151
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Xiaoyun S, Yuyuan Z, Jie X, Yingjie N, Qing X, Yuezhen D, Haiguang X. PHF19 activates hedgehog signaling and promotes tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Cell Res 2021; 406:112690. [PMID: 34129846 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Hedgehog-Gli1 signaling and accumulation of Gli1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are frequently observed. However, the mechanisms leading to the overactivation of this signaling pathway are not fully understood. In this study, we show that the short isoform of PHD finger protein 19 (PHF19) interacts with β-TrCP, the E3 ligase of Gli1, and that knocking down PHF19 promotes the ubiquitination of Gli1. In a biological function study, PHF19 was found to promote the growth of HCC cells both in liquid culture and in soft agar. Moreover, knocking out PHF19 in a HCC mouse model (MycF/F) using the hydrodynamic method inhibited tumorigenesis and improved survival. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PHF19 promotes the growth of HCC cells by activating the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Xiaoyun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zi Yuyuan
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Xing Jie
- Department of Biobank, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Nie Yingjie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Xie Qing
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Deng Yuezhen
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Xin Haiguang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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152
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Epigenetic Regulation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression through the mTOR Signaling Pathway. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 2021:5596712. [PMID: 34123955 PMCID: PMC8169250 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5596712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, is an aggressive tumor with a high mortality rate because of the limited systemic and locoregional treatment modalities. The development and progression of HCC depend on epigenetic changes that result in the activation or inhibition of some signaling pathways. The mTOR signaling pathway is essential for many pathophysiological processes and is considered a major regulator of cancer. Increasing evidence has shown that epigenetics plays a key role in HCC biology by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, epigenetic regulation through the mTOR signaling pathway to diagnose and treat HCC will become a very promising strategy.
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153
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A novel therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Immunomodulatory mechanisms of selenium and/or selenoproteins on a shift towards anti-cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107790. [PMID: 34162153 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace chemical element that is widely distributed worldwide. Se exerts its immunomodulatory and nutritional activities in the human body in the form of selenoproteins. Se has increasingly appeared as a potential trace element associated with many human diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that Se and selenoproteins exert their immunomodulatory effects on HCC by regulating the molecules of oxidative stress, inflammation, immune response, cell proliferation and growth, angiogenesis, signaling pathways, apoptosis, and other processes in vitro cell studies and in vivo animal studies. Se concentrations are generally low in tissues of patients with HCC, such as blood, serum, scalp hair, and toenail. However, Se concentrations were higher in HCC patient tissues after Se supplementation than before supplementation. This review summarizes the significant relationship between Se and HCC, and details the role of Se as a novel immunomodulatory or immunotherapeutic approach against HCC.
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154
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Siriphak S, Chanakankun R, Proungvitaya T, Roytrakul S, Tummanatsakun D, Seubwai W, Wongwattanakul M, Proungvitaya S. Kallikrein-11, in Association with Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 25, as a Potential Prognostic Marker for Cholangiocarcinoma with Lymph Node Metastasis. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113105. [PMID: 34067437 PMCID: PMC8196963 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy arising from cholangiocytes. Currently, the treatment and prognosis for CCA are mostly poor. Recently, we have reported that coiled-coil domain containing 25 (CCDC25) protein level in the sera may be a diagnostic marker for CCA. Subsequently, we identified three binding proteins of CCDC25 and found that kallikrein-11 (KLK11) expression was highest among those binding proteins. In this study, we investigated CCDC25 and KLK11 expression in CCA and adjacent normal tissues (n = 18) using immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that the expressions of CCDC25 and KLK11 in CCA tissues were both significantly higher than the adjacent tissues (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Then, using GEPIA bioinformatics analysis, KLK11 mRNA was significantly overexpressed in CCA tumor tissues compared with normal tissues (p < 0.05). Moreover, CCDC25 expression was positively correlated with KLK11 expression in CCA with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.028, r = 0.593). An analysis for the interaction of KLK11 with CCDC25 and other proteins, using STRING version 11.0, revealed that CCDC25 and KLK11 correlated with metastasis-related proteins. In addition, Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis revealed that a high expression of KLK11 was associated with the poor prognosis of CCA. In conclusion, KLK11 is, as a binding protein for CCDC25, possibly involved in the metastatic process of CCA. KLK11 may be used as a prognostic marker for CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeranee Siriphak
- Centre of Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, KhonKaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.S.); (R.C.); (T.P.); (D.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Ravinnipa Chanakankun
- Centre of Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, KhonKaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.S.); (R.C.); (T.P.); (D.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Tanakorn Proungvitaya
- Centre of Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, KhonKaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.S.); (R.C.); (T.P.); (D.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Doungdean Tummanatsakun
- Centre of Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, KhonKaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.S.); (R.C.); (T.P.); (D.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Wunchana Seubwai
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Molin Wongwattanakul
- Centre of Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, KhonKaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.S.); (R.C.); (T.P.); (D.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Siriporn Proungvitaya
- Centre of Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, KhonKaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.S.); (R.C.); (T.P.); (D.T.); (M.W.)
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-43202088
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155
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Lin Y, Yao Y, Wang Y, Wang L, Cui H. PD-L1 and Immune Infiltration of m 6A RNA Methylation Regulators and Its miRNA Regulators in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5516100. [PMID: 34055974 PMCID: PMC8147529 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5516100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the relationship between the expression of m6A RNA methylation regulators and prognosis in HCC. METHODS We compared the expression of m6A methylation modulators and PD-L1 between HCC and normal in TCGA database. HCC samples were divided into two subtypes by consensus clustering of data from m6A RNA methylation regulators. The differences in PD-L1, immune infiltration, and prognosis between the two subtypes were further compared. The LASSO regression was used to build a risk score for m6A modulators. In addition, we identified miRNAs that regulate m6A regulators. RESULTS We found that fourteen m6A regulatory genes were significantly differentially expressed between HCC and normal. HCC samples were divided into two clusters. Of these, there are higher PD-L1 expression and poorer overall survival (OS) in cluster 1. There was a significant difference in immune cell infiltration between cluster 1 and cluster 2. Through the LASSO model, we obtained 12 m6A methylation regulators to construct a prognostic risk score. Compared with patients with a high-risk score, patients with a low-risk score had upregulated PD-L1 expression and worse prognosis. There was a significant correlation between risk score and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Finally, we found that miR-142 may be the important regulator for m6A RNA methylation in HCC. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that m6A RNA methylation modulators may affect the prognosis through PD-L1 and immune cell infiltration in HCC patients. In addition, the two clusters may be beneficial for prognostic stratification and improving immunotherapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Lin
- Department of Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Nanyingzi Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Yinhui Yao
- Department of Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Nanyingzi Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Nanyingzi Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Lingdi Wang
- Department of Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Nanyingzi Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Haipeng Cui
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chengde Medical University, Anyuan Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, Hebei, China
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156
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Yang S, Yao B, Wu L, Liu Y, Liu K, Xu P, Zheng Y, Deng Y, Zhai Z, Wu Y, Li N, Zhang D, Kang H, Dai Z. Ubiquitin-related molecular classification and risk stratification of hepatocellular carcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 21:207-219. [PMID: 34095460 PMCID: PMC8138213 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The roles of ubiquitin-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to systematically examine ubiquitin-related genes and identify subtypes and stratify prognosis of HCC by using ubiquitin-related signatures. Survival, biological processes, tumor microenvironment (TME), and genomic alterations of the HCC subtypes were investigated. Patients with HCC were classified into two subtypes (clusters 1 and 2) with distinct survival outcomes, pathways, and genomic alterations. Cluster 2 had better prognosis than did cluster 1. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity were enriched in cluster 1. Moreover, cluster 2 had a higher immune score and immune cell infiltrations, whereas cluster 1 had a lower immune score and immune infiltrations. Additionally, mutations, amplifications, and deletions among the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT, p53, and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-RAS pathways more frequently occurred in cluster 1, while those among the Hippo, MYC, and Notch signaling pathways were found in cluster 2. Finally, a prognostic signature, consisting of eight ubiquitin-related genes, was established and validated. In brief, our study established a new classification and developed a prognostic signature for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Bowen Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Liming Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yuanxing Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Yujiao Deng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Zhen Zhai
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Dai Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Huafeng Kang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
- Corresponding author Huafeng Kang, Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
- Corresponding author Zhijun Dai, Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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157
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Kato T, Murata D, Anders RA, Sesaki H, Iijima M. Nuclear PTEN and p53 suppress stress-induced liver cancer through distinct mechanisms. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 549:83-90. [PMID: 33667713 PMCID: PMC7995232 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.02.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PTEN and p53 are highly mutated in many cancers. These two tumor suppressors have critical functions in the nucleus, such as DNA repair, cell cycle progression, and genome maintenance. However, the in vivo functional relationship of nuclear PTEN and p53 is unknown. Here, we analyzed the liver of mice in which nuclear PTEN and p53 are individually or simultaneously depleted. We found that nuclear PTEN loss greatly upregulates p53 expression upon oxidative stress, while the loss of p53 potentiates stress-induced accumulation of PTEN in the nucleus. Next, we examined oxidative stress-induced DNA damage in hepatocytes, and found that nuclear PTEN loss aggravated the damage while p53 loss did not. Notably, mice lacking nuclear PTEN had increased hepatocellular carcinoma under oxidative stress, while mice lacking p53 in hepatocytes had accelerated hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The formation of cholangiocarcinoma appears to involve the transformation of hepatocytes into cholangiocarcinoma. Simultaneous loss of nuclear PTEN and p53 exacerbated both types of liver cancers. These data suggest that nuclear PTEN and p53 suppress liver cancers through distinct mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kato
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Daisuke Murata
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Robert A Anders
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Hiromi Sesaki
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Miho Iijima
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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158
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Farzaneh Z, Vosough M, Agarwal T, Farzaneh M. Critical signaling pathways governing hepatocellular carcinoma behavior; small molecule-based approaches. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:208. [PMID: 33849569 PMCID: PMC8045321 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01924-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of death due to cancer. Although there are different treatment options, these strategies are not efficient in terms of restricting the tumor cell's proliferation and metastasis. The liver tumor microenvironment contains the non-parenchymal cells with supportive or inhibitory effects on the cancerous phenotype of HCC. Several signaling pathways are dis-regulated in HCC and cause uncontrolled cell propagation, metastasis, and recurrence of liver carcinoma cells. Recent studies have established new approaches for the prevention and treatment of HCC using small molecules. Small molecules are compounds with a low molecular weight that usually inhibit the specific targets in signal transduction pathways. These components can induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, block metastasis, and tumor growth. Devising strategies for simultaneously targeting HCC and the non-parenchymal population of the tumor could lead to more relevant research outcomes. These strategies may open new avenues for the treatment of HCC with minimal cytotoxic effects on healthy cells. This study provides the latest findings on critical signaling pathways governing HCC behavior and using small molecules in the control of HCC both in vitro and in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Farzaneh
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tarun Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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159
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The GNAQ T96S Mutation Affects Cell Signaling and Enhances the Oncogenic Properties of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063284. [PMID: 33807071 PMCID: PMC8004934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common malignant tumor in the liver, grows and metastasizes rapidly. Despite advances in treatment modalities, the five-year survival rate of HCC remains less than 30%. We sought genetic mutations that may affect the oncogenic properties of HCC, using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data analysis. We found that the GNAQ T96S mutation (threonine 96 to serine alteration of the Gαq protein) was present in 12 out of 373 HCC patients (3.2%). To examine the effect of the GNAQ T96S mutation on HCC, we transfected the SK-Hep-1 cell line with the wild-type or the mutant GNAQ T96S expression vector. Transfection with the wild-type GNAQ expression vector enhanced anchorage-independent growth, migration, and the MAPK pathways in the SK-Hep-1 cells compared to control vector transfection. Moreover, cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, migration, and the MAPK pathways were further enhanced in the SK-Hep-1 cells transfected with the GNAQ T96S expression vector compared to the wild-type GNAQ-transfected cells. In silico structural analysis shows that the substitution of the GNAQ amino acid threonine 96 with a serine may destabilize the interaction between the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) protein and GNAQ. This may reduce the inhibitory effect of RGS on GNAQ signaling, enhancing the GNAQ signaling pathway. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping analysis for Korean HCC patients shows that the GNAQ T96S mutation was found in only one of the 456 patients (0.22%). Our data suggest that the GNAQ T96S hotspot mutation may play an oncogenic role in HCC by potentiating the GNAQ signal transduction pathway.
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160
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Yamada N, Matsushima-Nishiwaki R, Kobayashi K, Tachi J, Kozawa O. GLP-1 reduces the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via suppression of the stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 703:108851. [PMID: 33771507 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.108851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Incretins, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), are hormones secreted from small intestine accompanied with oral intake. We previously showed that transforming growth factor (TGF)-α stimulates the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells via mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, AKT and Rho-kinase. However, it remains to be elucidated whether incretins affect HCC cell functions. In the present study, therefore, we investigated whether incretins affect the migration of HCC cells using human HCC-derived HuH7 cells. GLP-1, but not GIP, reduced both TGF-α- and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced cell migration. IBMX, an inhibitor of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, enhanced the suppressive effect of GLP-1. GLP-1 attenuated the phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) by TGF-α and HGF. Our results strongly suggest that GLP-1 suppresses TGF-α- and HGF-induced migration of HCC cells through inhibiting the SAPK/JNK signaling pathway, and that the inhibition by GLP-1 is due to cAMP production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Yamada
- Department of Pharmacology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 501-1194, Gifu, Japan
| | | | - Kaido Kobayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 501-1194, Gifu, Japan
| | - Junko Tachi
- Department of Pharmacology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 501-1194, Gifu, Japan
| | - Osamu Kozawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 501-1194, Gifu, Japan.
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161
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Huang Y, Chen X, Wang L, Wang T, Tang X, Su X. Centromere Protein F ( CENPF) Serves as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Target for Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2021; 12:2933-2951. [PMID: 33854594 PMCID: PMC8040902 DOI: 10.7150/jca.52187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of Centromere Protein F (CENPF) is associated with tumorigenesis of many human malignant tumors. But the molecular mechanism and prognostic value of CENPF in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still unclear. In this essay, expression of CENPF in HCC tumors were evaluated in a series of databases, including GEO, TCGA, Oncomine, GEPIA, The Human Protein Atlas and Kaplan-Meier plotter. It was apparent that mRNA and protein expression levels of CENPF were significantly increased in patients with HCC and were manifestly associated with the tumor stage of HCC. Aberrant expressions of CENPF were significantly linked with worse overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in HCC patients. Then, immunohistochemistry of CENPF in human HCC samples was carried out to suggest that CENPF protein was over-expressed in HCC tissues, compared with paired adjacent non-cancerous samples. And small interfering RNAs of CENPF in the human HepG2 cells were further performed to reveal that down-regulation of CENPF significantly inhibited cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion, but slightly promoted cell apoptosis in human HepG2 cells. Moreover, the gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to probe the biology process and molecular signaling pathway of CENPF in HCC. The GSEA analysis pointed out that CENPF was principally enriched in cell cycle and closely related to E2F1 and CDK1 in the regulation of cell cycle, especially during G2/M transition of mitosis in HCC. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis by CIBERSORTx revealed that mutilpe immune cells, including Treg, etc., were significantly different in HCC samples with CENPFhigh, compared with CENPFlow. These results collectively demonstrated that CENPF might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and novel therapeutic target for HCC. However, further research is needed to validate our findings and promote the clinical application of CENPF in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei 44200, China
| | - Xiuwen Chen
- Department of Pathology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei 44200, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pathology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei 44200, China
| | - Tieyan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei 44200, China
| | - Xianbin Tang
- Department of Pathology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei 44200, China
| | - Xiaomin Su
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300110, China
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162
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Yu B, Mamedov R, Fuhler GM, Peppelenbosch MP. Drug Discovery in Liver Disease Using Kinome Profiling. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2623. [PMID: 33807722 PMCID: PMC7961955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is one of the most important organs, playing critical roles in maintaining biochemical homeostasis. Accordingly, disease of the liver is often debilitating and responsible for untold human misery. As biochemical nexus, with kinases being master regulators of cellular biochemistry, targeting kinase enzymes is an obvious avenue for treating liver disease. Development of such therapy, however, is hampered by the technical difficulty of obtaining comprehensive insight into hepatic kinase activity, a problem further compounded by the often unique aspects of hepatic kinase activities, which makes extrapolations from other systems difficult. This consideration prompted us to review the current state of the art with respect to kinome profiling approaches towards the hepatic kinome. We observe that currently four different approaches are available, all showing significant promise. Hence we postulate that insight into the hepatic kinome will quickly increase, leading to rational kinase-targeted therapy for different liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC—University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.Y.); (R.M.); (G.M.F.)
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163
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Jiang N, Li H, Sun Y, Zeng J, Yang F, Kantawong F, Wu J. Network Pharmacology and Pharmacological Evaluation Reveals the Mechanism of the Sanguisorba Officinalis in Suppressing Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:618522. [PMID: 33746755 PMCID: PMC7969657 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.618522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:Sanguisorba Officinalis L. (SO) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), commonly applied to treat complex diseases, such as anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and hemostatic effects. Especially, it has been reported to exert anti-tumor effect in various human cancers. However, its effect and pharmacological mechanism on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Methods: In this study, network pharmacology approach was applied to characterize the underlying mechanism of SO on HCC. Active compounds and potential targets of SO, as well as related genes of HCC were obtained from the public databases, the potential targets and signaling pathways were determined by protein-protein interaction (PPI), gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses. And the compound-target and target-pathway networks were constructed. Subsequently, in vitro experiments were also performed to further verify the anticancer effects of SO on HCC. Results: By using the comprehensive network pharmacology analysis, 41 ingredients in SO were collected from the corresponding databases, 12 active ingredients screened according to their oral bioavailability and drug-likeness index, and 258 potential targets related to HCC were predicted. Through enrichment analysis, SO was found to show its excellent therapeutic effects on HCC through several pathways, mainly related to proliferation and survival via the EGFR, PI3K/AKT, NFκB and MAPK signaling pathways. Additionally, in vitro, SO was found to inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and down-regulate cell migration and invasion in various HCC cells. Moreover, western blot analysis showed that SO treatment down-regulated the expression of p-EGFR, p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-NFκB and p-MAPK proteins in HepG2 cells. These results validated that SO exerted its therapeutic effects on HCC mainly by the regulation of cell proliferation and survival via the EGFR/MAPK and EGFR/PI3K/AKT/NFκB signaling pathways. Conclusion: Taken together, this study, revealed the anti-HCC effects of SO and its potential underlying therapeutic mechanisms in a multi-target and multi-pathway manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jiang
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,International Education School, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Drugability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yueshan Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Drugability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Drugability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fei Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Drugability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fahsai Kantawong
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jianming Wu
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Drugability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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164
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Moon H, Ro SW. Ras Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Signaling and Kinase Suppressor of Ras as Therapeutic Targets for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2021; 21:1-11. [PMID: 37384270 PMCID: PMC10035721 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.21.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a high incidence cancer and a major health concern worldwide. Among the many molecular signaling pathways that are dysregulated in HCC, the Ras mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras/Raf/MAPK) signaling pathway has gained renewed attention from basic and clinical researchers. Mutations in Ras and Raf genes which are known to activate the Ras/Raf/MAPK signaling pathway have been infrequently detected in human HCC; however, the Ras/Raf/MAPK signaling pathway is activated in more than 50% of HCC cases, suggesting an alternative mechanism for the activation of the signaling pathway. Kinase suppressor of Ras acts as a molecular scaffold for facilitating the assembly of Ras/Raf/MAPK signaling pathway components and has been implicated in the regulation of this signaling pathway. In this review, we provide important insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of the Ras/Raf/MAPK signaling pathway and discuss potential therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk Moon
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Kyung Hee University College of Life Sciences, Yongin, Korea
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Kyung Hee University College of Life Sciences, Yongin, Korea
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165
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Song K, He F, Xin Y, Guan G, Huo J, Zhu Q, Fan N, Guo Y, Zang Y, Wu L. TSC2 Mutations Were Associated with the Early Recurrence of Patients with HCC Underwent Hepatectomy. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2021; 14:269-278. [PMID: 33623416 PMCID: PMC7896791 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s294307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the value of Tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) mutations in evaluating the early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients underwent hepatectomy. Patients and Methods A total of 183 HCC patients were enrolled. Next-generation sequencing was performed on tumor tissues to analyze genomic alterations, tumor mutational burden and variant allele fraction (VAF). The associations between TSC2 mutations and recurrence rate within 1 year, RFS and OS after hepatectomy were analyzed. Results Our results showed that TSC2 mutation frequency in HCC was 12.6%. Compared to patients without TSC2 mutation, the proportion of microvascular invasion (MVI) and Edmondson grade III–IV was significantly higher in patients with a TSC2 mutation (p<0.05). The VAF of mutated TSC2 was higher in patients with maximum diameter of tumor >5cm or MVI than that of other patients (p<0.05). The frequency of TP53 mutation was significantly higher in patients with a TSC2 mutation than those without TSC2 mutation (p=0.003). Follow-up analysis showed that patients with a TSC2 mutation had significantly higher recurrence rate within 1 year (p=0.015) and poorer median recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p=0.010) than patients without TSC2 mutation. TSC2 mutations did not significantly affect overall survival of patients (p=0.480). The multivariate analysis results showed that the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) B-C stage, TSC2 mutations and preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein level ≥400μg/L were independently associated with recurrence within 1 year after hepatectomy (HR=8.628, 95% CI: 3.836–19.405, p=0.000; HR=3.885, 95% CI: 1.295–11.653, p=0.015; HR=2.327, 95% CI: 1.018–5.323, p=0.045; respectively), and poorer RFS after hepatectomy (HR=3.070, 95% CI: 1.971–4.783, p=0.000; HR=1.861, 95% CI: 1.061–3.267, p=0.030; HR=1.715, 95% CI: 1.093–2.693, p=0.019; respectively). Conclusion TSC2 mutations were significantly associated with MVI in liver para-carcinoma tissue and Edmondson grade III–IV in patients with HCC and were independently associated with recurrence within 1 year and poorer RFS after hepatectomy. The TSC2 mutation may be a potential predictor for early recurrence in HCC patients underwent hepatectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangjian Song
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu He
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Xin
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Guan
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyu Huo
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingwei Zhu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Fan
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Guo
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunjin Zang
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqun Wu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
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166
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Zhu M, Wu M, Bian S, Song Q, Xiao M, Huang H, You L, Zhang J, Zhang J, Cheng C, Ni W, Zheng W. DNA primase subunit 1 deteriorated progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating AKT/mTOR signaling and UBE2C-mediated P53 ubiquitination. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:42. [PMID: 33622397 PMCID: PMC7903777 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA primase subunit 1 (PRIM1) has been reported as a novel oncogene in several cancer types. However, its roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate underlying mechanisms of PRIM1 and identify it as a potential molecular target for HCC. Methods Hub genes were screened between HCC tissues and normal liver tissues in 3 gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets and the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). The expression features and prognostic value of one of the hub genes PRIM1 were analyzed by bioinformatic analyses and immunohistochemistry. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies were used to investigate the regulatory role of PRIM1 in HCC cells. Real-time (RT)-qPCR, western blotting, and ubiquitin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. The xenograft model was employed to detect the roles of PRIM1 in tumor growth in vivo. Finally, the 3D spheroid model was conducted to validate the role of PRIM1 in tumor growth and sorafenib resistance. Results The hub genes of HCC were screened in multiple bioinformatic datasets. PRIM1, as one of the hub genes, was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues in mRNA and protein levels. In addition, high expression of PRIM1 indicated poor prognosis of HCC patients in TCGA, ICGC, and Nantong cohorts. Overexpression of PRIM1 promoted the proliferation, migration/invasion, and sorafenib resistance of HCC cells, with the decrease in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Mechanically, PRIM1 facilitated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and the activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling of HCC cells. Additionally, PRIM1 could cause the ubiquitination and degradation of P53 by upregulating Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme E2 C (UBE2C). Furthermore, knockdown of PRIM1 significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors and HCC cells-derived spheroids with enhanced sorafenib resistance. Conclusion This study implies that PRIM1 may play a key role in the progression of HCC and may serve as a potential target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Zhu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.,School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengna Wu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Saiyan Bian
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.,School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, One Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, 27157 NC, USA
| | - Mingbing Xiao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hua Huang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li You
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun Cheng
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenkai Ni
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wenjie Zheng
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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Hooshmand S, Mahdinezhad MR, Taraz Jamshidi S, Soukhtanloo M, Mirzavi F, Iranshahi M, Hasanpour M, Ghorbani A. Morus nigra L. extract prolongs survival of rats with hepatocellular carcinoma. Phytother Res 2021; 35:3365-3376. [PMID: 33624311 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Morus nigra is a rich source of anthocyanins, phytochemicals that have anticancer effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of M. nigra extract (MNE) on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into four groups (n = 10): control, DEN, and DEN +100 or 400 mg/kg of MNE. After 4 months, the DEN group showed a significant mortality rate, hepatic lipid peroxidation, dysplastic nodules in the cirrhotic liver, and an increase of blood bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Also, the body weight gain, blood albumin and glucose, liver antioxidant capacity (thiol groups), and some hematological parameters (RBC, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelet) were significantly decreased in the DEN group. MNE significantly increased survival, reduced the size of HCC nodules, improved liver oxidant/antioxidant status, and prevented the above-mentioned changes in the blood (except ALP, glucose, and platelet). Quantitative real-time PCR showed that MNE decreased the expression of Wnt4 and β-catenin, while had no significant effect on PI3K, Akt, and PTEN expression. The MNE did not exhibit antiproliferative activity against HepG2 liver cancer cells. In conclusion, MNE exhibits a hepatoprotective effect through inhibiting oxidative stress and Wnt4/β-catenin pathway and therefore prolongs the survival of rats with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hooshmand
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mahdinezhad
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shirin Taraz Jamshidi
- Solid Tumor Treatment Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soukhtanloo
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farshad Mirzavi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Iranshahi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maedeh Hasanpour
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghorbani
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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168
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Feng PP, Qi YK, Li N, Fei HR. Scutebarbatine A induces cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma via activation of the MAPK and ER stress signaling pathways. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 35:e22731. [PMID: 33512038 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Scutebarbatine A (SBT-A), a diterpenoid alkaloid found in the root of Scutellaria barbata D. Don, has been reported to induce the apoptosis of A549 cells. In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of SBT-A in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and the potential underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that SBT-A inhibited the growth of HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. SBT-A treatment caused cell cycle arrest and decreased the expression of cyclin B1, cyclin D1, p-Cdc2, and p-Cdc25C. SBT-A triggered cell apoptosis via a caspase-dependent pathway, and cell viability was partially restored by pretreatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. In HCC cells, treatment with SBT-A increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 and 2 (JNK1/2), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). Moreover, SBT-A activated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through the upregulation of protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF-4), and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP). Our data indicate that SBT-A inhibits the proliferation of HCC cells and triggers their apoptosis via the activation of MAPK and ER stress. SBT-A is a potential agent for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan-Pan Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - You-Kun Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Hong-Rong Fei
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
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169
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Woo HY, Heo J. The role of c-MET inhibitors in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: now and future. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 8:1617. [PMID: 33437816 PMCID: PMC7791211 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Young Woo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University and Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University and Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
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170
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Cao X, Zhang J, Apaer S, Yao G, Li T. microRNA-19a-3p and microRNA-376c-3p Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression Through SOX6-Mediated Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:89-102. [PMID: 33469348 PMCID: PMC7812052 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s278538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent researches have suggested that microRNA (miR)-19a-3p and miR-376c-3p might function as initiators in diverse cancers. Based on which, in this current study, we aimed to probe into the combined effects and mechanisms of miR-19a-3p and miR-376c-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Methods Tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues from 21 cases of HCC patients, HCC cell lines, and human normal liver cell lines were used in this study. RT-qPCR and Western blot were implemented to detect the expression of miR-19a-3p, miR-376c-3p, SOX6, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-associated factors in HCC tissues and cells. The direct relationships between miR-19a-3p or miR-376c-3p and SOX6 were confirmed by luciferase activity assay. HCC cells were treated with miR-19a-3p inhibitor, miR-376c-3p inhibitor, or oe-SOX-6 to figure out their functions in HCC malignancy. The in vivo assays were conducted for the confirmation of in vitro results. Results In both HCC tissues and cells, miR-19a-3p and miR-376c-3p were highly expressed, and SOX6 was poorly expressed. Depleted miR-19a-3p or miR-376c-3p was found to result in retarded HCC development. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity assay revealed that SOX6 was the common target gene of miR-19a-3p and miR-376c-3p. Overexpressed SOX6 was demonstrated to block the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby slowing down HCC progression. The in vivo assays showed that suppressed miR-19a-3p or miR-376c-3p and elevated SOX6 could reduce the tumor volume and weight of nude mice. Conclusion This study suggests that miR-19a-3p/miR-376c-3p activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via targeting SOX6, contributing to promoted biological functions of HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinling Cao
- Department of Liver Transplantation & Laparoscopic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, People's Republic of China
| | - Shadike Apaer
- Department of Liver Transplantation & Laparoscopic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Yao
- Department of Liver Transplantation & Laparoscopic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Liver Transplantation & Laparoscopic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, People's Republic of China
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Schipilliti FM, Garajová I, Rovesti G, Balsano R, Piacentini F, Dominici M, Gelsomino F. The Growing Skyline of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment: A Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:43. [PMID: 33429973 PMCID: PMC7827379 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main type of liver cancer. In the majority of cases, HCC is diagnosed at the advanced stage, leading to poor prognosis. In recent years, many efforts have been devoted to investigating potential new and more effective drugs and, indeed, the treatment armamentarium for advanced HCC has broadened tremendously, with targeted- and immune-therapies, and probably the combination of both, playing pivotal roles. Together with new established knowledge, many issues are emerging, with the role of neoadjuvant/adjuvant settings, the definition of the best transitioning time from loco-regional treatments to systemic therapy, the identification of potential predictive biomarkers, and radiomics being just some of the topics that will have to be further explored in the next future. Clearly, the current COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the management of HCC patients and some considerations about this topic will be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Matilde Schipilliti
- Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.R.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
| | - Ingrid Garajová
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Giulia Rovesti
- Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.R.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
| | - Rita Balsano
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Federico Piacentini
- Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.R.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.R.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
| | - Fabio Gelsomino
- Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.R.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
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172
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Zhang Y, Wang D, Zhu T, Yu J, Wu X, Lin W, Zhu M, Dai Y, Zhu J. CircPUM1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through the miR-1208/MAP3K2 axis. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:600-612. [PMID: 33320435 PMCID: PMC7810943 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common disease with a significant mortality, and there is no effective treatment for advanced patients. Growing evidence indicates that circRNAs are closely related to HCC progression, may be used as biomarkers and targets for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Recent researches have shown that circPUM1 may play an oncogene role in a variety of human cancers, but its role in HCC development has not been reported. Our study found that circPUM1 could promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro. In addition, in vivo studies showed that circPUM1 could increase the development of HCC tumours and regulate the expression of EMT-related proteins. Furthermore, we demonstrated that circPUM1 could promote the development of HCC by up-regulating the expression of MAP3K2 via sponging miR-1208. Our study suggested that circPUM1 may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Zhang
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryTaizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital)ZhejiangChina
| | - Dongguo Wang
- Department of Clinical Lab MedicineTaizhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Taizhou UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Plastic surgeryTaizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital)ZhejiangChina
| | - Jin Yu
- The Health Management CentreTaizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital)TaizhouChina
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryTaizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital)ZhejiangChina
| | - Weidong Lin
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryTaizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital)ZhejiangChina
| | - Minqi Zhu
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryTaizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital)ZhejiangChina
| | - Yingjie Dai
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryTaizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital)ZhejiangChina
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryTaizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital)ZhejiangChina
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173
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Yang P, Yang Y, Sun P, Tian Y, Gao F, Wang C, Zong T, Li M, Zhang Y, Yu T, Jiang Z. βII spectrin (SPTBN1): biological function and clinical potential in cancer and other diseases. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:32-49. [PMID: 33390831 PMCID: PMC7757025 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.52375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
βII spectrin, the most common isoform of non-erythrocyte spectrin, is a cytoskeleton protein present in all nucleated cells. Interestingly, βII spectrin is essential for the development of various organs such as nerve, epithelium, inner ear, liver and heart. The functions of βII spectrin include not only establishing and maintaining the cell structure but also regulating a variety of cellular functions, such as cell apoptosis, cell adhesion, cell spreading and cell cycle regulation. Notably, βII spectrin dysfunction is associated with embryonic lethality and the DNA damage response. More recently, the detection of altered βII spectrin expression in tumors indicated that βII spectrin might be involved in the development and progression of cancer. Its mutations and disorders could result in developmental disabilities and various diseases. The versatile roles of βII spectrin in disease have been examined in an increasing number of studies; nonetheless, the exact mechanisms of βII spectrin are still poorly understood. Thus, we summarize the structural features and biological roles of βII spectrin and discuss its molecular mechanisms and functions in development, homeostasis, regeneration and differentiation. This review highlight the potential effects of βII spectrin dysfunction in cancer and other diseases, outstanding questions for the future investigation of therapeutic targets. The investigation of the regulatory mechanism of βII spectrin signal inactivation and recovery may bring hope for future therapy of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panyu Yang
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine School, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Pin Sun
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Fang Gao
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabiliation, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabiliation, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tingyu Zong
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Min Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266021, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China.,Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhirong Jiang
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
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174
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Garcia-Lezana T, Lopez-Canovas JL, Villanueva A. Signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 149:63-101. [PMID: 33579428 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the recent introduction of new effective systemic agents, the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at advanced stages remains dismal. This underscores the need for new therapies, which has spurred extensive research on the identification of the main drivers of pathway de-regulation as a source of novel therapeutic targets. Frequently altered pathways in HCC involve growth factor receptors (e.g., VEGFR, FGFR, TGFA, EGFR, IGFR) and/or its cytoplasmic intermediates (e.g., PI3K-AKT-mTOR, RAF/ERK/MAPK) as well as key pathways in cell differentiation (e.g., Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, Hippo, Hedgehog, Notch). Somatic mutations, chromosomal aberrations and epigenetic changes are common mechanisms for pathway deregulation in HCC. Aberrant pathway activation has also been explored as a biomarker to predict response to specific therapies, but currently, these strategies are not implemented when deciding systemic therapies in HCC patients. Beyond the well-established molecular cascades, there are numerous emerging signaling pathways also deregulated in HCC (e.g., tumor microenvironment, non-coding RNA, intestinal microbiota), which have opened new avenues for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Garcia-Lezana
- Division of Liver Diseases, Liver Cancer Program, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Juan Luis Lopez-Canovas
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Division of Liver Diseases, Liver Cancer Program, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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175
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Mai Q, Sheng D, Chen C, Gou Q, Chen M, Huang X, Yin H, Chen X, Chen Z. Steroid 5 alpha-reductase 3 (SRD5A3) promotes tumor growth and predicts poor survival of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:25395-25411. [PMID: 33229626 PMCID: PMC7803539 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Steroid 5 alpha-reductase 3 (SRD5A3) is an important molecule in glycosylation metabolism and steroid hormone formation. It is differentially expressed in human fetal liver, endometrial cancer and prostate cancer; however, its prognostic value and biological function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Here, bioinformatics analysis was employed to explore the expression and prognostic significance of SRD5A3 in various cancers including HCC. Additionally, clinical specimens of HCC were applied to analyze the expression of SRD5A3. SRD5A3-underexpressed HCC cell lines were established to test the effect of SRD5A3 on cell proliferation in in vitro and in vivo. We found that the elevated expression of SRD5A3 was common in many cancers with poor prognosis. Moreover, public datasets and our specimens revealed that SRD5A3 was also upregulated in HCC tissues and associated with clinical stage and patient’s gender. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that higher SRD5A3 level predicted poor overall survival, progression-free survival, relapse-free survival and disease specific survival in HCC patients. Further experiments showed that the lack of SRD5A3 inhibited the growth of HCC. Collectively, these findings indicate that SRD5A3 functions as an oncogene and might serve as a potential biomarker for prognosis and a therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qicong Mai
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Dafeng Sheng
- PET/CT Center, Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengcong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing Gou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoting Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Heng Yin
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoming Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Zide Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
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176
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Akinloye OA, Akinloye DI, Lawal MA, Shittu MT, Metibemu DS. Terpenoids from Azadirachta indica are potent inhibitors of Akt: Validation of the anticancer potentials in hepatocellular carcinoma in male Wistar rats. J Food Biochem 2020; 45:e13559. [PMID: 33190241 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest primary malignancy with poor patient prognosis and a high mortality rate. In this study, phytochemicals characterized from Azadirachta indica were screened against the catalytic site of Akt, and the anticancer potentials of the extracted leads (terpenoids) were determined in hepatocellular carcinoma in male Wistar rats. The lead compounds are terpenoids; hence, the extraction of terpenoids from A. indica. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) was employed for the characterization of the extract. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in male Wistar rats were treated with the terpenoids extract. The hit, lupeol demonstrates inhibition of Akt and is a potential drug candidate. The terpenoids extract downregulate Akt mRNA and demonstrated anti-Akt downstream signaling effects; anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis, pro-apoptotic, and cell cycle arrest, it also demonstrated cellular regeneration, hepatoprotection, antioxidant potentials, and cellular repairs in hepatocellular carcinoma in male Wistar rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy with poor patient prognosis and a high mortality rate. Akt, a serine/threonine kinase is at the crossroad of cell survival, the progression of the cell cycle, cell signaling, cell growth, cell division, and inactivation of pro-apoptotic factors. The inhibition of Akt is an effective therapeutic strategy against HCC. In this study, terpenoids from Azadirachta indica are potent inhibitors of Akt and hitherto demonstrate anticancer potentials. A. indica leaves are readily available globally and more also it is readily cultivated in African and Asia, continents with the highest prevalence of HCC. A. indica terpenoids extract demonstrate anti-HCC potentials and hence should be exploited in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluseyi A Akinloye
- Department of Biochemistry, Phytomedicine, Phyto-chemistry and Bio-computing Research Laboratory, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Dorcas I Akinloye
- Department of Biochemistry, Phytomedicine, Phyto-chemistry and Bio-computing Research Laboratory, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Mariam A Lawal
- Department of Biochemistry, Phytomedicine, Phyto-chemistry and Bio-computing Research Laboratory, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Mujidat T Shittu
- Department of Biochemistry, Phytomedicine, Phyto-chemistry and Bio-computing Research Laboratory, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Damilohun S Metibemu
- Department of Biochemistry, Phytomedicine, Phyto-chemistry and Bio-computing Research Laboratory, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria
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177
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Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Mechanism of Scutellariae Radix for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:8897918. [PMID: 33163086 PMCID: PMC7607277 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8897918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor without effective therapeutic drugs for most patients in advanced stages. Scutellariae Radix (SR) is a well-known anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic herbal medicine. However, the mechanism of SR against HCC remains to be clarified. In the present study, network pharmacology was utilized to characterize the mechanism of SR on HCC. The active components of SR and their targets were collected from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and the traditional Chinese medicine integrated database. HCC-related targets were acquired from the liver cancer databases OncoDB.HCC and Liverome. The gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway were analyzed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. Component-component target and protein-protein interaction networks were set up. A total of 143 components of SR were identified, and 37 of them were considered as candidate active components. Fifty targets corresponding to 29 components of SR were mapped with targets of HCC. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that SR exerted an antihepatocarcinoma effect by regulating pathways in cancer, hepatitis B, viral carcinogenesis, and PI3K-Akt signaling. The holistic approach of network pharmacology can provide novel insights into the mechanistic study and therapeutic drug development of SR for HCC treatment.
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178
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Song H, Ding N, Li S, Liao J, Xie A, Yu Y, Zhang C, Ni C. Identification of Hub Genes Associated With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Robust Rank Aggregation Combined With Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis. Front Genet 2020; 11:895. [PMID: 33133125 PMCID: PMC7561391 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bioinformatics provides a valuable tool to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To improve prognosis of patients, identification of robust biomarkers associated with the pathogenic pathways of HCC remains an urgent research priority. Methods We employed the Robust Rank Aggregation method to integrate nine qualified HCC datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus. A robust set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumor and normal tissue samples were screened. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was applied to cluster DEGs and the key modules related to clinical traits identified. Based on network topology analysis, novel risk genes derived from key modules were mined and biological verification performed. The potential functions of these risk genes were further explored with the aid of miRNA–mRNA regulatory networks. Finally, the prognostic ability of these genes was assessed by constructing a clinical prediction model. Results Two key modules showed significant association with clinical traits. In combination with protein–protein interaction analysis, 29 hub genes were identified. Among these genes, 19 from one module showed a pattern of upregulation in HCC and were associated with the tumor node metastasis stage, and 10 from the other module displayed the opposite trend. Survival analyses indicated that all these genes were significantly related to patient prognosis. Based on the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, 29 genes strongly linked to tumor activity were identified. Notably, five of the novel risk genes, ABAT, DAO, PCK2, SLC27A2, and HAO1, have rarely been reported in previous studies. Gene set enrichment analysis for each gene revealed regulatory roles in proliferation and prognosis of HCC. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis further validated DAO, PCK2, and HAO1 as prognostic factors in an external HCC dataset. Conclusion Analysis of multiple datasets combined with global network information presents a successful approach to uncover the complex biological mechanisms of HCC. More importantly, this novel integrated strategy facilitates identification of risk hub genes as candidate biomarkers for HCC, which could effectively guide clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Song
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Intervention Therapy, The Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Na Ding
- Department of Computational Biology, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shang Li
- Department of Computational Biology, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jianlong Liao
- Department of Computational Biology, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Aimin Xie
- Department of Computational Biology, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Youtao Yu
- Department of Intervention Therapy, The Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chunlong Zhang
- Department of Computational Biology, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Caifang Ni
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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179
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Shen X, Ding Y, Lu F, Yuan H, Luan W. Long noncoding RNA MIR4435-2HG promotes hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and metastasis through the miR-22-3p/YWHAZ axis. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:6381-6394. [PMID: 33194037 PMCID: PMC7653602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play the critical biological role in many malignant tumours. MIR4435-2HG has been proven to be a novel oncogenic lncRNA. However, the exact role and mechanism of MIR4435-2HG in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Here, we found that MIR4435-2HG is overexpressed in HCC tissue compared to normal controls and that high level of MIR4435-2HG indicates a poorer prognosis in HCC patients. MIR4435-2HG enhances the growth and metastasis ability of HCC cells. MIR4435-2HG promotes the expression of YWHAZ by sponging miR-22-3p to liberate YWHAZ mRNA transcripts. MIR4435-2HG facilitates the proliferation and metastasis of HCC by modulating the miR-22-3p/YWHAZ axis. These results demonstrated the role and mechanism of MIR4435-2HG in malignant progression of HCC. MIR4435-2HG may be used as the prognostic marker and treatment target for the patient with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanlin Shen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Changshu No. 2 People’s Hospital (The 5th Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University)Changshu, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuting Ding
- Department of Rehabilitation, Changshu No. 2 People’s Hospital (The 5th Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University)Changshu, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haitao Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenkang Luan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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180
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Ailioaie LM, Litscher G. Curcumin and Photobiomodulation in Chronic Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197150. [PMID: 32998270 PMCID: PMC7582680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune modulation is a very modern medical field for targeting viral infections. In the race to develop the best immune modulator against viruses, curcumin, as a natural product, is inexpensive, without side effects, and can stimulate very well certain areas of the human immune system. As a bright yellow component of turmeric spice, curcumin has been the subject of thousands of scientific and clinical studies in recent decades to prove its powerful antioxidant properties and anticancer effects. Curcumin has been shown to influence inter- and intracellular signaling pathways, with direct effects on gene expression of the antioxidant proteins and those that regulate the immunity. Experimental studies have shown that curcumin modulates several enzyme systems, reduces nitrosative stress, increases the antioxidant capacity, and decreases the lipid peroxidation, protecting against fatty liver pathogenesis and fibrotic changes. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects millions of people worldwide, having sometimes a dramatic evolution to chronic aggressive infection, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. All up-to-date treatments are limited, there is still a gap in the scientific knowledge, and a sterilization cure may not yet be possible with the removal of both covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and the embedded HBV DNA. With a maximum light absorption at 420 nm, the cytotoxicity of curcumin as photosensitizer could be expanded by the intravenous blue laser blood irradiation (IVBLBI) or photobiomodulation in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection, Hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive, noncirrhotic, but nonresponsive to classical therapy. Photobiomodulation increases DNA repair by the biosynthesis of complex molecules with antioxidant properties, the outset of repairing enzyme systems and new phospholipids for regenerating the cell membranes. UltraBioavailable Curcumin and blue laser photobiomodulation could suppress the virus and control better the disease by reducing inflammation/fibrosis and stopping the progression of chronic hepatitis, reversing fibrosis, and diminishing the progression of cirrhosis, and decreasing the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Photodynamic therapy with blue light and curcumin opens new avenues for the effective prevention and cure of chronic liver infections and hepatocellular carcinoma. Blue laser light and UltraBioavailable Curcumin could be a new valuable alternative for medical applications in chronic B viral hepatitis and hepatocarcinoma, saving millions of lives.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/therapeutic use
- Antioxidants/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/etiology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/radiotherapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology
- Curcumin/therapeutic use
- DNA Repair/radiation effects
- DNA, Circular/antagonists & inhibitors
- DNA, Circular/genetics
- DNA, Circular/metabolism
- DNA, Viral/antagonists & inhibitors
- DNA, Viral/genetics
- DNA, Viral/metabolism
- Hepatitis B e Antigens/genetics
- Hepatitis B e Antigens/immunology
- Hepatitis B virus/drug effects
- Hepatitis B virus/growth & development
- Hepatitis B virus/pathogenicity
- Hepatitis B virus/radiation effects
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/complications
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/drug therapy
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/radiotherapy
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/virology
- Humans
- Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use
- Liver/drug effects
- Liver/immunology
- Liver/pathology
- Liver/radiation effects
- Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy
- Liver Cirrhosis/etiology
- Liver Cirrhosis/radiotherapy
- Liver Cirrhosis/virology
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/etiology
- Liver Neoplasms/radiotherapy
- Liver Neoplasms/virology
- Low-Level Light Therapy/methods
- Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marinela Ailioaie
- Department of Medical Physics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Carol I Boulevard, 700506 Iasi, Romania;
- Ultramedical & Laser Clinic, 83 Arcu Street, 700135 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gerhard Litscher
- Research Unit of Biomedical Engineering in Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Research Unit for Complementary and Integrative Laser Medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Research Center Graz, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 39, 8036 Graz, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-316-385-83907
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181
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Na HH, Moon S, Kim KC. Knockout of SETDB1 gene using the CRISPR/cas-9 system increases migration and transforming activities via complex regulations of E-cadherin, β-catenin, STAT3, and Akt. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 533:486-492. [PMID: 32972752 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
SETDB1 HMTase participates in various cellular processes via epigenetic transcriptional regulation. SETDB1 expression is downregulated by anticancer drug treatment in cancer cells, but we still need to verify the functional significance on SETDB1 downregulation. CRISPR/cas9 is a useful technology for doing a knockout (KO) of a target gene. It is widely used to examine the function of genes. In this study, we prepared SETDB1-KO from A549 human lung cancer cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and we compared molecular changes between the A549 cells and the SETDB1-KO cells. The SETDB1-KO cell proliferation rate was slightly decreased as compared to the A549 cells, but there was no large difference in sensitivity with doxorubicin treatment. Instead, the migration activity and transforming activity were dramatically increased in SETDB-KO cells. Using a western blot analysis and an immunostaining experiment, we confirmed that SETDB1-KO downregulates the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin. A qPCR and an RT-PCR analysis suggested that SETDB1 transcriptionally regulates E-cadherin and β-catenin. Moreover, E-cadherin expression was also detected in the cytoplasmic region of SETDB1-KO cells, indicating that functional localization of E-cadherin might be changed in SETDB1-KO cells. On the other hand, total levels of STAT3 and Akt were increased in the SETDB1-KO cells, but activation of STAT3 (pSTAT3) was not induced in doxorubicin-treated SETDB1-KO cells. SETDB1 overexpression into SETDB1-KO cells restores the expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin, STAT3, and Akt, suggesting that those proteins are tightly regulated by SETDB1. Collectively, we suggest that complex regulations on E-cadherin, β-catenin, STAT3, and Akt are correlated with the increased migration and transforming activity of SETDB1-KO cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Heom Na
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjin Moon
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Cheol Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
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Hu JW, Chen B, Zhang J, Qi YP, Liang JH, Zhong JH, Xiang BD. Novel combination of celecoxib and metformin improves the antitumor effect by inhibiting the growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2020; 11:6437-6444. [PMID: 33033527 PMCID: PMC7532521 DOI: 10.7150/jca.47532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore the effect of COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib in combination with metformin on the prevention of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the mechanisms involved. Methods: HCC cell lines and an HCC rat model were treated with celecoxib, metformin or a combination of both. Cell viability and tumor formation were measured. Results:In vitro and in vivo studies showed that treatment with a combination of celecoxib and metformin inhibited proliferation of HCC to a greater extent than either treatment alone, by reducing the phosphorylation of MTOR. Conclusion: The study suggested that celecoxib combined with metformin would be more effective for the preventing occurrence of HCC than either treatment alone and this combination of therapy is worthy of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Wen Hu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Key Laboratory for High-Incidence Tumor Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Key Laboratory for High-Incidence Tumor Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Key Laboratory for High-Incidence Tumor Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Ya-Peng Qi
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Key Laboratory for High-Incidence Tumor Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jia-Hao Liang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Key Laboratory for High-Incidence Tumor Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jian-Hong Zhong
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Key Laboratory for High-Incidence Tumor Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Bang-De Xiang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Key Laboratory for High-Incidence Tumor Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
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183
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Kobayashi K, Matsushima-Nishiwaki R, Yamada N, Migita S, Hioki T, Mizutani D, Kozawa O. Heat shock protein 70 positively regulates transforming growth factor-α-induced hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration via the AKT signaling pathway. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05002. [PMID: 33005803 PMCID: PMC7519371 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are induced in response to extracellular stress and manage the quality of proteins as molecular chaperones. HSP70, a highly conserved HSP, has been reported to correlate with the proliferation and migration of human cancer cells, such as oral, prostate, lung and liver cancer. Regarding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the HSP70 levels in the tumor tissues from patients are significantly higher than those in the normal liver tissues. HSP70 reportedly upregulates the migration and invasion of HCC. The AKT, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and Rho-kinase signaling pathways regulate the transforming growth factor (TGF)-α-induced migration of human HCC-derived HuH7 cells. However, the exact mechanism underlying the role of HSP70 in growth factor-induced HCC migration remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study, the mechanism underlying the involvement of HSP70 in TGF-α-induced HCC cell migration was investigated. Treatment with the HSP70 inhibitors VER155008 and YM-08 and the downregulation of HSP70 protein were confirmed to significantly suppress the TGF-α-induced cell migration of HuH7 cells. Both VER155008 and YM-08 reduced the TGF-α-induced phosphorylation of AKT without affecting the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, JNK or Rho-kinase. These results strongly suggest that HSP70 positively regulates the TGF-α-induced migration of HCC cells via the AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaido Kobayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | | | - Noriko Yamada
- Department of Pharmacology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Saori Migita
- Department of Pharmacology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hioki
- Department of Pharmacology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, Kizawa Memorial Hospital, Minokamo, Gifu, Japan
| | - Daisuke Mizutani
- Department of Pharmacology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Osamu Kozawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
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184
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Goto K, Nishitsuji H, Sugiyama M, Nishida N, Mizokami M, Shimotohno K. Orchestration of Intracellular Circuits by G Protein-Coupled Receptor 39 for Hepatitis B Virus Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165661. [PMID: 32784555 PMCID: PMC7460832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a highly persistent pathogen causing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), takes full advantage of host machinery, presenting therapeutic targets. Here we aimed to identify novel druggable host cellular factors using the reporter HBV we have recently generated. In an RNAi screen of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), GPCR39 (GPR39) appeared as the top hit to facilitate HBV proliferation. Lentiviral overexpression of active GPR39 proteins and an agonist enhanced HBV replication and transcriptional activities of viral promoters, inducing the expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (CEBP)-β (CEBPB). Meanwhile, GPR39 was uncovered to activate the heat shock response, upregulating the expression of proviral heat shock proteins (HSPs). In addition, glioma-associated oncogene homologue signaling, a recently reported target of GPR39, was suggested to inhibit HBV replication and eventually suppress expression of CEBPB and HSPs. Thus, GPR39 provirally governed intracellular circuits simultaneously affecting the carcinopathogenetic gene functions. GPR39 and the regulated signaling networks would serve as antiviral targets, and strategies with selective inhibitors of GPR39 functions can develop host-targeted antiviral therapies preventing HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaku Goto
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-47-372-3501; Fax: +81-47-375-4766
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185
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Di Palo A, Siniscalchi C, Mosca N, Russo A, Potenza N. A Novel ceRNA Regulatory Network Involving the Long Non-Coding Antisense RNA SPACA6P-AS, miR-125a and its mRNA Targets in Hepatocarcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145068. [PMID: 32709089 PMCID: PMC7404396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA), and more recently long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), are emerging as a driving force for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. In this work, we investigated a possible RNA regulatory network involving two oncosuppressive miRNAs, miR-125a and let-7e, and a long non-coding antisense RNA, SPACA6P-AS (SP-AS), all transcribed from the same locus, with SP-AS in the opposite direction and thus carrying complementary sequences to the miRNAs. In vitro experiments validated the binding of the miRNAs to SP-AS. Then, the boosting of either the miRNAs or SP-AS levels demonstrated their reciprocal inhibition. In addition, overexpression of SP-AS resulted in a reduced silencing activity of miR-125a and let-7e toward their key oncogenic targets, i.e., Lin28b, MMP11, SIRT7, Zbtb7a, Cyclin D1, CDC25B, HMGA2, that resulted significantly upregulated. Finally, the analysis of 374 HCC samples in comparison to 50 normal liver tissues showed an upregulation of SP-AS and a reverse expression of miR-125a, not observed for let-7e; consistently, miR-125a oncogenic targets were upregulated. Overall, the data depict a novel competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, ceRNET, whereby miR-125a can regulate the expression of SP-AS, which in turn regulates the miRNA by competing with the binding to the mRNA targets. We speculate that the unbalancing of any network component may contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Di Palo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.P.); (C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Chiara Siniscalchi
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.P.); (C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Nicola Mosca
- Inserm, BMGIC, U1035, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France;
| | - Aniello Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.P.); (C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.P.); (C.S.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
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186
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Marin JJ, Macias RI, Monte MJ, Romero MR, Asensio M, Sanchez-Martin A, Cives-Losada C, Temprano AG, Espinosa-Escudero R, Reviejo M, Bohorquez LH, Briz O. Molecular Bases of Drug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061663. [PMID: 32585893 PMCID: PMC7352164 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor outcome of patients with non-surgically removable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent type of primary liver cancer, is mainly due to the high refractoriness of this aggressive tumor to classical chemotherapy. Novel pharmacological approaches based on the use of inhibitors of tyrosine kinases (TKIs), mainly sorafenib and regorafenib, have provided only a modest prolongation of the overall survival in these HCC patients. The present review is an update of the available information regarding our understanding of the molecular bases of mechanisms of chemoresistance (MOC) with a significant impact on the response of HCC to existing pharmacological tools, which include classical chemotherapeutic agents, TKIs and novel immune-sensitizing strategies. Many of the more than one hundred genes involved in seven MOC have been identified as potential biomarkers to predict the failure of treatment, as well as druggable targets to develop novel strategies aimed at increasing the sensitivity of HCC to pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose J.G. Marin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.J.G.M.); (O.B.); Tel.: +34-663182872 (J.J.G.M.); +34-923294674 (O.B.)
| | - Rocio I.R. Macias
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria J. Monte
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta R. Romero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maitane Asensio
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Anabel Sanchez-Martin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Candela Cives-Losada
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Alvaro G. Temprano
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Ricardo Espinosa-Escudero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Maria Reviejo
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Laura H. Bohorquez
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Oscar Briz
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.J.G.M.); (O.B.); Tel.: +34-663182872 (J.J.G.M.); +34-923294674 (O.B.)
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187
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Sridhar S, Sharma I, Sankpal UT, Ghabach B, Narra K, Neerukonda L, Basha R. Targeted Molecular Therapeutic Options for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Crit Rev Oncog 2020; 25:47-55. [PMID: 32865910 PMCID: PMC11079775 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2020034985] [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: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the 6th leading cause of cancer related deaths in the US even though it ranks 14th in incidence. More men are diagnosed with liver cancer than women, and the number of projected deaths among men (20,020) is almost double that among women (10,140) in the US. Infections like hepatitis and metabolic conditions like obesity are believed to be major risk factors for the onset of liver cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, accounts for 75% of all cases. Chemotherapy has not been effective in treating HCC. Targeted therapies are being used in advanced HCC patients due to a better survival and less side effects when compared to traditional chemotherapy. Therapeutic agents targeting the regulators of growth factor signaling pathways and the mediators of downstream signaling-for example, inhibitors of the tyrosine kinase receptor-are used as targeted molecular therapies. Kinase inhibitors that modulate growth signals, such as sorafenib and lenvatinib, are commonly employed in targeted molecular therapy for HCC patients. This review covers these agents, highlighting modes of action and providing details on clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathi Sridhar
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Ishna Sharma
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Umesh T. Sankpal
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas
| | | | | | | | - Riyaz Basha
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas
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