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Hepatitis B Virus preS2 Domain Promotes Angiogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Transcriptional Activation of VEGFA Promoter. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.111618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
: Angiogenesis is closely related to the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Angiogenic factors have been confirmed to be overexpressed in HCC. The hepatitis B virus preS2 domain is a transactivator that plays an important role in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential of the preS2 domain in inducing angiogenesis in HCC. A total of 25 cases of pathologically confirmed HCC were screened. The levels of preS2, CD34, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in HCC samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The proliferation of vascular endothelial cells was detected by CCK-8. Besides, VEGFA was analyzed by Western blot in HCC cells. The effect of preS2 on the VEGFA promoter was measured by dual-luciferase reporter assays. We found that preS2 domain-positive HCCs had significantly higher microvessel density (MVD) and VEGFA expression than preS2 domain-negative HCCs. Overexpression of preS2 upregulated VEGFA expression in HepG2 and activated vascular endothelial cell proliferation. However, blocking preS2 expression reduced VEGFA expression in HepG2.2.15 and inhibited the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. In addition, a dual-luciferase assay indicated that the preS2 domain could activate VEGFA promoter activity. In conclusion, we showed that the expression of the preS2 domain promotes angiogenesis by transactivating the VEGFA promoter in HCC.
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Lin H, Huang ZP, Liu J, Qiu Y, Tao YP, Wang MC, Yao H, Hou KZ, Gu FM, Xu XF. MiR-494-3p promotes PI3K/AKT pathway hyperactivation and human hepatocellular carcinoma progression by targeting PTEN. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10461. [PMID: 29992971 PMCID: PMC6041272 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28519-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that miR-494-3p is oncogene and has a central role in many solid tumors; however, the role of miR-494-3p in the progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. In this study, it was found that miR-494-3p was up-regulated in HCC tissues. The high level of miR-494-3p in HCC tumors was correlated with aggressive clinicopathological characteristics and predicted poor prognosis in HCC patients. Functional study demonstrated that miR-494-3p significantly promoted HCC cell metastasis in vitro and vivo. Since phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase-B (PI3K/AKT) signaling is a basic oncogenic driver in HCC, a potential role of miR-494-3p was explored as well as its target genes in PI3K/AKT activation. Of all the predicted target genes of miR-494-3p, the tumor-suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were identified. In conclusion, the data we collected could define an original mechanism of PI3K/AKT hyperactivation and sketch the regulatory role of miR-494-3p in suppressing the expression of PTEN. Therefore, targeting miR-494-3p could provide an effective therapeutic method for the treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Lin
- The First Department of General Surgeny, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, Anhui Medical University, 999 Shiguang Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Huang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center Affiliated to Fudan University, 921 Tongxin Road, Hongkou, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yun Qiu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, Anhui Medical University, 999 Shiguang Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yuan-Ping Tao
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Meng-Chao Wang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Hui Yao
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, Anhui Medical University, 999 Shiguang Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Ke-Zhu Hou
- The First Department of General Surgeny, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, Anhui Medical University, 999 Shiguang Road, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Fang-Ming Gu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Xuan-Fu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, Anhui Medical University, 999 Shiguang Road, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Liu H, Luan F, Ju Y, Shen H, Gao L, Wang X, Liu S, Zhang L, Sun W, Ma C. In vitro transfection of the hepatitis B virus PreS2 gene into the human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2 induces upregulation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 355:379-84. [PMID: 17307151 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.01.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2007] [Accepted: 01/30/2007] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The preS2 domain is the minimal functional unit of transcription activators that is encoded by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface (S) gene. It is present in more than one-third of the HBV-integrates in HBV induced hepatocarcinoma (HCC). To further understand the functional role of PreS2 in hepatocytes, a PreS2 expression plasmid, pcS2, was constructed and stably transfected into HepG2 cells. We conducted growth curve and colony-forming assays to study the impact of PreS2 expression on cell proliferation. Cells transfected with PreS2 proliferated more rapidly and formed colonies in soft agar. PreS2 expressing cells also induced upregulation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and telomerase activation by RT-PCR and the modified TRAP assay. Blocking expression of hTERT with antisense oligonuleotide reversed the growth rate in cells stably transfected with PreS2. Our data suggest that PreS2 may increase the malignant transformation of human HCC cell line HepG2 by upregulating hTERT and inducing telomerase activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Liu
- Institute of Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, #44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, PR China
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Hyun CB, Coyle WJ. Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B Virus Coinfection: An Emerging Problem? South Med J 2004; 97:401-6. [PMID: 15108838 DOI: 10.1097/01.smj.0000072356.46523.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have similar risk factors and routes of transmission. It is estimated that 64 to 84% of HIV-infected individuals have positive markers for anti-HBc antibodies, with the chronic HBV infection rate approaching 16%. There is, however, a paucity of information on HBV/HIV coinfection, and its clinical implications remain unclear. We review the literature and report our recent experience with a 44-year-old man with HBV/HIV coinfection who developed metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma despite quiescent HBV and HIV disease courses. Highly active antiretroviral therapy has revolutionized HIV disease. As a result, morbidity and mortality from other underlying chronic, non-HIV-related diseases, such as the HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma reported here, will likely continue to increase in the HIV-infected patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris B Hyun
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA 92134-1005, USA.
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Ma CH, Sun WS, Tian PK, Gao LF, Liu SX, Wang XY, Zhang LN, Cao YL, Han LH, Liang XH. A novel HBV antisense RNA gene delivery system targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2003; 9:463-7. [PMID: 12632498 PMCID: PMC4621562 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v9.i3.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2002] [Revised: 08/23/2002] [Accepted: 09/04/2002] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To construct a novel HBV antisense RNA delivery system targeting hapatocellular carcinoma and study its inhibitory effect in vitro and in vivo. METHODS GE7,a 16-peptide specific to EGFR, and HA20,a homologue of N-terminus of haemagglutinin of influenza viral envelope protein, were synthesized and conjugated with polylysin. The above conjugates were organized into the pEBAF-as-preS2, a hepatocarcinoma specific HBV antisense expression vector, to construct a novel HBV antisense RNA delivery system, named AFP-enhancing 4-element complex. Hepatocelluar carcinoma HepG2.2.15 cells was used to assay the in vitro inhibition of the complex on HBV. Expression of HBV antigen was assayed by ELISA. BALB/c nude mice bearing HepG2.2.15 cells were injected with AFP-enhancing 4-element complex. The expression of HBV antisense RNA was examined by RT-PCR and the size of tumor in nude mice were measured. RESULTS The AFP-enhancing 4-element complex was constructed and DNA was completely trapped at the slot with no DNA migration when the ratio of polypeptide to plasmid was 1:1. The expression of HBsAg and HBeAg of HepG2.2.15 cells was greatly decreased after being transfected by AFP-enhancing 4-element complex. The inhibitory rates were 33.4 % and 58.5 % respectively. RT-PCR showed HBV antisense RNA expressed specifically in liver tumor cells of tumor-bearing nude mice. After 4 injections of AFP-enhancing 4-element complex containing 0.2 micro g DNA, the diameter of the tumor was 0.995 cm+/-0.35, which was significantly smaller than that of the control groups(2.215 cm+/-0.25, P<0.05). CONCLUSION AFP-enhancing 4-element complex could deliver HBV antisense RNA targeting on hepatocarcinoma and inhibit both HBV and liver tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hong Ma
- Institute of Immunology,Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
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Oon CJ, Chen WN, Goh KT, Mesenas S, Ng HS, Chiang G, Tan C, Koh S, Teng SW, Toh I, Moh MC, Goo KS, Tan K, Leong AL, Tan GS. Molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus surface antigen mutants in Singapore patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis B virus carriers negative for HBsAg but positive for anti-HBs and anti-HBc. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2002; 17 Suppl:S491-6. [PMID: 12534784 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.17.s4.16.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Mutations on the a-determinant of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), capable of escaping detection and vaccination, are identified in HBsAg-positive/anti-HBs-positive vaccinated infants. We studied the prevalence of these mutants in HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive chronic HBV carriers and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS DNA sequence coding for the antigenic a-determinant of HBsAg was amplified from either HCC genomic DNA or serum samples of the selected patients and sequenced. The replicative mutant genomes were reconstituted in vitro and their reactivity to commercial kits measured. RESULTS Mutations within and/or outside the a-determinant were identified in patients seronegative for HBsAg. They were then reconstituted in vitro and transiently transfected into HepG2 cells. Culture medium containing secreted HBV viral particles was collected and assayed for their binding to commercial kits. Drastic decrease of reactivity to these kits was seen with most of the identified mutations, including those located outside the a-determinant. CONCLUSION The existence of a more complex antigenic structure of HBsAg is indicated by the decreased reactivity to detection of mutations, some of which are outside the a-determinant, escape vaccination and may persist in seronegative patients. The high proportion of HBsAg mutants that are integrated in HCC genomes suggests a role of these mutants in hepatocarcinogenesis, possibly leading to mutant HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Jin Oon
- Department of Clinical Research, Singapore General Hospital, Ministry of the Environment, Singapore
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Abstract
Hepatitis B infection is associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development. Hepatitis B proteins, such as the hepatitis B x protein, the large hepatitis B surface protein, or truncated middle hepatitis B surface proteins, regulate transcription of many candidate genes for liver carcinogenesis by trans-mechanisms. They also alter mechanisms of apoptosis and interfere with nucleotide excision repair of damaged DNA. Together with an influence on cellular signaling, these mechanisms may favor the cell's clonal expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rabe
- Department of Medicine I, University of Bonn, Germany
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Kew MC. Hepatitis B virus in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma. VIRUSES AND LIVER CANCER 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0168-7069(02)06063-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Individuals who are chronic carriers have a greater than 100-fold increased relative risk of developing the tumour. Several mechanisms of HBV-induced HCC have been proposed. Integration of HBV DNA into the genome of hepatocytes occurs commonly, although integration at cellular sites that are important for regulation of hepatocyte proliferation appears to be a rare event. Functions of the HBx protein are also potentially oncogenic. These include transcriptional activation of cellular growth regulatory genes, modulation of apoptosis and inhibition of nucleotide excision repair of damaged cellular DNA. The effects of HBx are mediated by interaction with cellular proteins and activation of cell signalling pathways. Variations in HBV genome sequences may be important in hepatocarcinogenesis, although their significance has not yet been completely elucidated. Necroinflammatory hepatic disease, which often accompanies chronic HBV infection, may contribute indirectly to hepatocyte transformation in a number of ways, including by facilitating HBV DNA integration, predisposing to the acquisition of cellular mutations and generating mutagenic oxygen reactive species. Although HCC is a malignancy with a poor prognosis, the availability of an effective vaccine against HBV infection, and its inclusion in the Expanded Programme of Immunization of many countries, augurs well for the eventual elimination of HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Arbuthnot
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology and Molecular Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, South Africa
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Individuals who are chronic carriers have a greater than 100-fold increased relative risk of developing the tumour. Several mechanisms of HBV-induced HCC have been proposed. Integration of HBV DNA into the genome of hepatocytes occurs commonly, although integration at cellular sites that are important for regulation of hepatocyte proliferation appears to be a rare event. Functions of the HBx protein are also potentially oncogenic. These include transcriptional activation of cellular growth regulatory genes, modulation of apoptosis and inhibition of nucleotide excision repair of damaged cellular DNA. The effects of HBx are mediated by interaction with cellular proteins and activation of cell signalling pathways. Variations in HBV genome sequences may be important in hepatocarcinogenesis, although their significance has not yet been completely elucidated. Necroinflammatory hepatic disease, which often accompanies chronic HBV infection, may contribute indirectly to hepatocyte transformation in a number of ways, including by facilitating HBV DNA integration, predisposing to the acquisition of cellular mutations and generating mutagenic oxygen reactive species. Although HCC is a malignancy with a poor prognosis, the availability of an effective vaccine against HBV infection, and its inclusion in the Expanded Programme of Immunization of many countries, augurs well for the eventual elimination of HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Arbuthnot
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School7 York Road, Parktown 2193, South Africa
- Molecular Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School7 York Road, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Michael Kew
- Molecular Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School7 York Road, Parktown 2193, South Africa
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