151
|
Liu Y, Dong Z, Chen W, Chen L, Ju L, Cai W, Luo X, Bian Z. Construction of a ceRNA regulatory network to explore potential pathogenesis mechanisms involved in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22058. [PMID: 38086834 PMCID: PMC10716167 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47374-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers. Recent studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) that interact with microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the occurrence and development of various tumours. Transcriptional profile analysis was used to analyse expression of circRNAs in HCC in this study. The top ten upregulated circRNAs were selected and validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in another 34 HCC patients. MiRNAs and mRNAs downstream of these circRNAs were explored through database analysis, and finally, the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed for 5 selected circRNAs. We identified 9658 differentially expressed circRNAs by transcriptional profile analysis. QRT-PCR was performed to validate the top ten upregulated circRNAs, and five circRNAs were selected for further analysis. The miRNAs and mRNAs downstream of these five circRNAs were predicted to construct ceRNA network diagrams. Further analysis revealed five circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axes that correlate negatively with HCC prognosis. Numerous differentially expressed circRNAs exist in HCC, and they can regulate the biological behaviour of HCC through ceRNA networks. Bioinformatics analysis showed that ceRNA regulatory axes involved in HCC have high diagnostic and prognostic value and deserve further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yicun Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, No. 60 Middle Qingnian Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhixing Dong
- Nantong University Medical School, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - WeiJie Chen
- Nantong University Medical School, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Hepatology Laboratory, Nantong Institute of Liver Disease, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, No. 60 Middle Qingnian Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linling Ju
- Department of Hepatology Laboratory, Nantong Institute of Liver Disease, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, No. 60 Middle Qingnian Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weihua Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, No. 60 Middle Qingnian Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, No. 60 Middle Qingnian Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhaolian Bian
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, No. 60 Middle Qingnian Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
152
|
Ji X, Zhu L, Hsu JC, Wang H, Zhou J, Wang Q, Li Y, Cai W, Ni D, Wu Z. Tungsten-based nanoparticles as contrast agents for liver tumor detection using dual-energy computed tomography. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:7817-7825. [PMID: 37873585 PMCID: PMC10873050 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01068f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is a commonly used imaging technique for detecting and diagnosing liver cancer. Currently, it is performed using clinically approved iodinated small molecule contrast agents (CAs). However, these iodinated CAs have several drawbacks, including sub-optimal contrast generation and contra-indication in patients with renal insufficiency. Herein, we synthesized tungsten-based CAs (i.e., WO3-x NPs) with excellent biocompatibility and investigated their effectiveness in DECT imaging. WO3-x NPs significantly enhanced the contrast between liver tumors and normal liver tissues as indicated by in vivo DECT imaging. Furthermore, WO3-x NPs exhibited excellent biocompatibility and minimal systemic toxicity. This study introduces a novel class of CAs for DECT and presents a promising method for accurate early diagnosis of liver tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuru Ji
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197, Ruijin 2nd Rd, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China.
| | - Lan Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China.
| | - Jessica C Hsu
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197, Ruijin 2nd Rd, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China.
| | - Jingwei Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639, Zhizaoju Rd., Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingbing Wang
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China.
| | - Yuhan Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197, Ruijin 2nd Rd, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China.
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.
| | - Dalong Ni
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197, Ruijin 2nd Rd, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China.
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
153
|
Raza F, Zheng M, Zhong H, Su J, He B, Yuan WE, Qiu M. Engineered tumor microvesicles modified by SP94 peptide for arsenic trioxide targeting drug delivery in liver cancer therapy. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 155:213683. [PMID: 37925825 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is among the leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. There is growing interest in using traditional Chinese medicines such as arsenic trioxide (ATO) to treat liver cancer. ATO have attracted attention due to its wide range of anti-cancer activities. However, the current ATO formulations are associated with drawbacks such as short half-life, lack of targeting ability towards solid tumors and apparent toxic side effects. Tumor microvesicles (TMVs) has shown encouraging results for the delivery of drugs to solid tumor. In this work, we designed ATO loaded TMVs further modified by SP94 peptide as liver cancer specific ligand (ATO@SP94-TMVs). This drug delivery system utilized SP94 peptide that selectively targets liver cancer cells while TMVs increase the accumulation of ATO at tumor site and activate immune response owing to the associated antigens. ATO@SP94-TMVs exhibited high encapsulation efficiency and tumor microenvironment triggered enhanced release of ATO in vitro. Cytotoxicity and uptake studies revealed remarkable inhibition and specific targeting of H22 cells. In addition, excellent immune response was detected in vitro, enhancing anti-tumor efficacy. Furthermore, a tumor inhibition rate of about 53.23 % was observed in H22 bearing tumor model. Overall, these results confirm that ATO@SP94-TMVs can be a promising nano drug delivery system for the future liver cancer therapy and improve its clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Raza
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mengyuan Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hongyu Zhong
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jing Su
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Beixuan He
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Wei-En Yuan
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mingfeng Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
154
|
Yu Y, Lou Y, Zhu J, Wang X. Comprehensive analysis of diverse programmed cell death patterns in the prognosis, tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36239. [PMID: 38050240 PMCID: PMC10695610 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment failure in patients with liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is primarily caused by tumor progression and therapy resistance. Tumor immunity plays a crucial role in regulating the homeostasis of cells through the process of programmed cell death (PCD). However, the expression profile and clinical significance of PCD-related genes in LIHC require further investigation. In this study, we analyzed twelve commonly observed PCD patterns to construct a prognostic model. We collected RNA-seq data, genomics, and clinical information from TCGA-LIHC and GSE14520 cohorts to validate the prognostic gene signature. We discovered 75 PCD-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with prognostic significance in LIHC. Using these genes, we constructed a PCD-related score (PCDscore) with an 11-gene signature through LASSO COX regression analysis. Validation in the GSE14520 cohort demonstrated that LIHC patients with high PCDscore had poorer prognoses. Unsupervised clustering based on the 11 model genes revealed 3 molecular subtypes of LIHC with distinct prognoses. By incorporating PCDscore with clinical features, we constructed a highly predictive nomogram. Additionally, PCDscore was correlated with immune checkpoint genes and immune cell infiltration. LIHC patients with high PCDscore exhibited sensitivity to common chemotherapy drugs (such as cisplatin and docetaxel). To summarize, our study developed a novel PCDscore model that comprehensively analyzed different cell death modes, providing an accurate prediction of clinical prognosis and drug sensitivity for LIHC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youlin Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanglieguang Lou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinlong Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
155
|
Zeng YL, Gao F, Zhang C, Ren PP, Ma L, Wang X, Wang R, Kang Y, Li K. USF1 modulates transcription and cellular functions by regulating multiple transcription factors in Huh7 cells. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:532. [PMID: 38020298 PMCID: PMC10655063 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14119] [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] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a malignant tumor that has high rates of metastasis and mortality worldwide. Upstream transcription factor 1 (USF1) is a canonical transcription factor (TF) and is associated with the pathogenesis of several cancers, but its biological functions and molecular targets in HCC remain unclear. Huh7 cells that overexpress USF1 were used with whole transcriptome profiling through RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing methods to investigate the downstream targets of USF1. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was then used to validate the downstream targets. The results showed that USF1 significantly regulates 350 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The upregulated DEGs were primarily protein-coding genes enriched in immune and inflammation response pathways, while the downregulated DEGs were mainly coding long non-coding (lnc)RNAs, indicating the regulatory function of USF1. It was also demonstrated that USF1 directly binds to the promoter region of 2,492 genes, which may be involved in the viral progression and cell proliferation pathways. By integrating these two datasets, 16 overlapped genes were detected, including downregulated lncRNA-NEAT1 and upregulated TF-ETV5. The downregulated lncRNA-NEAT1 showed reverse expression pattern and prognosis result compared with that of USF1 in patients with liver cancer, while upregulated TF-ETV5 showed consistent results with USF1. Promoter region motif analysis indicated that ETV5 has more binding motifs and genes than USF1 itself for USF1-regulated DEGs, indicating that USF1 may indirectly modulate gene expression by regulating ETV5 expression in Huh7 cells. The study also validated the direct interaction between USF1 and the promoter of ETV5 using ChIP-qPCR. In summary, the results demonstrated that USF1 binds to the promoter region of thousands of genes and affects a large part of DEGs indirectly. Downstream genes, including lncRNA-NEAT1 and TF-ETV5, may also have potential functions in the regulated network by USF1 and have potential functions in the progression of HCC. The present findings suggested that USF1 and its downstream targets could be potential targets for HCC therapy in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Li Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Can Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Pei Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Ruzhen Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Yi Kang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
156
|
Buttell A, Qiu W. The action and resistance mechanisms of Lenvatinib in liver cancer. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:1918-1934. [PMID: 37671815 PMCID: PMC10840925 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23625] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Lenvatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that prevents the formation of new blood vessels namely by inhibiting tyrosine kinase enzymes as the name suggests. Specifically, Lenvatinib acts on vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1-3 (VEGFR1-3), fibroblast growth factor receptors 1-4 (FGFR1-4), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRα), tyrosine-kinase receptor (KIT), and rearranged during transfection receptor (RET). Inhibition of these receptors works to inhibit tumor proliferation. It is through these inhibition mechanisms that Lenvatinib was tested to be noninferior to Sorafenib. However, resistance to Lenvatinib is common, making the positive effects of Lenvatinib on a patient's survival null after resistance is acquired. Therefore, it is crucial to understand mechanisms related to Lenvatinib resistance. This review aims to piece together various mechanisms involved in Lenvatinib resistance and summarizes the research done so far investigating it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Buttell
- Departments of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Wei Qiu
- Departments of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
157
|
Ye Q, Zhou W, Xu S, Que Q, Zhan Q, Zhang L, Zheng S, Ling S, Xu X. Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 promotes tumorigenesis and progression by an FKBP12/mTORC1/autophagy positive feedback loop in hepatocellular carcinoma. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e439. [PMID: 38045832 PMCID: PMC10691294 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22) has been identified as a potential marker for cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It can promote HCC stemness, which is considered a driver of tumorigenesis. Here, we sought to determine the role of USP22 in tumorigenesis, elucidate its underlying mechanism, and explore its therapeutic significance in HCC. As a result, we found that tissue-specific Usp22 overexpression accelerated tumorigenesis, whereas Usp22 ablation decelerated it in a c-Myc/NRasGV12-induced HCC mouse model and that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway was activated downstream. USP22 overexpression resulted in increased tumorigenic properties that were reversed by rapamycin in vitro and in vivo. In addition, USP22 activated mTORC1 by deubiquitinating FK506-binding protein 12 (FKBP12) and activated mTORC1, in turn, further stabilizing USP22 by inhibiting autophagic degradation. Clinically, HCC patients with high USP22 expression tend to benefit from mTOR inhibitors after liver transplantation (LT). Our results revealed that USP22 promoted tumorigenesis and progression via an FKBP12/mTORC1/autophagy positive feedback loop in HCC. Clinically, USP22 may be an effective biomarker for selecting eligible recipients with HCC for anti-mTOR-based therapy after LT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianwei Ye
- Department of General SurgeryHangzhou First People's HospitalHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi‐Organ TransplantationHangzhouChina
| | - Wei Zhou
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Shengjun Xu
- Department of General SurgeryHangzhou First People's HospitalHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Qingyang Que
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Qifan Zhan
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Lincheng Zhang
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Shusen Zheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi‐Organ TransplantationHangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Sunbin Ling
- Department of General SurgeryHangzhou First People's HospitalHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
158
|
Li S, Xue P, Diao X, Fan QY, Ye K, Tang XM, Liu J, Huang ZY, Tang QH, Jia CY, Xin R, Lv ZW, Liu JB, Ma YS, Fu D. Identification and validation of functional roles for three MYC-associated genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Adv Res 2023; 54:133-146. [PMID: 36716957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrations in MYC underlie a large proportion of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) cases; however, MYC is difficult to target because of its undruggable structure. We aimed to uncover MYC-associated molecular targets to provide new strategies for LIHC treatment. METHODS LIHC transcriptome datasets and clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. A series of bioinformatics analyses were performed for 370 patients who were stratified based on the median MYC expression level (high-MYC group and low-MYC group). Correlation analysis was performed to determine relationships between the expression of key MYC-associated genes and prognosis, DNA promotor methylation, and immune cell infiltration. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway enrichment analyses were performed to elucidate the functions of these genes in LIHC. Their expression and functions in LIHC were further verified using transgenic mice overexpressing c-Myc under control of the hepatocyte-specific promoter (Alb-Cre). RESULTS AURKB, CCNB2, and CDKN3 were overexpressed in LIHC patients with high MYC expression and were associated with poor prognosis. Upregulation of these 3 genes was significantly correlated with hypomethylated promoter status, advanced T stage, metastasis, and immune cell infiltration in LIHC patients. Functional enrichment analyses indicated that these genes participate in the "p53 signaling pathway" and "cell cycle". Furthermore, RT-PCR and IHC analysis revealed that their mRNA and protein expression levels were upregulated in an Alb-Cre;cMYClsl/- mouse model. Drugs that target these 3 MYC-related genes were identified. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results identify biomarkers of potential utility for managing liver cancer therapy owing to their significance in tumorigenesis, proliferation, and tumor immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sha Li
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Central Laboratory, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Pei Xue
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xun Diao
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qi-Yu Fan
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kun Ye
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China; Uro-Oncology Institute of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Tang
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jia Liu
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhong-Yan Huang
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qing-Hai Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources in the Nanyue Mountainous Region and College of Life Sciences and Environment, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang 421008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Cheng-You Jia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Rui Xin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Zhong-Wei Lv
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Ji-Bin Liu
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yu-Shui Ma
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Da Fu
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| |
Collapse
|
159
|
Bai W. The combined characteristics of cholesterol metabolism and the immune microenvironment may serve as valuable biomarkers for both the prognosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22885. [PMID: 38125426 PMCID: PMC10730758 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22885] [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] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being a complex disease, commonly exhibits multifaceted presentations, rendering its treatment challenging and necessitating specific approaches. The tumor immune microenvironment is crucial in cancer treatment, and cholesterol metabolism is a key component that helps cells grow and produce vital metabolites. However, the reprogramming of cholesterol metabolism in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can promote HCC development, and cancer classifiers relating to cholesterol metabolism are currently limited. Despite significant progress, further research is needed to improve early detection, liver function, and treatment options to improve patient outcomes. Methods To evaluate the expression abundance of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and cholesterol metabolism in 8 types of liver cancer cells, we comprehensively evaluated the immune cell composition, extracellular matrix alterations, and activity of relevant signaling pathways in the TIME through nine liver cancer patients, stromal scoring, immune scoring, tumor purity scoring, immune infiltration analysis, and pathway enrichment. Subsequently, we utilized machine learning techniques to construct prognostic models for both cholesterol metabolism and the tumor immune microenvironment, further exploring the tumor mutation burden, immune infiltration levels, and drug sensitivity in different subtypes of HCC patients. Results Our study constructed three cancer screening models to identify HCC patients with high cholesterol metabolism and low TIME, who have a poorer prognosis. On the contrary, patients with low cholesterol metabolism and high TIME often have better prognosis. Furthermore, we identified chemical compounds, such as BPD-00008900, ML323, Doramapimod, and AZD2014, which display better chemotherapy results for high-risk patients in specific sub-groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiyu Bai
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| |
Collapse
|
160
|
Cheng M, Zheng X, Wei J, Liu M. Current state and challenges of emerging biomarkers for immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:586. [PMID: 38023367 PMCID: PMC10665984 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12285] [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] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, among patients diagnosed with advanced liver cancer, HCC has the sixth-highest incident rate, resulting in a poor prognosis. Surgery, radiofrequency ablation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are the current treatment options available. Immunotherapy, which has emerged as an innovative treatment strategy over the past decade, is serving a vital role in the treatment of advanced liver cancer. Since only a small number of individuals can benefit from immunotherapy, biomarkers are required to help clinicians identify the target populations for this precision medicine. These biomarkers, such as PD-1/PD-L1, tumor mutational burden and circulating tumor DNA, can be used to investigate interactions between immune checkpoint inhibitors and tumors. The present review summarizes information on the currently available biomarkers used for immunotherapy and the challenges that are present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mo Cheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiufeng Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
161
|
Ying H, Zhang B, Cao G, Wang Y, Zhang X. Role for ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) in the treatment and the immune response to hepatocellular carcinoma: potential mechanisms. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:3016-3033. [PMID: 38130306 PMCID: PMC10731377 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-153] [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] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that can affect or regulate a variety of cellular activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate therapeutic and immunologic effects of USP7 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and as well to evaluate potential mechanisms of action. Methods USP7-related gene expression and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) dataset, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. Pathways associated with USP7 were determined by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The relationships among USP7, immunity, and drug therapy were also investigated and potential mechanisms of action were explored. Results TCGA database results demonstrated USP7 mRNA expression levels to be upregulated in HCC tissues. Results were validated with UALCAN, ICGC, and GSE10143 datasets, as well as immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments and were consistent with TCGA database findings (all P<0.05). GSEA analysis demonstrated increased USP7 levels to be associated with CHEMOKINE, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), P53, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and wingless (WNT) signaling pathways. Based on immune correlation analysis, USP7 was dramatically associated with immune cells and immune checkpoint molecules. In terms of drug therapy, USP7 expression levels were significantly related to HCC sensitivity to ciclosporin, talazoparib, dabrafenib, trametinib, paclitaxel, sorafenib, bortezomib, sunitinib, and crizotinib. Based on these results, we mechanistically propose an association between USP7 and these four drug targets: B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine protein kinase (BRAF), mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK), DNA topoisomerase I (TOPOI), and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Conclusions USP7 plays a therapeutic and immunological role in HCC. The four drug targets BRAF, MEK, TOPOI, and PARP are implicated in the USP7 mechanism of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Ying
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xuancheng People’s Hospital, Xuancheng, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Guilian Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yunan Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| |
Collapse
|
162
|
Bopape M, Tiloke C, Ntsapi C. Moringa oleifera and Autophagy: Evidence from In Vitro Studies on Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy in HepG 2 Cancer Cells. Nutr Cancer 2023; 75:1822-1847. [PMID: 37850743 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2023.2270215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer in Sub-Saharan African countries, including South Africa (SA). Given the limitations in current HCC therapeutics, there is an increasing need for alternative adjuvant therapeutic options. As such, several cell survival mechanisms, such as autophagy, have been identified as potential adjuvant therapeutic targets in HCC treatment. Of the three most established autophagic pathways, the upregulation of chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) has been extensively described in various cancer cells, including HCC cells. CMA promotes tumor growth and chemotherapeutic drug resistance, thus contributing to HCC tumorigenesis. Therefore, the modulation of CMA serves as a promising adjuvant target for current HCC therapeutic strategies. Phytochemical extracts found in the medicinal plant, Moringa oleifera (MO), have been shown to induce apoptosis in numerous cancer cells, including HCC. MO leaves have the greatest abundance of phytochemicals displaying anticancer potential. However, the potential interaction between the pro-apoptotic effects of MO aqueous leaf extract and the survival-promoting role of CMA in an in vitro model of HCC remains unclear. This review aims to summarize the latest findings on the role of CMA, and MO in the progression of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matlola Bopape
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Charlette Tiloke
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Claudia Ntsapi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
163
|
Xiang SY, Deng KL, Yang DX, Yang P, Zhou YP. Function of macrophage-derived exosomes in chronic liver disease: From pathogenesis to treatment. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:1196-1209. [DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i11.1196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) imposes a heavy burden on millions of people worldwide. Despite substantial research on the pathogenesis of CLD disorders, no optimal treatment is currently available for some diseases, such as liver cancer. Exosomes, which are extracellular vesicles, are composed of various cellular components. Exosomes have unique functions in maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating cell communication, which are associated with the occurrence of disease. Furthermore, they have application potential in diagnosis and treatment by carrying diverse curative payloads. Hepatic macrophages, which are key innate immune cells, show extraordinary heterogeneity and polarization. Hence, macrophage-derived exosomes may play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of various liver diseases. This review focuses on the effects of macrophage-derived exosomes on liver disease etiology and their therapeutic potential, which will provide new insights into alleviating the global pressure of CLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yi Xiang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Kai-Li Deng
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dong-Xue Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu-Ping Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Digestive Disease of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, Zhejiang Province, China
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine Research on Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ningbo Key Laboratory, Ningbo 315020, Zhejiang Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
164
|
Wang K, Jiang X, Jiang Y, Liu J, Du Y, Zhang Z, Li Y, Zhao X, Li J, Zhang R. EZH2-H3K27me3-mediated silencing of mir-139-5p inhibits cellular senescence in hepatocellular carcinoma by activating TOP2A. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:320. [PMID: 38008711 PMCID: PMC10680220 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02855-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic alterations play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a well-known epigenetic modifier that functions as an oncogene in tumors by promoting the H3K27me3-mediated transcriptional repression of tumor suppressor genes. "Senescent cells" has been proposed as a possible core component of the hallmarks of cancer conceptualization. Induction of cell senescence and targeted elimination of these senescent tumor cells are new strategies for tumor therapy. However, the role of EZH2 in regulating cellular senescence remains poorly understood. METHODS Bioinformatics analyses suggested that EZH2 and DNA topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) are coexpressed in tumors, including HCC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) suggests a correlation of EZH2 and TOP2A expression with cellular senescence in HCC. MicroRNA (miRNA) inhibitor and mimics, siRNA, PLKO-shRNA, and plenti6.3-miR-139 were used to upregulate or downregulate the expression of target genes. CCK8, EdU, clone formation, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining assays were performed to assess cell proliferation and cellular senescence phenotypes. Dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to investigate the targeted binding and inhibition of TOP2A 3' untranslated region (UTR) by miR-139-5p and the DNA enrichment of miR139-5p by EZH2 and H3K27me3. BALB/c nude mice were used to establish a xenograft tumor model and verify the phenotypes upon EZH2 and TOP2A silencing and miR-139 overexpression in vivo. In addition, tissue microarrays were used to analyze the expression patterns and correlations among EZH2, TOP2A, and miR-139-5p expression in HCC. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis revealed that EZH2 and TOP2A are coexpressed in HCC. In vitro gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that inhibition of EZH2 and TOP2A induces cellular senescence and inhibits proliferation of HCC cells. In vivo tumorigenesis assays indicated that EZH2 and TOP2A knockdown inhibits tumorigenesis by inducing cellular senescence. Mechanistically, EZH2 promotes TOP2A expression by regulating the H3K27me3-mediated epigenetic silencing of miR-139-5p. TOP2A is a direct target of miR-139-5p, and inhibition of miR-139-5p can reverse the promotion by EZH2 of TOP2A expression. The overexpression of miR-139-5p induces cellular senescence and inhibits proliferation of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, expression of EZH2 and TOP2A are higher in HCC tissues than in normal tissues, and this high coexpression indicates a worse outcome of patients with HCC. Moreover, expression of EZH2 and TOP2A is significantly correlated with tumor differentiation grade, tumor invasion, and TNM stage in HCC. miR-139-5p expression is lower in HCC tumors than in normal tissues and is correlated with better prognosis of HCC patients. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed the role of the EZH2/miR-139-5p/TOP2A axis in regulating cellular senescence and cell proliferation in HCC, enriching the molecular mechanisms of EZH2-mediated epigenetic regulation in HCC. Therefore, our results provide insight into the therapeutic potential of targeting EZH2 to induce cellular senescence and then destroy senescent cells for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Central Theater Command General Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, 430064, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xunliang Jiang
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, XI'AN DAXING hospital, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yongtao Du
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zecheng Zhang
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yunlong Li
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xinhui Zhao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710018, China
| | - Jipeng Li
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
165
|
Zhang R, Wang J, Du Y, Yu Z, Wang Y, Jiang Y, Wu Y, Le T, Li Z, Zhang G, Lv L, Ma H. CDK5 destabilizes PD-L1 via chaperon-mediated autophagy to control cancer immune surveillance in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007529. [PMID: 38007240 PMCID: PMC10679996 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past few years, immunotherapies of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), have achieved durable clinical benefits. However, only a fraction of HCC patients showed objective clinical response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade alone. Despite the impact on post-translational modifications of PD-L1 being substantial, its significance in resistance to HCC immunotherapy remains poorly defined. METHODS Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) expression was knocked down in HCC cells, CDK5 and PD-L1 protein levels were examined by Western blot. Coimmunoprecipitation was conducted to evaluate the interaction between proteins. Preclinical HCC mice model was constructed to evaluate the effect of CDK5 inhibitor alone or in combination with PD-1 antibody. Clinical HCC samples were used to elucidate the clinical relevance of CDK5, PD-L1, and PD-L1 T290 phosphorylation in HCC. RESULTS We find that CDK5 deficiency upregulates PD-L1 protein expression in HCC cells and decipher a novel molecular mechanism under which PD-L1 is downregulated by CDK5, that is, CDK5 mediated PD-L1 phosphorylation at T290 promotes its binding with chaperon protein heat-shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70) and degradation through chaperon-mediated autophagy. Notably, treatment of CDK5 inhibitor, PNU112455A, effectively upregulates the tumorous PD-L1 level, promotes the response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy,and prolongs the survival time of mice bearing HCC tumors. What is more, the T290 phosphorylation status of PD-L1 correlates with the prognosis of HCC. CONCLUSIONS Targeting CDK5 can synergize with PD-1 blockade to suppress HCC growth, which may have clinical benefits. Our study reveals a unique regulation of the degradation of PD-L1 in HCC, and provides an attractive therapeutic target, a potential drug, and a new prognostic marker for the clinical treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Zhang
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Affiliated Zhoushan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Affiliated Zhoushan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Du
- Nourse Centre for Pet Nutrition, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Ze Yu
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Affiliated Zhoushan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yihan Wang
- School of Management, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China
| | - Yixiao Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yixin Wu
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Affiliated Zhoushan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ting Le
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Affiliated Zhoushan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ziqi Li
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Affiliated Zhoushan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Lv
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haijie Ma
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Affiliated Zhoushan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
166
|
Hu Y, Cai Y, Ma W, Hu H, Gu H, Jin Y, Li F. The prognostic nutritional index and tumor pathological characteristics predict the prognosis of elderly patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma after surgery. Biosci Trends 2023; 17:369-380. [PMID: 37813644 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2023.01212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The elderly comprises over one-third of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, however, they are not adequately represented in prognostic studies. The study aims to determine the prognostic significance of the preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and develop nomograms for predicting their recurrence-free and overall survival (RFS and OS). The study consisted of 282 elderly patients (aged ≥ 65 years) with early-stage HCC (China Liver Cancer Staging System: I-IIA) after curative resection (R0). They were randomly divided into a training (n = 197) and a test cohort (n = 85). The patients were stratified into two groups: PNI-low (PNI ≤ 49.05) and PNI-high (PNI > 49.05) based on a cut-off value. Most patients' demographics and perioperative outcomes were comparable, while patients in the PNI-high group were younger (P = 0.002), heavier (P < 0.001), and had lower comorbidity rates (P = 0.003). Although the tumor stages were earlier in the PNI-low group (P < 0.001), patients' OS (5-year OS: 48.9% vs. 93.1%) and RFS (5-year RFS: 27.3% vs. 75.7%) were significantly worse compared to the PNI-high group (both P < 0.0001). Patients' OS and RFS nomograms were developed by incorporating independent survival predictors including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), age ≥ 75 years, PNI-low, tumor presence of satellite nodules, capsule, and microvascular invasion. The nomograms showed good calibration and discrimination, with all C-indexes ≥ 0.75 and calibration plots essentially coinciding with the diagonal. In conclusion, for elderly HCC patients, COPD, age ≥ 75 years, PNI-low, and tumor presence of satellite nodules, capsule, and microvascular invasion were independent prognostic factors. The nomogram could accurately predict the prognosis of these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Hu
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulong Cai
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenjie Ma
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Haijie Hu
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanfei Gu
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanwen Jin
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Fuyu Li
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
167
|
Wang W, Wang Y. Integrative bioinformatics analysis of biomarkers and pathways for exploring the mechanisms and molecular targets associated with pyroptosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1207142. [PMID: 38034011 PMCID: PMC10684677 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1207142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Research has shown that pyroptosis contributes greatly to the progression of diabetes and its complications. However, the exact relationship between this particular cell death process and the pathology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. In this study, we used bioinformatic tools to identify the pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) associated with T2DM and to analyze their roles in the disease pathology. Methods Two microarray datasets, GSE7014 and GSE25724, were obtained from the GEO database and assessed for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The T2DM-associated DEGs that overlapped with differentially expressed PRGs were noted as T2DM-PRGs. Subsequently, 25 T2DM-PRGs were validated and subjected to functional enrichment analysis through Gene Ontology annotation analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The diagnostic and predictive value of the T2DM-PRGs was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC). Additionally, a single-sample GSEA algorithm was applied to study immune infiltration in T2DM and assess immune infiltration levels. Results We identified 25 T2DM-PRGs that were significantly enriched in the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling and prostate cancer pathways. The top five differentially expressed prognostic T2DM-PRGs targeted by miRNAs were PTEN, BRD4, HSP90AB1, VIM, and PKN2. The top five differentially expressed T2DM-PRGs associated with transcription factors were HSP90AB1, VIM, PLCG1, SCAF11, and PTEN. The genes PLCG1, PTEN, TP63, CHI3L1, SDHB, DPP8, BCL2, SERPINB1, ACE2, DRD2, DDX58, and BTK showed excellent diagnostic performance. The immune infiltration analysis revealed notable differences in immune cells between T2DM and normal tissues in both datasets. These findings suggest that T2DM-PRGs play a crucial role in the development and progression of T2DM and could be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Discussion Investigating the mechanisms and biomarkers associated with pyroptosis may offer valuable insights into the pathophysiology of T2DM and lead to novel therapeutic approaches to treat the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Institute of Diabetes, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical Collage, Baotou, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Institute of Diabetes, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
168
|
Abdellateif MS, Zekri ARN. Stem cell therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and end-stage liver disease. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst 2023; 35:35. [PMID: 37926787 DOI: 10.1186/s43046-023-00194-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem worldwide, especially for patients who are suffering from end-stage liver disease (ESLD). The ESLD is considered a great challenge for clinicians due to the limited chance for liver transplantation, which is the only curative treatment for those patients. Stem cell-based therapy as a part of regenerative medicine represents a promising application for ESLD patients. Many clinical trials were performed to assess the utility of bone marrow-derived stem cells as a potential therapy for patients with liver diseases. The aim of the present study is to present and review the various types of stem cell-based therapy, including the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), BM-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs), CD34 + hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and cancer stem cells.Though this type of therapy achieved promising results for the treatment of ESLD, however still there is a confounding data regarding its clinical application. A large body of evidence is highly required to evaluate the stem cell-based therapy after long-term follow-up, with respect to the incidence of toxicity, immunogenicity, and tumorigenesis that developed in many patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona S Abdellateif
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, 11976, Egypt.
| | - Abdel-Rahman N Zekri
- Molecular Virology and Immunology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, NCI, Cairo University, Cairo, 11976, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
169
|
Lin L, Zhao Y, Wang P, Li T, Liang Y, Chen Y, Meng X, Zhang Y, Su G. Amino Acid Derivatives of Ginsenoside AD-2 Induce HepG2 Cell Apoptosis by Affecting the Cytoskeleton. Molecules 2023; 28:7400. [PMID: 37959819 PMCID: PMC10650444 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
AD-2 (20(R)-dammarane-3β, 12β, 20, 25-tetrol, 25-OH-PPD) was structurally modified to introduce additional amino groups, which can better exert its anti-tumor effects in MCF-7, A549, LoVo, HCT-116, HT -29, and U-87 cell lines. We investigated the cellular activity of 15 different AD-2 amino acid derivatives on HepG2 cells and the possible mechanism of action of the superior derivative 6b. An MTT assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity of the derivatives. Western blotting was used to study the signaling pathways. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and ghost pen peptide staining was used to identify the changes in the cytoskeleton. The AD-2 amino acid derivatives have a better cytotoxic effect on the HepG2 cells than AD-2, which may be achieved by promoting the apoptosis of HepG2 cells and influencing the cytoskeleton. The derivative 6b shows obvious anti-HepG2 cells activity through affecting the expression of apoptotic proteins such as MDM2, P-p53, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase 3, Cleaved Caspase 3, Caspase 8, and NSD2. According to the above findings, the amino acid derivatives of AD-2 may be developed as HepG2 cytotoxic therapeutic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Lin
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yuqing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China;
| | - Peng Wang
- ORxes Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200000, China;
| | - Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China;
| | - Yuhang Liang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xianyi Meng
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yudong Zhang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Guangyue Su
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Innovative Traditional Chinese Medicine for Major Chronic Diseases of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China
| |
Collapse
|
170
|
Liu ZY, Li YH, Li BW, Xin L. Development and validation of a vesicle-mediated transport-associated gene signature for predicting prognosis and immune therapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:13211-13230. [PMID: 37479759 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05079-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. The progression of numerous malignancies has been linked to abnormal vesicle-mediated transport-related gene (VMTRG) expression. The prognostic importance of VMTRGs in HCC is uncertain nonetheless. METHODS Utilizing HCC data from TCGA and ICGC, we employed univariate cox analysis, unsupervised clustering, and lasso analysis to construct molecular subtypes and prognostic signature of HCC based on the prognostic-associated VMTRGs expression levels. Subsequently, we validated the expression levels of the signature genes. We investigated the probable pathways using gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Six methods were utilized to compare immune cell infiltration between two risk groups. Moreover, the "pRRophetic" algorithm was utilized to test the drug sensitivity of both groups. RESULTS We identified two distinct subtypes with divergent biological behaviors and immune functionality through unsupervised clustering. Subtype C1 demonstrated a poorer prognosis. A prognostic signature incorporating two VMTRGs (KIF2C and RAC1) was formulated. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR analyses unveiled a significant upregulation of these pivotal genes within HCC tissues. The prognosis was worse for the high-risk group, which also had a higher clinicopathological grade, higher levels of tumor mutation burden (TMB), a higher immunological infiltration of CD8 + T cells, a higher expression of immune checkpoints, and enhanced immunotherapy efficacy. These two risk groups also have varied chemotherapy drug sensitivities. CONCLUSIONS Based on VMTRGs, we have developed a signature that assists in accurate prognosis prediction and formulating personalized treatment strategies for HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yi-He Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bo-Wen Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lin Xin
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
171
|
Pan Y, Yuan Z, Wang J, Ngai S, Hu Z, Sun L, Yang Z, Hu D, Chen M, Zhou Z, Zhang Y. Survival benefit and impact of adjuvant therapies following FOLFOX-HAIC-based conversion therapy with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14761-14774. [PMID: 37589925 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05243-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, the conversion therapies of FOLFOX-HAIC for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) have dramatically increased the tumor responses and conversion rate; thus, the prognosis of uHCC patients was expected to be prolonged. However, the postoperative recurrence of uHCC patients who successfully underwent conversion therapies stayed high. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of postoperatively adjuvant therapy in treating uHCC patients who received FOLFOX-HAIC-based conversion therapy. METHODS In this real-world retrospective study, uHCC patients who received FOLFOX-HAIC-based conversion therapy were included. The recurrence-free survival (RFS), as primary outcomes, was compared between patients who received adjuvant therapy (AT group) or non-adjuvant therapy (nAT group) using survival analysis and Cox regression. Imbalances in baseline clinical features between the two groups were adjusted through propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). RESULTS Between January 2016 and December 2022, 204 uHCC patients who received FOLFOX-HAIC-based conversion therapy were included and assigned into AT group (n = 47) and nAT group (n = 157), respectively. The median RFS was significantly longer in the AT group than the nAT group before adjustment [19.2 vs. 10.8 months; hazard ratio (HR), 0.584; 95% CI, 0.383-0.892; P = 0.028], after PSM and after IPTW. Subsequent subgroup analyses revealed the RFS of adjuvant therapy was best in uHCC patients with younger than 60 years, macrovascular invasion, and positive hepatitis B surface antigen. CONCLUSION Postoperatively, adjuvant therapy was associated with improved survival outcomes compared with non-adjuvant therapy after FOLFOX-HAIC-based conversion therapy among uHCC patients, especially for patients with macrovascular invasion and positive hepatitis B surface antigen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangxun Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiongliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Siegmund Ngai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwen Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Minshan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongguo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yaojun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651# East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
172
|
Jiang B, Cui Y, Ma X, Zhang Y, Feng X, Yang T, Feng L, Guo W, Li Y, Wang T, Guo H, Li H, Duan Y, Su H. Crosstalk between autophagy inhibitor and salidroside-induced apoptosis: A novel strategy for autophagy-based treatment of hepatocellular cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:111040. [PMID: 37839277 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy regulates many cell function related to cancer, including cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis. Therefore, we investigated the potential value of crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis. The present study demonstrated that seven autophagy related genes were screened from the biological network of salidroside (Sal) acting on liver cancer. The GO analysis showed that these genes were mainly involved in apoptosis and autophagy. The KEGG analysis showed that these genes regulated the process of liver cancer through Th17 cell differentiation, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and other pathways. Moreover, seven genes were positively correlated with tumor purity, number of B cells, number of CD4+ T cells, number of CD8+ T cells, number of macrophages, number of dendritic cells and number of neutrophils. The overall survival time of liver cancer patients in the high expression group of BIRC5, HSP90AB1 and MTOR was lower than that in the low expression group (P < 0.05), while the overall survival time of the liver cancer patients in the high expression group of DLC1 and FOXO1 was higher than that in the low expression group (P < 0.05). In the pan-cancer analysis, we also found that BIRC5, HSP90AB1, MTOR, and ITGA6 were highly expressed in various cancers, while DLC1, FOXO1, and FOS were low expressed in various cancers. In the molecule docking analysis, we found that FOS, HSP90AB1, and MTOR had the best binding ability. Notably, in the vitro validation experiments, Sal was confirmed to induce autophagy and apoptosis, inhibite invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Meanwhile, inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine diphosphate (CQ) promoted Sal-induced mitochondrial apoptosis via corresponding cell and animal experiments. We speculated that Sal-induced autophagy might be a protective mechanism, inhibition of autophagy could further promote the progression of liver cancer. It may provide important insight into the molecular mechanism of crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis, and provide a new theoretical basis of Sal combined with autophagy inhibitors as a adjuvant chemotherapeutic strategy for human liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Jiang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yangyang Cui
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Xinxin Ma
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yanmei Zhang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Xin Feng
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Longfei Feng
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Wenjing Guo
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Research, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730050, China
| | - Huan Guo
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Translational Medicine Research Center, Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Research, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730050, China
| | - Haining Li
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Research, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730050, China
| | - Ying Duan
- Department of Ultrasound, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730050, China
| | - Haixiang Su
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Translational Medicine Research Center, Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Research, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730050, China.
| |
Collapse
|
173
|
Liu ZY, Li YH, Zhang QK, Li BW, Xin L. Development and validation of a ubiquitin-proteasome system gene signature for prognostic prediction and immune microenvironment evaluation in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:13363-13382. [PMID: 37490101 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05189-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ubiquitin proteasome has a major role in the development of many tumors. However, the prognostic importance of ubiquitin proteasome-system genes (UPSGs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not fully defined. METHODS The TCGA and ICGC datasets were utilized to obtain transcriptional profiling data as well as clinicopathological information about HCC. The 3-UPSGs signature for the TCGA cohort was developed via univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses. Differential expression of genes was demonstrated by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Biological pathways were studied using GSVA and GSEA. Six algorithms were used to compare immune infiltration between the two risk groups. Furthermore, drug sensitivity was measured using the "pRRophetic" R package. The predictive capacity of the 3-UPSGs signature for sensitivity to immunotherapy was also explored. Moreover, we performed a pan-cancer analysis of the 3-UPSGs signature. RESULTS A risk model containing 3 UPSGs (DCAF13, CDC20 and PSMB5) was developed. IHC and qRT-PCR results showed that signature genes were significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues. The high-risk group had a worse prognosis, with a higher clinicopathological grade, higher levels of tumor mutation burden (TMB), elevated levels of immune checkpoint (IC) expression, as well as increased sensitivity to immunotherapy. The two risk groups also differ in their sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. Furthermore, the three UPSGs may play crucial roles in the progression of multiple types of cancers. CONCLUSION We created a 3-UPSGs signature to estimate the prognosis of HCC and to assist in individualized treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Yi-He Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qing-Kun Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bo-Wen Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Lin Xin
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
174
|
Ding Z, Deng Z, Li H. Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals the key genes associated with macrophage polarization in liver cancer. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0304. [PMID: 37889536 PMCID: PMC10615477 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to reveal the key genes associated with macrophage polarization in liver cancer. METHODS Data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas databases (TCGA). R package Seurat 4.0 was used to preprocess the downloaded single-cell sequencing data, principal component analysis, and clustering. R package SingleR was used to annotate cell types and calculate macrophage polarization scores. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to obtain key genes highly correlated with macrophage polarization in liver cancer. The Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource algorithm was used to analyze the correlation between genes and the infiltration level of macrophages. Finally, the prognostic model was constructed based on 6 macrophage polarization-related genes by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves and receiver operating characteristic curves validated the prognostic value of the prognostic model. RESULTS Two thousand highly variable genes were obtained after the normalization of single-cell profiles. In all, 16 principal components and 15 cell clusters were obtained. Monocytes and macrophages were the main immune cells in the microenvironment of liver cancer tissues. Macrophage polarization scores showed that cluster 5 had the highest degree of polarization. Spearman analysis yielded that a total of 6 key genes associated with macrophage polarization (CD53, TGFBI, S100A4, pyruvate kinase M, LSP1, SPP1), and Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource analysis showed that 6 key genes were significantly positively correlated with macrophage infiltration levels. The model constructed by 6 key genes could effectively evaluate the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. CONCLUSIONS The key genes associated with macrophage polarization, namely CD53, TGFBI, S100A4, pyruvate kinase M, LSP1, and SPP1, may be potential therapeutic targets for liver cancer.
Collapse
|
175
|
Shi L, Wang S, Zhang S, Wang J, Chen Y, Li Y, Liu Z, Zhao S, Wei B, Zhang L. Research progress on pharmacological effects and mechanisms of cepharanthine and its derivatives. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:2843-2860. [PMID: 37338575 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02537-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Cepharanthine (CEP) is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid compound found in plants of the Stephania genus, which has biological functions such as regulating autophagy, inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. It is often used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, viral infections, cancer, and immune disorders and has great clinical translational value. However, there is no detailed research on its specific mechanism and dosage and administration methods, especially clinical research is limited. In recent years, CEP has shown significant effects in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, suggesting its potential medicinal value waiting to be discovered. In this article, we comprehensively introduce the molecular structure of CEP and its derivatives, describe in detail the pharmacological mechanisms of CEP in various diseases, and discuss how to chemically modify and design CEP to improve its bioavailability. In summary, this work will provide a reference for further research and clinical application of CEP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Shi
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuaizhe Wang
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shangzu Zhang
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaping Chen
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sichen Zhao
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Benjun Wei
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Dunhuang Medicine and Transformation at Provincial and Ministerial Level, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Liying Zhang
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Exploration and Innovation Transformation in Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
176
|
Escutia-Gutiérrez R, Sandoval-Rodríguez A, Zamudio-Ojeda A, Guevara-Martínez SJ, Armendáriz-Borunda J. Advances of Nanotechnology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6867. [PMID: 37959332 PMCID: PMC10647688 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216867] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising technology in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), specifically in the implementation of diagnosis and treatment strategies. Nanotechnology-based approaches, such as nanoparticle-based contrast agents and nanoscale imaging techniques, have shown great potential for enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of HCC detection. These approaches provide high-resolution imaging and allow for the detection of molecular markers and alterations in cellular morphology associated with HCC. In terms of treatment, nanotechnology has revolutionized HCC therapy by enabling targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, and minimizing off-target effects. Nanoparticle-based drug carriers can be functionalized with ligands specific to HCC cells, allowing for selective accumulation of therapeutic agents at the tumor site. Furthermore, nanotechnology can facilitate combination therapy by co-encapsulating multiple drugs within a single nanoparticle, allowing for synergistic effects and overcoming drug resistance. This review aims to provide an overview of recent advances in nanotechnology-based approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Further research is needed to optimize the design and functionality of nanoparticles, improve their biocompatibility and stability, and evaluate their long-term safety and efficacy. Nonetheless, the integration of nanotechnology in HCC management holds great promise and may lead to improved patient outcomes in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Escutia-Gutiérrez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (R.E.-G.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Ana Sandoval-Rodríguez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (R.E.-G.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Adalberto Zamudio-Ojeda
- Department of Physics, Exact Sciences and Engineering University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico;
| | - Santiago José Guevara-Martínez
- Department of Physics, Exact Sciences and Engineering University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico;
| | - Juan Armendáriz-Borunda
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (R.E.-G.); (A.S.-R.)
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Zapopan 45201, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
177
|
Zhan G, Cao P, Peng H. Construction of web -based prediction nomogram models for cancer -specific survival in patients at stage IV of hepatocellular carcinoma depending on SEER database. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:1546-1560. [PMID: 38432884 PMCID: PMC10929905 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.230040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis involves multiple clinical factors. Although nomogram models targeting various clinical factors have been reported in early and locally advanced HCC, there are currently few studies on complete and effective prognostic nomogram models for stage IV HCC patients. This study aims to creat nomograms for cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients at stage IV of HCC and developing a web predictive nomogram model to predict patient prognosis and guide individualized treatment. METHODS Clinicopathological information on stage IV of HCC between January, 2010 and December, 2015 was collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The patients at stage IV of HCC were categorized into IVA (without distant metastases) and IVB (with distant metastases) subgroups based on the presence of distant metastasis, and then the patients from both IVA and IVB subgroups were randomly divided into the training and validation cohorts in a 7꞉3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the independent risk factors that significantly affected CSS in the training cohort, and constructed nomogram models separately for stage IVA and stage IVB patients based on relevant independent risk factors. Two nomogram's accuracy and discrimination were evaluated by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves. Furthermore, web-based nomogram models were developed specifically for stage IVA and stage IVB HCC patients by R software. A decision analysis curve (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical utility of the web-based nomogram models. RESULTS A total of 3 060 patients were included in this study, of which 883 were in stage IVA, and 2 177 were in stage IVB. Based on multivariate analysis results, tumor size, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), T stage, histological grade, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for patients with stage IVA of HCC; and tumor size, AFP, T stage, N stage, histological grade, lung metastasis, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for patients with stage IVB HCC. In stage IVA patients, the 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 15-, and 18-month areas under the ROC curves for the training cohort were 0.823, 0.800, 0.772, 0.784, 0.784, and 0.786, respectively; and the 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 15-, and 18-month areas under the ROC curves for the validation cohort were 0.793, 0.764, 0.739, 0.773, 0.798, and 0.799, respectively. In stage IVB patients, the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month areas under the ROC curves for the training cohort were 0.756, 0.750, 0.755, and 0.743, respectively; and the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month areas under the ROC curves for the validation cohort were 0.744, 0.747, 0.775, and 0.779, respectively; showing that the nomograms had an excellent predictive ability. The calibration curves showed a good consistency between the predictions and actual observations. CONCLUSIONS Predictive nomogram models for CSS in stage IVA and IVB HCC patients are developed and validated based on the SEER database, which might be used for clinicians to predict the prognosis, implement individualized treatment, and follow up those patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gouling Zhan
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
| | - Peiguo Cao
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
| | - Honghua Peng
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
178
|
Feng S, Wang J, Wang L, Qiu Q, Chen D, Su H, Li X, Xiao Y, Lin C. Current Status and Analysis of Machine Learning in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1184-1191. [PMID: 37577233 PMCID: PMC10412715 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00077s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common tumor. Although the diagnosis and treatment of HCC have made great progress, the overall prognosis remains poor. As the core component of artificial intelligence, machine learning (ML) has developed rapidly in the past decade. In particular, ML has become widely used in the medical field, and it has helped in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Different algorithms of ML have different roles in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. This article reviews recent research, explains the application of different ML models in HCC, and provides suggestions for follow-up research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Feng
- General Surgery, Central South University Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- General Surgery, Central South University Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liheng Wang
- General Surgery, Central South University Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qixuan Qiu
- General Surgery, Central South University Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dongdong Chen
- General Surgery, Central South University Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huo Su
- General Surgery, Central South University Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- General Surgery, Central South University Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- General Surgery, Central South University Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chiayen Lin
- General Surgery, Central South University Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
179
|
Li X, Tan Y, Liu B, Guo H, Zhou Y, Yuan J, Wang F. Mitochondrial Lipid Metabolism Genes as Diagnostic and Prognostic Indicators in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Genomics 2023; 24:110-127. [PMID: 37994323 PMCID: PMC10662382 DOI: 10.2174/1389202924666230914110649] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Due to the heterogeneity of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there is an urgent need for reliable diagnosis and prognosis. Mitochondria-mediated abnormal lipid metabolism affects the occurrence and progression of HCC. Objective This study aims to investigate the potential of mitochondrial lipid metabolism (MTLM) genes as diagnostic and independent prognostic biomarkers for HCC. Methods MTLM genes were screened from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) databases, followed by an evaluation of their diagnostic values in both The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University (GXMU) cohort. The TCGA dataset was utilized to construct a gene signature and investigate the prognostic significance, immune infiltration, and copy number alterations. The validity of the prognostic signature was confirmed through GEO, International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and GXMU cohorts. Results The diagnostic receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that eight MTLM genes have excellent diagnostic of HCC. A prognostic signature comprising 5 MTLM genes with robust predictive value was constructed using the lasso regression algorithm based on TCGA data. The results of the Stepwise regression model showed that the combination of signature and routine clinical parameters had a higher area under the curve (AUC) compared to a single risk score. Further, a nomogram was constructed to predict the survival probability of HCC, and the calibration curves demonstrated a perfect predictive ability. Finally, the risk score also unveiled the different immune and mutation statuses between the two different risk groups. Conclusion MTLT-related genes may serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HCC as well as novel therapeutic targets, which may be beneficial for facilitating further understanding the molecular pathogenesis and providing potential therapeutic strategies for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuejing Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Research Center for Biomedical Photonics, Institute of Life Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Ying Tan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Research Center for Biomedical Photonics, Institute of Life Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Bihan Liu
- Research Center for Biomedical Photonics, Institute of Life Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Houtian Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yongjian Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jianhui Yuan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Research Center for Biomedical Photonics, Institute of Life Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Research Center for Biomedical Photonics, Institute of Life Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Molecular Medicine Research, Guangxi Medical University, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| |
Collapse
|
180
|
Kong J, Xu S, Dai Y, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Zhang P. Study of the Fe 3O 4@ZIF-8@Sor Composite Modified by Tannic Acid for the Treatment of Sorafenib-Resistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:39174-39185. [PMID: 37901534 PMCID: PMC10601084 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic agents fail in clinical chemotherapy in the absence of targeting and acquired resistance. We, therefore, synthesized Fe3O4@ZIF-8@Sor@TA nanocomposite drugs based on the drug delivery properties of nanomaterials. ZIF-8 is a nanomaterial with a porous structure that can load anticancer drugs. The nanodrug used the paramagnetic property of Fe3O4 to deliver sorafenib (Sor) precisely to the tumor site, then used the pH responsiveness of ZIF-8 to slowly release Sor in the tumor microenvironment, and finally used tannic acid (TA) to inhibit P-glycoprotein to suppress the Sor resistance. The results of material characterization presented that the prepared material was structurally stable and was able to achieve a cumulative drug release of 38.2% at pH 5.0 for 72 h. The good biocompatibility of the composite was demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo experiments, which could improve antitumor activity and reduce Sor resistance through magnetic targeting TA. In conclusion, the Fe3O4@ZIF-8@Sor@TA material prepared in this study demonstrated high antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment, promising to reduce drug resistance and providing a novel research approach for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiao Kong
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University
of Medicine, Xiangyang City 441000, China
| | - Song Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University
of Medicine, Xiangyang City 441000, China
| | - Yang Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University
of Medicine, Xiangyang City 441000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University
of Medicine, Xiangyang City 441000, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University
of Medicine, Xiangyang City 441000, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University
of Medicine, Xiangyang City 441000, China
| |
Collapse
|
181
|
Qian Y, Jia W, Liu H. Editorial: Biomarkers and immunotherapy of hepatic-biliary-pancreatic cancers. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1301416. [PMID: 37941545 PMCID: PMC10629553 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1301416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Qian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenyu Jia
- Department of Endocrinology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Hongda Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
182
|
Ma Y, Li Y, Wu T, Li Y, Wang Q. Astragaloside IV Attenuates Programmed Death-Ligand 1-Mediated Immunosuppression during Liver Cancer Development via the miR-135b-5p/CNDP1 Axis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5048. [PMID: 37894415 PMCID: PMC10605108 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205048] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a pivotal contributor to anti-tumour effects and has garnered extensive attention in research. Tumour cell immune suppression is closely related to the increase in Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumour originating from hepatic epithelial tissue, and the role of AS-IV in regulating PD-L1 in anti-HCC activity remains unclear. METHODS Various concentrations of AS-IV were administered to both human liver immortalised cells (THEL2) and HCC (Huh-7 and SMMC-7721), and cell growth was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. HCC levels and cell apoptosis were examined using flow cytometry. Mice were orally administered AS-IV at different concentrations to study its effects on HCC in vivo. Immunohistochemistry was employed to evaluate PD-L1 levels. Western blotting was employed to determine PD-L1 and CNDP1 protein levels. We carried out a qRT-PCR to quantify the levels of miR-135b-3p and CNDP1. Finally, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to validate the direct interaction between miR-135b-3p and the 3'UTR of CNDP1. RESULTS AS-IV exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation in Huh-7 and SMMC-7721 while inhibiting PD-L1 expression induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ), thus attenuating PD-L1-mediated immune suppression. MiR-135b-5p showed significant amplification in HCC tissues and cells. AS-IV mitigated PD-L1-mediated immune suppression through miR-135b-5p. MiR-135b-5p targeted CNDP1, and AS-IV mitigated PD-L1-induced immunosuppression by modulating the miR-135b-5p/CNDP1 pathway. CONCLUSION AS-IV decreases cell surface PD-L1 levels and alleviates PD-L1-associated immune suppression via the miR-135b-5p/CNDP1 pathway. AS-IV may be a novel component for treating HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ma
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.M.)
| | - Yan Li
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.M.)
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Taotao Wu
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.M.)
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yingshuai Li
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.M.)
| | - Qi Wang
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
183
|
Liu M, Lai Z, Yuan X, Jin Q, Shen H, Rao D, Huang D. Role of exosomes in the development, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Med 2023; 29:136. [PMID: 37848835 PMCID: PMC10580543 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00731-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. It is characterized by occult onset resulting in most patients being diagnosed at advanced stages and with poor prognosis. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles with a lipid bilayer envelope released by various cells under physiological and pathological conditions, which play an important role in the biological information transfer between cells. There is growing evidence that HCC cell-derived exosomes may contribute to the establishment of a favorable microenvironment that supports cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. These exosomes not only provide a versatile platform for diagnosis but also serve as a vehicle for drug delivery. In this paper, we review the role of exosomes involved in the proliferation, migration, and metastasis of HCC and describe their application in HCC diagnosis and treatment. We also discuss the prospects of exosome application in HCC and the research challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meijin Liu
- Ganzhou Jingkai District People's Hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Zhonghong Lai
- Department of Traumatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Yuan
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Qing Jin
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Haibin Shen
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Dingyu Rao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.
| | - Defa Huang
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
184
|
Li J, Cheng Q, Zhu X, Lin S, Xiang H, Lu W. The relationship of exercise and cancer-related fatigue in patients with advanced liver cancer: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17341. [PMID: 37833410 PMCID: PMC10575894 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44655-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing interest in understanding exercise as a potential treatment for cancer-related fatigue (CRF); however, rarely research has been conducted on more aggressive cancers with short survival, such as liver cancer. The purpose of this study was to provide educational ideas for insufficient exercise and provide clues for the design of effective and safe exercise intervention programs with high compliance in patients of advanced liver cancer in the future. Participants were recruited from a tertiary cancer hospital using convenience sampling. All participants were asked to complete self-report questionnaires that assessed their medical and demographic variables, exercise habits and CRF during their hospitalization in the interventional department. Spearman's correlation analysis and Nonparametric test was used to explore correlations between exercise subgroups and CRF. The Baron and Kenny's Approach was used to investigate the mediating effect of exercise index between P-EX and CRF. 207 out of 255 participants were enrolled in this study, with an average age of 55.4 years. The CRF score was 33 (28, 36), and 93.2% had insufficient exercise. Exercise frequency (≥ 3 Times/week) (Z = 4.34, p = 0.037) and maintaining exercise trend (Z = 15.85, p = 0.001) had a positive effect on CRF. P-EX had a great impact on exercise index and affecting CRF directly. Participants in the study showed serious fatigue and insufficient exercise. Exercise education can be initiated earlier, particularly those without regular exercise experience. Sustained light exercise, compliant with exercise habits and interests, three times a week may be a practical way to reduce the risk of CRF in advanced liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | | | | | - Sha Lin
- Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Xiang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wen Lu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
185
|
Li Z, Yang Z, Zhu Y, Fu C, Li N, Peng F. Sorcin regulate pyroptosis by interacting with NLRP3 inflammasomes to facilitate the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:678. [PMID: 37833249 PMCID: PMC10575890 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06096-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
A high recurrence rate and easy metastasis are two prominent clinical features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is also the most common cause of cancer-related death. However, the molecular pathogenesis of HCC remains unclear. Soluble resistance-related calcium-binding protein (Sorcin) is highly expressed in a variety of tumor cell lines and multidrug-resistant cell lines and participates in the malignant progression of tumors by regulating apoptosis. Pyroptosis is also a form of programmed cell death that plays a crucial role in exerting tumor suppression function and evoking anti-tumor immune responses. However, there is no consensus that Sorcin promotes HCC progression by regulating pyroptosis. Our study manifested that Sorcin was considerably upregulated, whereas pyroptosis-associated proteins were significantly decreased in HCC tissues and cells. Sorcin silencing attenuated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Knockdown of Sorcin activates pyroptosis, and overexpression of Sorcin inhibits pyroptosis, yet has no significant effect on apoptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy in HCC cells. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays revealed that Sorcin interacted with NLRP3 inflammasome to regulate pyroptosis in HCC cells. Then, the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 inhibited the activation of Sorcin knockdown-induced pyroptosis and reversed the effect of Sorcin silencing-induced weakening of malignant biological behavior in HCC. Similarly, suppression of Caspase-1 reversed the inhibitory effect of Sorcin knockdown on the malignant progression of HCC via knockdown of Caspase-1 or the inhibitor VX765. Consistent with the in vitro results, the nude mouse experiment showed that Sorcin knockdown inhibited the growth of HCC by activating pyroptosis, while Caspase-1 knockdown partially restored the growth inhibition caused by Sorcin knockdown. Collectively, high Sorcin expression in HCC negatively regulates pyroptosis by interacting with the NLRP3 inflammasome to promote HCC proliferation, migration, and invasion. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for Sorcin as a new biomarker and potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenfen Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Clinical Transfusion Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziyue Yang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Clinical Transfusion Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Clinical Transfusion Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chunmeng Fu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Clinical Transfusion Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Clinical Transfusion Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fang Peng
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Clinical Transfusion Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
186
|
Tang X, Luo B, Huang S, Jiang J, Chen Y, Ren W, Shi X, Zhang W, Shi L, Zhong X, Lü M. FANCD2 as a novel prognostic biomarker correlated with immune and drug therapy in Hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:419. [PMID: 37821996 PMCID: PMC10566141 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01411-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ferroptosis is related to the immunosuppression of tumors and plays a critical role in cancer progression. Fanconi anemia complementation group D2 (FANCD2) is a vital gene that regulates ferroptosis. However, the mechanism of action of FANCD2 in Hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the prognostic significance and mechanism of action of FANCD2 in Hepatitis B-related HCC. METHODS The expression of FANCD2 in Hepatitis B-related HCC was explored using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyze the relationship between FANCD2 expression and the overall survival of patients with Hepatitis B-related HCC. Protein-protein interaction networks for FANCD2 were built using the STRING website. In addition, correlations between FANCD2 expression and the dryness index, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability (MSI), immune pathways, genes involved in iron metabolism, and sorafenib chemotherapeutic response were analyzed. RESULTS Our results indicated that FANCD2 was significantly overexpressed in Hepatitis B-related HCC and demonstrated a strong predictive ability for diagnosis (Area Under Curve, 0.903) and prognosis of the disease. High FANCD2 expression was associated with poor prognosis, high-grade tumors, high expression of PDL-1, high MSI scores, and low sorafenib IC50 in Hepatitis B-related HCC. BRCA1, BRCA2, FAN1, and FANCC were vital proteins interacting with FANCD2. The expression level of FANCD2 significantly correlated with the infiltration levels of Treg cells, B cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, myeloid dendritic cells, and NK cells in Hepatitis B-related HCC. FANCD2 was positively correlated with the tumor proliferation signature pathway, DNA repair, and cellular response to hypoxia. CONCLUSION Our study indicated that FANCD2 was a potential novel biomarker and immunotherapeutic target against Hepatitis B-related HCC, which might be related to the chemotherapeutic response to sorafenib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Bei Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shu Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the People's Hospital of Lianshui, Huaian, China
| | - Jiao Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wensen Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Muhan Lü
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
187
|
Ramadan WS, Alkarim S, Moulay M, Alrefeai G, Alkudsy F, Hakeem KR, Iskander A. Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment by Ellagic Acid in Rat Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Potential Target against Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4891. [PMID: 37835585 PMCID: PMC10571579 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The resistance to therapy and relapse in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly attributed to hepatic cancer stem cells (HCSCs). HCSCs are under microenvironment control. This work aimed to assess the systemic effect of ellagic acid (EA) on the HCC microenvironment to decline HCSCs. Fifty Wistar rats were divided into six groups: negative control (CON), groups 2 and 3 for solvents (DMSO), and (OVO). Group 4 was administered EA only. The (HCC-M) group, utilized as an HCC model, administered CCL4 (0.5 mL/kg in OVO) 1:1 v/v, i.p) for 16 weeks. HCC-M rats were treated orally with EA (EA + HCC) 50 mg/kg bw for five weeks. Biochemical, morphological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies, and gene analysis using qRT-PCR were applied. Results revealed elevated liver injury biomarkers ALT, AST, ALP, and tumor biomarkers AFP and GGT, and marked nodularity of livers of HCC-M. EA effectively reduced the biomarkers and restored the altered structure of the livers. At the mRNA level, EA downregulated the expression of TGF-α, TGF-β, and VEGF, and restored p53 expression. This induced an increase in apoptotic cells immunostained with caspase3 and decreased the CD44 immunostained HCSCs. EA could modulate the tumor microenvironment in the HCC rat model and ultimately target the HCSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa S. Ramadan
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22384, Saudi Arabia;
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic and Cancer Stem Cell Research Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Alkarim
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic and Cancer Stem Cell Research Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Moulay
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic and Cancer Stem Cell Research Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, Abdelhamid ibn Badis University, Mostaganem 27000, Algeria
| | - Ghadeer Alrefeai
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic and Cancer Stem Cell Research Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23218, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatma Alkudsy
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic and Cancer Stem Cell Research Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Rehman Hakeem
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al-Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1341, Bangladesh
| | - Ashwaq Iskander
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
188
|
Zhan T, Wang W, Guan X, Bao W, Lu N, Zhang J. Construction of an m6A- and neutrophil extracellular traps-related lncRNA model to predict hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis and immune landscape. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1231543. [PMID: 37868992 PMCID: PMC10585104 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1231543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the impact of N6-methyladenosine- (m6A) and neutrophil extracellular traps- (NETs) related lncRNAs (MNlncRNAs) on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods We collected m6A and NETs-related genes from published studies. We identified the MNlncRNAs by correlation analysis. Cox regression and the least absolute selection operator (LASSO) method were used to select predictive MNlncRNAs. The expressions of predictive MNlncRNAs were detected by cell and tissue experiments. Survival, medication sensitivity, and immunological microenvironment evaluations were used to assess the model's prognostic utility. Finally, we performed cellular experiments to further validate the model's prognostic reliability. Results We obtained a total of 209 MNlncRNAs. 7 MNlncRNAs comprised the prognostic model, which successfully stratifies HCC patients, with the area under the curve (AUC) ranging from 0.7 to 0.8. In vitro tests confirmed that higher risk patients had worse prognosis. Risk score, immunological microenvironment, and immune checkpoint gene expression were all significantly correlated with each other in HCC. In the group at high risk, immunotherapy could be more successful. Cellular assays confirmed that HCC cells with high risk scores have a higher proliferation and invasive capacity. Conclusion The MNlncRNAs-related prognostic model aided in determining HCC prognosis, revealing novel therapeutic options, notably immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lianshui County People’s Hospital, Huai’an, China
| | - Xiao Guan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Bao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Na Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
189
|
Kaplan Ö. Synergistic induction of apoptosis in liver cancer cells: exploring the combined potential of doxorubicin and XL-888. Med Oncol 2023; 40:318. [PMID: 37794195 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02181-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Combination therapy has been frequently preferred in treating various types of cancer in recent years. Targeted cancer therapy has also become one of the remarkable treatment modalities. Therefore, the aim of the study to investigate its cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on liver cancer cell lines by combining the classical chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) and a targeted agent, the new generation HSP90 inhibitor XL-888. The molecular docking method was used to predict the binding conformation of XL-888 on the human Hsp90. The single and combined cytotoxic effects of DOX and XL-888 on liver cancer cell lines HepG2 and HUH-7 were determined by MTT assay. The effect of the combined use of two drugs was evaluated using Chou and Talalay method. The levels of apoptotic genes and heat shock proteins gene and protein expression levels were investigated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Molecular docking results showed that XL-888 selectively binds to the ATP binding pocket of HSP90 with an estimated free binding energy of - 7.8 kcal/mol. DOX and XL-888 and their combination showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effect. The combination of drugs showed a synergistic effect on both cell lines. The results revealed that the combination of DOX and XL-888 potently induced apoptosis in liver cancer cell lines rather than using drugs alone. The combined treatment of DOX and XL-888 demonstrated synergistic cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on liver cancer cell lines, presenting a promising approach for combination therapy in liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Kaplan
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Rafet Kayış Faculty of Engineering, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
190
|
Huang Z, Li H, Li Q, Chen X, Liu R, Chang X. Matrine suppresses liver cancer progression and the Warburg effect by regulating the circROBO1/miR-130a-5p/ROBO1 axis. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23436. [PMID: 37376914 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23436] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Matrine, an effective component extracted from the traditional Chinese herb, Sophora flavescens, has been indicated to exert antitumor activity in different types of cancer. However, the role and precise mechanism of matrine in the progression of liver cancer remains largely unclear. Cell viability, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, and Warburg effect were estimated by cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry assay, and glucose uptake and lactate production assay, respectively. The candidate Circular RNAs (circRNAs) were screened by integrating the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE155949) analysis with the online program GEO2R. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to test the expression of circRNA circROBO1, microRNA miR-130a-5p, and roundabout homolog 1 (ROBO1). The interaction of circROBO1/miR-130a-5p/ROBO1 axis was predicted and confirmed by bioinformatics analysis, a dual-luciferase reporter assay, and an RNA pull-down assay. A xenograft mouse model was employed to reveal the role of matrine in vivo. Matrine repressed liver cancer cell viability, proliferation, and Warburg effect, but increased cell apoptosis in vitro. CircROBO1 and ROBO1 were upregulated, but miR-130a-5p was downregulated in liver cancer tissues. Additionally, matrine could reduce the expression of circROBO1 and ROBO1, and increase the expression of miR-130a-5p. Mechanically, overexpression of circROBO1 partly recovered the effect of matrine on liver cancer cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and Warburg effect by regulating the miR-130a-5p/ROBO1 axis. Matrine impeded liver cancer development by mediating the circROBO1/miR-130a-5p/ROBO1 axis, which provided a theoretical basis for the application of matrine as an effective anticancer drug for liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengchun Huang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qihua Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xuehong Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ruizhen Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinfeng Chang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
191
|
Saumiya S, Franklin SW. Residual Deformable Split Channel and Spatial U-Net for Automated Liver and Liver Tumour Segmentation. J Digit Imaging 2023; 36:2164-2178. [PMID: 37464213 PMCID: PMC10501969 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-023-00874-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate segmentation of the liver and liver tumour (LT) is challenging due to its hazy boundaries and large shape variability. Although using U-Net for liver and LT segmentation achieves better results than manual segmentation, it loses spatial and channel features during segmentation, leading to inaccurate liver and LT segmentation. A residual deformable split depth-wise separable U-Net (RDSDSU-Net) is proposed to increase the accuracy of liver and LT segmentation. The residual deformable convolution layer (DCL) with deformable pooling (DP) is used in the encoder as an attention mechanism to adaptively extract liver and LT shape and position characteristics. Afterward, a convolutional spatial and channel features split graph network (CSCFSG-Net) is introduced in the middle processing layer to improve the expression capability of the liver and LT features by capturing spatial and channel features separately and to extract global contextual liver and LT information from spatial and channel features. Sub-pixel convolutions (SPC) are used in the decoder section to prevent the segmentation results from having a chequerboard artefact effect. Also, the residual deformable encoder features are combined with the decoder through summation to avoid increasing the number of feature maps (FM). Finally, the efficiency of the RDSDSU-Net is evaluated on the 3DIRCADb and LiTS datasets. The DICE score of the proposed RDSDSU-Net achieved 98.21% for liver segmentation and 93.25% for LT segmentation on 3DIRCADb. The experimental outcomes illustrate that the proposed RDSDSU-Net model achieved better segmentation results than the existing techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Saumiya
- Department of ECE, Bethlahem Institute of Engineering, Karungal, Tamil Nadu India
| | - S Wilfred Franklin
- Department of ECE, CSI Institute of Technology, Thovalai, Tamil Nadu India
| |
Collapse
|
192
|
Rahnama S, Tehrankhah ZM, Mohajerani F, Mohammadi FS, Yeganeh ZY, Najafi F, Babashah S, Sadeghizadeh M. Milk thistle nano-micelle formulation promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through modulating miR-155-3p /SOCS2 /PHLDA1 signaling axis. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:337. [PMID: 37749575 PMCID: PMC10521506 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04168-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent form of liver cancer that causes significant mortality in numerous individuals worldwide. This study compared the effects of milk thistle (MT) and nano-milk thistle (N-MT) on the expression of the genes that participate in apoptosis and cell cycle pathways in Huh-7 and HepG2 cells. METHODS IC50 values of MT and N-MT were determined using the MTT assay. Huh-7 and HepG2 cell lines (containing mutant and wild-type TP53 gene, respectively) were incubated with MT and N-MT for 24h and 48h and the impact of MT and N-MT on the proliferation of these cell lines was evaluated through a comparative analysis. Cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry after 24h and 48h treatment in the cell lines mentioned. Real-time PCR was used to analyze miR-155-3p, PHLDA1, SOCS2, TP53, P21, BAX, and BCL-2 expression in the cell lines that were being treated. RESULTS N-MT reduces cancer cell growth in a time and concentration-dependent manner, which is more toxic compared to MT. Huh-7 was observed to have IC50 values of 2.35 and 1.7 μg/ml at 24h and 48h, and HepG2 was observed to have IC50 values of 3.4 and 2.6 μg/ml at 24 and 48h, respectively. N-MT arrested Huh-7 and HepG2 cells in the Sub-G1 phase and induced apoptosis. N-MT led to a marked reduction in the expression of miR-155-3p and BCL-2 after 24h and 48h treatments. Conversely, PHLDA1, SOCS2, BAX, and P21 were upregulated in the treated cells compared to untreated cells, which suggests that milk thistle has the potential to regulate these genes. N-MT reduced the expression of TP53 in Huh-7 cells after mentioned time points, while there was a significant increase in the expression of the TP53 gene in HepG2 cells. No gene expression changes were observed in MT-treated cells after 24h and 48h. CONCLUSION N-MT can regulate cancer cell death by arresting cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. This occurs through the alteration of apoptotic genes expression. A reduction in the expression of miR-155-3p and increase in the expression of SOCS2 and PHLDA1 after N-MT treatment showed the correlation between miR-155-3p and PHLDA1/SOCS2 found in bioinformatics analysis. While N-MT increased TP53 expression in HepG2, reduced it in Huh-7. The findings indicate that N-MT can function intelligently in cancer cells and can be a helpful complement to cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saghar Rahnama
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Moazezi Tehrankhah
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohajerani
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Shah Mohammadi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Yousefi Yeganeh
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhood Najafi
- Department of Resin and Additives, Institute for Color Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Babashah
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Sadeghizadeh
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
193
|
Zhang Z, Qiao Y, Sun Q, Peng L, Sun L. A novel SLC25A1 inhibitor, parthenolide, suppresses the growth and stemness of liver cancer stem cells with metabolic vulnerability. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:350. [PMID: 37741815 PMCID: PMC10518014 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01640-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are recognized as key contributors to hepatocarcinogenesis, progression, and recurrence. Consequently, eradicating LCSCs has a great chance of increasing long-term survival in patients with liver cancer. Parthenolide (PTL), a natural sesquiterpene lactone product, possesses robust antitumor activity. However, the effects of PTL on LCSCs and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here we show that administration of PTL stimulated cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, induced apoptosis, and decreased the stemness of LCSCs. Further research indicates that PTL caused the production of ROS and the reduction of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels of LCSCs. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) further shows that PTL decreased SLC25A1 expression at the mRNA level and that inhibition of SLC25A1 synergistically decreased the expression of IDH2 and several pivotal genes involved in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex, resulting in the production of ROS and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, the inhibitory effect of PTL on mitochondrial function and self-renewal capacity of LCSCs was abolished by the knockdown of SLC25A1 or treatment with SLC25A1 inhibitor CTPI-2. Importantly, PTL prevented liver cancer growth in vivo without clearly causing toxicity. Our research shows that PTL inhibits the growth and stemness of LCSCs through SLC25A1-mediated mitochondrial function. PTL may be a potential candidate natural agent for liver cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhichun Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yuan Qiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Qiuyue Sun
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Liang Peng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Lichao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
194
|
Xiong W, Yang C, Xia J, Wang W, Li N. G. lucidum triterpenes restores intestinal flora balance in non-hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: evidence of 16S rRNA sequencing and network pharmacology analysis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1197418. [PMID: 37790812 PMCID: PMC10544910 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1197418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is a popular traditional remedy medicine used in Asia to promote health and longevity, which has also been highlighted for anti-cancer effects. This study investigated the molecular pharmacological mechanism of G. lucidum triterpenes in influencing intestinal flora imbalance in non-hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on 16S rRNA sequencing technology and network pharmacology analysis. Methods: 16S rRNA sequencing data of fecal samples from normal controls and HCC patients were obtained from the SRA database. G. lucidum triterpenes and HCC-related targets were screened by BATMAN-TCM, ETCM, and GeneCards databases. The TCGA-LIHC dataset was downloaded through the TCGA database to analyze the differential expression of key genes. NHBV-related HCC-related transcriptome RNA sequencing dataset was downloaded via the GEO database. Results: Abundance of intestinal flora in the HBV-related HCC and NHBV-related samples was higher than that of control samples. The intestinal flora of NHBV samples was mainly enriched in apoptosis and p53 pathways. Totally, 465 G. lucidum triterpenes-related targets were intersected with 4186 HCC-related targets, yielding 176 intersected targets. Among them, apoptosis and p53 pathway factors were located at the core of the protein-protein interactions network. Ganosporelactone B, the active component of G. lucidum triterpenes, had the lowest binding free energy to CASP3. CASP3 expression were upregulated in HCC tissue samples, and had higher predictive value in NHBV-related HCC patients. Conclusion: Therefore, Ganosporelactone B, the active ingredient of G. lucidum triterpenes, improves the imbalance of intestinal flora and ultimately curtails development of NHBV-related HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wenxiang Wang
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing, China
| | - Ning Li
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
195
|
Tian R, Li Y, Shen X, Li Y. Targeting PTBP1 blocks glutamine metabolism to improve the cisplatin sensitivity of hepatocarcinoma cells through modulating the mRNA stability of glutaminase. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230756. [PMID: 37724122 PMCID: PMC10505300 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequently diagnosed malignancy with a high mortality rate. Cisplatin (CDDP) is a widely applied anti-cancer drug. However, a large population of liver cancer patients developed CDDP resistance. The polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTBP1) is an RNA-binding protein involving in progressions of diverse cancers. Here we report PTBP1 was significantly upregulated in liver tumors and cell lines. Silencing PTBP1 effectively sensitized HCC cells to CDDP. From the established CDDP-resistant HCC cell line (HepG2 CDDP Res), we observed that CDDP-resistant cells were more sensitive to CDDP under low glutamine supply compared with that in HCC parental cells. CDDP-resistant HCC cells displayed elevated glutamine metabolism rate. Consistently, PTBP1 promotes glutamine uptake and the glutamine metabolism key enzyme, glutaminase (GLS) expression. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the 3'-UTR of GLS mRNA contained PTBP1 binding motifs which were further validated by RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assays. PTBP1 associated with GLS 3'-UTR to stabilize GLS mRNA in HCC cells. Finally, we demonstrated that the PTBP1-promoted CDDP resistance of HCC cells was through modulating the GLS-glutamine metabolism axis. Summarily, our findings uncovered a PTBP1-mediated CDDP resistance pathway in HCC, suggesting that PTBP1 is a promisingly therapeutic target to overcome chemoresistance of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruimin Tian
- Liver Diseases Branch, Tianjin Second People’s Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Department of Infectious, People’s Hospital of Huan County,
Qingyang, Gansu, 745700, China
| | - Xiaojie Shen
- Department of Infectious, People’s Hospital of Huan County,
Qingyang, Gansu, 745700, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Infectious, Tianjin Second People’s Hospital, No. 7 Sudi South Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, China
| |
Collapse
|
196
|
Zhang Z, Zhou P, Liu M, Pei B. Expression And Prognostic Role of PRDX1 In Gastrointestinal Cancers. J Cancer 2023; 14:2895-2907. [PMID: 37781072 PMCID: PMC10539570 DOI: 10.7150/jca.86568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal, gastric, liver, and colorectal cancers represent four prevalent gastrointestinal cancers that pose substantial threats to global health due to their high morbidity and mortality rates. Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1), a significant component of the PRDXs family, primarily functions to counteract the peroxides produced by metabolic activities in the body, thereby maintaining the dynamic equilibrium of peroxides in vivo. Intriguingly, PRDX1 expression correlates strongly with cancer's onset, progression, and prognosis. This study mainly applied bioinformatics methods to analyze PRDX1's expression, diagnosis, and prognosis in gastrointestinal cancers and to summarize current research advancements. Evidence from the bioinformatics database suggested that the high expression of PRDX1 was a prominent characteristic of these four gastrointestinal cancers, with this observation reaching statistical significance. The high expression of PRDX1 in gastrointestinal cancer cells also confirms this result. Notably, the primary alteration in PRDX1 within these cancers is the presence of genetic mutations. PRDX1 demonstrated the highest diagnostic efficacy for colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, elevated PRDX1 levels only significantly diminished the survival time of liver cancer patients, exerting no statistically significant impact on the survival duration of patients afflicted by the other three types of gastrointestinal cancers. Recent research has indicated variability in PRDX1 expression across different cancer types, with high expression being predominantly observed in these four gastrointestinal cancers and, in most instances, unfavorable prognosis. These findings broadly align with the results derived from bioinformatics. This research underscores the high expression of PRDX1 in gastrointestinal cancers, its relevance to the diagnosis and prognosis monitoring of these cancers, and its potential to guide clinical treatment for these cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuxi Huishan District People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214000, China
| | - Pengli Zhou
- College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning province 110000, China
| | - Mingyue Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital; Jiangnan University Medical Center, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu province 214002, China
| | - Bing Pei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suqian First People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suqian, Jiangsu, 223800, China
| |
Collapse
|
197
|
Deng M, Zhao R, Guan R, Li S, Zuo Z, Lin W, Wei W, Guo R. Development of nomograms to predict recurrence after conversion hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma previously treated with transarterial interventional therapy. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:328. [PMID: 37689775 PMCID: PMC10492285 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01310-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of opportunity for radical surgery and postoperative tumor recurrence are challenges for surgeons and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. This study aimed to develop nomograms to predict recurrence risk and recurrence-free survival (RFS) probability after conversion hepatectomy for patients previously receiving transarterial interventional therapy. METHODS In total, 261 HCC patients who underwent conversion liver resection and previously received transarterial interventional therapy were retrospectively enrolled. Nomograms to predict recurrence risk and RFS were developed, with discriminative ability and calibration evaluated by C-statistics, calibration plots, and the Area under the Receiver Operator Characteristic (AUROC) curves. RESULTS Univariate/multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were used to identify predictive factors for recurrence risk and RFS, respectively. The following factors were selected as predictive of recurrence: age, tumor number, microvascular invasion (MVI) grade, preoperative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score (ECOG PS). Similarly, age, tumor number, postoperative AFP, postoperative protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), and ECOG PS were incorporated for the prediction of RFS. The discriminative ability and calibration of the nomograms revealed good predictive ability. Calibration plots showed good agreement between the nomogram predictions of recurrence and RFS and the actual observations. CONCLUSIONS A pair of reliable nomograms was developed to predict recurrence and RFS in HCC patients after conversion resection who previously received transarterial interventional therapy. These predictive models can be used as guidance for clinicians to help with treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Deng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongce Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Renguo Guan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhijun Zuo
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenping Lin
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongping Guo
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
198
|
Wang T, Xia K, Qiu T, Han S, Chen Z, Ma X, Zhang L, Zou J, Zhang Y, Yu B, Kong C, Guo J, Liu Y, Zhou J, Zheng S. A comprehensive survival and prognosis analysis of GPR55 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:8930-8947. [PMID: 37688769 PMCID: PMC10522392 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common subtype, accounting for about 90% of all primary liver cancers. The liver is rich in a large number of immune cells, thus forming a special immune microenvironment, which plays a key role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Nowadays, tumor immunotherapy has become one of the most promising cancer treatment methods. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with VEGF inhibitors are listed as first-line treatment options for advanced HCC. Therefore, the search for a potential biomarker to predict the response to immunotherapy in HCC patients is urgently needed. The G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), a lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) receptor, has recently emerged as a potential new target for anti-tumor therapy. Previous studies have found that GPR55 is highly expressed in breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, and is involved in tumor proliferation and migration. However, the role and mechanism of GPR55 in HCC has not been elucidated. Therefore, this article discusses the clinical significance of GPR55 in HCC and its correlation with the immune response of HCC patients, so as to provide theoretical basis for improving the prognosis of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Xia
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Qiu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shangting Han
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongbao Chen
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxiong Ma
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jilin Zou
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yalong Zhang
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenyang Kong
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiayu Guo
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiting Liu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiangqiao Zhou
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
199
|
Zhong Z, Xie F, Yin J, Zhao H, Zhou Y, Guo K, Li R, Wang Q, Tang B. Development of a prognostic model for anoikis and identifies hub genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14723. [PMID: 37679418 PMCID: PMC10484901 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41139-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the high fatality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), current prognostic systems are insufficient to accurately forecast HCC patients' outcomes. In our study, nine anoikis‑related genes (PTRH2, ITGAV, ANXA5, BIRC5, BDNF, BSG, DAP3, SKP2, and EGF) were determined to establish a risk scoring model using LASSO regression, which could be validated in ICGC dataset. Kaplan-Meier curves and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the risk score possessed an accurate predictive value for the prognosis of HCC patients. The high-risk group showed a higher infiltration of aDCs, macrophages, T-follicular helper cells, and Th2 cells. Besides, PD-L1 was significantly higher in the high-risk group compared to the low-risk group. Several anoikis‑related genes, such as ANX5, ITGAV, BDNF and SKP2, were associated with drug sensitivity in HCC. Finally, we identified BIRC5 and SKP2 as hub genes among the nine model genes using WGCNA analysis. BIRC5 and SKP2 were over-expressed in HCC tissues, and their over-expression was associated with poor prognosis, no matter in our cohort by immunohistochemical staining or in the TCGA cohort by mRNA-Seq. In our cohort, BIRC5 expression was highly associated with the T stage, pathologic stage, histologic grade and AFP of HCC patients. In general, our anoikis-related risk model can enhance the ability to predict the survival outcomes of HCC patients and provide a feasible therapeutic strategy for immunotherapy and drug resistance in HCC. BIRC5 and SKP2 are hub genes of anoikis‑related genes in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhong
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuchun Xie
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajun Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116300, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuehan Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Guo
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongkuan Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qimin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bo Tang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
200
|
Yang F, Yuan C. KNTC1 knockdown inhibits proliferation and metastases of liver cancer. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:309. [PMID: 37621322 PMCID: PMC10444909 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the mechanism of kinetochore-associated protein 1 (KNTC1) in hepatocellular carcinoma. To query the TCGA database for KNTC1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Detection of protein and mRNA levels of KNTC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines SK-Hep-1, Huh7, HepG2 and SNU449. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were examined after KNTC1 knockdown in SK-Hep-1 and Huh7. Proteins related to KNTC1 were identified through protein interregulation, and their role in hepatocellular carcinoma was investigated. Our results showed that KNTC1 was significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and was associated with poorer prognostic survival. The expression of KNTC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines SK-Hep-1, Huh7, HepG2 and SNU449 was significantly higher than that in normal hepatocyte line L02. Knockdown of KNTC1 in SK-Hep-1 and Huh7 significantly inhibited cell viability, migration ability and invasion ability. KNTC1 is involved in the regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma through its interaction with cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). Knockdown of KNTC1 inhibited CDK1 expression, while CDK1 overexpression was able to rescue the regulation of KNTC1 on the viability, migration and invasive ability of hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Knockdown of KNTC1 was found to resulted a cell cycle arrest at the S-phase, potentially through the modulation of CDK1, leading to decreased migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Moreover, knockdown of KNTC1 in mouse transplanted tumors significantly inhibits tumor growth. Inhibition of high expression of KNTC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma was effective in suppressing the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma cells after knockdown. It may be a potential target for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.26 Shengli Street, Jiangan District, Wuhan, 430014 Hubei China
| | - Changjin Yuan
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.26 Shengli Street, Jiangan District, Wuhan, 430014 Hubei China
| |
Collapse
|