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Chu C, Liu D, Wang D, Hu S, Zhang Y. Identification and development of TP53 mutation-associated Long non-coding RNAs signature for optimized prognosis assessment and treatment selection in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2023; 37:3946320231211795. [PMID: 37942552 PMCID: PMC10637161 DOI: 10.1177/03946320231211795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The TP53 gene is estimated to be mutated in over 50% of tumors, with the majority of tumors exhibiting abnormal TP53 signaling pathways. However, the exploration of TP53 mutation-related LncRNAs in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains incomplete. This study aims to identify such LncRNAs and enhance the prognostic accuracy for Hepatoma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Differential gene expression was identified using the "limma" package in R. Prognosis-related LncRNAs were identified via univariate Cox regression analysis, while a prognostic model was crafted using multivariate Cox regression analysis. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves. The precision of the prognostic model was assessed through ROC analysis. Subsequently, the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm were executed on the TCGA dataset via the TIDE database. Fractions of 24 types of immune cell infiltration were obtained from NCI Cancer Research Data Commons using deconvolution techniques. The protein expression levels encoded by specific genes were obtained through the TPCA database. RESULTS In this research, we have identified 85 LncRNAs associated with TP53 mutations and developed a corresponding signature referred to as TP53MLncSig. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a lower 3-year survival rate in high-risk patients (46.9%) compared to low-risk patients (74.2%). The accuracy of the prognostic TP53MLncSig was further evaluated by calculating the area under the ROC curve. The analysis yielded a 5-year ROC score of 0.793, confirming its effectiveness. Furthermore, a higher score for TP53MLncSig was found to be associated with an increased response rate to immune checkpoint blocker (ICB) therapy (p = .005). Patients possessing high-risk classification exhibited lower levels of P53 protein expression and higher levels of genomic instability. CONCLUSION The present study aimed to identify and validate LncRNAs associated with TP53 mutations. We constructed a prognostic model that can predict chemosensitivity and response to ICB therapy in HCC patients. This novel approach sheds light on the role of LncRNAs in TP53 mutation and provides valuable resources for analyzing patient prognosis and treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghao Chu
- Department of General Surgery, Anqing First People's Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Daoli Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Anqing First People's Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
| | - Duofa Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Anqing First People's Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
| | - Shuangjiu Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Anqing First People's Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
| | - Yongwei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Anqing First People's Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
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The Emerging Role of Tumor Microenvironmental Stimuli in Regulating Metabolic Rewiring of Liver Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010005. [PMID: 36612000 PMCID: PMC9817521 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most devastating cancers worldwide. Extensive phenotypical and functional heterogeneity is a cardinal hallmark of cancer, including PLC, and is related to the cancer stem cell (CSC) concept. CSCs are responsible for tumor growth, progression, relapse and resistance to conventional therapies. Metabolic reprogramming represents an emerging hallmark of cancer. Cancer cells, including CSCs, are very plastic and possess the dynamic ability to constantly shift between different metabolic states depending on various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, therefore amplifying the complexity of understanding tumor heterogeneity. Besides the well-known Warburg effect, several other metabolic pathways including lipids and iron metabolism are altered in PLC. An increasing number of studies supports the role of the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME) in the metabolic control of liver CSCs. In this review, we discuss the complex metabolic rewiring affecting liver cancer cells and, in particular, liver CSCs. Moreover, we highlight the role of TME cellular and noncellular components in regulating liver CSC metabolic plasticity. Deciphering the specific mechanisms regulating liver CSC-TME metabolic interplay could be very helpful with respect to the development of more effective and innovative combinatorial therapies for PLC treatment.
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Shi S, Li H, Zheng X, Lv L, Liao S, Lu P, Liu M, Zhao H, Mei Z. Visualization system based on hierarchical targeting for diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Mater Today Bio 2022; 16:100398. [PMID: 36081579 PMCID: PMC9445383 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The accuracy and enrichment rate of targeted drugs largely determine the clinical diagnosis and treatment effect. Therefore, the accuracy and enrichment rate of targeted drugs should be improved. We designed a visual diagnosis and treatment system based on hierarchical targeting. It consists of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles and a bio magnetic material. Bio-magnet mediated primary targeting can effectively improve the drug enrichment rate in the target tissue. SNF peptide/epithelial cell adhesion molecule antibody mediated targeting liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) (secondary target) can improve the accuracy of the treatment and its outcomes. Low intensity focused ultrasound irradiation can explode nanoparticles around LCSCs, which can cause physical damage to cells. The combination of released interferon gamma and its receptor (tertiary target) can be used to initiate chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Using the optical properties of Fe3O4 and the phase transformation ability of perfluoropentane, the system can enhance photoacoustic and ultrasonic molecular imaging enabling diagnosis and treatment visualization. Targeting LCSCs can accurately provide physical, chemical, and immune treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma, making the therapeutic effect more effective and thorough. This system may provide a new method for a more accurate visual diagnosis and treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, 621000, PR China
| | - Huipu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400020, PR China
| | - Xi Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, PR China
| | - Lin Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, PR China
| | - Shengtao Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, PR China
| | - Peng Lu
- Second Department of Geriatrics, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, 621000, PR China
| | - Maoxia Liu
- Outpatient Department, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, PR China
| | - Hongyun Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
- Corresponding author. Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, PR China..
| | - Zhechuan Mei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, PR China
- Corresponding author.
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PI3Kδ activity controls plasticity and discriminates between EMT and stemness based on distinct TGFβ signaling. Commun Biol 2022; 5:740. [PMID: 35879421 PMCID: PMC9314410 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03637-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe stem cells involved in formation of the complex human body are epithelial cells that undergo apicobasal polarization and form a hollow lumen. Epithelial plasticity manifests as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which epithelial cells switch their polarity and epithelial features to adopt a mesenchymal phenotype. The connection between the EMT program and acquisition of stemness is now supported by a substantial number of reports, although what discriminates these two processes remains largely elusive. In this study, based on 3D organoid culture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-derived cell lines and AAV8-based protein overexpression in the mouse liver, we show that activity modulation of isoform δ of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Kδ) controls differentiation and discriminates between stemness and EMT by regulating the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling. This study provides an important tool to control epithelial cell fate and represents a step forward in understanding the development of aggressive carcinoma.
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Yan Z, Guo D, Tao R, Yu X, Zhang J, He Y, Zhang J, Li J, Zhang S, Guo W. Fluid shear stress induces cell migration via RhoA-YAP1-autophagy pathway in liver cancer stem cells. Cell Adh Migr 2022; 16:94-106. [PMID: 35880618 PMCID: PMC9331214 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2022.2103925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluid shear stress (FSS) regulates the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the role of the RhoA-YAP1-autophagy pathway in HCC remains unclear. Due to the core role of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) in HCC metastasis and recurrence, we explored the RhoA-YAP1-autophagy pathway in LCSCs under FSS. Our results indicate that LCSCs have stronger proliferation and cell spheroidization abilities. FSS (1 dyn/cm2) upregulated the migration of LCSCs and autophagy protein markers, inducing LC3B aggregation and autophagosome formation in LCSCs. Mechanistically, FSS promoted YAP1 dephosphorylation and transport to the nucleus, which is mediated by RhoA, inducing autophagy. Finally, inhibition of autophagy suppressed cell migration in LCSCs under FSS. In conclusion, FSS promoted the migration of LCSCs via the RhoA-YAP1-autophagy pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Liver Transplantation Center, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China,Henan Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Danfeng Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Liver Transplantation Center, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China,Henan Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Ruolin Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Liver Transplantation Center, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China,Henan Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Liver Transplantation Center, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China,Henan Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jiacheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Liver Transplantation Center, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China,Henan Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yuting He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Liver Transplantation Center, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China,Henan Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jiakai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Liver Transplantation Center, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China,Henan Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Liver Transplantation Center, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China,Henan Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Liver Transplantation Center, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China,Henan Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Liver Transplantation Center, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China,Henan Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China,CONTACT Wenzhi Guo Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Pan Y, Tang H, Li Q, Chen G, Li D. Exosomes and their roles in the chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Med 2022; 11:4979-4988. [PMID: 35587712 PMCID: PMC9761084 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most lethal human malignancies worldwide. Due to the insidious onset and the rapid progression, most patients with PC are diagnosed at an advanced stage rendering them inoperable. Despite the development of multiple promising chemotherapeutic agents as recommended first-line treatment for PC, the therapeutic efficacy is largely limited by unwanted drug resistance. Recent studies have identified exosomes as essential mediators of intercellular communications during the occurrence of drug resistance. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms and complex signaling pathways of exosome-mediated drug resistance will contribute to the improvement of the design of new oncologic therapy regimens. This review focuses on the intrinsic connections between the chemoresistance of PC cells and exosomes in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Honglin Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Qijun Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Guangpeng Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Da Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
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Yin W, Pham CV, Wang T, Al Shamaileh H, Chowdhury R, Patel S, Li Y, Kong L, Hou Y, Zhu Y, Chen S, Xu H, Jia L, Duan W, Xiang D. Inhibition of Autophagy Promotes the Elimination of Liver Cancer Stem Cells by CD133 Aptamer-Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1623. [PMID: 36358973 PMCID: PMC9687680 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin is the most frequently used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, one major obstacle to the effective management of liver cancer is the drug resistance derived from the cancer stem cells. Herein, we employed a CD133 aptamer for targeted delivery of doxorubicin into liver cancer stem cells to overcome chemoresistance. Furthermore, we explored the efficacy of autophagy inhibition to sensitize liver cancer stem cells to the treatment of CD133 aptamer-doxorubicin conjugates based on the previous observation that doxorubicin contributes to the survival of liver cancer stem cells by activating autophagy. The kinetics and thermodynamics of aptamer-doxorubicin binding, autophagy induction, cell apoptosis, and self-renewal of liver cancer stem cells were studied using isothermal titration calorimetry, Western blot analysis, annexin V assay, and tumorsphere formation assay. The aptamer-cell binding andintracellular accumulation of doxorubicin were quantified via flow cytometry. CD133 aptamer-guided delivery of doxorubicin resulted in a higher doxorubicin concentration in the liver cancer stem cells. The combinatorial treatment strategy of CD133 aptamer-doxorubicin conjugates and an autophagy inhibitor led to an over 10-fold higher elimination of liver cancer stem cells than that of free doxorubicin in vitro. Future exploration of cancer stem cell-targeted delivery of doxorubicin in conjunction with autophagy inhibition in vivo may well lead to improved outcomes in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yin
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Cuong V. Pham
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- The College of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hadi Al Shamaileh
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Rocky Chowdhury
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Shweta Patel
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Yong Li
- Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, and St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales Kensington, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Lingxue Kong
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Yingchu Hou
- Laboratory of Tumor Molecular and Cellular Biology College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 West Chang’an Avenue, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Yimin Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano–Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Sunrui Chen
- Shanghai OneTar Biomedicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Huo Xu
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Lee Jia
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Wei Duan
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Dongxi Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai 200127, China
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai 200092, China
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58
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Multifunctional nanoparticles for targeting liver cancer stem cells and efficient endocytosis. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-022-02566-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Xiao Z, Yeung CLS, Yam JWP, Mao X. An update on the role of complement in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1007382. [PMID: 36341431 PMCID: PMC9629811 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1007382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a main producer of complement, the environment in the liver is greatly affected by the complement system. Although the complement system is considered to have the ability of nonself discrimination, remarkable studies have revealed the tight association between improper complement activation in tumour initiation and progression. As complement activation predominantly occurs within the liver, the protumourigenic role of the complement system may contribute to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Improvement in the understanding of the molecular targets involved in complement-mediated tumour development, metastasis, and tumour-promoting inflammation in HCC would certainly aid in the development of better treatments. This minireview is focused on recent findings of the protumourigenic role of the complement system in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Xiao
- Scientific Research Centre, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Charlie Lot Sum Yeung
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaowen Mao
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaowen Mao,
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Kang J, Zheng Z, Li X, Huang T, Rong D, Liu X, Qin M, Wang Y, Kong X, Song J, Lv C, Pan X. Midazolam exhibits antitumour and enhances the efficiency of Anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:312. [PMID: 36224624 PMCID: PMC9555186 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02735-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Midazolam (MDZ) is an anaesthetic that is widely used for anxiolysis and sedation. More recently, MDZ has also been described to be related to the outcome of various types of carcinomas. However, how MDZ influences the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its effects on the biological function and tumour immune microenvironment of this type of tumour remain unknown. METHODS The effects of MDZ on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cell lines were examined in vitro using the Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), Transwell, and wound healing assays. Additionally, western blotting was employed to confirm that PD-L1 was expressed. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-seq (ChIP-seq) analysis was used to pinpoint the transcriptional regulation regions of NF-κB and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). A C57BL/6 mouse model was used to produce subcutaneous HCC tumors in order to evaluate the in vivo performance of MDZ. Mass spectrometry was also used to assess changes in the tumour immunological microenvironment following MDZ injection. RESULTS The HCC-LM3 and Hep-3B cell lines' proliferation, invasion, and migration were controlled by MDZ, according to the results of the CCK8, EdU, Transwell, and wound healing assays. PD-L1 expression was shown by ChIP-seq analysis to be boosted by NF-κB, and by Western blotting analysis, it was shown that MDZ downregulated the expression of NF-κB. Additionally, in vivo tests revealed that intraperitoneal MDZ injections reduced HCC tumor development and enhanced the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 therapy. The CD45+ immune cell proportions were higher in the MDZ group than in the PBS group, according to the mass spectrometry results. Injection of MDZ resulted in a decrease in the proportions of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, Tregs, and M2 macrophages and a rise in the proportion of dendritic cells. Additionally, the concentrations of the cytokines IFN-g and TNF-a were noticeably raised whereas the concentrations of the CD8+ T-cell fatigue markers ICOS, TIGIT, and TIM3 were noticeably lowered. CONCLUSION According to this study, MDZ inhibited the progression of HCC by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and reducing the exhaustion of CD8+ T cells. In clinical practice, MDZ combined with anti-PD-1 therapy might contribute to synergistically improving the antitumor efficacy of HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiying Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xian Li
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tian Huang
- Hepatobiliary Center, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Dawei Rong
- Hepatobiliary Center, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Miaomiao Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuliang Wang
- Basic Medical School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Hepatobiliary Center, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhua Song
- Hepatobiliary Center, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.
| | - Chengyu Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiongxiong Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Wang L, Deng CH, Luo Q, Su XB, Shang XY, Song SJ, Cheng S, Qu YL, Zou X, Shi Y, Wang Q, Du SC, Han ZG. Inhibition of Arid1a increases stem/progenitor cell-like properties of liver cancer. Cancer Lett 2022; 546:215869. [PMID: 35964817 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
ARID1A, a key subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, exhibits recurrent mutations in various types of human cancers, including liver cancer. However, the function of ARID1A in the pathogenesis of liver cancer remains controversial. Here, we demonstrate that Arid1a knockout may result in states of different cell differentiation, as indicated by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis. Bulk RNA-seq also revealed that Arid1a deficiency upregulated these genes related to cell stemness and differentiation, but downregulated genes related to the hepatic functions. Furthermore, we confirmed that deficiency of Arid1a increased the expression of hepatic stem/progenitor cell markers, such as Cd133 and Epcam, and enhanced the self-renewal ability of cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that Arid1a loss remodeled the chromatin accessibility of some genes related to liver functions. Thus, Arid1a deficiency might contribute to cancer development by increasing the number of stem/progenitor-like cells through dysregulating the expression of these genes related to cell stemness, differentiation and liver functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Chuan-Huai Deng
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xian-Bin Su
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xue-Ying Shang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Shu-Jin Song
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Sheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yu-Lan Qu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xin Zou
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Qian Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Shi-Chun Du
- Department of Endocrinology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze-Guang Han
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Peng X, Zhu J, Liu S, Luo C, Wu X, Liu Z, Li Y, Yuan R. Signature construction and molecular subtype identification based on cuproptosis-related genes to predict the prognosis and immune activity of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:990790. [PMID: 36248822 PMCID: PMC9555242 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.990790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world, with high incidence, high malignancy, and low survival rate. Cuproptosis is a novel form of cell death mediated by lipoylated TCA cycle proteins-mediated novel cell death pathway and is highly associated with mitochondrial metabolism. However, the relationship between the expression level of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and the prognosis of HCC is still unclear. Methods Combining the HCC transcriptomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, we identified the differentially expressed cuproptosis-related genes (DECRGs) and obtained the prognosis-related DECRGs through univariate regression analysis.LASSO and multivariate COX regression analyses of these DECRGs yielded four genes that were used to construct the signature. Next, we use ROC curves to evaluate the performance of signatures. The tumor microenvironment, immune infiltration, tumor mutation load, half-maximum suppression concentration, and immunotherapy effects were also compared between the low-risk and high-risk groups. Finally, we analyzed the expression level, prognosis, and immune infiltration correlation on the four genes that constructed the model. Results Four DECRGs s were used to construct the signature. The ROC curves indicated that signature can better assess the prognosis of HCC patients. Patients were grouped according to the signature risk score. Patients in the low-risk group had a significantly longer survival time than those in the high-risk group. Furthermore, the tumor mutation burden (TMB) values were associated with the risk score and the higher-risk group had a higher proportion of TP53 mutations than the low-risk group.ESTIMATE analysis showed significant differences in stromal scores between the two groups.N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and multiple immune checkpoints were expressed at higher levels in the high-risk group. Then, we found that signature score correlated with chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and immunotherapy efficacy in HCC patients. Finally, we further confirmed that the four DECRGs genes were associated with the prognosis of HCC through external validation. Conclusions We studied from the cuproptosis perspective and developed a new prognostic feature to predict the prognosis of HCC patients. This signature with good performance will help physicians to evaluate the overall prognosis of patients and may provide new ideas for clinical decision-making and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jinfeng Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sicheng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chen Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xun Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zitao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanzhen Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Yanzhen Li, ; Rongfa Yuan,
| | - Rongfa Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Yanzhen Li, ; Rongfa Yuan,
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Chen Z, Huang L, Wang K, Zhang L, Zhong X, Yan Z, Liu B, Zhu P. rtcisE2F promotes the self-renewal and metastasis of liver tumor-initiating cells via N 6-methyladenosine-dependent E2F3/E2F6 mRNA stability. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:1840-1854. [PMID: 35266112 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2038-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is highly heterogeneous, and the tumor tissue harbors a variety of cell types. Liver tumor initiating cells (TICs) well contribute to tumor heterogeneity and account for tumor initiation and metastasis, but the molecular mechanisms of liver TIC self-renewal are elusive. Here, we identified a functional read-through rt-circRNA, termed rtcisE2F, that is highly expressed in liver cancer and liver TICs. rtcisE2F plays essential roles in the self-renewal and activities of liver TICs. rtcisE2F targets E2F6 and E2F3 mRNAs, attenuates mRNA turnover, and increases E2F6/E2F3 expression. Mechanistically, rtcisE2F functions as a scaffold of N-methyladenosine (m6A) reader IGF2BP2 and E2F6/E2F3 mRNA. rtcisE2F promotes the association of E2F6/E2F3 mRNAs with IGF2BP2, and inhibits their association with another m6A reader, YTHDF2. IGF2BP2 inhibits E2F6/E2F3 mRNA decay, whereas YTHDF2 promotes E2F6/E2F3 mRNA decay. By switching m6A readers, rtcisE2F enhances E2F6/E2F3 mRNA stability. E2F6 and E2F3 are both required for liver TIC self-renewal and Wnt/β-catenin activation, and inhibition of these pathways is a potential strategy for preventing liver tumorigenesis and metastasis. In conclusion, the rtcisE2F-IGF2BP2/YTHDF2-E2F6/E2F3-Wnt/β-catenin axis drives liver TIC self-renewal and initiates liver tumorigenesis and metastasis, and may provide a strategy to eliminate liver TICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Lan Huang
- Biotherapy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Kaili Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiang Zhong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zhongyi Yan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Benyu Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Pingping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Shen M, Li S, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Liu Z, Huan L, Qiao Y, Wang L, Han L, Chen Z, He X. Hepatic ARID3A facilitates liver cancer malignancy by cooperating with CEP131 to regulate an embryonic stem cell-like gene signature. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:732. [PMID: 36008383 PMCID: PMC9411159 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05187-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer stemness refers to the stem cell-like phenotype of hepatocarcinoma cells and is closely related to a high degree of tumour malignancy. Here, we identified AT-rich interacting domain 3A (ARID3A) as one of the most upregulated stemness-related transcription factors in liver cancer by an in vitro functional screen. ARID3A can promote liver cancer cell viability and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ARID3A interacts with CEP131 and transcriptionally activates KDM3A by co-occupying its promoter element, further upregulating the expression of downstream embryonic stem (ES) signature genes via demethylation of H3K9me2. ARID3A and CEP131 promote an ES cell gene signature through activation of KDM3A and contribute to the poor prognosis of liver cancer patients. Collectively, these results provide evidence highlighting a transcription-dependent mechanism of ARID3A in stemness regulation in liver cancer. The ARID3A/CEP131-KDM3A regulatory circuit could serve as a prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Shen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Shengli Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620 China
| | - Yiming Zhao
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yizhe Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhen Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Lin Huan
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yejun Qiao
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Leng Han
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Zhiao Chen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Xianghuo He
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
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Kimura Y, Tsunedomi R, Yoshimura K, Matsukuma S, Shindo Y, Matsui H, Tokumitsu Y, Yoshida S, Iida M, Suzuki N, Takeda S, Ioka T, Hazama S, Nagano H. Immune Evasion of Hepatoma Cancer Stem-Like Cells from Natural Killer Cells. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:7423-7433. [PMID: 35876924 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12220-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor prognosis in liver cancer is due to its high frequency of intrahepatic metastasis. Cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs), which possess the properties of stemness, tumor initiation capability, and resistance to therapy, also exhibit metastatic potential. Immune surveillance plays an important role in the accomplishment of metastasis. Herein, the property of immune evasion in CSLCs was investigated. METHODS Sphere cells were induced as CSLCs using a sphere induction medium containing neural survival factor-1. The expression of genes involved in immune evasion was determined using RNA-sequencing for sphere and parental cells followed by validation using flow cytometric analysis and ELISA. Susceptibility to natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity was examined by a chromium release assay. A xenograft model using BALB/c nu/nu mice was used to assess tumor growth. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed for interpreting RNA sequencing. RESULTS The cell surface expressions of PD-L1, PD-L2, and CEACAM1 were upregulated and those of ULBP1 and MICA/MICB were downregulated in SK-sphere, CSLCs derived from SK-HEP-1, compared with that in parental cells. Levels of soluble MICA were elevated in conditioned medium from SK-sphere. Expression of HLA class I was not downregulated in SK-sphere. The susceptibilities to NK cell-mediated killing and secreted perforin were significantly lower in both CSLCs derived from SK-HEP-1 and HLE than in parental cells. Tumors formed upon inoculation of SK-sphere in immunodeficient mice harboring NK cells were larger than those formed upon inoculation of parental cells. CONCLUSION Human hepatoma cell line-derived CSLCs may possess immune evasion properties, especially from NK cell-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kimura
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ryouichi Tsunedomi
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan.
| | - Kiyoshi Yoshimura
- Department of Clinical Research in Tumor Immunology, Showa University Clinical Research Institute for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Matsukuma
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yoshitaro Shindo
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hiroto Matsui
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yukio Tokumitsu
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shin Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Michihisa Iida
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shigeru Takeda
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ioka
- Oncology Center, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shoichi Hazama
- Department of Translational Research and Developmental Therapeutics Against Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagano
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
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Zhang G, Wang Y, Fuchs BC, Guo W, Drum DL, Erstad DJ, Shi B, DeLeo AB, Zheng H, Cai L, Zhang L, Tanabe KK, Wang X. Improving the Therapeutic Efficacy of Sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Repurposing Disulfiram. Front Oncol 2022; 12:913736. [PMID: 35912209 PMCID: PMC9329590 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.913736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSorafenib, a kinase inhibitor, is a standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but provides only a limited survival benefit. Disulfiram (DSF), a drug for treating alcoholism and a chelator of copper (Cu), forms a complex with Cu (DSF/Cu). DSF/Cu is a potent inducer of autophagic apoptosis of cancer stem cells, which can demonstrate drug resistance. Thus, we hypothesized that DSF/Cu could increase the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib by targeting hepatic cancer stem cells.MethodsThe synergistic effect of DSF/Cu and sorafenib on human HCC cell lines was assessed by cell viability MTT assay. Changes in stemness gene expression in HCC cells were investigated by assessing the presence of hepatic cancer stem cells (HCSCs) (defined as ALDH+ cells) using flow cytometry, sphere formation ability as an index of in vitro tumorigenicity, and expression of stemness gene-encoded proteins by western blot. Autophagic apoptosis and the ERK signaling pathway were also assessed by western blot. Most importantly, the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of DSF/Cu and sorafenib was tested using orthotopic HCC xenografts in mice.ResultsCompared with sorafenib alone, DSF/Cu + sorafenib synergistically inhibited proliferation of all HCC cell lines, decreased the stemness of HCC cells, and increased the autophagy and apoptosis of HCC cells. The mechanism by which DSF/Cu mediated these phenomena with sorafenib was sustained activation of the ERK pathway. The combination of DSF/Cu (formed with endogenous Cu2+) and sorafenib was significantly more effective than sorafenib alone in inhibiting the growth of orthotopic HCC xenografts in mice. This in vivo anti-tumor efficacy was associated with decreased stemness in treated HCC tumors.ConclusionsDSF/Cu and sorafenib can synergistically and effectively treat HCC by targeting HCSCs in vitro and in vivo. Our data provide a foundation for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong Zhang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bryan C. Fuchs
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Wei Guo
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David L. Drum
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Derek J. Erstad
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Baomin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Albert B. DeLeo
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hui Zheng
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lei Cai
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth K. Tanabe
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Xinhui Wang,
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Antitumor Effect of Si-Jun-Zi Decoction on SGC7901 Gastric Cancer Cells by CMTM2 Activation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4675815. [PMID: 35873650 PMCID: PMC9303151 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4675815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Si-Jun-Zi decoction (SJZ), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used clinically against multiple malignancies, including gastric cancer (GC). In previous study, we have shown that SJZ plays an anticancer role in SGC7901 cell xenograft mice models. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect and mechanism of SJZ on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cancer stem cell-like properties of GC cells. High-throughput mRNA sequencing analysis was performed to investigate the global alterations in gene expression in xenograft tumors, and 56 significantly differentially expressed genes (43 upregulated and 13 downregulated genes) were identified between the SJZ group and the Model group totally. We focused on CMTM2, which was significantly increased after SJZ intervention, as a candidate target gene of SJZ. The results indicated that CMTM2 expression was elevated in SJZ-treated SGC7901 cells and knocking-down CMTM2 expression partially hampered the inhibitory effects of SJZ on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells. Moreover, SJZ treatment repressed the spheroid and colony-forming capacity in GC cells, accompanied by downregulation of stem cell markers including SOX2, NANOG, and CD44. CMTM2 knockdown antagonized the effects of SJZ on the cancer stem cell-like properties of SGC7901 cells. Thus, SJZ effectively suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cancer stem cell-like properties of GC cells in vitro by upregulating CMTM2 expression.
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Wang J, Zhou Y, Zhang D, Zhao W, Lu Y, Liu C, Lin W, Zhang Y, Chen K, Wang H, Zhao L. CRIP1 suppresses BBOX1-mediated carnitine metabolism to promote stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma. EMBO J 2022; 41:e110218. [PMID: 35775648 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021110218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnitine metabolism is thought to be negatively correlated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the specific molecular mechanism is yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we report that little characterized cysteine-rich protein 1 (CRIP1) is upregulated in HCC and associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, CRIP1 promoted HCC cancer stem-like properties by downregulating carnitine energy metabolism. Mechanistically, CRIP1 interacted with BBOX1 and the E3 ligase STUB1, promoting BBOX1 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, and leading to the downregulation of carnitine. BBOX1 ubiquitination at lysine 240 is required for CRIP1-mediated control of carnitine metabolism and cancer stem-like properties. Further, our data showed that acetylcarnitine downregulation in CRIP1-overexpressing cells decreased beta-catenin acetylation and promoted nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin, thus facilitating cancer stem-like properties. Clinically, patients with higher CRIP1 protein levels had lower BBOX1 levels but higher nuclear beta-catenin levels in HCC tissues. Together, our findings identify CRIP1 as novel upstream control factor for carnitine metabolism and cancer stem-like properties, suggesting targeting of the CRIP1/BBOX1/β-catenin axis as a promising strategy for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Tumour Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Donghui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Tumour Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiyi Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yishi Lu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wandie Lin
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kunling Chen
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Tumour Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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69
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Hwang JH, Lee J, Choi WY, Kim MJ, Lee J, Chu KHB, Kim LK, Kim YJ. ZNF204P is a stemness-associated oncogenic long non-coding RNA in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMB Rep 2022. [PMID: 35168700 PMCID: PMC9252894 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2022.55.6.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hyun Hwang
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jungwoo Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Won-Young Choi
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Min-Jung Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jiyeon Lee
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06230, Korea
| | - Khanh Hoang Bao Chu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Lark Kyun Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06230, Korea
| | - Young-Joon Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
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70
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Tu H, Wang W, Feng Y, Zhang L, Zhou H, Cheng C, Ji L, Cai Q, Feng Y. β-Patchoulene represses hypoxia-induced proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of liver cancer cells. Bioengineered 2022; 13:11907-11922. [PMID: 35546067 PMCID: PMC9275994 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2065945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor originating from liver epithelial cells with a high clinical mortality rate. β-Patchoulene (β-PAE) is a compound extracted from patchouli, which has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This research aims to probe the impacts of β-PAE on hypoxia-induced HCC cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Firstly, hypoxic injury models were constructed in HCC Huh-7 and MHCC97 cells, and the hypoxic injury cell models were then treated with different concentrations of β-PAE. The cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were checked by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, flow cytometry and terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression of Survivin protein, EMT markers and the NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway was gauged by Western blot (WB) or cellular immunofluorescence or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The in-vivo experiment was conducted to confirm the anti-tumor role of β-PAE. As a result, β-PAE abated hypoxia-induced HCC cell growth, proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT and facilitated apoptosis in vitro and in vivo dose-dependently. Further mechanism studies displayed that β-PAE inactivated the NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway, and HIF-1α activation significantly reversed the β-PAE-mediated tumor inhibition. β-PAE repressed the proliferation and EMT of hypoxia-induced HCC cells by choking the NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway, suggesting that β-PAE was a potential drug for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahua Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Yanqing Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Linfei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Huadong Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Caitao Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Lei Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Qinghe Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
| | - Yong Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, P.R. China
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71
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Mohamed FEZ, Jalan R, Minogue S, Andreola F, Habtesion A, Hall A, Winstanley A, Damink SO, Malagó M, Davies N, Luong TV, Dhillon A, Mookerjee R, Dhar D, Al-Jehani RM. Inhibition of TLR7 and TLR9 Reduces Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Proliferation and Tumor Development. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:1806-1821. [PMID: 33939146 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-06973-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key players in innate immunity and modulation of TLR signaling has been demonstrated to profoundly affect proliferation and growth in different types of cancer. However, the role of TLRs in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) pathogenesis remains largely unexplored. AIMS We set out to determine if TLRs play any role in ICCs which could potentially make them useful treatment targets. METHODS Tissue microarrays containing samples from 9 human ICCs and normal livers were examined immunohistochemically for TLR4, TLR7, and TLR9 expression. Proliferation of human ICC cell line HuCCT1 was measured by MTS assay following treatment with CpG-ODN (TLR9 agonist), imiquimod (TLR7 agonist), chloroquine (TLR7 and TLR9 inhibitor) and IRS-954 (TLR7 and TLR9 antagonist). The in vivo effects of CQ and IRS-954 on tumor development were also examined in a NOD-SCID mouse xenograft model of human ICC. RESULTS TLR4 was expressed in all normal human bile duct epithelium but absent in the majority (60%) of ICCs. TLR7 and TLR9 were expressed in 80% of human ICCs. However, TLR7 was absent in all cases of normal human bile duct epithelium and only one was TLR9 positive. HuCCT1 cell proliferation in vitro significantly increased following IMQ or CpG-ODN treatment (P < 0.03 and P < 0.002, respectively) but decreased with CQ (P < 0.02). In the mouse xenograft model there was significant reduction in size of tumors from CQ and IRS-954 treated mice compared to untreated controls. CONCLUSION TLR7 and TLR9 should be further explored for their potential as actionable targets in the treatment of ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma El Zahraa Mohamed
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,Pathology Department, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Shane Minogue
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Fausto Andreola
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Abeba Habtesion
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Andrew Hall
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alison Winstanley
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Steven Olde Damink
- Academic Department of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Massimo Malagó
- Academic Department of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nathan Davies
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Tu Vinh Luong
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Amar Dhillon
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rajeshwar Mookerjee
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Dipok Dhar
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rajai Munir Al-Jehani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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72
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Xiao Y, Cao J, Zhang Z, Zeng C, Ou G, Shi J, Liu Z, Li Y, Deng J, Xu Y, Zhang W, Li J, Li T, Zhuang H, Lu S, Xiang K. Hepatitis B Virus Pregenomic RNA Reflecting Viral Replication in Distal Non-tumor Tissues as a Determinant of the Stemness and Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:830741. [PMID: 35464922 PMCID: PMC9021960 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.830741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The existence of hepatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) contributes to chemotherapy resistance and cancer recurrence after treatment or surgery. However, very little is known about the hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and its relationship with the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HBV-related HCC patients. Methods We collected tumor tissues (T), matched adjacent non-tumor tissues (NT), and distal non-tumor tissues (FNT) from 55 HCC patients for analysis. Results We found HBV DNA levels were higher in T samples than NT and FNT samples, but HBV pgRNA and total RNA expressed lower in T samples. HBV pgRNA and total RNA correlate to HBV DNA among the T, NT, and FNT samples. Further evidence for HBV replication in T samples was provided by HBV S, reverse transcriptase, and X genes sequencing, showing that HBV sequences and genotypes differed between T and matched NT and FNT samples. HBV pgRNA and total RNA showed more frequent significant correlations with CSC markers in NT samples in HBsAg-positive patients. The markers CD133 and OCT4 expressed higher in FNT samples, and HBV replication marker of pgRNA levels was significantly positively correlated to these two markers only in FNT samples. The detection of pgRNA and OCT4 in FNT was correlated to the recurrence of HCC in the resection of HCC patients. Analysis of HBV receptor, sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), showed that NTCP was correlated negatively to CSC markers in T samples, except for the CD44. Conclusion HBV replication may present in HCC with a weak transcriptomic signature. Moreover, the expression level of HBV pgRNA in distal non-tumor tissues is a sensitive marker for HBV replication and prognosis, which is associated with CSC-related markers especially with OCT4 in distal non-tumor tissues and recurrence of HCC in HBV-related HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Xiao
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Junning Cao
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoting Zeng
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guomin Ou
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jihang Shi
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixiu Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital, Langfang, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Deng
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yinzhe Xu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Peking University-YHLO Joint Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostic of Infectious Disease, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Peking University-YHLO Joint Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostic of Infectious Disease, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shichun Lu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA Genera Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kuanhui Xiang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Peking University-YHLO Joint Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostic of Infectious Disease, Peking University, Beijing, China
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73
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Liao S, Wang K, Zhang L, Shi G, Wang Z, Chen Z, Zhu P, He Q. PRC1 and RACGAP1 are Diagnostic Biomarkers of Early HCC and PRC1 Drives Self-Renewal of Liver Cancer Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:864051. [PMID: 35445033 PMCID: PMC9014962 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.864051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths across the world. Due to the lack of reliable markers for early HCC detection, most HCC patients are diagnosed in middle/late stages. Liver cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are drivers of liver tumorigenesis, usually emerge in the early HCC stage and are also termed as liver tumor initiation cells (TIC). Liver CSCs contribute to initiation, propagation, and metastasis of HCC and also play a key role in tumor therapy. Taking advantage of online-available data sets, bioinformatic analyses, and experimental confirmation, here we have screened out PRC1 and RACGAP1 as reliable markers for early HCC detection. PRC1 or RACGAP1 knockdown dramatically inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities of HCC cells, conferring PRC1 and RACGAP1 as predominant modulators for HCC propagation and metastasis. Moreover, the sphere formation capacity of HCC cells was impaired after PRC1 knockdown, revealing the function of PRC1 as a modulator for liver CSC self-renewal. Furthermore, the inhibitor of PRC1 had same phenotypes as PRC1 knockdown in HCC cells. Altogether, PRC1 and RACGAP1 are identified both as prognosis markers for early HCC detection and therapeutic targets for liver cancer and liver CSCs, adding additional layers for the early prognosis and therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixin Liao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kaili Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gaoli Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pingping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiankun He
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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74
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Shen Y, Yang L, Li L. Cancer stem-like cells contribute to paclitaxel resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2022; 15:183-190. [PMID: 35535205 PMCID: PMC9077107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the role of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) stem cells in paclitaxel resistance through the molecular characterization of ESCC stem cells. METHODS A resistant cell line (RR-ECl09) of cells were established using intermittent induction and time increments of high-dose paclitaxel in a human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma line (EC109). The multidrug resistance of RR-ECl09 cells to anticancer agents was evaluated by MTT assay. The RR-EC109 and EC109 cells were used for sphere formation assays, clonogenicity assays, stem cell gene expression, and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers. RESULTS The RR-EC109 cells were established over 7 months. RR-ECl09 cells had 67.258 fold resistance to paclitaxel. The percentage of sphere formation and clone proliferation ability of RR-EC109 cells was higher than that of EC109 cells (P < 0.05). The amount of side population cells in RR-EC109 cells was higher than that of EC109 cells (P < 0.05). RR-EC109 cells produced more mRNA for Bmi1, Nanog, Oct4, Sox2, ABCG2, Nestin, and Ki-67 than EC109 cells (P < 0.05). E-cadherin expression was lower in RR-EC109 cells than in EC109 cells, while N-cadherin, Snail, and Twist expressions were higher in RR-EC109 cells than in EC109 cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cancer stem cell (CSC)-like cells exist among paclitaxel-resistant cells in ESCC and may play a role in ESCC drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukang Hospital Affiliated to Tibet UniversityLhasa, China
| | - Lihui Yang
- Department of Science and Education, People’s Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Tibet UniversityLhasa, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Laboratory, Fukang Hospital Affiliated to Tibet UniversityLhasa, China
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75
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Zhang Y, Cao N, Gao J, Liang J, Liang Y, Xie Y, Zhou S, Tang X. ASIC1a stimulates the resistance of human hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting EMT via the AKT/GSK3β/Snail pathway driven by TGFβ/Smad signals. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:2777-2792. [PMID: 35426224 PMCID: PMC9097844 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance is the main obstacle to curing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Acid‐sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) has critical roles in all stages of cancer progression, especially invasion and metastasis, and in resistance to therapy. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) transforms epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells after being stimulated by extracellular factors and is closely related to tumour infiltration and resistance. We used Western blotting, immunofluorescence, qRT‐PCR, immunohistochemical staining, MTT, colony formation and scratch healing assay to determine ASIC1a levels and its relationship to cell proliferation, migration and invasion. ASIC1a is overexpressed in HCC tissues, and the amount increased in resistant HCC cells. EMT occurred more frequently in drug‐resistant cells than in parental cells. Inactivation of ASIC1a inhibited cell migration and invasion and increased the chemosensitivity of cells through EMT. Overexpression of ASIC1a upregulated EMT and increased the cells’ proliferation, migration and invasion and induced drug resistance; knocking down ASIC1a with shRNA had the opposite effects. ASIC1a increased cell migration and invasion through EMT by regulating α and β‐catenin, vimentin and fibronectin expression via the AKT/GSK‐3β/Snail pathway driven by TGFβ/Smad signals. ASIC1a mediates drug resistance of HCC through EMT via the AKT/GSK‐3β/Snail pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinci Zhang
- Medcial School Anhui University of Science & Technology Huainan China
- Institute of Environment‐friendly Materials and Occupational Health of Anhui University of Science and Technology Wuhu China
| | - Niandie Cao
- Medcial School Anhui University of Science & Technology Huainan China
- Institute of Environment‐friendly Materials and Occupational Health of Anhui University of Science and Technology Wuhu China
| | - Jiafeng Gao
- Medcial School Anhui University of Science & Technology Huainan China
- Institute of Environment‐friendly Materials and Occupational Health of Anhui University of Science and Technology Wuhu China
| | - Jiaojiao Liang
- Medcial School Anhui University of Science & Technology Huainan China
- Institute of Environment‐friendly Materials and Occupational Health of Anhui University of Science and Technology Wuhu China
| | - Yong Liang
- Institute of Environment‐friendly Materials and Occupational Health of Anhui University of Science and Technology Wuhu China
- Huai’an Hospital Affiliated of Xuzhou Medical College and Huai’an Second Hospital Huai’an China
| | - Yinghai Xie
- Medcial School Anhui University of Science & Technology Huainan China
- First Affiliated Hospital Anhui University of Science & Technology Huainan China
| | - Shuping Zhou
- Medcial School Anhui University of Science & Technology Huainan China
- First Affiliated Hospital Anhui University of Science & Technology Huainan China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Medcial School Anhui University of Science & Technology Huainan China
- Institute of Environment‐friendly Materials and Occupational Health of Anhui University of Science and Technology Wuhu China
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76
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Li XY, Shen Y, Zhang L, Guo X, Wu J. Understanding initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through single cell sequencing. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188720. [PMID: 35304295 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Unsatisfied clinical outcome drives to better understand hepatic carcinogenesis, microenvironment and escape of immune surveillance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) has generated enormous data to pinpoint pathophysiologic alterations in tumor microenvironment (TME) or trace lineage development in cancer stem cells (CSCs), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and subsets of immune cells, such as exhausting T cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), dendritic cells or other lineages. New insights have significantly advanced current understanding in progression, poor responses to molecular-targeted therapeutics or immune checkpoint inhibitors, metastasis in both basic research and clinical practice. The present review intends to cover a basic workflow of the scRNA-seq technology, existing limitations and improvement areas. Moreover, in-depth understanding in TME, exhausting T cells, CSCs, CTCs, tumor-associated macrophages, dendritic cells in HCC facilitates implementation of personalized and precise therapy in an era of availability with an array of systemic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yue Li
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yue Shen
- Dept. of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao Guo
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China; Pathogenic Research Core Facility, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China; Dept. of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China.
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77
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Shen Q, Xia Y, Yang L, Wang B, Peng J. Midazolam Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Metastasis and Enhances Apoptosis by Elevating miR-217. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2813521. [PMID: 35309842 PMCID: PMC8926537 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2813521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of human death in the world. Recently, it is found that midazolam can modulate miRs to participate in HCC progression. This research project was designed to elucidate the impacts of midazolam and miR-217 on HCC cell metastasis and apoptosis. Methods Human HCC cell strains (Hep3B and SK-HEP-1) were selected and intervened by midazolam at different concentrations in our research. miR-217-inhibitor intervened in the two HCC cell strains to observe the alterations of cell migration, invasiveness, and apoptosis. The miR-217 level in HCC cells was identified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results As midazolam concentration was elevated, Hep3B and SK-HEP-1 viabilities were more obviously suppressed. The 10 μg/mL concentration was selected for analysis since Hep3B and SK-HEP-1 had an IC50 of 10.57 μg/mL and 9.35 μg/m, respectively. The qRT-PCR results showed the decreased of miR-217 in HCC cells, which was enhanced notably by midazolam intervention. Compared with the blank group, the invasiveness and migration (Transwell assay) of miR-217-inhibitor-transfected HCC cells were distinctly enhanced and the apoptosis rate (flow cytometry) was noticeably reduced. Conclusion Midazolam can upregulate miR-217 in HCC cells, thus inhibiting HCC cell metastasis and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan Third Hospital), Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Yanqiong Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan Third Hospital), Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Leilei Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan Third Hospital), Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan Third Hospital), Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Jian Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan Third Hospital), Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
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Li X, Li K, Li M, Lin X, Mei Y, Huang X, Yang H. Chemoresistance Transmission via Exosome-Transferred MMP14 in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:844648. [PMID: 35223528 PMCID: PMC8865617 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.844648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest malignancies. Gemcitabine is the most commonly used chemotherapy for the treatment of PDAC, but the development of drug resistance still remains challenging. Recently, exosomes have emerged as important mediators for intercellular communication. Exosomes affect recipient cells’ behavior through the engulfed cargos, however the specific cargos responsible for gemcitabine resistance in PDAC are poorly understood. Here, we reported that exosomes could transfer gemcitabine resistance via a metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14)-dependent mechanism. MMP14 was identified as a major differentially secreted protein from the gemcitabine-resistant PDAC cells by comparative secretome. It was packaged into the exosomes and transmitted from the chemoresistant cells to the sensitive ones. The exosome-transferred MMP14 could enhance drug resistance and promotes the sphere-formation and migration abilities of the recipient sensitive PDAC cells. Mechanically, exosome-transferred MMP14 promotes the stability of CD44, the cancer stem cell marker in the recipient cells. Our results indicate that MMP14 is a key player for exosome-mediated transfer of gemcitabine resistance, thus targeting MMP14 in exosomes may represent a novel strategy to limit gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Mei
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Xuemei Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Huanjie Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
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79
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Hou X, Liu W, Yang X, Shao C, Gao L, Zhang L, Wei L. Extracellular microparticles derived from hepatic progenitor cells deliver a death signal to hepatoma-initiating cells. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:79. [PMID: 35164767 PMCID: PMC8842981 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01280-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe malignant transformation of normal resident hepatic stem/progenitor cells has a critical role in hepatocarcinogenesis and the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We defined such hepatic progenitor cells as hepatoma-initiating cells. An efficient strategy is required to target and kill the hepatoma-initiating cells. We isolated extracellular microparticles (MPs) derived from apoptotic hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) and tested their ability to inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis. Extracellular MPs were isolated from HPCs, hepatocytes and liver tumor cells. Their effects on tumor growth were investigated in rat primary HCC models, in which hepatocarcinogenesis is induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). The extracellular MPs derived from apoptotic HPCs, apoptotic hepatocytes and apoptotic liver tumor cells were similar in morphology, diameter and zeta potential. However, they had different antitumor effects. In DEN-exposed rats, only the MPs derived from apoptotic HPCs effectively inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis. In vitro and in vivo analyses confirmed that HPCs preferentially take up MPs derived from apoptotic HPCs compared to MPs from other liver cell types. Proteomic analysis of MPs from apoptotic HPCs showed enrichment of proteins involved in cell death pathways. Thus, HPC-derived MPs contain a death signal to induce the killing of hepatoma-initiating cells. Our findings provide evidence that a death signal encapsulated in HPC-derived extracellular microparticles can efficiently clear hepatoma-initiating cells and prevent hepatocarcinogenesis.
Graphical Abstract
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80
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Li H, Sun Y, Li Q, Luo Q, Song G. Matrix Stiffness Potentiates Stemness of Liver Cancer Stem Cells Possibly via the Yes-Associated Protein Signal. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:598-609. [PMID: 35084830 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A hepatocellular carcinoma tissue has mechanical heterogeneity, where the stiffness gradually increases from the core to the invasion front. Furthermore, there is evidence that stem cells from liver cancer (LCSCs) preferentially enrich the invasion front, exhibiting the stiffest modulus in the tumor. LCSCs have the features of stem/progenitor cells and play a vital part in liver cancer development. However, whether matrix stiffness affects LCSC stemness remains unclear. Here, we established a three-dimensional hydrogel for culturing LCSCs to simulate the stiffness of the core and the invasion front of a liver cancer tissue. The results showed that a stiffer matrix (72.2 ± 0.90 kPa) significantly potentiated LCSC stemness as compared with a soft matrix (7.7 ± 0.41 kPa). Moreover, Yes-associated protein signaling might mediate this promotion. Together, our findings illustrate the relationship between matrix stiffness and LCSC stemness, which may aid the production of novel treatment approaches against liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
| | - Yuchuan Sun
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
| | - Qing Li
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
| | - Qing Luo
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
| | - Guanbin Song
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
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81
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Wang C, Qin S, Pan W, Shi X, Gao H, Jin P, Xia X, Ma F. mRNAsi-related genes can effectively distinguish hepatocellular carcinoma into new molecular subtypes. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2928-2941. [PMID: 35765647 PMCID: PMC9207218 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have shown that the mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) can accurately quantify the similarity of cancer cells to stem cells, and mRNAsi-related genes are used as biomarkers for cancer. However, mRNAsi-driven tumor heterogeneity is rarely investigated, especially whether mRNAsi can distinguish hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) into different molecular subtypes is still largely unknown. Methods Using OCLR machine learning algorithm, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, consistent unsupervised clustering, survival analysis and multivariate cox regression etc. to identify biomarkers and molecular subtypes related to tumor stemness in HCC. Results We firstly demonstrate that the high mRNAsi is significantly associated with the poor survival and high disease grades in HCC. Secondly, we identify 212 mRNAsi-related genes that can divide HCC into three molecular subtypes: low cancer stemness cell phenotype (CSCP-L), moderate cancer stemness cell phenotype (CSCP-M) and high cancer stemness cell phenotype (CSCP-H), especially over-activated ribosomes, spliceosomes and nucleotide metabolism lead to the worst prognosis for the CSCP-H subtype patients, while activated amino acids, fatty acids and complement systems result in the best prognosis for the CSCP-L subtype. Thirdly, we find that three CSCP subtypes have different mutation characteristics, immune microenvironment and immune checkpoint expression, which may cause the differential prognosis for three subtypes. Finally, we identify 10 robust mRNAsi-related biomarkers that can effectively predict the survival of HCC patients. Conclusions These novel cancer stemness-related CSCP subtypes and biomarkers in this study will be of great clinical significance for the diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canbiao Wang
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Shijie Qin
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, the First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Wanwan Pan
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Xuejia Shi
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Hanyu Gao
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Ping Jin
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Xinyi Xia
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, the First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Fei Ma
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
- Corresponding authors.
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Lai Y, Wang B, Zheng X. Limiting dilution assay to quantify the self-renewal potential of cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods Cell Biol 2022; 171:197-213. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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83
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Jia W, Liang S, Cheng B, Ling C. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Value of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:763519. [PMID: 34868982 PMCID: PMC8636329 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.763519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion and metastasis are the main reasons for the high mortality of liver cancer, which involve the interaction of tumor stromal cells and malignant cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major constituents of tumor stromal cells affecting tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. The heterogeneous properties and sources of CAFs make both tumor-supporting and tumor-suppression effects possible. The mechanisms for CAFs in supporting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression can be categorized into upregulated aggressiveness and stemness, transformed metabolism toward glycolysis and glutamine reductive carboxylation, polarized tumor immunity toward immune escape of HCC cells, and increased angiogenesis. The tumor-suppressive effect of fibroblasts highlights the functional heterogenicity of CAF populations and provides new insights into tumor–stromal interplay mechanisms. In this review, we introduced several key inflammatory signaling pathways in the transformation of CAFs from normal stromal cells and the heterogeneous biofunctions of activated CAFs. In view of the pleiotropic regulation properties of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and heterogeneous effects of CAFs, we also introduced the application and values of TCM in the treatment of HCC through targeting CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shufang Liang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changquan Ling
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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84
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Pan L, Feng F, Wu J, Li L, Xu H, Yang L, Xu K, Wang C. Diosmetin inhibits cell growth and proliferation by regulating the cell cycle and lipid metabolism pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Food Funct 2021; 12:12036-12046. [PMID: 34755740 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo02111g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Diosmetin (DSM), a newly discovered natural flavonoid, found in citrus plants and olive leaves, has been reported to inhibit the progression of cancer when used as a food supplement. This study aimed to investigate DSM's anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) properties and possible molecular mechanisms. Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells were selected to evaluate the anti-HCC properties of DSM in vitro. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to identify the possible molecular targets and pathways. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to evaluate the effect of DSM treatment on the primary metabolites of HCCLM3 cells. Tumor xenograft was performed in nude mice to examine the anti-HCC properties of DSM in vivo. The results showed that DSM inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCC cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. RNA-seq identified 4459 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were highly enriched in the cell cycle pathway. In addition, DSM regulated cell growth by arresting the cell cycle in the G1 phase by decreasing the expression of BCL2, CDK1, and CCND1. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis revealed that DSM interfered with the lipid metabolism pathway of HCC cells by significantly inhibiting the synthesis of metabolites, such as acetic acid, decanoic acid, glycerol, and L-proline. Subcutaneous tumor formation experiments revealed that DSM significantly reduced the tumor volume and weight when compared to the control. Immunohistochemical analysis further revealed that DSM treatment significantly decreased the expression of the proliferative marker KI67. Our findings demonstrated that DSM exhibited antitumor effects on HCC cells by inhibiting cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest and interfering with lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianhong Pan
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents "111" base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Fan Feng
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents "111" base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Jiaqin Wu
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents "111" base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Lanqing Li
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China.
| | - Haiying Xu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China.
| | - Li Yang
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents "111" base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Kang Xu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China.
| | - Chunli Wang
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents "111" base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
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85
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Ayob AZ, Ramasamy TS. Prolonged hypoxia switched on cancer stem cell-like plasticity in HepG2 tumourspheres cultured in serum-free media. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:896-911. [PMID: 34750738 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-021-00625-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Tumour hypoxia drives resistance and aggressiveness, and in large part, contributes to treatment failure thereby causing cancer-related deaths. The rapid and uncontrolled tumour growth develops not only a hypoxic niche but also a nutrient-deprived condition due to insufficient blood supply; together, these create a stressful tumour niche, further promoting higher aggressiveness and resistance features of cancer. However, how cellular responses in the prolonged stress is associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs), which is linked to these features, remains unclear. Here, we established HepG2 tumoursphere culture in a hypoxic and serum-free condition that recapitulated differential responses to prolonged tumour growth pressures, evident by their progressive changes in the morphology of tumoursphere formation over a course of 15-day culture. HepG2 tumourspheres formed larger sphere sizes of > 200 μm in hypoxic conditions, concomitant with higher cell yield and upregulation of PCNA marker at day 7, corresponding with higher self-renewal capacity when cultured in SFM compared to SM. Notably, prolonged growth of HepG2 tumourspheres for 15 days under hypoxic and SFM condition increased their sphere counts, yet significantly reduced their cell yield along with downregulation of PCNA expression. Gene expression analysis showed that HepG2 tumourspheres on day 15 exhibited enhanced expression of markers of quiescence, stemness, EMT, and chemoresistance. Interestingly, analysis of HIF1α and HIF2α and their target gene expression indicated complementary HIF expression with preferential upregulation of HIF2α was observed in HepG2 tumourspheres in prolonged hypoxic and serum-free conditions, suggesting HIF2α-dependency and plausibility of the HIF1α-HIF2α switch that govern their survival by promoting CSC-like programmes. Altogether, these findings suggest the implication of prolonged hypoxia and nutrient deprivation stress in promoting CSC-like programmes in cancer cells recapitulating their plasticity, hence having opened many research directions that enable development of effective targeting of CSCs and precision medicine for treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ain Zubaidah Ayob
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thamil Selvee Ramasamy
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Bai S, Chen W, Zheng M, Wang X, Peng W, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Xiong S, Cheng B. Spindle and kinetochore-associated complex subunit 3 (SKA3) promotes stem cell-like properties of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through activating Notch signaling pathway. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1361. [PMID: 34733913 PMCID: PMC8506556 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-1572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Cancer stemness contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. The spindle and kinetochore-associated (SKA) complex has been shown to be involved in tumor progression; however, its effects on cancer stem cell-like properties have not yet been examined. This research sought to study each subunit of the SKA complex in HCC systematically. Methods Bioinformatic analyses were carried out to examine the expression and clinical data of the SKA complex’s each subunit in HCC. The expression of the target genes was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. Clone formation and Transwell assays were performed to assess the proliferation and migration abilities of the SKA complex’s each subunit. Sphere formation assays and subcutaneous xenograft experiments were performed to investigate the effects of SKA complex subunit 3 (SKA3) on the self-renewal and tumorigenic abilities of HCC. Results Each subunit of the SKA complex was highly expressed in HCC, but only SKA complex subunit 1 (SKA1) and SKA3 were associated with the poor overall survival of HCC patients. Additionally, the HCC cells overexpressing SKA3 exhibited increased migration, invasion, proliferation, self-renewal, Sorafenib resistance and tumorigenic abilities. Notch signaling played a vital role in the process by which SKA3 promoted HCC stemness. Conclusions SKA3 promotes HCC stem cell-like properties via the Notch signaling pathway. As SKA3 appears to act as a regulator of stemness in HCC, it might be a potential molecular target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengli Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiju Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Digestive Endoscopy, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wang Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchong Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Si Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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PRMT7: A Pivotal Arginine Methyltransferase in Stem Cells and Development. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:6241600. [PMID: 34712331 PMCID: PMC8548130 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6241600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein arginine methylation is a posttranslational modification catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), which play critical roles in many biological processes. To date, nine PRMT family members, namely, PRMT1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, have been identified in mammals. Among them, PRMT7 is a type III PRMT that can only catalyze the formation of monomethylarginine and plays pivotal roles in several kinds of stem cells. It has been reported that PRMT7 is closely associated with embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, muscle stem cells, and human cancer stem cells. PRMT7 deficiency or mutation led to severe developmental delay in mice and humans, which is possibly due to its crucial functions in stem cells. Here, we surveyed and summarized the studies on PRMT7 in stem cells and development in mice and humans and herein provide a discussion of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, we also discuss the roles of PRMT7 in cancer, adipogenesis, male reproduction, cellular stress, and cellular senescence, as well as the future perspectives of PRMT7-related studies. Overall, PRMT7 mediates the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Deficiency or mutation of PRMT7 causes developmental delay, including defects in skeletal muscle, bone, adipose tissues, neuron, and male reproduction. A better understanding of the roles of PRMT7 in stem cells and development as well as the underlying mechanisms will provide information for the development of strategies for in-depth research of PRMT7 and stem cells as well as their applications in life sciences and medicine.
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The Natural Pigment Violacein Potentially Suppresses the Proliferation and Stemness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910731. [PMID: 34639072 PMCID: PMC8509727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant type of primary liver cancer with high incidence and mortality, worldwide. A major challenge in the treatment of HCC is chemotherapeutic resistance. It is therefore necessary to develop novel anticancer drugs for suppressing the growth of HCC cells and overcoming drug resistance for improving the treatment of HCC. Violacein is a deep violet-colored indole derivative that is produced by several bacterial strains, including Chromobacterium violaceum, and it possesses numerous pharmacological properties, including antitumor activity. However, the therapeutic effects of violacein and the mechanism underlying its antitumor effect against HCC remain to be elucidated. This study is the first to demonstrate that violacein inhibits the proliferation and stemness of Huh7 and Hep3B HCC cells. The antiproliferative effect of violacein was attributed to cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 phase and the induction of apoptotic cell death. Violacein induced nuclear condensation, dissipated mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activated the caspase cascade, and upregulated p53 and p21. The anticancer effect of violacein on HCC cells was also associated with the downregulation of protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling. Violacein not only suppressed the proliferation and formation of tumorspheres of Huh7 and Hep3B cancer stem-like cells but also reduced the expression of key markers of cancer stemness, including CD133, Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog, by inhibiting the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/AKT/ERK pathways. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of violacein in effectively suppressing HCC by targeting the proliferation and stemness of HCC cells.
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Yang Y, Wu J, Liu F, He J, Wu F, Chen J, Jiang Z. IGF2BP1 Promotes the Liver Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype by Regulating MGAT5 mRNA Stability by m6A RNA Methylation. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:1115-1125. [PMID: 34514861 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of action of the insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) on the phenotype of the liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). To gain insight into the mechanism of action of the IGF2BP1 on LCSCs, the IGF2BP1 shRNA sequences were transfected into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The LCSC phenotypes were measured by stemness gene expressions, spheroid formations, percentages of the CD133+ cells, colony formations, and tumorigenesis in vivo. Next, we screened for possible molecular mechanisms from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and a methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MeRIP-qPCR) was used to adjust the binding of IGF2BP1 to the target gene, alpha-1,6-mannosylglycoprotein 6-beta-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (MGAT5). The MeRIP-qPCR was used to detect the binding of IGF2BP1 and MGAT5 through N6 methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Furthermore, we adjusted the attenuation of the mRNA of the MGAT5 using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The IGF2BP1 was upregulated in the LCSCs. Furthermore, the IGF2BP1 promoted self-renewal and chemoresistance in human LCSCs and tumorigenesis in mice and it enhanced the expression of stemness genes in the LCSCs compared with the HCC cells. Further exploration indicated that the IGF2BP1 binds directly to the MGAT5 and inhibits its mRNA attenuation, suggesting that the IGF2BP1 impacts MGAT5 mRNA stability through m6A modification. Thus, it can be concluded that the IGF2BP1 facilitated the LCSC phenotypes by promoting the MGAT5 mRNA stability through the upregulation of m6A modification of the MGAT5 mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichun Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Fuqiang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Jin He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
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90
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Liu K, Ou JHJ. Regulators of liver cancer stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1127-1133. [PMID: 34567430 PMCID: PMC8422929 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i8.1127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths. It is often detected at a stage when there are few therapeutic options. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are highly tumorigenic and resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Their presence in HCC is a major reason why HCC is difficult to treat. The development of LCSCs is regulated by a variety of factors. This review summarizes recent advances on the factors that regulate the development of LCSCs. Due to the importance of LCSCs in the development of HCC, a better understanding of how LCSCs are regulated will help to improve the treatments for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Liu
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jing-Hsiung James Ou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States
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91
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Li S, Wu L, Zhang H, Liu X, Wang Z, Dong B, Cao G. GINS1 Induced Sorafenib Resistance by Promoting Cancer Stem Properties in Human Hepatocellular Cancer Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:711894. [PMID: 34414190 PMCID: PMC8369484 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.711894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a high rate of incidence and recurrence, and resistance to chemotherapy may aggravate the poor prognosis of HCC patients. Sorafenib resistance is a conundrum to the treatment of advanced/recurrent HCC. Therefore, studies on the molecular pathogenesis of HCC and the resistance to sorafenib are of great interest. Here, we report that GINS1 was highly expressed in HCC tumors, associated with tumor grades, and predicted poor patient survival using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases exploration. Cell cycle, cell proliferation assay and in vivo xenograft mouse model indicated that knocking down GINS1 induced in G1/S phase cell cycle arrest and decreased tumor cells proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Spheroid formation assay results showed that GINS1 promoted the stem cell activity of HCC tumor cells. Furthermore, GEO database (GSE17112) analysis showed that HRAS oncogenic gene set was enriched in GINS1 high-expressed cancer cells, and quantitative real-time PCR, and Western blot results proved that GINS1 enhanced HCC progression through regulating HRAS signaling pathway. Moreover, knocking down endogenous GINS1 with shGINS1 increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib, and restoring HRAS or stem associated pathway partly recovered the sorafenib resistance. Overall, the collective findings highlight GINS1 functions in hepatocarcinogenesis and sorafenib resistance, and indicate its potential use of GINS1 in drug-resistant HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department I of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Central Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Central Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xijuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Central Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zilei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Central Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Central Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Interventional Therapy, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
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92
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Chen Z, Lu T, Huang L, Wang Z, Yan Z, Guan Y, Hu W, Fan Z, Zhu P. circular RNA cia-MAF drives self-renewal and metastasis of liver tumor-initiating cells via transcription factor MAFF. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e148020. [PMID: 34403373 DOI: 10.1172/jci148020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are involved in liver tumorigenesis, metastasis, drug resistance and relapse, but the regulatory mechanisms of liver TICs are largely unknown. Here, we have identified a functional circular RNA, termed circRNA activating MAFF (cia-MAF), that is robustly expressed in liver cancer and liver TICs. cia-MAF knockout primary cells and cia-maf knockout liver tumors harbor decreased ratios of TICs, and display impaired liver tumorigenesis, self-renewal and metastatic capacities. In contrast, cia-MAF overexpression drives liver TIC propagation, self-renewal and metastasis. Mechanistically, cia-MAF binds to the MAFF promoter, recruits the TIP60 complex to the MAFF promoter, and finally promotes MAFF expression. Loss of cia-MAF function attenuates the combination between the TIP60 complex and the MAFF promoter. MAFF is highly expressed in liver tumors and liver TICs, and its antisense oligo (ASO) has therapeutic potential in treating liver cancer without MAFA/MAFG gene copy number alterations (CNAs). This study reveal an additional layer for liver TIC regulation as well as circRNA function, and also provide an additional target for eliminating liver TICs, especially for liver tumor without MAFA/MAFG gene CNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tiankun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Huang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhongyi Yan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yubo Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenjing Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zusen Fan
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pingping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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93
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Chen G, Wang Y, Zhao X, Xie XZ, Zhao JG, Deng T, Chen ZY, Chen HB, Tong YF, Yang Z, Ding XW, Guo PY, Yu HT, Wu LJ, Zhang SN, Zhu QD, Li JJ, Shan YF, Yu FX, Yu ZP, Xia JL. A positive feedback loop between Periostin and TGFβ1 induces and maintains the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via AP-2α activation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:218. [PMID: 34193219 PMCID: PMC8243733 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02011-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) play key roles in the metastasis, recurrence, and chemotherapeutic resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our previous research showed that the POSTN gene is closely related to the malignant progression and poor prognosis of HCC. This study aimed to elucidate the role of POSTN in generating LCSCs and maintaining their stemness as well as the underlying mechanisms. Methods Human HCC tissues and matched adjacent normal tissues were obtained from 110 patients. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting (WB), and RT-PCR were performed to detect the expression of POSTN and stemness factors. The roles of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and AP-2α in the POSTN-induced stemness transformation of HCC cells were explored in vitro and in vivo using LCSCs obtained by CD133+ cell sorting. Results The high expression of POSTN was correlated with the expression of various stemness factors, particularly CD133, in our HCC patient cohort and in TCGA and ICGC datasets. Knockdown of POSTN expression decreased the abilities of HCC cell lines to form tumours in xenograft mouse models. Knockdown of POSTN expression also suppressed cell viability and clone formation, invasion, and sphere formation abilities in vitro. Knockdown of AP-2α attenuated the generation of CD133+ LCSCs and their malignant behaviours, indicating that AP-2α was a critical factor that mediated the POSTN-induced stemness transformation and maintenance of HCC cells. The role of AP-2α was verified by using a specific αvβ3 antagonist, cilengitide, in vitro and in vivo. Activation of POSTN could release TGFβ1 from the extracellular matrix and initiated POSTN/TGFβ1 positive feedback signalling. Furthermore, we found that the combined use of cilengitide and lenvatinib suppressed the growth of HCC cells with high POSTN expression more effectively than the use of lenvatinib alone in the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model. Conclusions The POSTN/TGFβ1 positive feedback pathway regulates the expression of stemness factors and the malignant progression of HCC cells by regulating the transcriptional activation of AP-2α. This pathway may serve as a new target for targeted gene therapy in HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02011-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China. .,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China. .,Liver Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Division of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Xiao-Zai Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Jun-Gang Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Tuo Deng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Zi-Yan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Han-Bin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Yi-Fan Tong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Xi-Wei Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng-Yi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Hai-Tao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Li-Jun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Si-Na Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Qian-Dong Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Jun-Jian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Yun-Feng Shan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Fu-Xiang Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Zheng-Ping Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325005, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China
| | - Jing-Lin Xia
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China. .,Liver Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325005, China. .,Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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94
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Hong L, Zhou Y, Xie X, Wu W, Shi C, Lin H, Shi Z. A stemness-based eleven-gene signature correlates with the clinical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:716. [PMID: 34147074 PMCID: PMC8214273 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08351-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cumulative evidences have been implicated cancer stem cells in the tumor environment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, whereas the biological functions and prognostic significance of stemness related genes (SRGs) in HCC is still unclear. Methods Molecular subtypes were identified by cumulative distribution function (CDF) clustering on 207 prognostic SRGs. The overall survival (OS) predictive gene signature was developed, internally and externally validated based on HCC datasets including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), GEO and ICGC datasets. Hub genes were identified in molecular subtypes by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and then enrolled for determination of prognostic genes. Univariate, LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to assess prognostic genes and construct the prognostic gene signature. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Kaplan-Meier curve and nomogram were used to assess the performance of the gene signature. Results We identified four molecular subtypes, among which the C2 subtype showed the highest SRGs expression levels and proportions of immune cells, whereas the worst OS; the C1 subtype showed the lowest SRGs expression levels and was associated with most favorable OS. Next, we identified 11 prognostic genes (CDX2, PON1, ADH4, RBP2, LCAT, GAL, LPA, CYP19A1, GAST, SST and UGT1A8) and then constructed a prognostic 11-gene module and validated its robustness in all three datasets. Moreover, by univariate and multivariate Cox regression, we confirmed the independent prognostic ability of the 11-gene module for patients with HCC. In addition, calibration analysis plots indicated the excellent predictive performance of the prognostic nomogram constructed based on the 11-gene signature. Conclusions Findings in the present study shed new light on the role of stemness related genes within HCC, and the established 11-SRG signature can be utilized as a novel prognostic marker for survival prognostication in patients with HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08351-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Hong
- Department of Infectious, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ruian, Zhejiang, 325200, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Infectious, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ruian, Zhejiang, 325200, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangbang Xie
- Department of Interventional, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ruian, Zhejiang, 325200, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanrui Wu
- Department of Interventional, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ruian, Zhejiang, 325200, People's Republic of China
| | - Changsheng Shi
- Department of Interventional, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ruian, Zhejiang, 325200, People's Republic of China
| | - Heping Lin
- Department of Interventional, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ruian, Zhejiang, 325200, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Respiratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ruian, Zhejiang, 325200, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhenjing Shi
- Department of Interventional, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ruian, Zhejiang, 325200, People's Republic of China.
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Borziak K, Finkelstein J. Identification of Liver Cancer Stem Cell Stemness Markers Using a Comparative Analysis of Public Data Sets. STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2021; 14:9-17. [PMID: 34168465 PMCID: PMC8216768 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s307043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Comparative reanalysis of single-cell transcriptomics data to gain useful novel insights into cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are a rare subset of cells within tumors, characterized by their capability to self-renew and differentiate, and their role in tumorigenicity. Patients and Methods This project utilized publically available liver single-cell RNA-seq datasets of liver cancer and liver progenitor cell types to demonstrate how shared large amounts of data can generate new and valuable information. The data were analyzed using EdgeR differential expression analysis, with focus on a set of 34 known stemness markers. Results We showed that the expression of stemness markers SOX9, KRT19, KRT7, and CD24, and Yamanaka factors Oct4 and SOX2 in CSCs was significantly elevated relative to progenitor cell types, potentially explaining their increased differentiation and replication potential. Conclusion These results help to further document the complementary expression changes that give CSCs their distinct phenotypic profile. Our findings have potential significance to advance our knowledge of the important genes relevant to CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill Borziak
- Center for Biomedical and Population Health Informatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Joseph Finkelstein
- Center for Biomedical and Population Health Informatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
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Chen J, Debebe A, Zeng N, Kopp J, He L, Sander M, Stiles BL. Transformation of SOX9 + cells by Pten deletion synergizes with steatotic liver injury to drive development of hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11823. [PMID: 34083580 PMCID: PMC8175600 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90958-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX9 (Sex-determining region Y Box 9) is a well-characterized transcription factor that is a marker for progenitor cells in various tissues. In the liver, cells delineated by SOX9 are responsible for regenerating liver parenchyma when cell proliferation is impaired following chronic injury. However, whether these SOX9+ cells play a role in liver carcinogenesis has not been fully understood, although high SOX9 expression has been linked to poor survival outcome in liver cancer patients. To address this question, we developed a liver cancer mouse model (PtenloxP/loxP; Sox9-CreERT+; R26RYFP) where tumor suppressor Pten (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten) is deleted in SOX9+ cells following tamoxifen injection. In this paper, we employ lineage-tracing to demonstrate the tumorigenicity potential of the Pten-, SOX9+ cells. We show that these cells are capable of giving rise to mixed-lineage tumors that manifest features of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Our results suggest that PTEN loss induces the transformation of SOX9+ cells. We further show that to activate these transformed SOX9+ cells, the presence of liver injury is crucial. Liver injury, induced by hepatotoxin 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) or high-fat diet (HFD), substantially increases tumor incidence and accelerates liver carcinogenesis from SOX9+ cells in Pten null mice but not in control mice. We further examine the mechanisms underlying tumor formation in this model to show that concurrent with the induction of niche signal (i.e., Wnt signaling), liver injury significantly stimulates the expansion of tumor-initiating cells (TICs). Together, these data show that (1) SOX9+ cells have the potential to become TICs following the primary transformation (i.e. Pten deletion) and that (2) liver injury is necessary for promoting the activation and proliferation of transformed SOX9+ cells, resulting in the genesis of mixed-lineage liver tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Chen
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Anketse Debebe
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Ni Zeng
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Janel Kopp
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lina He
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Maike Sander
- Department of Pediatrics and Cellar and Molecular Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Bangyan L Stiles
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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97
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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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98
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The inhibition of ABCB1/MDR1 or ABCG2/BCRP enables doxorubicin to eliminate liver cancer stem cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10791. [PMID: 34031441 PMCID: PMC8144399 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89931-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Two ATP-binding cassette transporters, ABCB1/MDR1 and ABCG2/BCRP, are considered the most critical determinants for chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, their roles in the chemoresistance in liver cancer stem cells remain elusive. Here we explored the role of inhibition of MDR1 or ABCG2 in sensitizing liver cancer stem cells to doxorubicin, the most frequently used chemotherapeutic agent in treating liver cancer. We show that the inhibition of MDR1 or ABCG2 in Huh7 and PLC/PRF/5 cells using either pharmacological inhibitors or RNAi resulted in the elevated level of intracellular concentration of doxorubicin and the accompanied increased apoptosis as determined by confocal microscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, flow cytometry, and annexin V assay. Notably, the inhibition of MDR1 or ABCG2 led to the reversal of the chemoresistance, as evident from the enhanced death of the chemoresistant liver cancer stem cells in tumorsphere-forming assays. Thus, the elevation of effective intracellular concentration of doxorubicin via the inhibition of MDR1 or ABCG2 represents a promising future strategy that transforms doxorubicin from a traditional chemotherapy agent into a robust killer of liver cancer stem cells for patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization.
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Liang Z, Wu B, Ji Z, Liu W, Shi D, Chen X, Wei Y, Jiang J. The binding of LDN193189 to CD133 C-terminus suppresses the tumorigenesis and immune escape of liver tumor-initiating cells. Cancer Lett 2021; 513:90-100. [PMID: 33984420 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor-initiating cell (TIC) marker CD133 promotes TIC self-renewal and tumorigenesis through the tyrosine phosphorylation of its c-terminal domain. Therefore, finding compounds that target the phosphorylation of CD133 will provide an effective method for inhibiting TICs characteristics. Here, through small molecule microarray screening, compound LDN193189 was found to bind to the c-terminus of CD133 and influenced its tyrosine phosphorylation. LDN193189 inhibited the interaction between CD133 and p85, accompanied by a reduction in the self-renewal and tumorigenicity of liver TIC. In addition, LDN193189 inhibited the expression and transcription of Galectin-3 by reducing the tyrosine phosphorylation of CD133. Galectin-3 secreted by liver TICs inhibited the proliferation of activated CD8+ T cells by binding to PD-1. LDN193189 suppressed the immune escape ability of liver TICs by downregulating Galectin-3. Taken together, LDN193189 suppressed the tumorigenesis and immune escape of liver CSCs by targeting the CD133-Galectin-3 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Liang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Bingrui Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Zhi Ji
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Weitao Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Danfang Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Xiaoning Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Yuanyan Wei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
| | - Jianhai Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
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Fatma H, Siddique HR. Pluripotency inducing Yamanaka factors: role in stemness and chemoresistance of liver cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 21:853-864. [PMID: 33832395 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1915137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Liver cancer is a major cause of mortality and is characterized by the transformation of cells into an uncontrolled mass of tumor cells with many genetic and epigenetic changes, which lead to the development of tumors. A small subpopulation of cell population known as Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) is responsible for cancer stemness and chemoresistance. Yamanaka factors [octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2), kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), and Myelocytomatosis (MYC); OSKM] are responsible for cancer cell stemness, chemoresistance, and recurrence.Area covered: We cover recent discoveries and investigate the role of OSKM in inducing pluripotency and stem cell-like properties in various cancers with special emphasis on liver cancer. We review Yamanaka factors' role in stemness and chemoresistance of liver cancer.Expert opinion: In CSCs, including liver CSCs, the deregulation of various signaling pathways is one of the major reasons for stemness and drug resistance and is primarily due to OSKM. OSKM are responsible for tumor heterogeneity which renders targeting drug useless after a certain period. These factors can be exploited to understand the underlying mechanism of cancer stemness and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Fatma
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hifzur Rahman Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-Uttar Pradesh, India
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