanced the expression level of EMT-related factor Snail and decreased contents and membrane distribution of E-cadherin. BAP31 also activated AKT/β-catenin pathway, which mediated its promotional effects on HCC metastasis. AKT inhibitor further counteracted the activated AKT/β-catenin/Snail upon BAP31 over-expression. Moreover, silencing Snail in BAP31-overexpressed cells impaired enhanced migratory and invasive abilities of HCC cells. In HCC tissues, BAP31 expression was positively associated with Snail. In conclusion, BAP31 promotes HCC metastasis by activating AKT/β-catenin/Snail pathway. Thus, our study implicates BAP31 as potential prognostic biomarker, and provides valuable information for HCC prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junming Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunxiao Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjiao Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Su
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Haiyang Xie
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Cui
- Cancer Institute of Guangxi, Nanning, China
| | - Ming Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Helei Hou
- Precision Medicine Center of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Precision Medicine Center of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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66
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Zhao Y, Li Z, Zhu Y, Fu J, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Wang S, Wu J, Wang K, Wu R, Sui C, Shen S, Wu X, Wang H, Gao D, Chen L. Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Uncovers Intratumoral Heterogeneity and Underlying Mechanisms for Drug Resistance in Hepatobiliary Tumor Organoids. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2003897. [PMID: 34105295 PMCID: PMC8188185 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Molecular heterogeneity of hepatobiliary tumor including intertumoral and intratumoral disparity always leads to drug resistance. Here, seven hepatobiliary tumor organoids are generated to explore heterogeneity and evolution via single-cell RNA sequencing. HCC272 with high status of epithelia-mesenchymal transition proves broad-spectrum drug resistance. By examining the expression pattern of cancer stem cells markers (e.g., PROM1, CD44, and EPCAM), it is found that CD44 positive population may render drug resistance in HCC272. UMAP and pseudo-time analysis identify the intratumoral heterogeneity and distinct evolutionary trajectories, of which catenin beta-1 (CTNNB1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) advantage expression clusters are commonly shared across hepatobiliary organoids. CellphoneDB analysis further implies that metabolism advantage organoids with enrichment of hypoxia signal upregulate NEAT1 expression in CD44 subgroup and mediate drug resistance that relies on Jak-STAT pathway. Moreover, metabolism advantage clusters shared in several organoids have similar characteristic genes (GAPDH, NDRG1 (N-Myc downstream regulated 1), ALDOA, and CA9). The combination of GAPDH and NDRG1 is an independent risk factor and predictor for patient survival. This study delineates heterogeneity of hepatobiliary tumor organoids and proposes that the collaboration of intratumoral heterogenic subpopulations renders malignant phenotypes and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences and Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Zhi‐Xuan Li
- National Center for Liver CancerShanghai200441China
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal TransductionEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Yan‐Jing Zhu
- National Center for Liver CancerShanghai200441China
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal TransductionEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Jing Fu
- National Center for Liver CancerShanghai200441China
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal TransductionEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Xiao‐Fang Zhao
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Ya‐Ni Zhang
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Shan Wang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Jian‐Min Wu
- School of Life Sciences and Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Kai‐Ting Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Rui Wu
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Cheng‐Jun Sui
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Si‐Yun Shen
- National Center for Liver CancerShanghai200441China
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal TransductionEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical UniversityShanghai200438China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe Tenth People's Hospital of ShanghaiTongji UniversityShanghai200072China
| | - Hong‐Yang Wang
- National Center for Liver CancerShanghai200441China
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal TransductionEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical UniversityShanghai200438China
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Dong Gao
- The State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular AndrologyCAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Lei Chen
- National Center for Liver CancerShanghai200441China
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal TransductionEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical UniversityShanghai200438China
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
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Unfried JP, Sangro P, Prats-Mari L, Sangro B, Fortes P. The Landscape of lncRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Translational Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2651. [PMID: 34071216 PMCID: PMC8197910 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
LncRNAs are emerging as relevant regulators of multiple cellular processes involved in cell physiology as well as in the development and progression of human diseases, most notably, cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prominent cause of cancer-related death worldwide due to the high prevalence of causative factors, usual cirrhotic status of the tumor-harboring livers and the suboptimal benefit of locoregional and systemic therapies. Despite huge progress in the molecular characterization of HCC, no oncogenic loop addiction has been identified and most genetic alterations remain non-druggable, underscoring the importance of advancing research in novel approaches for HCC treatment. In this context, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) appear as potentially useful targets as they often exhibit high tumor- and tissue-specific expression and many studies have reported an outstanding dysregulation of lncRNAs in HCC. However, there is a limited perspective of the potential role that deregulated lncRNAs may play in HCC progression and aggressiveness or the mechanisms and therapeutic implications behind such effects. In this review, we offer a clarifying landscape of current efforts to evaluate lncRNA potential as therapeutic targets in HCC using evidence from preclinical models as well as from recent studies on novel oncogenic pathways that show lncRNA-dependency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Unfried
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Department of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Universidad de Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (L.P.-M.); (P.F.)
| | - Paloma Sangro
- Liver Unit, Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CUN), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Laura Prats-Mari
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Department of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Universidad de Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (L.P.-M.); (P.F.)
| | - Bruno Sangro
- Liver Unit, Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CUN), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Puri Fortes
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Department of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Universidad de Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (L.P.-M.); (P.F.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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68
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Zhou J, Zhu Y, Li Y, Liu K, He F, Xu S, Li X, Li L, Hu J, Liu Y. Combined detection of circulating tumor cells, α-fetoprotein heterogene-3 and α-fetoprotein in the early diagnosis of HCC for the prediction of efficacy, prognosis, recurrence after microwave ablation. Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:28. [PMID: 33971914 PMCID: PMC8111940 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-021-00367-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Currently, the dosage of serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is widely used in the diagnosis of HCC, but this biomarker has low specificity and may cause false positive or false negative results. Thus, it's necessary to find and validate other serum tumor markers that in association for AFP would increase the sensitivity and the specificity in the HCC diagnosis. This study investigated the predictive value of combined of AFP, AFP-L3, and Circulating tumor cells (CTCs). METHODS A total of 105 patients with HCC after microwave ablation (MWA) were divided into non recurrence group, recurrence group, good prognosis (CR + PR group, CR: Complete remission, PR: Partial remission) and poor prognosis (SD + PD group, SD: Stable, PD: Progression). ROC curve was used to analyze the short-term efficacy, prognosis and clinical value of combined detection of the three indicators in predicting postoperative recurrence of HCC patients with MWA. RESULTS The positive rate of serum CTCs, AFP-L3 and AFP combined detection in the diagnosis of HCC is higher than that of single index and two index detection. The AUC, sensitivity and specificity of serum CTCs, AFP-L3 and AFP combined detection was better than that of single index and two indexes in patients with HCC after MWA. CONCLUSIONS Combined detection of AFP, AFP-L3, and CTCs can effectively make up for the shortcomings of the detection with single and pairwise indicators. It can't only diagnose HCC in early, but also has a high clinical value of predicting the short-term efficacy, prognosis and recurrence of HCC patients after MWA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Puren Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430081, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Zhu
- Biological Cell Therapy Research Center, Puren Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430081, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Puren Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430081, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Biological Cell Therapy Research Center, Puren Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430081, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei He
- Department of Ultrasound Interventional Therapy, Tianyou Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430064, Wuhan, China
| | - Sihuan Xu
- Biological Cell Therapy Research Center, Puren Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430081, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Li
- Biological Cell Therapy Research Center, Puren Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430081, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Li
- The Ministry of Science and Education, Puren Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430081, Wuhan, China
| | - Junfang Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Puren Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430081, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Biological Cell Therapy Research Center, Puren Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430081, Wuhan, China.
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Liu P, Liang SQ, Zheng C, Mintzer E, Zhao YG, Ponnienselvan K, Mir A, Sontheimer EJ, Gao G, Flotte TR, Wolfe SA, Xue W. Improved prime editors enable pathogenic allele correction and cancer modelling in adult mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2121. [PMID: 33837189 PMCID: PMC8035190 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22295-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Prime editors (PEs) mediate genome modification without utilizing double-stranded DNA breaks or exogenous donor DNA as a template. PEs facilitate nucleotide substitutions or local insertions or deletions within the genome based on the template sequence encoded within the prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA). However, the efficacy of prime editing in adult mice has not been established. Here we report an NLS-optimized SpCas9-based prime editor that improves genome editing efficiency in both fluorescent reporter cells and at endogenous loci in cultured cell lines. Using this genome modification system, we could also seed tumor formation through somatic cell editing in the adult mouse. Finally, we successfully utilize dual adeno-associated virus (AAVs) for the delivery of a split-intein prime editor and demonstrate that this system enables the correction of a pathogenic mutation in the mouse liver. Our findings further establish the broad potential of this genome editing technology for the directed installation of sequence modifications in vivo, with important implications for disease modeling and correction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengpeng Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Shun-Qing Liang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chunwei Zheng
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Esther Mintzer
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Yan G Zhao
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Karthikeyan Ponnienselvan
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Aamir Mir
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Erik J Sontheimer
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Terence R Flotte
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Scot A Wolfe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Wen Xue
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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Preoperative immune landscape predisposes adverse outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with liver transplantation. NPJ Precis Oncol 2021; 5:27. [PMID: 33772139 PMCID: PMC7997876 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-021-00167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune class in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been shown to possess immunogenic power; however, how preestablished immune landscapes in premalignant and early HCC stages impact the clinical outcomes of HCC patients remains unexplored. We sequenced bulk transcriptomes for 62 malignant tumor samples from a Korean HCC cohort in which 38 patients underwent total hepatectomy, as well as for 15 normal and 47 adjacent nontumor samples. Using in silico deconvolution of expression mixtures, 22 immune cell fractions for each sample were inferred, and validated with immune cell counting by immunohistochemistry. Cell type-specific immune signatures dynamically shifted from premalignant stages to the late HCC stage. Total hepatectomy patients displayed elevated immune infiltration and prolonged disease-free survival compared to the partial hepatectomy patients. However, patients who exhibited an infiltration of regulatory T cells (Tregs) during the pretransplantation period displayed a high risk of tumor relapse with suppressed immune responses, and pretreatment was a potential driver of Treg infiltration in the total hepatectomy group. Treg infiltration appeared to be independent of molecular classifications based on transcriptomic data. Our study provides not only comprehensive immune signatures in adjacent nontumor lesions and early malignant HCC stages but also clinical guidance for HCC patients who will undergo liver transplantation.
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71
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Shao N, Cheng J, Huang H, Gong X, Lu Y, Idris M, Peng X, Ong BX, Zhang Q, Xu F, Liu C. GASC1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting the degradation of ROCK2. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:253. [PMID: 33692332 PMCID: PMC7946911 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03550-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a devastating malignancy without targeted therapeutic options. Our results indicated that the histone demethylase GASC1 signature is associated with later tumor stage and poorer survival in HCC patients. GASC1 depletion led to diminished HCC proliferation and tumor growth. A distinct heterogeneity in GASC1 levels was observed among HCC cell populations, predicting their inherent high or low tumor-initiating capacity. Mechanistically, GASC1 is involved in the regulation of several components of the Rho-GTPase signaling pathway including its downstream target ROCK2. GASC1 demethylase activity ensured the transcriptional repression of FBXO42, a ROCK2 protein-ubiquitin ligase, thereby inhibiting ROCK2 degradation via K63-linked poly-ubiquitination. Treatment with the GASC1 inhibitor SD70 impaired the growth of both HCC cell lines and xenografts in mice, sensitizing them to standard-of-care chemotherapy. This work identifies GASC1 as a malignant-cell-selective target in HCC, and GASC1-specific therapeutics represent promising candidates for new treatment options to control this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Shao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, PR China
- Department of Biomedical Materials Science, School of Biomedical Engineering, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Jiamin Cheng
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Center, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100000, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hong Huang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xiaoshan Gong
- Department of Biomedical Materials Science, School of Biomedical Engineering, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yongling Lu
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Muhammad Idris
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Xu Peng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Belinda X Ong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Republic of Singapore
| | - Qiongyi Zhang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Feng Xu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Republic of Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Chungang Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, PR China.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Republic of Singapore.
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Heinrich S, Craig AJ, Ma L, Heinrich B, Greten TF, Wang XW. Understanding tumour cell heterogeneity and its implication for immunotherapy in liver cancer using single-cell analysis. J Hepatol 2021; 74:700-715. [PMID: 33271159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, precision medicine and immunotherapeutic approaches have become increasingly popular in oncology. Early clinical trials reported promising results, but response rates in phase III clinical trials have been suboptimal. Knowledge gained from subsequent translational studies indicates the importance of targeting the tumour microenvironment to overcome resistance to immunotherapy. In this era of precision medicine, it is crucial to consider inter- as well as intratumoural heterogeneity. Single-cell analysis is a cutting-edge technology that enables us to better define the tumour cell community and to identify potential targets for immunotherapy or combination treatments. This review focuses on single-cell analysis in the context of immunotherapy in liver cancer, including the rationale behind studying hepatocellular carcinoma biology at a single-cell level. Single-cell technologies have the potential to revolutionise our understanding of resistance mechanisms and to guide drug discovery efforts, leading to further advances in personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Heinrich
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA
| | - Amanda J Craig
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA
| | - Lichun Ma
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA
| | - Bernd Heinrich
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA; Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA
| | - Xin W Wang
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA; Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA.
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Chan LK, Tsui YM, Ho DWH, Ng IOL. Cellular heterogeneity and plasticity in liver cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 82:134-149. [PMID: 33647386 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocarcinogenesis involves complex genetic and cellular dysregulations which drive the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the predominant form of primary liver cancer, with extensive heterogeneity. In contrast to the broad spectrum of molecularly driven therapies available for defined patient groups in certain cancer types, unfortunately the treatment options for HCC are highly limited. The lack of representative molecular and cellular signatures in the heterogeneous HCC tumors that can effectively guide the choice of the most appropriate treatment among the patients unavoidably limits the treatment outcome. Advancement and wide availability of the next-generation sequencing technologies have empowered us to examine and capture not only the detailed genetic alterations of the HCC cells but also the precise composition of different cell types within the tumor microenvironment and their interactions with the HCC cells at an unprecedented level. The information generated has provided new insight and better defined the inter-patient intertumoral heterogeneity, intra-patient intratumoral heterogeneity as well as the plasticity of HCC cells. These collectively provide a robust scientific basis in guiding the development and use of targeted therapy and immunotherapy. To complement, liquid biopsy coupled with high-sensitivity sequencing could potentially be adopted as a more practical and safer approach to detect and reflect the tumor heterogeneity in HCC patients in guiding the choice of treatment and monitoring disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lo-Kong Chan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Daniel Wai-Hung Ho
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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74
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Mao Y, Chen W, Wu H, Liu C, Zhang J, Chen S. Mechanisms and Functions of MiR-200 Family in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 13:13479-13490. [PMID: 33447052 PMCID: PMC7801920 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s288791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common clinically malignant tumors of the digestive system. It ranks the sixth most common malignant tumor in the world and ranks fourth among cancer-related death worldwide. At present, early diagnosis and prognosis monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma mainly use alpha-fetoprotein combined with ultrasonography, which leads to clinical frequently missed diagnosis or even misdiagnosis. Therefore, seeking specific diagnostic and monitoring molecules of hepatocellular carcinoma are still hot topics in contemporary medical practice. MicroRNA is an endogenous non-coding small RNA that regulates the expression of the target molecule and participates in various biological processes in vivo. The miR-200 family, the most common celebrity family of microRNAs, is commonly lower expression in a variety of cancers and is closely associated with tumorigenesis and outcome, especially hepatocellular carcinoma. This review mainly discusses the expression changes, specific molecular mechanisms, biological functions and clinical values of miR-200 family in hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, we highlighted utilization of miR-200 family as molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognostic monitoring and appropriate therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinqi Mao
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Wu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenbin Liu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuying Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Krause J, von Felden J, Casar C, Fründt TW, Galaski J, Schmidt C, Jung C, Ittrich H, Weidemann SA, Krech T, Heumann A, Li J, Fischer L, Sauter G, Lohse AW, Wege H, Schulze K. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Intratumoral EpCAM-positive cancer stem cell heterogeneity identifies high-risk tumor subtype. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:1130. [PMID: 33225916 PMCID: PMC7682021 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07580-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The translational interest in the intratumoral heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been increasing. The dismal prognosis of this pathology is linked to the features of the HCC harbouring cancer stem cells (CSC), represented by EpCAM-expression. However, the extent of the impact of intratumoral distribution of CSC-features, both on the recurrence after curative resection and on clinical outcome, remains unknown. To address this, we investigated the spatial heterogeneity of CSC-features with the aim of identifying the unique HCC patient subgroups amenable to adjuvant treatment. METHODS We designed a tissue microarray (TMA) from patients who had received liver resection between 2011 and 2017. Tumor specimens were sampled at multiple locations (n = 3-8). EpCAM-positivity was assessed for intensity and proportion by applying a score dividing three groups: (i) negative (E-/-); (ii) heterogeneous (E-/+); and (iii) homogeneous (E+/+). The groups were further analysed with regard to time-to-recurrence (TTR) and recurrence-free-survival (RFS). RESULTS We included 314 tumor spots from 69 patients (76.8% male, median age 66, liver cirrhosis/fibrosis 75.8%). The risk factors were alcohol abuse (26.2%), NASH (13.1%), HBV (15.5%), HCV (17.9%) and others (27.4%), representative of a typical Western cohort. E+/+ patients experienced significantly shorter TTR and RFS compared to E+/- and E-/- patients (TTR 5 vs. 19 months, p = 0.022; RFS 5 vs. 14 vs. 21 months, p = 0.016). Only homogeneous EpCAM-positivity correlated with higher AFP levels (> 400 ng/ml, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS Spatial heterogeneity of EpCAM-expression was markedly present in the cohort. Of note, only homogeneous EpCAM-expression correlated significantly with early recurrence, whereas heterogeneous EpCAM-expression was associated with clinical endpoints comparable to EpCAM-negativity. We identified a unique HCC subtype associated with a high risk of tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Krause
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johann von Felden
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Casar
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorben W Fründt
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Galaski
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Constantin Schmidt
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Caroline Jung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harald Ittrich
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sören A Weidemann
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Krech
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Asmus Heumann
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jun Li
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lutz Fischer
- Department of Visceral Transplant Surgery, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guido Sauter
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henning Wege
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kornelius Schulze
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Centre HaTriCS4, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Zhang K, Zhang M, Luo Z, Wen Z, Yan X. The dichotomous role of TGF-β in controlling liver cancer cell survival and proliferation. J Genet Genomics 2020; 47:497-512. [PMID: 33339765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major form of primary liver cancer and one of the most prevalent and life-threatening malignancies globally. One of the hallmarks in HCC is the sustained cell survival and proliferative signals, which are determined by the balance between oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is an effective growth inhibitor of epithelial cells including hepatocytes, through induction of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, cellular senescence, or autophagy. The antitumorigenic effects of TGF-β are bypassed during liver tumorigenesis via multiple mechanisms. Furthermore, along with malignant progression, TGF-β switches to promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. This dichotomous nature of TGF-β is one of the barriers to therapeutic targeting in liver cancer. Thereafter, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms is a prerequisite for discovering novel antitumor drugs that may specifically disable the growth-promoting branch of TGF-β signaling or restore its tumor-suppressive arm. This review summarizes how TGF-β inhibits or promotes liver cancer cell survival and proliferation, highlighting the functional switch mechanisms during the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kegui Zhang
- School of Biological Engineering, Huainan Normal University, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Meiping Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Zhijun Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Zhili Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Xiaohua Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, 330031, China.
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77
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Effects of vanadium (sodium metavanadate) and aflatoxin-B1 on cytochrome p450 activities, DNA damage and DNA methylation in human liver cell lines. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 70:105036. [PMID: 33164849 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.105036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Vanadium is considered as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (V2O5, IARC Group 2B), yet uncertainties persist related to the toxicity mechanisms of the multiple forms of vanadium. Exposure to vanadium often co-occurs with other metals or with organic compounds that can be transformed by cytochrome p450 (CYP) enzymes into DNA-reactive carcinogens. Therefore, effects of a soluble form of vanadium (sodium metavanadate, NaVO3) and aflatoxin-B1 (AFB1) were tested separately and together, for induction of CYP activities, DNA damage (γH2AX and DNA alkaline unwinding assays), and DNA methylation changes (global genome and DNA repeats) in HepaRG or HepG2 liver cell lines. NaVO3 (≥ 2.3 μM) reduced CYP1A1 and CYP3A4 activities and induced DNA damage, butcaused important cell proliferation only in HepaRG cells. As a binary mixture, NaVO3 did not modify the effects of AFB1. There was no reproducible effect of NaVO3 (<21 μM) on DNA methylation in AluYb8, satellite-α, satellite-2, and by the luminometric methylation assay, but DNA methylation flow-cytometry signals in HepG2 cells (25-50 μM) increased at the G1 and G2 cell cycle phases. In conclusion, cell lines responded differently to NaVO3 supporting the importance of investigating more than one cell line, and a carcinogenic role of NaVO3 might reside at low concentrations by stimulating the proliferation of tumorigenic cells.
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78
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Pang Y, Liu Z, Han H, Wang B, Li W, Mao C, Liu S. Peptide SMIM30 promotes HCC development by inducing SRC/YES1 membrane anchoring and MAPK pathway activation. J Hepatol 2020; 73:1155-1169. [PMID: 32461121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Growing evidence shows that some non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) contain small open reading frames (smORFs) that are translated into short peptides. Herein, we aimed to determine where and how these short peptides might promote hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. METHODS We performed an RNA-immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (RIP-seq) assay with an antibody against ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6) on 4 cancer cell lines. Focusing on 1 long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), LINC00998, we used qPCR and public databases to evaluate its expression level in patients with HCC. Special vectors were constructed to confirm its coding potential. We also explored the function and mechanism of LINC00998-encoded peptide in tumor growth and metastasis. RESULTS We discovered that many lncRNAs bind to RPS6 in cancer cells. One of these lncRNAs, LINC00998, encoded a small endogenous peptide, termed SMIM30. SMIM30, rather than the RNA itself, promoted HCC tumorigenesis by modulating cell proliferation and migration, and its level was correlated with poor survival in patients with HCC. Furthermore, SMIM30 was transcribed by c-Myc and then drove the membrane anchoring of the non-receptor tyrosine kinases SRC/YES1. Moreover, the downstream MAPK signaling pathway was activated by SRC/YES1. CONCLUSIONS Our results not only unravel a new mechanism of HCC tumorigenesis promoted by ncRNA-encoded peptides, but also suggest that these peptides can serve as a new target for HCC cancer therapy and a new biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis. LAY SUMMARY Very little is known about how peptides activate signaling pathways that play a crucial role in diseases such as cancer. Specifically, we reported on a conserved peptide encoded by LINC00998, SMIM30. This peptide promoted the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by modulating cell proliferation and migration. Of note, it bound the non-receptor tyrosine kinases, SRC/YES1, to drive their membrane anchoring and phosphorylation, activating the downstream MAPK signaling pathway. Our work not only unravels a new mechanism of HCC tumorigenesis promoted by peptides, but also demonstrates how the peptide works to activate a signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Pang
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Huan Han
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Beilei Wang
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wei Li
- Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019-5300, USA; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, PR China.
| | - Shanrong Liu
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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79
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Liu L, Yang M, Xu Q, Zhou M, Cheng Y, Xu H, Qin Y, Liu B. Killing efficiency affected by mutually modulated PD-1 and PD-L1 expression via NKT-hepatoma cell interactions. Immunotherapy 2020; 13:113-123. [PMID: 33076728 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2020-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To explore the expression of programmed death-1 (PD-1) or programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), natural killer T (NKT) and hepatoma cells in coculture system, and the influence of abolishing PD-1 on antitumor efficiency. Materials & methods: CRISPR/Cas9 technology, flow cytometry, ELISA, CCK-8 assay and mouse models were performed to investigate the interactions between PD-1/PD-L1 expression on NKT and hepatoma cells, respectively. Results: The NKT and hepatoma cells mutually affected the expression of PD-1/PD-L1. The killing effect was positively correlated with NKT-mediated PD-L1 expression on hepatoma cells. Conclusion: Hepatoma cells in different genetic background responded differently to NKT-induced PD-L1 stimulation, and those cells with lower PD-L1 expression fail to PD-1 blocking intervention. Additionally, the killing effect was more time-efficient with PD-1 knockout than with monoclonal antibody blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, 230032, P.R. China
| | - Mingya Yang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, 230000, China
| | - Qia Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, 230032, P.R. China
| | - Min Zhou
- Neurocritical Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences & Medicine, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei City, Anhui Province 230001, P.R. China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Infectious Disease Department of The 901th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, No.424 of Changjiang West Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, 230031, China
| | - Heming Xu
- Infectious Disease Department of The 901th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, No.424 of Changjiang West Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, 230031, China
| | - Yide Qin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, 230032, P.R. China
| | - Bo Liu
- Infectious Disease Department of The 901th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, No.424 of Changjiang West Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, 230031, China
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80
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Li R, Deng Y, Liang J, Hu Z, Li X, Liu H, Wang G, Fu B, Zhang T, Zhang Q, Yang Y, Chen G, Liu W. Circular RNA circ-102,166 acts as a sponge of miR-182 and miR-184 to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and invasion. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 44:279-295. [PMID: 33034848 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00564-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to be dysregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, their functions and modes of action are still largely unclear. Identifying key circRNAs and revealing their potential functions and molecular mechanisms is considered important for improving the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. METHODS Dysregulated circRNAs in HCC were identified through integration of three human HCC circRNAs microarray datasets (GSE94508, GSE97332 and GSE 78520), followed by qRT-PCR validation in primary HCC tissues and cell lines. circRNA characteristics were verified through Sanger sequencing, RNase R treatment, northern blotting and intracellular localization analyses. In addition, circRNA functions in HCC development were assessed using CCK8, colony formation, EDU incorporation, flow cytometry, transwell and scratch wound healing assays in vitro and tumor xenograft assays in vivo. Next, underlying molecular mechanisms in HCC were assessed using dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation and western blotting assays. RESULTS We found that a novel circular RNA, circ-102,166, was down-regulated in HCC and that its expression level was significantly associated with multiple clinicopathologic characteristics, as well as the clinical prognosis of HCC patients. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that circ-102,166 overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration and tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Furthermore, we found that circ-102,166 can bind to miR-182 and miR-184 to regulate the expression of several of their downstream targets (FOXO3a, MTSS1, SOX7, p-RB and c-MYC). CONCLUSION Our data revealed a tumor-suppressing role of circ-102,166 in HCC. Down-regulation of circ-102,166 enhanced the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells by releasing the oncomiRs miR-182 and miR-184.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.,Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong province engineering laboratory for transplantation medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yinan Deng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jinliang Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhongying Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xuejiao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Huanyi Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Guoying Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Binsheng Fu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong province engineering laboratory for transplantation medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China.,Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Guihua Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China. .,Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China. .,Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong province engineering laboratory for transplantation medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer related mortality with a 10 year survival rate of merely 22-35%. Tumorigenesis frequently occurs in patients with chronic liver disease where continued liver cell damage, compensatory proliferation and inflammation provide the basis for tumor initiation, promotion and progression. Animal models of HCC are particularly useful to better understand molecular events underlying liver tumorigenesis. To this end, chemical carcinogenesis protocols based on the injection of genotoxic compounds such as diethylnitrosamine (DEN) are widely used to model liver tumorigenesis in rodents. DEN injection into 2 week old mice is sufficient to cause liver tumorigenesis after 8-10 months. When injected into older mice, DEN has to be combined with administration of tumor promoting agents such as phenobarbital or feeding high fat diet. Such protocols allow to dissect the different steps of tumor formation (i.e., tumor initiation and promotion) experimentally and to model liver pathologies in mice which frequently lead to HCC in human patients such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Here, we review several established chemical carcinogenesis protocols based on DEN injection into mice and discuss their advantages as well as potential limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Schulien
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center-University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hasselblatt
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center-University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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82
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Alison MR. The cellular origins of cancer with particular reference to the gastrointestinal tract. Int J Exp Pathol 2020; 101:132-151. [PMID: 32794627 PMCID: PMC7495846 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells or their closely related committed progenitor cells are the likely founder cells of most neoplasms. In the continually renewing and hierarchically organized epithelia of the oesophagus, stomach and intestine, homeostatic stem cells are located at the beginning of the cell flux, in the basal layer of the oesophagus, the isthmic region of gastric oxyntic glands and at the bottom of gastric pyloric-antral glands and colonic crypts. The introduction of mutant oncogenes such as KrasG12D or loss of Tp53 or Apc to specific cell types expressing the likes of Lgr5 and Mist1 can be readily accomplished in genetically engineered mouse models to initiate tumorigenesis. Other origins of cancer are discussed including 'reserve' stem cells that may be activated by damage or through disruption of morphogen gradients along the crypt axis. In the liver and pancreas, with little cell turnover and no obvious stem cell markers, the importance of regenerative hyperplasia associated with chronic inflammation to tumour initiation is vividly apparent, though inflammatory conditions in the renewing populations are also permissive for tumour induction. In the liver, hepatocytes, biliary epithelial cells and hepatic progenitor cells are embryologically related, and all can give rise to hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. In the exocrine pancreas, both acinar and ductal cells can give rise to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), although the preceding preneoplastic states are quite different: acinar-ductal metaplasia gives rise to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia culminating in PDAC, while ducts give rise to PDAC via. mucinous cell metaplasia that may have a polyclonal origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm R. Alison
- Centre for Tumour BiologyBarts Cancer Institute, Charterhouse SquareBarts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryLondonUK
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83
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Han H, Desert R, Das S, Song Z, Athavale D, Ge X, Nieto N. Danger signals in liver injury and restoration of homeostasis. J Hepatol 2020; 73:933-951. [PMID: 32371195 PMCID: PMC7502511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Damage-associated molecular patterns are signalling molecules involved in inflammatory responses and restoration of homeostasis. Chronic release of these molecules can also promote inflammation in the context of liver disease. Herein, we provide a comprehensive summary of the role of damage-associated molecular patterns as danger signals in liver injury. We consider the role of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species as inducers of damage-associated molecular patterns, as well as how specific damage-associated molecular patterns participate in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases such as alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis and liver cancer. In addition, we discuss the role of damage-associated molecular patterns in ischaemia reperfusion injury and liver transplantation and highlight current studies in which blockade of specific damage-associated molecular patterns has proven beneficial in humans and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Han
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Romain Desert
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sukanta Das
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Zhuolun Song
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dipti Athavale
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Xiaodong Ge
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Natalia Nieto
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 1020N, MC 787, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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84
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Azizi AA, Hadjinicolaou AV, Goncalves C, Duckworth A, Basu B. Update on the Genetics of and Systemic Therapy Options for Combined Hepatocellular Cholangiocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:570958. [PMID: 33102226 PMCID: PMC7545907 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.570958] [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: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-ICC) is an uncommon and aggressive form of primary liver cancer. Currently, there are no international guidelines for optimal management. For localized tumors, radical resection represents the preferred treatment option, whereas for advanced tumors, systemic therapies recommended for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are often selected. Emerging information from comparative cohort studies, genomic and transcriptomic data sets are starting to build a case for rationalized approaches to systemic treatment in the advanced setting specific to cHCC-ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Azizi
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas V Hadjinicolaou
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carla Goncalves
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Duckworth
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bristi Basu
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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85
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Li R, Gong J, Xiao C, Zhu S, Hu Z, Liang J, Li X, Yan X, Zhang X, Li D, Liu W, Chong Y, Jie Y. A comprehensive analysis of the MAGE family as prognostic and diagnostic markers for hepatocellular carcinoma. Genomics 2020; 112:5101-5114. [PMID: 32941982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Melanoma Antigen Gene (MAGE) family is a large, highly conserved group of proteins which was reported to participate in the progression of multiple cancers in humans. However, the function of distinct MAGE genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is largely unclear. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the expression, clinical significance, genetic alteration, interaction network and functional enrichment of MAGEs in HCC. Our research showed that many MAGE genes were dysregulated in HCC. Among them, MAGEA1, MAGEC2, MAGED1, MAGED2, MAGEF1 and MAGEL2 were significantly associated with clinical stage and differentiation of HCC. MAGED1, MAGED2, MAGEA6, MAGEA12, MAGEA10, MAGEB4, MAGEL2 and MAGEC3 significantly correlated with HCC prognosis. Further functional enrichment analysis suggested the dysregulated MAGEs may play important roles in signal transduction. These results indicate that multiple dysregulated MAGEs might play important roles in the development of HCC and can be exploited as useful biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou 510630, China; Guangdong province engineering laboratory for transplantation medicine, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jiao Gong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Cuicui Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shuguang Zhu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zhongying Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jinliang Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Xuejiao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Xijing Yan
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Xijian Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Danyang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou 510630, China; Guangdong province engineering laboratory for transplantation medicine, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Yutian Chong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou 510630, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Yusheng Jie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou 510630, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
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86
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Li Y, Shi H, Yuan J, Qiao L, Dong L, Wang Y. Downregulation of circular RNA circPVT1 restricts cell growth of hepatocellular carcinoma through downregulation of Sirtuin 7 via microRNA-3666. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:1291-1300. [PMID: 32017171 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified recently as pivotal regulators in the development and progression of cancers, generally by acting as competing endogenous RNAs of microRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate gene expression. The dysregulation of circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has attracted much attention, but the precise role of circRNAs in HCC remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of circular RNA PVT1 (circPVT1), a newly identified cancer-related circRNA, in HCC. Herein, we found that circPVT1 expression was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of circPVT1 significantly reduced the growth and colony formation, and increased cell apoptosis, of HCC cells. Our results further identified circPVT1 as a sponge for miR-3666. Knockdown of circPVT1 significantly increased miR-3666 expression in HCC cells. Moreover, miR-3666 expression was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and was inversely correlated with circPVT1 expression. In addition, the overexpression of miR-3666 inhibited the growth of HCC cells by targeting Sirtuin 7 (SIRT7). Notably, miR-3666 inhibition or SIRT7 overexpression partially reversed the circPVT1 knockdown-mediated inhibitory effect on HCC cell growth. Overall, these results demonstrate that downregulation of circPVT1 represses HCC cell growth by upregulating miR-3666 to inhibit SIRT7, suggesting circPVT1 as a potential therapeutic target for HCC. Our study highlights the involvement of circPVT1/miR-3666/SIRT7 in regulating HCC cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Haitao Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jia Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lu Qiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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87
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Shi W, Feng L, Dong S, Ning Z, Hua Y, Liu L, Chen Z, Meng Z. FBXL6 governs c-MYC to promote hepatocellular carcinoma through ubiquitination and stabilization of HSP90AA1. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:100. [PMID: 32576198 PMCID: PMC7310287 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00604-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heat shot protein 90 (HSP90) AA1 functions as an onco-protein to regulate the assembly, manipulation, folding and degradation of its client proteins, including c-MYC. However, little is known about the mechanism of HSP90AA1 regulation. Methods Transcriptome RNA-sequencing data of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples were used to detect the mRNA expression of FBXL6. Immunoprecipitation/Mass Spectrum (IP/MS) method was used to identify the interacting proteins of FBXL6. The co-immunoprecipitation assay was used to determine the interaction between FBXL6 and HSP90AA1. The in vivo ubiquitination assay was performed to determine the regulation of HSP90AA1 by FBXL6. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to determine the transcriptional regulation of FBXL6 by c-MYC. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to study the correlation of FBXL6 and HSP90AA1 protein expression in 87 HCC samples. Cell counting and colony formation assays were implemented to detect the biological effects of FBXL6 on the growth of HCC cells in vitro. The effect of FBXL6 on HCC tumor growth in vivo was studied in a tumor xenograft model in mice. Results Here, we identified the orphan F-box protein FBXL6, a substrate recognition subunit of an SCF (Skp1-Cul1-F-box protein) complex, as the ubiquitin ligase for HSP90AA1. FBXL6 promoted K63-dependent ubiquitination of HSP90AA1 to stabilize it. Through analysis of the TCGA dataset, we found that FBXL6 was significantly increased in HCC tissues and positively correlated with c-MYC pathway. FBXL6 accumulation in HCC causes the stabilization and activation of c-MYC by preventing HSP90AA1 degradation. The activated c-MYC directly binds to the promoter region of FBXL6 to induce its mRNA expression. Conclusion Collectively, our data revealed an unknown FBXL6-HSP90AA1-c-MYC axis which might contribute to the oncogenesis of HCC, and we propose that inhibition of FBXL6 might represent an effective therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment. Video abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Shi
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lanyun Feng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Dong
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhouyu Ning
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqiang Hua
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Luming Liu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
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88
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Afaloniati H, Angelopoulou K, Giakoustidis A, Hardas A, Pseftogas A, Makedou K, Gargavanis A, Goulopoulos T, Iliadis S, Papadopoulos V, Papalois A, Mosialos G, Poutahidis T, Giakoustidis D. HDAC1/2 Inhibitor Romidepsin Suppresses DEN-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinogenesis in Mice. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5575-5588. [PMID: 32606772 PMCID: PMC7304783 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s250233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequently diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Its rapid progression, combined with the limited treatment options at late stages, imposes the need for early detection and aggressive intervention. Based on the knowledge that hepatocarcinogenesis is significantly influenced by histone acetylation, we directed our search for novel HCC therapeutics among histone deacetylation inhibitors (HDACi). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of HDAC1/2 inhibitor Romidepsin in the well-established mouse model of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS C56BL/6 mice were treated with Romidepsin at the critical point of 10 months after DEN challenge and their livers were examined 2 months later using histopathology and morphometry. Protein levels were assessed in serum using ELISA and in liver tissues using Western blot and immunohistochemistry (in-situ detection). Gene expression was quantified using real-time PCR. RESULTS Romidepsin suppressed cancer progression. This effect was associated with decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of cancer cells. The cell cycle regulator CK2a, the anti-inflammatory molecule PPAR-γ, and the tumor suppressors PTEN and CYLD were upregulated in treated HCC. By contrast, the expression of PI3K, NF-κB p65 and c-Jun was reduced. In line with this result, the levels of two major apoptosis regulators, ie, BAD and the multifunctional protein c-Met, were lower in the blood serum of treated mice compared to the untreated mice with HCC. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that Romidepsin, a drug currently used in the treatment of lymphoma, could also be considered in the management of early-stage HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hara Afaloniati
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Katerina Angelopoulou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexander Giakoustidis
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital Papageorgiou, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Hardas
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Pseftogas
- School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kali Makedou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Gargavanis
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital Papageorgiou, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Goulopoulos
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital Papageorgiou, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros Iliadis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasileios Papadopoulos
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital Papageorgiou, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Papalois
- Experimental, Educational and Research Center, ELPEN, Pikermi, Attica, Greece
| | - George Mosialos
- School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theofilos Poutahidis
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Giakoustidis
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital Papageorgiou, Thessaloniki, Greece
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89
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Strauss RP, Audsley KM, Passman AM, van Vuuren JH, Finch-Edmondson ML, Callus BA, Yeoh GC. Loss of ARF/INK4A Promotes Liver Progenitor Cell Transformation Toward Tumorigenicity Supporting Their Role in Hepatocarcinogenesis. Gene Expr 2020; 20:39-52. [PMID: 32317048 PMCID: PMC7284103 DOI: 10.3727/105221620x15874935364268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Liver progenitor cells (LPCs) contribute to liver regeneration during chronic damage and are implicated as cells of origin for liver cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The CDKN2A locus, which encodes the tumor suppressors alternate reading frame protein (ARF) and INK4A, was identified as one of the most frequently altered genes in HCC. This study demonstrates that inactivation of CDKN2A enhances tumorigenic transformation of LPCs. The level of ARF and INK4A expression was determined in a panel of transformed and nontransformed wild-type LPC lines. Moreover, the transforming potential of LPCs with inactivated CDKN2A was shown to be enhanced in LPCs derived from Arf-/- and CDKN2Afl/fl mice and in wild-type LPCs following CRISPR-Cas9 suppression of CDKN2A. ARF and INK4A abundance is consistently reduced or ablated following LPC transformation. Arf-/- and CDKN2A-/- LPCs displayed hallmarks of transformation such as anchorage-independent and more rapid growth than control LPC lines with unaltered CDKN2A. Transformation was not immediate, suggesting that the loss of CDKN2A alone is insufficient. Further analysis revealed decreased p21 expression as well as reduced epithelial markers and increased mesenchymal markers, indicative of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, following inactivation of the CDKN2A gene were required for tumorigenic transformation. Loss of ARF and INK4A enhances the propensity of LPCs to undergo a tumorigenic transformation. As LPCs represent a cancer stem cell candidate, identifying CDKN2A as a driver of LPC transformation highlights ARF and INK4A as viable prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn P. Strauss
- *School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- †Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Katherine M. Audsley
- *School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Adam M. Passman
- *School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- †Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Joanne H. van Vuuren
- †Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | | | - Bernard A. Callus
- *School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - George C. Yeoh
- *School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- †Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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90
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Fang T, Lu Q. A-kinase interacting protein 1 (AKIP1) associates with advanced overall disease condition, tumor properties, and unfavorable prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. J Clin Lab Anal 2020; 34:e23213. [PMID: 32133702 PMCID: PMC7307350 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The presented study aimed to investigate the association of A-kinase interacting protein 1 (AKIP1) expression with tumor properties, liver functions, cancer markers, and overall survival (OS) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS A total of 432 HCC patients receiving surgery were retrospectively reviewed in our study. Clinical characteristics of patients were obtained. Tumor tissue specimens of all patients were collected, and AKIP1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. OS was assessed, and the median follow-up duration was 35.0 months. AKIP1 high expression was defined as total IHC score more than 3 and was further graded as AKIP1 high+ (IHC 4-6), AKIP1 high++ (IHC 7-9), and AKIP1 high+++ (IHC 10-12). RESULTS About 265 (61.3%) patients presented with AKIP1 low expression and 167 (38.7%) patients had AKIP1 high expression. AKIP1 high expression correlated with higher performance status score (P = .006), largest tumor size ≥5.0 cm (P < .001), Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage B (vs stage A; P = .024), increased alpha-fetoprotein level (P = .036), and higher carbohydrate antigen 199 level (P < .001). AKIP1 high expression (P < .001) and increased AKIP1 expression grade (P < .001) both correlated with worse OS, and Cox's regression analyses revealed that AKIP1 high expression (P < .001) was an independent predictive factor for shorter OS. In subgroup analysis, AKIP1 high expression and more advanced AKIP1 expression grade associated with worse OS in both BCLC stage A subgroup patients (both P < .001) and BCLC stage B subgroup patients (both P < .001), respectively. CONCLUSION AKIP1 is a novel and promising biomarker for disease monitoring and prognosis in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryHuangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare GroupHubei Polytechnic UniversityHuangshiChina
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and ControlWuhan University of Scinecne and TechnologyHuangshiChina
| | - Qi Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryHuangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare GroupHubei Polytechnic UniversityHuangshiChina
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and ControlWuhan University of Scinecne and TechnologyHuangshiChina
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91
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Funk K, Czauderna C, Klesse R, Becker D, Hajduk J, Oelgeklaus A, Reichenbach F, Fimm-Todt F, Lauterwasser J, Galle PR, Marquardt JU, Edlich F. BAX Redistribution Induces Apoptosis Resistance and Selective Stress Sensitivity in Human HCC. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061437. [PMID: 32486514 PMCID: PMC7352885 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapies induce differential cell responses, ranging from efficient cell death to complete stress resistance. The BCL-2 proteins BAX and BAK govern the cellular decision between survival and mitochondrial apoptosis. Therefore, the status of BAX/BAK regulation can predict the cellular apoptosis predisposition. Relative BAX/BAK localization was analyzed in tumor and corresponding non-tumor samples from 34 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Key transcriptome changes and gene expression profiles related to the status of BAX regulation were applied to two independent cohorts including over 500 HCC patients. The prediction of apoptotic response was tested using cell lines and polyclonal tumor isolates. Cellular protection from BAX was confirmed by challenging cells with mitochondrial BAX. We discovered a subgroup of HCC with selective protection from BAX-dependent apoptosis. BAX-protected tumors showed enrichment of signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress response and DNA repair as well as increased genetic heterogeneity. Gene expression profiles characteristic to BAX-specific protection are enriched in poorly differentiated HCCs and show significant association to the overall survival of HCC patients. Consistently, addiction to DNA repair of BAX-protected cancer cells caused selective sensitivity to PARP inhibition. Molecular characteristics of BAX-protected HCC were enriched in cells challenged with mitochondrial BAX. Our results demonstrate that predisposition to BAX activation impairs tumor biology in HCC. Selective BAX inhibition or lack thereof delineates distinct subgroups of HCC patients with molecular features and differential response pattern to apoptotic stimuli and inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Funk
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Czauderna
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, 55116 Mainz, Germany; (C.C.); (D.B.); (J.H.); (P.R.G.)
| | - Ramona Klesse
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Diana Becker
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, 55116 Mainz, Germany; (C.C.); (D.B.); (J.H.); (P.R.G.)
| | - Jovana Hajduk
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, 55116 Mainz, Germany; (C.C.); (D.B.); (J.H.); (P.R.G.)
| | - Aline Oelgeklaus
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frank Reichenbach
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Fimm-Todt
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
| | - Joachim Lauterwasser
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
| | - Peter R. Galle
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, 55116 Mainz, Germany; (C.C.); (D.B.); (J.H.); (P.R.G.)
| | - Jens U. Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Correspondence: (J.U.M.); (F.E.)
| | - Frank Edlich
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence: (J.U.M.); (F.E.)
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92
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He Y, Huang H, Jin L, Zhang F, Zeng M, Wei L, Tang S, Chen D, Wang W. CircZNF609 enhances hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, metastasis, and stemness by activating the Hedgehog pathway through the regulation of miR-15a-5p/15b-5p and GLI2 expressions. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:358. [PMID: 32398664 PMCID: PMC7217914 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2441-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence has revealed that aberrantly expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital roles in tumorigenesis and progression of diverse human malignancies. Although an existing literature has elucidated the regulatory role of circZNF609 in breast cancer, the crucial function that circZNF609 exerted on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Herein, we determined to explore the molecular mechanism of circZNF609 in HCC. In this study, circZNF609 was conspicuously overexpressed and featured with loop structure in HCC. Functional tests revealed that decreased expression of circZNF609 suppressed cell proliferation, metastasis and stemness, whereas induced cell apoptosis in HCC. Subsequent molecular mechanism assays indicated that circZNF609 contributed to HCC progression through activation of Hedgehog pathway. Moreover, circZNF609 was found to be negatively correlated with miR-15a-5p/15b-5p but positively correlated with GLI2. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between miR-15a-5p/15b-5p and GLI2. Rescue experiments testified that GLI2 overexpression could recover circZNF609 depletion-mediated function on HCC development while miR-15a-5p/15b-5p inhibition could partially rescue circZNF609 silencing-mediated effect on HCC progression. Final experiments in vivo further elucidated the suppressive function of circZNF609 knockdown on the tumorigenesis of HCC. Briefly, circZNF609 enhances HCC cell proliferation, metastasis, and stemness by activating the Hedgehog pathway through the regulation of miR-15a-5p/15b-5p and GLI2 expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangke He
- Cancer Center, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Cancer Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 611731, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Cancer Center, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Cancer Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 611731, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Jin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 55# Renmin South Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 55# Renmin South Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated hospital of Chengdu Medical College, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ming Zeng
- Cancer Center, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Cancer Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 611731, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Wei
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated hospital of Chengdu Medical College, 610000, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shijia Tang
- Cancer Center, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Cancer Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 611731, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongqin Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 160 Pujian Road, Pudong New District, 200127, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University&Jiangsu Cancer Hospital&Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, No. 42 Baiziting Road, Xuanwu District, 210009, Nanjing, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No.188, Shizi Street, Gusu District, 215006, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wansheng Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 188, Shizi Street, Gusu District, 215006, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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93
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Wang G, Wang Q, Liang N, Xue H, Yang T, Chen X, Qiu Z, Zeng C, Sun T, Yuan W, Liu C, Chen Z, He X. Oncogenic driver genes and tumor microenvironment determine the type of liver cancer. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:313. [PMID: 32366840 PMCID: PMC7198508 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2509-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) may be mainly classified as the following four types: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), hepatoblastoma (HB), and combined hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-ICC). The majority of PLC develops in the background of tumor microenvironment, such as inflammatory microenvironments caused by viral hepatitis, alcoholic or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC), and necroptosis-associated hepatic cytokine microenvironment caused by necroptosis of hepatocytes. However, the impact of different types of microenvironments on the phenotypes of PLC generated by distinct oncogenes is still unclear. In addition, the cell origin of different liver cancers have not been clarified, as far as we know. Recent researches show that mature hepatocytes retain phenotypic plasticity to differentiate into cholangiocytes. More importantly, our results initially demonstrated that HCC, ICC, and cHCC-ICC could originate from mature hepatocytes rather than liver progenitor cells (LPCs), hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and cholangiocytes in AKT-driven, AKT/NICD-driven and AKT/CAT-driven mouse PLC models respectively by using hydrodynamic transfection methodology. Therefore, liver tumors originated from mature hepatocytes embody a wide spectrum of phenotypes from HCC to CC, possibly including cHCC-ICC and HB. However, the underlying mechanism determining the cancer phenotype of liver tumors has yet to be delineated. In this review, we will provide a summary of the possible mechanisms for directing the cancer phenotype of liver tumors (i.e., ICC, HCC, and cHCC-ICC) in terms of oncogenic driver genes and tumor microenvironment. Moreover, this study initially revealed the cell origin of different types of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510220, China.,Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Anorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Hongyuan Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan North Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201907, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shanxi, China
| | - Xuguang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, China
| | - Zhaoyan Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510318, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Departmentof Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zheng zhou, 450052, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Chaoxu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan North Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201907, China. .,Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Zhangqian Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China. .,State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xianli He
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
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Ozcan M, Altay O, Lam S, Turkez H, Aksoy Y, Nielsen J, Uhlen M, Boren J, Mardinoglu A. Improvement in the Current Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using a Systems Medicine Approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e2000030. [PMID: 32529800 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death primarily due to the lack of effective targeted therapies. Despite the distinct morphological and phenotypic patterns of HCC, treatment strategies are restricted to relatively homogeneous therapies, including multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, more effective therapy options are needed to target dysregulated metabolic and molecular pathways in HCC. Integrative genomic profiling of HCC patients provides insight into the most frequently mutated genes and molecular targets, including telomerase reverse transcriptase, the TP53 gene, and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway oncogene (CTNNB1). Moreover, emerging techniques, such as genome-scale metabolic models may elucidate the underlying cancer-specific metabolism, which allows for the discovery of potential drug targets and identification of biomarkers. De novo lipogenesis has been revealed as consistently upregulated since it is required for cell proliferation in all HCC patients. The metabolic network-driven stratification of HCC patients in terms of redox responses, utilization of metabolites, and subtype-specific pathways may have clinical implications to drive the development of personalized medicine. In this review, the current and emerging therapeutic targets in light of molecular approaches and metabolic network-based strategies are summarized, prompting effective treatment of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Ozcan
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE 17121, Sweden.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Altay
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE 17121, Sweden
| | - Simon Lam
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Hasan Turkez
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, 25240, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Aksoy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Prof. J. Nielsen, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, SE-41296, Sweden
| | - Mathias Uhlen
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE 17121, Sweden
| | - Jan Boren
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, The Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, SE-413 45, Sweden
| | - Adil Mardinoglu
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE 17121, Sweden.,Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
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95
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Kagan J, Moritz RL, Mazurchuk R, Lee JH, Kharchenko PV, Rozenblatt-Rosen O, Ruppin E, Edfors F, Ginty F, Goltsev Y, Wells JA, LaCava J, Riesterer JL, Germain RN, Shi T, Chee MS, Budnik BA, Yates JR, Chait BT, Moffitt JR, Smith RD, Srivastava S. National Cancer Institute Think-Tank Meeting Report on Proteomic Cartography and Biomarkers at the Single-Cell Level: Interrogation of Premalignant Lesions. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:1900-1912. [PMID: 32163288 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A Think-Tank Meeting was convened by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to solicit experts' opinion on the development and application of multiomic single-cell analyses, and especially single-cell proteomics, to improve the development of a new generation of biomarkers for cancer risk, early detection, diagnosis, and prognosis as well as to discuss the discovery of new targets for prevention and therapy. It is anticipated that such markers and targets will be based on cellular, subcellular, molecular, and functional aberrations within the lesion and within individual cells. Single-cell proteomic data will be essential for the establishment of new tools with searchable and scalable features that include spatial and temporal cartographies of premalignant and malignant lesions. Challenges and potential solutions that were discussed included (i) The best way/s to analyze single-cells from fresh and preserved tissue; (ii) Detection and analysis of secreted molecules and from single cells, especially from a tissue slice; (iii) Detection of new, previously undocumented cell type/s in the premalignant and early stage cancer tissue microenvironment; (iv) Multiomic integration of data to support and inform proteomic measurements; (v) Subcellular organelles-identifying abnormal structure, function, distribution, and location within individual premalignant and malignant cells; (vi) How to improve the dynamic range of single-cell proteomic measurements for discovery of differentially expressed proteins and their post-translational modifications (PTM); (vii) The depth of coverage measured concurrently using single-cell techniques; (viii) Quantitation - absolute or semiquantitative? (ix) Single methodology or multiplexed combinations? (x) Application of analytical methods for identification of biologically significant subsets; (xi) Data visualization of N-dimensional data sets; (xii) How to construct intercellular signaling networks in individual cells within premalignant tumor microenvironments (TME); (xiii) Associations between intrinsic cellular processes and extrinsic stimuli; (xiv) How to predict cellular responses to stress-inducing stimuli; (xv) Identification of new markers for prediction of progression from precursor, benign, and localized lesions to invasive cancer, based on spatial and temporal changes within individual cells; (xvi) Identification of new targets for immunoprevention or immunotherapy-identification of neoantigens and surfactome of individual cells within a lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Kagan
- Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Robert L Moritz
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Richard Mazurchuk
- Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Je Hyuk Lee
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States
| | - Peter Vasili Kharchenko
- Blavatnik Institute for Biomedical Information, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Fredrik Edfors
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, SE-171 21 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fiona Ginty
- Life Sciences and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, GE Global Research Center, Niskayuna, New York, United States
| | - Yury Goltsev
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Baxter Laboratory in Stem Cell Biology, Stanford University, Stanford Medical School, Stanford, California, United States
| | - James A Wells
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - John LaCava
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Jessica L Riesterer
- Center for Spatial Systems Biomedicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Ronald N Germain
- Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Tujin Shi
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, United States
| | - Mark S Chee
- Encodia, Inc., San Diego, California, United States
| | - Bogdan A Budnik
- Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Division of Science. Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Brian T Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Jeffery R Moffitt
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard University Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Richard D Smith
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, United States
| | - Sudhir Srivastava
- Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
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96
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Cai X, Li H, Kaplan DE. Murine hepatoblast-derived liver tumors resembling human combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma with stem cell features. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:38. [PMID: 32190288 PMCID: PMC7071781 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00395-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) is a primary hepatic malignancy with heterogeneously combined histological features of putative hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) origin. We describe a mouse model that exhibits the heterogenous histological and phenotypic finding similar to human CHC. METHODS We injected hepatoblasts isolated from p53-/- C57BL/6 mice into syngeneic wild-type pre-conditioned C57BL/6 mice. We confirmed that p53-/- murine hepatoblasts act as tumor-initiating cells (TICs) that generate CHC both in situ and within metastases. For comparative pathological study, 8 human cases of CHC with stem cell features were recruited by immunohistochemistry and multicolor fluorescence immunostaining. RESULTS We identified corresponding areas in murine tumors matching each WHO criteria-described subtype of human CHC. In both murine and human tumors, HPC-like cells in tumor nests and associated stem cell features/traits are suggested histologically to be the progenitor origin of the cancer. CONCLUSIONS The pathological characteristics of murine tumors recapitulate human CHC with stem cell features. These data provide additional comparative pathological evidence that CHC with stem cell features originate from HPCs and validate a model to study this cancer type in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Cai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Drive, PCAM GI 7S, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6145 USA
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Ave., Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Heli Li
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - David E. Kaplan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Drive, PCAM GI 7S, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6145 USA
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97
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A hepatocyte differentiation model reveals two subtypes of liver cancer with different oncofetal properties and therapeutic targets. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:6103-6113. [PMID: 32123069 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1912146117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical observation of the association between cancer aggressiveness and embryonic development stage implies the importance of developmental signals in cancer initiation and therapeutic resistance. However, the dynamic gene expression during organogenesis and the master oncofetal drivers are still unclear, which impeded the efficient elimination of poor prognostic tumors, including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, human embryonic stem cells were induced to differentiate into adult hepatocytes along hepatic lineages to mimic liver development in vitro. Combining transcriptomic data from liver cancer patients with the hepatocyte differentiation model, the active genes derived from different hepatic developmental stages and the tumor tissues were selected. Bioinformatic analysis followed by experimental assays was used to validate the tumor subtype-specific oncofetal signatures and potential therapeutic values. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed the existence of two subtypes of liver cancer with different oncofetal properties. The gene signatures and their clinical significance were further validated in an independent clinical cohort and The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Upstream activator analysis and functional screening further identified E2F1 and SMAD3 as master transcriptional regulators. Small-molecule inhibitors specifically targeting the oncofetal drivers extensively down-regulated subtype-specific developmental signaling and inhibited tumorigenicity. Liver cancer cells and primary HCC tumors with different oncofetal properties also showed selective vulnerability to their specific inhibitors. Further precise targeting of the tumor initiating steps and driving events according to subtype-specific biomarkers might eliminate tumor progression and provide novel therapeutic strategy.
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98
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, typically develops on the background of chronic liver disease and is an aggressive disease with dismal prognosis. Studies using next-generation sequencing of multiple regions of the same tumour nodule suggest different patterns of HCC evolution and confirm the high molecular heterogeneity in a subset of patients. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain tumour evolution, including clonal selection or neutral and punctuated acquisition of genetic alterations. In parallel, data indicate a fundamental contribution of nonmalignant cells of the tumour microenvironment to cancer clonal evolution. Delineating these dynamics is crucial to improve the treatment of patients with HCC, and particularly to help understand how HCC evolution drives resistance to systemic therapies. A number of new minimally invasive techniques, such as liquid biopsies, could help track cancer evolution in HCC. These tools might improve our understanding of how systemic therapies affect tumour clonal composition and could facilitate implementation of real-time molecular monitoring of patients with HCC.
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99
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Roos E, Strijker M, Franken LC, Busch OR, van Hooft JE, Klümpen HJ, van Laarhoven HW, Wilmink JW, Verheij J, van Gulik TM, Besselink MG. Comparison of short- and long-term outcomes between anatomical subtypes of resected biliary tract cancer in a Western high-volume center. HPB (Oxford) 2020; 22:405-414. [PMID: 31494056 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outcomes for the four anatomical subtypes of biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) - intrahepatic, perihilar and distal cholangiocarcinoma (ICC, PHCC, DCC) and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) - are often combined. However, large cohorts comparing short- and long-term outcomes for the anatomical subtypes of BTC are lacking. METHODS All patients who underwent resection for pathology proven ICC, PHCC, DCC or GBC (2000-2016) from a single Western high-volume center were retrospectively selected. Clinicopathological characteristics, short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the four anatomical subtypes. RESULTS Overall, 361 patients with resected BTC were included (33 ICC, 135 PHCC, 148 DCC, 45 GBC). Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher complications were 48%, 51%, 36% and 8% (p < 0.001) and 90-day mortality was 9%, 15%, 3%, 4% (p < 0.001), for ICC, PHCC, DCC, GBC. Median overall survival was 37, 42, 29 and 41 months (p = 0.722), for ICC, PHCC, DCC, GBC. Five-year survival ranged between 29% and 37%. Anatomical subtype was not an independent predictor for overall survival. CONCLUSION In this large single-center cohort of resected BTC, major morbidity and 90-day mortality varied between the four anatomical subtypes of BTC, mainly due to differences in surgical approach However, a significant difference in overall survival was not detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Roos
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Marin Strijker
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte C Franken
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Olivier R Busch
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeanin E van Hooft
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Heinz-Josef Klümpen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hanneke W van Laarhoven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johanna W Wilmink
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joanne Verheij
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas M van Gulik
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marc G Besselink
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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100
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Wang H, Wang H, Li K, Li S, Sun B. IGFBP-3 Is the Key Target of Sanguinarine in Promoting Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:1007-1015. [PMID: 32104082 PMCID: PMC7023858 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s234291] [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: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chemotherapeutic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has always been plagued by nonspecific and side effects. Plant extracts have potential anticancer capabilities with low cytotoxicity and few side effects, but their detailed mechanisms are still unclear, thus limiting their clinical applications. Methods In this study, five plant extracts were chosen, their inhibition on HCC cell viability was compared by CCK-8 assay and sanguinarine (SAN) was selected. Then, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and apoptosis assay were carried out in Hep3B cells. Bioinformatics methods were performed and IGFBP-3 was predicted the targets of SAN in HCC. The mechanism of SAN regulating IGFBP-3 was explored using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, cell viability assay and apoptosis assay. Meanwhile, knockdown of IGFBP-3 were used by small interfering RNA (siRNA). Results In five plant extracts, SAN inhibited the proliferation of HCC cell lines most considerably. In addition, apoptosis was promoted, and invasion and migration were inhibited in the Hep3B cell line by treatment with SAN at 2 μM. Bioinformatics indicated that SAN could affect HCC apoptosis through the TP53/IGFBP-3 pathway, and further verification experiments showed that SAN upregulated the expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in the Hep3B cell line; SAN also inhibited the expression of Bcl-2 and promoted the expression of BAX and caspase-3. After using siRNA to inhibit the expression of IGFBP-3, the effect of SAN was blocked. Conclusion Our study further reveals a novel mechanism that IGFBP-3 is an important target of SAN, by upregulating expression of IGFBP-3, SAN promotes apoptosis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Wang
- Department of Interventional, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - He Wang
- Department of Interventional, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Interventional, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijie Li
- Department of Interventional, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingyi Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Qiqihar, Qiqihar 161005, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
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