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Downregulation of SFRP1 is a protumorigenic event in hepatoblastoma and correlates with beta-catenin mutations. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:1153-1167. [PMID: 32189106 PMCID: PMC7142044 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03182-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatoblastoma (HB) and pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the most common malignant liver tumors in childhood. Both tumor types exhibit genetic and epigenetic alterations in the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is a key regulator of liver progenitor cells in embryonic development. The tumors demonstrate a high rate of β-catenin mutations and gene expression changes of several WNT antagonists. However, the role of the WNT inhibitory factor secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) has not been addressed in pediatric liver cancer so far. Results In our study, we investigated the gene expression level, DNA methylation status and functional relevance of SFRP1 in HB cell lines and in pediatric liver tumor patient samples. SFRP1 was downregulated due to DNA promoter methylation in all tested HB cell lines. Overexpression of SFRP1 in HB cell lines diminished tumor cell proliferation, colony formation and migration potential. In addition, the SFRP1-expressing HB cell lines showed reduced WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway activity and decreased expression of WNT target genes. To evaluate the utility of SFRP1 as a biomarker in pediatric liver cancer, we determined the gene expression level and DNA methylation status of SFRP1 in 45 pediatric liver tumor patient samples. The correlation analysis of different clinical parameters and tumor characteristics revealed a significant correlation of reduced SFRP1 expression with the presence of mutant β-catenin. The methylation status of SFRP1 was furthermore associated to a pediatric liver tumor type with HCC-like characteristics, TERT mutations and an older age at diagnosis. Conclusion Altogether, our data demonstrate that the epigenetic suppression of the WNT/β-catenin antagonist SFRP1 has an important impact on the malignant behavior of HB cells. Although SFRP1 methylation is a common event in HCC-like pediatric liver tumors, its potential as a prognostic or diagnostic biomarker needs to be further investigated. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00432-020-03182-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Cui X, Wang Z, Li J, Zhu J, Ren Z, Zhang D, Zhao W, Fan Y, Zhang D, Sun R. Cross talk between RNA N6-methyladenosine methyltransferase-like 3 and miR-186 regulates hepatoblastoma progression through Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12768. [PMID: 31967701 PMCID: PMC7106953 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is a ubiquitous epigenetic RNA modification that plays a pivotal role in tumour development and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression profiling, clinical significance, biological function and the regulation of m6A‐related genes in hepatoblastoma (HB). Materials and Methods The mRNA and protein expression levels of m6A‐related genes were analysed using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and tissue microarray (TMA) cohort. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of m6A‐related genes in HB. Knockdown of m6A‐related genes was conducted to analyse its function on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification were used to explore the potential molecular mechanism and signalling pathway. Results We found that most m6A‐related genes were significantly upregulated in HB tumour tissues. High levels of methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3, P = .013), YTHDF2 (P = .037) and FTO (P = .032) indicated poor clinical outcomes, and the upregulation of METTL3 was an independent prognostic factor in HB patients. Functional assays showed that knockdown of METTL3 could dramatically suppress the proliferation, migration and invasion of HB cells. In addition, METTL3 was identified to be a direct target of microRNA‐186 (miR‐186). Consistently, miR‐186 was low expressed in HB tumour tissues. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐186 significantly inhibited cell aggressive phenotype both in vitro and in vivo, while the inhibitory effect could be reversed by METTL3 overexpression. Mechanism study indicated that miR‐186/METTL3 axis contributed to the progression of HB via the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Conclusions M6A‐related genes were frequently dysregulated in HB. miR‐186/METTL3/Wnt/β‐catenin axis might serve as novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichun Cui
- Pediatric Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhifang Wang
- Endocrinology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Li
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianming Zhu
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Ren
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Pathology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Pediatric Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingzhong Fan
- Pediatric Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Da Zhang
- Pediatric Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ranran Sun
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Zhang W, Meyfeldt J, Wang H, Kulkarni S, Lu J, Mandel JA, Marburger B, Liu Y, Gorka JE, Ranganathan S, Prochownik EV. β-Catenin mutations as determinants of hepatoblastoma phenotypes in mice. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:17524-17542. [PMID: 31597698 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric liver cancer. Although long-term survival of HB is generally favorable, it depends on clinical stage, tumor histology, and a variety of biochemical and molecular features. HB appears almost exclusively before the age of 3 years, is represented by seven histological subtypes, and is usually associated with highly heterogeneous somatic mutations in the catenin β1 (CTNNB1) gene, which encodes β-catenin, a Wnt ligand-responsive transcriptional co-factor. Numerous recurring β-catenin mutations, not previously documented in HB, have also been identified in various other pediatric and adult cancer types. Little is known about the underlying factors that determine the above HB features and behaviors or whether non-HB-associated β-catenin mutations are tumorigenic when expressed in hepatocytes. Here, we investigated the oncogenic properties of 14 different HB- and non-HB-associated β-catenin mutants encoded by Sleeping Beauty vectors following their delivery into the mouse liver by hydrodynamic tail-vein injection. We show that all β-catenin mutations, as well as WT β-catenin, are tumorigenic when co-expressed with a mutant form of yes-associated protein (YAP). However, tumor growth rates, histologies, nuclear-to-cytoplasmic partitioning, and metabolic and transcriptional landscapes were strongly influenced by the identities of the β-catenin mutations. These findings provide a context for understanding at the molecular level the notable biological diversity of HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Zhang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224.,Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jennifer Meyfeldt
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Huabo Wang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Sucheta Kulkarni
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Jie Lu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Jordan A Mandel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Brady Marburger
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224.,University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Ying Liu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224.,University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Joanna E Gorka
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
| | - Sarangarajan Ranganathan
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224.,Department of Pathology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Edward V Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224 .,University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.,Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232
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Wnt/β-catenin signaling as a useful therapeutic target in hepatoblastoma. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20192466. [PMID: 31511432 PMCID: PMC6757184 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is a malignant tumor in the liver of children that generally occurs at the age of 2–3 years. There have been ample evidence from the preclinical as well as clinical studies suggesting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hepatoblastoma, which is mainly attributed to the somatic mutations in the exon 3 of β-catenin gene. There is increased translocation of β-catenin protein from the cell surface to cytoplasm and nucleus and intracellular accumulation is directly linked to the severity of the cancer. Accordingly, the alterations in β-catenin and its target genes may be used as markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of pediatric live tumors. Furthermore, scientists have reported the therapeutic usefulness of inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hepatoblastoma and this inhibition of signaling has been done using different methods including short interfering RNA (siRNA), miRNA and pharmacological agents. Wnt/β-catenin works in association with other signaling pathways to induce the development of hepatoblastoma including Yes-associated protein (YAP)1 (YAP-1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) 1 (mTOR-1), SLC38A1, glypican 3 (GPC3), nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), epidermal growth factor receptor, ERK1/2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), regenerating islet-derived 1 and 3 α (REG1A and 3A), substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor and PARP-1. The present review describes the key role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the development of hepatoblastoma. Moreover, the role of other signaling pathways in hepatoblastoma in association with Wnt/β-catenin has also been described.
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55
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The Emerging Roles of Cancer Stem Cells and Wnt/Beta-Catenin Signaling in Hepatoblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101406. [PMID: 31547062 PMCID: PMC6826653 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common form of primary liver malignancy found in pediatric populations. HB is considered to be clonal and arises from hepatoblasts, or embryonic liver progenitor cells. These less differentiated tumor-initiating progenitor cells, or cancer stem cells (CSCs), may contribute to tumor recurrence and resistance to therapies, and have high metastatic abilities. Phenotypic heterogeneity, undesired genetic and epigenetic alterations, and dysregulated signaling pathways provide CSCs with a survival advantage over current therapies. The molecular and cellular basis of HB and the mechanism of CSC induction are not fully understood. The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is one of the major developmental pathways and is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of HB and CSC formation. This review summarizes the cellular and molecular characteristics of HB with a specific emphasis on CSCs and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
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GREB1 induced by Wnt signaling promotes development of hepatoblastoma by suppressing TGFβ signaling. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3882. [PMID: 31462641 PMCID: PMC6713762 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11533-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The β-catenin mutation is frequently observed in hepatoblastoma (HB), but the underlying mechanism by which Wnt/β-catenin signaling induces HB tumor formation is unknown. Here we show that expression of growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (GREB1) depends on Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HB patients. GREB1 is localized to the nucleus where it binds Smad2/3 in a competitive manner with p300 and inhibits TGFβ signaling, thereby promoting HepG2 HB cell proliferation. Forced expression of β-catenin, YAP, and c-Met induces HB-like mouse liver tumor (BYM mice), with an increase in GREB1 expression and HB markers. Depletion of GREB1 strongly suppresses marker gene expression and HB-like liver tumorigenesis, and instead enhances TGFβ signaling in BYM mice. Furthermore, antisense oligonucleotides for GREB1 suppress the formation of HepG2 cell-induced tumors and HB-like tumors in vivo. We propose that GREB1 is a target molecule of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and required for HB progression. The mechanisms promoting hepatoblastoma (HB) progression through Wnt/β-catenin signaling are unclear. Here, the authors show that the Wnt/ β-catenin axis induces GREB1 expression and nuclear localization, and suppresses TGFβ pathway, and propose GREB1 as a therapeutic target in HB.
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57
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Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists against Hepatoblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091258. [PMID: 31466222 PMCID: PMC6770178 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common malignant liver tumor that occurs during childhood. The prognosis of children with HB is favorable when a complete surgical resection of the tumor is possible, but for high-risk patients, the prognosis is much worse. New anti-HB strategies must be urgently developed. The undecapeptide substance P (SP) after binding to the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), regulates cancer cell proliferation, exerts an antiapoptotic effect, induces cell migration for invasion/metastasis, and triggers endothelial cell proliferation for neoangiogenesis. HB samples and cell lines overexpress NK-1R (the truncated form) and SP elicits HB cell proliferation. One of these strategies could be the use of non-peptide NK-1R antagonists. These antagonists exert, in a concentration-dependent manner, an antiproliferative action against HB cells (inhibit cell proliferation and induce the death of HB cells by apoptosis). NK-1R antagonists exerted a dual effect in HB: Decreased both tumor volume and angiogenic activity. Thus, the SP/NK-1R system is an important target in the HB treatment and NK-1R antagonists could act as specific drugs against HB cells. In this review, we update and discuss the use of NK-1R antagonists in the treatment of HB.
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58
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Jiang G, Huang CK, Zhang X, Lv X, Wang Y, Yu T, Cai X. Wnt signaling in liver disease: emerging trends from a bibliometric perspective. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7073. [PMID: 31275745 PMCID: PMC6590390 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Wnt signaling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved molecular transduction cascade, has been identified as playing a pivotal role in various physiological and pathological processes of the liver, including homeostasis, regeneration, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aimed to use a bibliometric method to evaluate the emerging trends on Wnt signaling in liver diseases. Methods Articles were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. We used a bibliometric software, CiteSpace V 5.3.R4, to analyze the active countries or institutions in the research field, the landmark manuscripts, important subtopics, and evolution of scientific ideas. Results In total, 1,768 manuscripts were published, and each was cited 33.12 times on average. The U.S. published most of the articles, and the most active center was the University of Pittsburgh. The top 5 landmark papers were identified by four bibliometric indexes including citation, burstness, centrality, and usage 2013. The clustering process divided the whole area into nine research subtopics, and the two major important subtopics were "liver zonation" and "HCC." Using the "Part-of-Speech" technique, 1,743 terms representing scientific ideas were identified. After 2008, the bursting phrases were "liver development," "progenitor cells," "hepatic stellate cells," "liver regeneration," "liver fibrosis," "epithelial-mesenchymal transition," and etc. Conclusion Using bibliometric methods, we quantitatively summarized the advancements and emerging trends in Wnt signaling in liver diseases. These bibliometric findings may pioneer the future direction of this field in the next few years, and further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyi Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chiung-Kuei Huang
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Xinjie Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingyu Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tunan Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Dinarvand P, Davaro EP, Doan JV, Ising ME, Evans NR, Phillips NJ, Lai J, Guzman MA. Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Syndrome: An Update and Review of Extraintestinal Manifestations. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2019; 143:1382-1398. [PMID: 31070935 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2018-0570-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare genetic disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance, defined by numerous adenomatous polyps, which inevitably progress to colorectal carcinoma unless detected and managed early. Greater than 70% of patients with this syndrome also develop extraintestinal manifestations, such as multiple osteomas, dental abnormalities, and a variety of other lesions located throughout the body. These manifestations have historically been subcategorized as Gardner syndrome, Turcot syndrome, or gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach. Recent studies, however, correlate the severity of gastrointestinal disease and the prominence of extraintestinal findings to specific mutations within the adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC), supporting a spectrum of disease as opposed to subcategorization. Advances in immunohistochemical and molecular techniques shed new light on the origin, classification, and progression risk of different entities associated with FAP. OBJECTIVE.— To provide a comprehensive clinicopathologic review of neoplastic and nonneoplastic entities associated with FAP syndrome, with emphasis on recent developments in immunohistochemical and molecular profiles of extraintestinal manifestations in the thyroid, skin, soft tissue, bone, central nervous system, liver, and pancreas, and the subsequent changes in classification schemes and risk stratification. DATA SOURCES.— This review will be based on peer-reviewed literature and the authors' experiences. CONCLUSIONS.— In this review we will provide an update on the clinicopathologic manifestations, immunohistochemical profiles, molecular features, and prognosis of entities seen in FAP, with a focus on routine recognition and appropriate workup of extraintestinal manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Dinarvand
- From the Departments of Pathology (Drs Dinarvand, Davaro, Doan, Phillips, and Guzman and Ms Ising) and Internal Medicine (Dr Evans), Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri; and the Department of Pathology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville (Dr Lai)
| | - Elizabeth P Davaro
- From the Departments of Pathology (Drs Dinarvand, Davaro, Doan, Phillips, and Guzman and Ms Ising) and Internal Medicine (Dr Evans), Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri; and the Department of Pathology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville (Dr Lai)
| | - James V Doan
- From the Departments of Pathology (Drs Dinarvand, Davaro, Doan, Phillips, and Guzman and Ms Ising) and Internal Medicine (Dr Evans), Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri; and the Department of Pathology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville (Dr Lai)
| | - Mary E Ising
- From the Departments of Pathology (Drs Dinarvand, Davaro, Doan, Phillips, and Guzman and Ms Ising) and Internal Medicine (Dr Evans), Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri; and the Department of Pathology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville (Dr Lai)
| | - Neil R Evans
- From the Departments of Pathology (Drs Dinarvand, Davaro, Doan, Phillips, and Guzman and Ms Ising) and Internal Medicine (Dr Evans), Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri; and the Department of Pathology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville (Dr Lai)
| | - Nancy J Phillips
- From the Departments of Pathology (Drs Dinarvand, Davaro, Doan, Phillips, and Guzman and Ms Ising) and Internal Medicine (Dr Evans), Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri; and the Department of Pathology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville (Dr Lai)
| | - Jinping Lai
- From the Departments of Pathology (Drs Dinarvand, Davaro, Doan, Phillips, and Guzman and Ms Ising) and Internal Medicine (Dr Evans), Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri; and the Department of Pathology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville (Dr Lai)
| | - Miguel A Guzman
- From the Departments of Pathology (Drs Dinarvand, Davaro, Doan, Phillips, and Guzman and Ms Ising) and Internal Medicine (Dr Evans), Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri; and the Department of Pathology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville (Dr Lai)
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The Role of MicroRNAs in Hepatoblastoma Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030409. [PMID: 30909459 PMCID: PMC6468899 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is the most common hepatic malignancy during childhood. However, little is still known about the molecular mechanisms that govern the development of this disease. This review is focused on the recent advances regarding the study of microRNAs in hepatoblastoma and their substantial contribution to improv our knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease. We show here that miRNAs represent valuable tools to identify signaling pathways involved in hepatoblastoma progression as well as useful biomarkers and novel molecular targets to develop alternative therapeutic strategies in this disease.
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61
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Molina L, Yang H, Adebayo Michael AO, Oertel M, Bell A, Singh S, Chen X, Tao J, Monga SP. mTOR inhibition affects Yap1-β-catenin-induced hepatoblastoma growth and development. Oncotarget 2019; 10:1475-1490. [PMID: 30863496 PMCID: PMC6407673 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric liver malignancy. Around 80% of HB demonstrate simultaneous activation of β-catenin and Yes-associated protein 1 (Yap1). The mechanism by which these signaling pathways contribute to HB pathogenesis remain obscure. Recently, mTORC1 activation was reported in human HB cells and in a murine HB model driven by β-catenin and Yap1. Here, we directly investigate the therapeutic impact of mTOR inhibition following HB development in the Yap1-β-catenin model. HB were established by hydrodynamic tail vein injection of Sleeping Beauty transposase and plasmids coding for ΔN90-β-catenin and S127A-Yap1. Five weeks after injection, when HB were evident, mice were randomized into Rapamycin diet-fed or basal-diet-fed groups for 5-weeks. Tumor growth was monitored via ultrasound imaging and mice in both groups were euthanized after 5-weeks for molecular analysis. Transcriptomic analysis showed a strong correlation in gene expression between HB in the Yap1-β-catenin model and HB patient cohorts. Rapamycin treatment decreased HB burden, almost normalizing liver weight to body weight ratio. Ultrasound imaging showed reduction in tumor growth over the duration of Rapamycin treatment as compared to controls. Majority of HB in the controls exhibited crowded fetal or embryonal histology, while remnant tumors in the experimental group showed well-differentiated fetal morphology. Immunohistochemistry confirmed inhibition of mTORC1 in the Rapamycin group. Thus, Rapamycin reduces HB in a clinically relevant model driven by β-catenin and Yap1, supporting use of mTORC1 inhibitors in their therapy. We also show the utility of standard and 3D ultrasound imaging for monitoring liver tumors in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Molina
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | | | - Michael Oertel
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Aaron Bell
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sucha Singh
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Junyan Tao
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Satdarshan P.S. Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Zhang J, Liu P, Tao J, Wang P, Zhang Y, Song X, Che L, Sumazin P, Ribback S, Kiss A, Schaff Z, Cigliano A, Dombrowski F, Cossu C, Pascale RM, Calvisi DF, Monga SP, Chen X. TEA Domain Transcription Factor 4 Is the Major Mediator of Yes-Associated Protein Oncogenic Activity in Mouse and Human Hepatoblastoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:1077-1090. [PMID: 30794805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common type of pediatric liver cancer. Activation of yes-associated protein (YAP) has been implicated in HB molecular pathogenesis. The transcriptional co-activator Yap regulates downstream gene expression through interaction with the TEA domain (TEAD) proteins. Nonetheless, YAP also displays functions that are independent of its transcriptional activity. The underlying molecular mechanisms by which Yap promotes HB development remain elusive. In the current study, we demonstrated that blocking TEAD function via the dominant-negative form of TEAD2 abolishes Yap-driven HB formation in mice and restrains human HB growth in vitro. When TEAD2 DNA-binding domain was fused with virus protein 16 transcriptional activation domain, it synergized with activated β-catenin to promote HB formation in vivo. Among TEAD genes, silencing of TEAD4 consistently inhibited tumor growth and Yap target gene expression in HB cell lines. Furthermore, TEAD4 mRNA expression was significantly higher in human HB lesions when compared with corresponding nontumorous liver tissues. Human HB specimens also exhibited strong nuclear immunoreactivity for TEAD4. Altogether, data demonstrate that TEAD-mediated transcriptional activity is both sufficient and necessary for Yap-driven HB development. TEAD4 is the major TEAD isoform and Yap partner in human HB. Targeting TEAD4 may represent an effective treatment option for human HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology II, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Pin Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyan Tao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Pan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Xinhua Song
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Li Che
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Pavel Sumazin
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Andras Kiss
- Second Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Schaff
- Second Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Antonio Cigliano
- National Institute of Gastroenterology S. de Bellis, Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Frank Dombrowski
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Carla Cossu
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Rosa M Pascale
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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Abstract
The canonical Wnt-β-catenin pathway is a complex, evolutionarily conserved signalling mechanism that regulates fundamental physiological and pathological processes. Wnt-β-catenin signalling tightly controls embryogenesis, including hepatobiliary development, maturation and zonation. In the mature healthy liver, the Wnt-β-catenin pathway is mostly inactive but can become re-activated during cell renewal and/or regenerative processes, as well as in certain pathological conditions, diseases, pre-malignant conditions and cancer. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), the two most prevalent primary liver tumours in adults, Wnt-β-catenin signalling is frequently hyperactivated and promotes tumour growth and dissemination. A substantial proportion of liver tumours (mainly HCC and, to a lesser extent, CCA) have mutations in genes encoding key components of the Wnt-β-catenin signalling pathway. Likewise, hepatoblastoma, the most common paediatric liver cancer, is characterized by Wnt-β-catenin activation, mostly as a result of β-catenin mutations. In this Review, we discuss the most relevant molecular mechanisms of action and regulation of Wnt-β-catenin signalling in liver development and pathophysiology. Moreover, we highlight important preclinical and clinical studies and future directions in basic and clinical research.
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64
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Hepatoblastoma-The Evolution of Biology, Surgery, and Transplantation. CHILDREN-BASEL 2018; 6:children6010001. [PMID: 30577683 PMCID: PMC6352070 DOI: 10.3390/children6010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The most common primary malignant liver tumor of childhood, hepatoblastoma has increased in incidence over the last 30 years, but little is still known about its pathogenesis. Discoveries in molecular biology provide clues but have yet to define targeted therapies. Disease-free survival varies according to stage, but is greater than 90% in favorable risk populations, in part due to improvements in chemotherapeutic regimens, surgical resection, and earlier referral to liver transplant centers. This article aims to highlight the principles of disease that guide current treatment algorithms. Surgical treatment, especially orthotopic liver transplantation, will also be emphasized in the context of the current Children's Oncology Group international study of pediatric liver cancer (AHEP-1531).
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65
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Zhang L, Jin Y, Zheng K, Wang H, Yang S, Lv C, Han W, Yu Y, Yang Y, Geng D, Yang H, Shi T, Guo Y, Ni X. Whole-Genome Sequencing Identifies a Novel Variation of WAS Gene Coordinating With Heterozygous Germline Mutation of APC to Enhance Hepatoblastoma Oncogenesis. Front Genet 2018; 9:668. [PMID: 30619485 PMCID: PMC6305990 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB), a leading primary hepatic malignancy in children, originates from primitive hepatic stem cells. This study aimed to uncover the genetic variants that are responsible for HB oncogenesis. One family, which includes the healthy parents, and two brothers affected by HB, was recruited. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of germline DNA from all the family members identified two maternal variants, located within APC gene and X-linked WAS gene, which were harbored by the two brothers. The mutation of APC (rs137854573, c.C1606T, p.R536X) could result in HB carcinogenesis by activating Wnt signaling. The WAS variant (c.G3T, p.M1-P5del) could promote HB cell proliferation and inhibit T-cell-based immunity by activating PLK1 signaling and inactivating TCR signaling. Further analysis reflected that WAS deficiency might affect the antitumor activity of natural killer and dendritic cells. In summary, the obtained results imply that an APC mutant together with an X-linked WAS mutant, could lead to HB tumorigenesis by activating Wnt and PLK1 signaling, inhibiting TCR signaling, and reducing the antitumor activity of natural killer and dendritic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, and the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqiong Jin
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.,Biobank for Clinical Data and Samples in Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Huanmin Wang
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Shen Yang
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Chenkai Lv
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, and the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Han
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yongbo Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.,Biobank for Clinical Data and Samples in Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yeran Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.,Biobank for Clinical Data and Samples in Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Di Geng
- Biobank for Clinical Data and Samples in Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.,Biobank for Clinical Data and Samples in Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Tieliu Shi
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, and the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongli Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.,Biobank for Clinical Data and Samples in Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Ni
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.,Biobank for Clinical Data and Samples in Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.,Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
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66
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Molina L, Bell D, Tao J, Preziosi M, Pradhan-Sundd T, Singh S, Poddar M, Luo J, Ranganathan S, Chikina M, Monga SP. Hepatocyte-Derived Lipocalin 2 Is a Potential Serum Biomarker Reflecting Tumor Burden in Hepatoblastoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:1895-1909. [PMID: 29920228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric liver malignant tumor. Previously, we reported co-activation of β-catenin and Yes-associated protein-1 (YAP1) in 80% of HB. Hepatic co-expression of active β-catenin and YAP1 via sleeping beauty transposon/transposase and hydrodynamic tail vein injection led to HB development in mice. Here, we identify lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) as a target of β-catenin and YAP1 in HB and show that serum Lcn2 values positively correlated with tumor burden. Lcn2 was strongly expressed in HB tumor cells in our mouse model. A tissue array of 62 HB cases showed highest LCN2 expression in embryonal and lowest in fetal, blastemal, and small cell undifferentiated forms of HB. Knockdown of LCN2 in HB cells had no effect on cell proliferation but reduced NF-κB reporter activity. Next, liver-specific Lcn2 knockout (KO) mice were generated. No difference in tumor burden was observed between Lcn2 KO mice and wild-type littermate controls after sleeping beauty transposon/transposase and hydrodynamic tail vein injection delivery of active YAP1 and β-catenin, although Lcn2 KO mice with HB lacked any serum Lcn2 elevation, demonstrating that transformed hepatocytes are the source of serum Lcn2. More blastemal areas and inflammation were observed within HB in Lcn2 KO compared with wild-type tumors. In conclusion, Lcn2 expressed in hepatocytes appears to be dispensable for the pathogenesis of HB. However, transformed hepatocytes secrete serum Lcn2, making Lcn2 a valuable biomarker for HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Molina
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Danielle Bell
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Junyan Tao
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Morgan Preziosi
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tirthadipa Pradhan-Sundd
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sucha Singh
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jianhua Luo
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarangarajan Ranganathan
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Maria Chikina
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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67
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Dubbink HJ, Hollink IHIM, Avenca Valente C, Wang W, Liu P, Doukas M, van Noesel MM, Dinjens WNM, Wagner A, Smits R. A novel tissue-based ß-catenin gene and immunohistochemical analysis to exclude familial adenomatous polyposis among children with hepatoblastoma tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:e26991. [PMID: 29446530 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a central role in the pathogenesis of most hepatoblastomas (HBs), that is, up to 60-80% carry activating CTNNB1 mutations. HBs can however also be the first manifestation of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). As this is a severe disease, it is important for the patient and related family members to firmly exclude FAP at an early stage. Current diagnosis largely depends on APC germline mutation detection on genomic DNA, which is associated with 10-20% false-negative results. Here, we establish and validate a tissue-based β-catenin gene and immunohistochemical analysis, which complements germline mutation screening to exclude the diagnosis of FAP among HB patients. METHODS Tumor tissues of 18 HB patients, including three FAP cases were subjected to CTNNB1 exon 3 mutational analysis and immunohistochemistry comparing staining patterns for total and exon 3 specific β-catenin antibodies. RESULTS Our novel tissue-based method reliably identified all three FAP patients. Their tumors were characterized by a wild-type exon 3 sequence and a comparable nuclear staining for both antibodies. In contrast, the non-FAP tumors carried missense CTNNB1 mutations combined with a clearly reduced staining for the exon 3 antibody, or complete loss of staining in case of lesions with exon 3 deletions. CONCLUSION We have successfully established and validated a novel ß-catenin gene and immunohistochemical diagnostic method, which, when combined with routine germline DNA testing, allows the exclusion of the diagnosis of FAP among HB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrikus J Dubbink
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iris H I M Hollink
- Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carolina Avenca Valente
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wenhui Wang
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pengyu Liu
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michail Doukas
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Max M van Noesel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Winand N M Dinjens
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anja Wagner
- Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Smits
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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68
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Zhao T, Xu Y, Ren S, Liang C, Zhou X, Wu J. The siRNA silencing of DcR3 expression induces Fas ligand-mediated apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:4370-4378. [PMID: 29725377 PMCID: PMC5920343 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctional Fas ligand (FasL) may inhibit the apoptosis of tumor cells. FasL contains two receptors, Fas and Decoy Receptor 3 (DcR3). DcR3 competitively binds to FasL over Fas, resulting in the inhibition of FasL-mediated apoptosis. Therefore, it was suggested that the downregulation of DcR3 expression enhances FasL-mediated apoptosis. In the current study, the expression of DcR3 was silenced in liver cancer HepG2 cells in order to study the effect of FasL on HepG2 cell activity and invasiveness. DcR3 siRNA knockdown HepG2 cells (KD), DcR3 blank plasmid control HepG2 cells and wild-type HepG2 cells (WT) were treated with FasL (10 ng/ml). Flow cytometry was used to detect changes in the cell cycle and apoptosis. MTS, clonogenic, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to examine changes in cell activity, proliferation, migration and invasiveness. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed to measure the expression of DcR3, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D. The results demonstrated that, compared with WT cells, the proportion of KD cells in the G2/M phase decreased following treatment with FasL. KD cells were more sensitive to FasL-induced apoptosis. Following treatment with FasL, the activity and proliferation, migration and invasion of KD cells were reduced, and the expression of MMP9, VEGF-C and VEGF-D decreased. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that DcR3 is involved in the proliferation and invasion of HepG2 cells, and this mechanism may be associated with the regulatory effect of the expression of MMP9, VEGF-C and VEGF-D; however, the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. FollowingDcR3 silencing, FasL-mediated apoptosis increased in HepG2 cells. Therefore, DcR3 combined with FasL may be a potential target for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuanjie Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Yingchen Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Shulin Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Chaojie Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Xiaona Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Jixiang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
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69
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Abstract
Introduction: Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common primary malignant liver neoplasm in children. Its increasing survival rate is related to the progress in modern imaging, surgical techniques, and new chemotherapy regimens. Clinical approach: One of the past achievements was the development of the pretreatment extension of disease (PRETEXT) system. Gradually, the HB therapeutic approach has become more individualized with better stratification of patients. Controversies: These include the need for preoperative chemotherapy and its optimal duration; intensity of preoperative chemotherapy required for locally advanced cases (PRETEXT 4); optimal surgical treatment for locally advanced tumors: aggressive hepatic resections versus liver transplantation; the role of postoperative chemotherapy in the post-transplant setting; the timing and role of metastasectomy in patients with disseminated disease who undergo partial liver resection; and the prognostic significance of several HB pathology variants. Hepatoblastoma biology: Beta-catenin mutations and the beta-catenin/Wnt pathway play an important role in HB development. There have been at least two molecular signatures in HB published. Unluckily, all of these findings are based on relatively small clinical series and require confirmation. Conclusion: The treatment of HB started from one and the same therapy for all patients and aimed at increased treatment individualization, but the future seems to lie in biology-driven patient-tailored therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Czauderna
- Department of Surgery and Urology for Children and Adolescents, Medical University of Gdansk, Ul. Nowe Ogrody 1-6, 80-803 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Hanna Garnier
- Department of Surgery and Urology for Children and Adolescents, Medical University of Gdansk, Ul. Nowe Ogrody 1-6, 80-803 Gdansk, Poland
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70
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Goetzman ES, Prochownik EV. The Role for Myc in Coordinating Glycolysis, Oxidative Phosphorylation, Glutaminolysis, and Fatty Acid Metabolism in Normal and Neoplastic Tissues. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:129. [PMID: 29706933 PMCID: PMC5907532 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
That cancer cells show patterns of metabolism different from normal cells has been known for over 50 years. Yet, it is only in the past decade or so that an appreciation of the benefits of these changes has begun to emerge. Altered cancer cell metabolism was initially attributed to defective mitochondria. However, we now realize that most cancers do not have mitochondrial mutations and that normal cells can transiently adopt cancer-like metabolism during periods of rapid proliferation. Indeed, an encompassing, albeit somewhat simplified, conceptual framework to explain both normal and cancer cell metabolism rests on several simple premises. First, the metabolic pathways used by cancer cells and their normal counterparts are the same. Second, normal quiescent cells use their metabolic pathways and the energy they generate largely to maintain cellular health and organelle turnover and, in some cases, to provide secreted products necessary for the survival of the intact organism. By contrast, undifferentiated cancer cells minimize the latter functions and devote their energy to producing the anabolic substrates necessary to maintain high rates of unremitting cellular proliferation. Third, as a result of the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells, a larger fraction of the metabolic intermediates normally used by quiescent cells purely as a source of energy are instead channeled into competing proliferation-focused and energy-consuming anabolic pathways. Fourth, cancer cell clones with the most plastic and rapidly adaptable metabolism will eventually outcompete their less well-adapted brethren during tumor progression and evolution. This attribute becomes increasingly important as tumors grow and as their individual cells compete in a constantly changing and inimical environment marked by nutrient, oxygen, and growth factor deficits. Here, we review some of the metabolic pathways whose importance has gained center stage for tumor growth, particularly those under the control of the c-Myc (Myc) oncoprotein. We discuss how these pathways differ functionally between quiescent and proliferating normal cells, how they are kidnapped and corrupted during the course of transformation, and consider potential therapeutic strategies that take advantage of common features of neoplastic and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S. Goetzman
- Division of Medical Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Edward V. Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- University of Pittsburgh Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Edward V. Prochownik,
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71
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Lee H, El Jabbour T, Ainechi S, Gay LM, Elvin JA, Vergilio JA, Suh J, Ramkissoon SH, Ali SM, Schrock A, Fabrizio D, Frampton G, Nazeer T, Miller VA, Stephens PJ, Ross JS. General paucity of genomic alteration and low tumor mutation burden in refractory and metastatic hepatoblastoma: comprehensive genomic profiling study. Hum Pathol 2017; 70:84-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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72
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Zhang F, Zhang CM, Li S, Wang KK, Guo BB, Fu Y, Liu LY, Zhang Y, Jiang HY, Wu CJ. Low dosage of arsenic trioxide inhibits vasculogenic mimicry in hepatoblastoma without cell apoptosis. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:1573-1582. [PMID: 29138840 PMCID: PMC5780096 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common type of pediatric liver malignancy, which predominantly occurs in young children (aged <5 years), and continues to be a therapeutic challenge in terms of metastasis and drug resistance. As a new pattern of tumor blood supply, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a channel structure lined by tumor cells rather than endothelial cells, which contribute to angiogenesis. VM occurs in a variety of solid tumor types, including liver cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on VM. In vitro experiments identified that HB cell line HepG2 cells form typical VM structures on Matrigel, and the structures were markedly damaged by As2O3 at a low concentration before the cell viability significantly decreased. The western blot results indicated that As2O3 downregulated the expression level of VM-associated proteins prior to the appearance of apoptotic proteins. In vivo, VM has been observed in xenografts of HB mouse models and identified by periodic acid-Schiff+/CD105− channels lined by HepG2 cells without necrotic cells. As2O3 (2 mg/kg) markedly depresses tumor growth without causing serious adverse reactions by decreasing the number of VM channels via inhibiting the expression level of VM-associated proteins. Thus, the present data strongly indicate that low dosage As2O3 reduces the formation of VM in HB cell line HepG2 cells, independent of cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro, and may represent as a candidate drug for HB targeting VM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Mei Zhang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Kun-Kun Wang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Bin-Bin Guo
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Lu-Yang Liu
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Yu Jiang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Chang-Jun Wu
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
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Russell JO, Monga SP. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Liver Development, Homeostasis, and Pathobiology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2017; 13:351-378. [PMID: 29125798 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-020117-044010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The liver is an organ that performs a multitude of functions, and its health is pertinent and indispensable to survival. Thus, the cellular and molecular machinery driving hepatic functions is of utmost relevance. The Wnt signaling pathway is one such signaling cascade that enables hepatic homeostasis and contributes to unique hepatic attributes such as metabolic zonation and regeneration. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a role in almost every facet of liver biology. Furthermore, its aberrant activation is also a hallmark of various hepatic pathologies. In addition to its signaling function, β-catenin also plays a role at adherens junctions. Wnt/β-catenin signaling also influences the function of many different cell types. Due to this myriad of functions, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is complex, context-dependent, and highly regulated. In this review, we discuss the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, its role in cell-cell adhesion and liver function, and the cell type-specific roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling as it relates to liver physiology and pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn O Russell
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA;
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Lin G, Sun W, Yang Z, Guo J, Liu H, Liang J. Hypoxia induces the expression of TET enzymes in HepG2 cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:6457-6462. [PMID: 29163682 PMCID: PMC5686438 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia promotes tumor malignancy in solid tumors. One key mechanism by which this occurs is via epigenetic alteration. The present study demonstrates that hypoxia upregulates the expression of the ten-eleven-translocation 5-methylcytosine dioxygenase (TET) enzymes, which catalyze the conversion of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), thereby leading to elevated cellular 5-hmC levels in hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells. Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is the main transcription factor activated by hypoxia. A chemical inducer of HIF-1α, CoCl2, also increases the expression of TET enzymes. Knockdown of HIF-1α attenuates the hypoxia-induced expression of TET enzymes. These results indicate that hypoxia controls DNA methylation through HIF-1α-mediated TET enzyme regulation in HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofu Lin
- Department of The First General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
| | - Wenyu Sun
- Department of The First General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of The First General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
| | - Jinshuai Guo
- Department of The First General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Department of The First General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
| | - Jian Liang
- Department of The First General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
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