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Saadh MJ, Mahdi MS, Allela OQB, Alazzawi TS, Ubaid M, Rakhimov NM, Athab ZH, Ramaiah P, Chinnasamy L, Alsaikhan F, Farhood B. Critical role of miR-21/exosomal miR-21 in autophagy pathway. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 257:155275. [PMID: 38643552 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Activation of autophagy, a process of cellular stress response, leads to the breakdown of proteins, organelles, and other parts of the cell in lysosomes, and can be linked to several ailments, such as cancer, neurological diseases, and rare hereditary syndromes. Thus, its regulation is very carefully monitored. Transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms domestically or in whole organisms utilized to control the autophagic activity, have been heavily researched. In modern times, microRNAs (miRNAs) are being considered to have a part in post-translational orchestration of the autophagic activity, with miR-21 as one of the best studied miRNAs, it is often more than expressed in cancer cells. This regulatory RNA is thought to play a major role in a plethora of processes and illnesses including growth, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation. Different studies have suggested that a few autophagy-oriented genes, such as PTEN, Rab11a, Atg12, SIPA1L2, and ATG5, are all targeted by miR-21, indicating its essential role in the regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan
| | | | | | - Tuqa S Alazzawi
- College of dentist, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | | | - Nodir M Rakhimov
- Department of Oncology, Samarkand State Medical University, 18 Amir Temur Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan; Department of Oncology, Tashkent State Dental Institute, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Zainab H Athab
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq
| | | | | | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia jSchool of Pharmacy, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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2
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Luo X, He X, Zhang X, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Hua S. Hepatocellular carcinoma: signaling pathways, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e474. [PMID: 38318160 PMCID: PMC10838672 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with a high mortality rate. It is regarded as a significant public health issue because of its complicated pathophysiology, high metastasis, and recurrence rates. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage of HCC, which often leads to delays in diagnosis. Traditional treatment methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and interventional therapies have limited therapeutic effects for HCC patients with recurrence or metastasis. With the development of molecular biology and immunology, molecular signaling pathways and immune checkpoint were identified as the main mechanism of HCC progression. Targeting these molecules has become a new direction for the treatment of HCC. At present, the combination of targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors is the first choice for advanced HCC patients. In this review, we mainly focus on the cutting-edge research of signaling pathways and corresponding targeted therapy and immunotherapy in HCC. It is of great significance to comprehensively understand the pathogenesis of HCC, search for potential therapeutic targets, and optimize the treatment strategies of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Luo
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Xin He
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Xingmei Zhang
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yuzhe Zhang
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yusheng Shi
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Shengni Hua
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
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Zaafar D, Khalil HMA, Elnaggar R, Saad DZ, Rasheed RA. Protective role of hesperetin in sorafenib-induced hepato- and neurotoxicity in mice via modulating apoptotic pathways and mitochondrial reprogramming. Life Sci 2024; 336:122295. [PMID: 38007145 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sorafenib, an FDA-approved standard chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, is associated with numerous adverse effects that significantly impact patients' physiological well-being. Consequently, identifying agents that mitigate these side effects while enhancing efficacy is crucial. Hesperetin, a flavone present in fruits and vegetables, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to investigate the hepatotoxic and neurotoxic effects of sorafenib and the potential protective role of hesperetin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Swiss albino mice were orally administered sorafenib (100 mg/kg) alone or in combination with hesperetin (50 mg/kg) over 21 days. Behavioral assessments for anxiety and depressive-like behaviors were conducted. Additionally, evaluations encompassed apoptotic activity, mitochondrial integrity, liver enzyme levels, proliferation rates, and histopathological changes. RESULTS Combining hesperetin with sorafenib showed improvements in behavioral alterations, liver damage, brain mitochondrial dysfunction, and liver apoptosis compared to the sorafenib-only group in mice. CONCLUSION Hesperetin exhibits potential as an adjunct to sorafenib, mitigating its side effects by attenuating its toxicity, enhancing efficacy, and potentially reducing the occurrence of sorafenib-induced resistance through the downregulation of hepatocyte growth factor levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Zaafar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Heba M A Khalil
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt.
| | - Reham Elnaggar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University of Science and Technology (MUST), 6th October, Giza 12566, Egypt.
| | - Diana Z Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai, Egypt.
| | - Rabab Ahmed Rasheed
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai, Egypt.
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Erratum: Drug resistance mechanism of kinase inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1188062. [PMID: 37077813 PMCID: PMC10107049 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1188062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1097277.].
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Jiang Z, Dai C. Potential Treatment Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Sensitization to Sorafenib. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:257-266. [PMID: 36815094 PMCID: PMC9939808 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s396231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is highly malignant, has a low sensitivity to chemotherapy, and is associated with poor patient prognosis. The last 3 years have seen the emergence of promising targeted therapies for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For over 10 years, before the discovery of lenvatinib, sorafenib was only first-line therapeutic agent available for the treatment of advanced HCC. However, several clinical studies have shown that a considerable proportion liver cancer patients are insensitive to sorafenib. Very few patients actually substantially benefit from treatment with sorafenib, and the overall efficacy of the drug has not been satisfactory; therefore, sorafenib has attracted considerable research attention. This study, which is based on previous studies and reports, reviews the potential mechanisms underlying sorafenib resistance and summarizes combination therapies and potential drugs that can be used to sensitize HCC cells to sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghao Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaoliu Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Chaoliu Dai, Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Yin H, Fu X, Gao H, Gao H, Ma Y, Chen X, Zhang X, Du SS, Qi YK. Hybrid peptide NTP-217 triggers ROS-mediated rapid necrosis in liver cancer cells by induction of mitochondrial leakage. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1028600. [PMID: 36713538 PMCID: PMC9881410 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1028600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality globally, and >830,000 patients with liver cancer undergoing treatment succumbed to the disease in 2020, which indicates the urgent need to develop a more effective anti-liver cancer drug. In our previous study, nucleus-targeting hybrid peptides obtained from the fusion of LTX-315 and the rhodamine B group possessed potent anti-adherent cancer cell activity. Hybrid peptides accumulated in the cell nucleus and damaged the nuclear membrane, resulting in the transfer of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and the induction of apoptosis. However, the source of the high concentration of ROS within the cytoplasm is unclear. Moreover, although our previous study demonstrated that hybrid peptides possessed potent anticancer activity against adherent cancer cells, their efficacy on liver cancer remained unexplored. The current study found that the hybrid peptide NTP-217 killed liver cancer cells after 4-h treatment with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 14.6-45.7 μM. NTP-217 could stably accumulate in the liver tumor tissue and markedly inhibited liver tumor growth in mice. Furthermore, NTP-217 destroyed mitochondria and induced the leakage of mitochondrial contents, resulting in the generation of a substantial quantity of ROS. Unlike the apoptosis induced by 24 h of treatment by NTP-217, 4 h of treatment caused ROS-mediated necrotic cell death. These findings suggested that short-time treatment with hybrid peptides could trigger ROS-mediated rapid necrosis in liver cancer cells, and provided a basis for the future development of hybrid peptides as anti-liver cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Hao Yin, ; Shan-Shan Du, ; Yun-Kun Qi,
| | - Xingyan Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hanyu Gao
- School of Stomatology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Han Gao
- Department of Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yannan Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xitong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xueqi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shan-Shan Du
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Hao Yin, ; Shan-Shan Du, ; Yun-Kun Qi,
| | - Yun-Kun Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Hao Yin, ; Shan-Shan Du, ; Yun-Kun Qi,
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Jiang L, Li L, Liu Y, Lu L, Zhan M, Yuan S, Liu Y. Drug resistance mechanism of kinase inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1097277. [PMID: 36891274 PMCID: PMC9987615 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1097277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, and it usually occurs following chronic liver disease. Although some progress has been made in the treatment of HCC, the prognosis of patients with advanced HCC is not optimistic, mainly because of the inevitable development of drug resistance. Therefore, multi-target kinase inhibitors for the treatment of HCC, such as sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, and regorafenib, produce small clinical benefits for patients with HCC. It is necessary to study the mechanism of kinase inhibitor resistance and explore possible solutions to overcome this resistance to improve clinical benefits. In this study, we reviewed the mechanisms of resistance to multi-target kinase inhibitors in HCC and discussed strategies that can be used to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Luan Li
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongzhuang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengtao Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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Nagaraju GP, Dariya B, Kasa P, Peela S, El-Rayes BF. Epigenetics in hepatocellular carcinoma. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:622-632. [PMID: 34324953 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver and has a high fatality rate. Genetic and epigenetic aberrations are commonly observed in HCC. The epigenetic processes include chromatin remodelling, histone alterations, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA) expression and are connected with the progression and metastasis of HCC. Due to their potential reversibility, these epigenetic alterations are widely targeted for the development of biomarkers. In-depth understanding of the epigenetics of HCC is critical for developing rational clinical strategies that can provide a meaningful improvement in overall survival and prediction of therapeutic outcomes. In this article, we have summarised the epigenetic modifications involved in HCC progression and highlighted the potential biomarkers for diagnosis and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Begum Dariya
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Banasthali University, Banasthali, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Prameswari Kasa
- Dr. L.V. Prasad Diagnostics and Research Laboratory, Khairtabad, Hyderabad 500004, India
| | - Sujatha Peela
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Srikakulam, 532410 AP, India
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Zheng C, Wang H, Zhao S, Ma C, Gao H, Yang F, Zhou X, Lu J, Zhang C, Zhu H. Inhibition of neuropilin-1 enhances the therapeutic effects of lenvatinib in suppressing cholangiocarcinoma cells via the c-Met pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 935:175290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in malignant tumors: molecular mechanisms and future perspective. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:329. [PMID: 36115852 PMCID: PMC9482625 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractProtein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are a class of proteins with tyrosine kinase activity that phosphorylate tyrosine residues of critical molecules in signaling pathways. Their basal function is essential for maintaining normal cell growth and differentiation. However, aberrant activation of PTKs caused by various factors can deviate cell function from the expected trajectory to an abnormal growth state, leading to carcinogenesis. Inhibiting the aberrant PTK function could inhibit tumor growth. Therefore, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), target-specific inhibitors of PTKs, have been used in treating malignant tumors and play a significant role in targeted therapy of cancer. Currently, drug resistance is the main reason for limiting TKIs efficacy of cancer. The increasing studies indicated that tumor microenvironment, cell death resistance, tumor metabolism, epigenetic modification and abnormal metabolism of TKIs were deeply involved in tumor development and TKI resistance, besides the abnormal activation of PTK-related signaling pathways involved in gene mutations. Accordingly, it is of great significance to study the underlying mechanisms of TKIs resistance and find solutions to reverse TKIs resistance for improving TKIs efficacy of cancer. Herein, we reviewed the drug resistance mechanisms of TKIs and the potential approaches to overcome TKI resistance, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for improving the efficacy of TKIs.
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Wang H, Shi F, Zheng S, Zhao M, Pan Z, Xiong L, Zheng L. Feasibility of hepatocellular carcinoma treatment based on the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:896662. [PMID: 36176401 PMCID: PMC9513472 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.896662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of liver cancer is extremely high worldwide and poses a serious threat to human life and health. But at present, apart from radiotherapy, chemotherapy, liver transplantation, and early resection, sorafenib was the main systemic therapy proven to have clinical efficacy for unresectable liver cancer (HCC) until 2017. Despite the emerging immunotherapy in the past decade with immune inhibitors such as PD - 1 being approved and applied to clinical treatment, there are still some patients with no response. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma and thus analyze the effectiveness of targeting the tumor microenvironment to improve the therapeutic efficacy of hepatocellular carcinoma, including the effectiveness and feasibility of immunotherapy, tumor oncolytic viruses and anti-vascular proliferation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqiang Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Fan Shi
- Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Shudan Zheng
- Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Zimeng Pan
- Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Li Xiong
- Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Lihong Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Lihong Zheng,
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Vishnoi K, Ke R, Viswakarma N, Srivastava P, Kumar S, Das S, Singh SK, Principe DR, Rana A, Rana B. Ets1 mediates sorafenib resistance by regulating mitochondrial ROS pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:581. [PMID: 35789155 PMCID: PMC9253325 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05022-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are on a rise in the Western countries including US, attributed mostly to late detection. Sorafenib has been the first-line FDA-approved drug for advanced unresectable HCC for almost a decade, but with limited efficacy due to the development of resistance. More recently, several other multi-kinase inhibitors (lenvatinib, cabozantinib, regorafenib), human monoclonal antibody (ramucirumab), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) have been approved as systemic therapies. Despite this, the median survival of patients is not significantly increased. Understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) that govern HCC resistance is critically needed to increase efficacy of current drugs and to develop more efficacious ones in the future. Our studies with sorafenib-resistant (soraR) HCC cells using transcription factor RT2 Profiler PCR Arrays revealed an increase in E26 transformation-specific-1 (Ets-1) transcription factor in all soraR cells. HCC TMA studies showed an increase in Ets-1 expression in advanced HCC compared to the normal livers. Overexpression or knocking down Ets-1 modulated sorafenib resistance-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and cell survival. In addition, the soraR cells showed a significant reduction of mitochondrial damage and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) generation, which were antagonized by knocking down Ets-1 expression. More in-depth analysis identified GPX-2 as a downstream mediator of Ets-1-induced sorafenib resistance, which was down-regulated by Ets-1 knockdown while other antioxidant pathway genes were not affected. Interestingly, knocking down GPX2 expression significantly increased sorafenib sensitivity in the soraR cells. Our studies indicate the activation of a novel Ets-1-GPX2 signaling axis in soraR cells, targeting which might successfully antagonize resistance and increase efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Vishnoi
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Rong Ke
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Navin Viswakarma
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Piush Srivastava
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Subhasis Das
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Sunil Kumar Singh
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Daniel R. Principe
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.280892.90000 0004 0419 4711Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Basabi Rana
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.280892.90000 0004 0419 4711Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
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Huang M, Lin Y, Wang C, Deng L, Chen M, Assaraf YG, Chen ZS, Ye W, Zhang D. New insights into antiangiogenic therapy resistance in cancer: Mechanisms and therapeutic aspects. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 64:100849. [PMID: 35842983 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer and is required for tumor growth and progression. Antiangiogenic therapy has been revolutionarily developing and was approved for the treatment of various types of cancer for nearly two decades, among which bevacizumab and sorafenib continue to be the two most frequently used antiangiogenic drugs. Although antiangiogenic therapy has brought substantial survival benefits to many cancer patients, resistance to antiangiogenic drugs frequently occurs during clinical treatment, leading to poor outcomes and treatment failure. Cumulative evidence has demonstrated that the intricate interplay among tumor cells, bone marrow-derived cells, and local stromal cells critically allows for tumor escape from antiangiogenic therapy. Currently, drug resistance has become the main challenge that hinders the therapeutic efficacies of antiangiogenic therapy. In this review, we describe and summarize the cellular and molecular mechanisms conferring tumor drug resistance to antiangiogenic therapy, which was predominantly associated with redundancy in angiogenic signaling molecules (e.g., VEGFs, GM-CSF, G-CSF, and IL17), alterations in biological processes of tumor cells (e.g., tumor invasiveness and metastasis, stemness, autophagy, metabolic reprogramming, vessel co-option, and vasculogenic mimicry), increased recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells (e.g., myeloid-derived suppressive cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and tumor-associated neutrophils), and changes in the biological functions and features of local stromal cells (e.g., pericytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells). We also review potential biomarkers to predict the response to antiangiogenic therapy in cancer patients, which mainly consist of imaging biomarkers, cellular and extracellular proteins, a certain type of bone marrow-derived cells, local stromal cell content (e.g., pericyte coverage) as well as serum or plasma biomarkers (e.g., non-coding RNAs). Finally, we highlight the recent advances in combination strategies with the aim of enhancing the response to antiangiogenic therapy in cancer patients and mouse models. This review introduces a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and biomarkers associated with the evasion of antiangiogenic therapy in cancer, providing an outlook for developing more effective approaches to promote the therapeutic efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maohua Huang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuning Lin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Chenran Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lijuan Deng
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Minfeng Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Institute for Biotechnology, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Wencai Ye
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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14
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Sartorius K, Antwi SO, Chuturgoon A, Roberts LR, Kramvis A. RNA Therapeutic Options to Manage Aberrant Signaling Pathways in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Dream or Reality? Front Oncol 2022; 12:891812. [PMID: 35600358 PMCID: PMC9115561 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.891812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the early promise of RNA therapeutics as a magic bullet to modulate aberrant signaling in cancer, this field remains a work-in-progress. Nevertheless, RNA therapeutics is now a reality for the treatment of viral diseases (COVID-19) and offers great promise for cancer. This review paper specifically investigates RNAi as a therapeutic option for HCC and discusses a range of RNAi technology including anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASOs), Aptamers, small interfering RNA (siRNA), ribozymes, riboswitches and CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The use of these RNAi based interventions is specifically outlined in three primary strategies, namely, repressing angiogenesis, the suppression of cell proliferation and the promotion of apoptosis. We also discuss some of the inherent chemical and delivery problems, as well as targeting issues and immunogenic reaction to RNAi interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Sartorius
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, School of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,The Africa Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Consortium (AHPBCC), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.,Department of Surgery, KZN Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN) Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Centre, Durban, South Africa
| | - Samuel O Antwi
- The Africa Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Consortium (AHPBCC), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Anil Chuturgoon
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- The Africa Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Consortium (AHPBCC), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, School of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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15
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ZHANG BY, ZHENG YF, ZHAO J, KANG D, WANG Z, XU LJ, LIU AL, DU GH. Identification of multi-target anti-cancer agents from TCM formula by in silico prediction and in vitro validation. Chin J Nat Med 2022; 20:332-351. [DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(22)60180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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16
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c-Met up-regulates the expression of PD-L1 through MAPK/NF-κBp65 pathway. J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:585-598. [PMID: 35122106 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib acquired drug resistance during the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) reduces the efficacy of the drug. The immune escape effect induced by PD-L1 is largely associated with drug resistance of HCC. However, the regulated mechanism of PD-L1 is unclear. This research aimed to clarify the control mechanism of PD-L1. c-Met was found abnormally highly expressed in Huh-7SR with high PD-L1 expression. In addition, c-Met, as the upstream target molecule of PD-L1, promoted the proliferation and migration of HCC in vitro and in vivo. We also found that c-Met activated the MAPK signaling pathway and the downstream NF-κBp65 transcription factor, which interacts with the proximal region of the PD-L1 promoter to promote PD-L1 expression. In conclusion, c-Met regulates the transcription of PD-L1 through the MAPK/NF-κBp65 pathway, thereby promoting the progress of HCC. The role of c-Met and PD-L1 in HCC needs to be further studied, but it is a potential target for the treatment of HCC. KEY MESSAGES: In the study, it was found that c-Met is also abnormally highly expressed in Huh-7SR with high PD-L1 expression and can promote the development of HCC in vitro and in vivo. PD-L1 and c-Met expression levels are positively correlated. In the follow-up mechanism study, we found that c-Met activated the MAPK signaling pathway and subsequently activated the downstream NF-κBp65 transcription factor, which interacts with the proximal region of the PD-L1 promoter to promote PD-L1 expression. Our study found that c-Met regulates the transcription of PD-L1 through the MAPK/NF-κBp65 pathway, thereby promoting the progress of HCC.
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17
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Xu X, Jiang W, Han P, Zhang J, Tong L, Sun X. MicroRNA-128-3p Mediates Lenvatinib Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Downregulating c-Met. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:113-126. [PMID: 35252056 PMCID: PMC8894104 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s349369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Lenvatinib is a first-line multikinase inhibitor for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but resistance to the drug remains a major hurdle for its long-term anti-cancer activity. This resistance is thought to be due to overexpression of c-Met. This study aims to identify potential upstream microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate c-Met, investigate the underlying mechanisms, and seek potential strategies that may reverse such resistance. Methods Lenvatinib-resistant HCC (LR-HCC) cells were established from human HCC Huh7 and SMMC-7721 cells. Assays of cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, RT-qPCR, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were employed. Potential miRNAs were screened by miRNA-target prediction tools and their regulatory effects were evaluated by luciferase reporter assays. Xenograft tumor models were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects. Results LR-HCC cells were refractory to lenvatinib-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Sustained exposure of cells to lenvatinib resulted in increased expression and phosphorylation of c-Met, and c-Met inhibition enhanced the effects of lenvatinib in suppressing LR-HCC cells. Among eleven miRNA candidates, miR-128-3p displayed the most vigorous activity to negatively regulate c-Met and was downregulated in LR-HCC cells. MiR-128-3p mimics inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of LR-HCC cells, and enhanced the effects of lenvatinib in cell culture and animal models. MiR-128-3p and c-Met participate in the mechanisms underlying lenvatinib resistance through regulating Akt that mediates the apoptotic pathway and ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) modulating cell cycle progression. Conclusion The present results indicate that the miR-128-3p/c-Met axis may be potential therapeutic targets for circumventing lenvatinib resistance in HCC and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, Daqing Oil Field General Hospital, Daqing, 163000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Jiang
- Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Han
- Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Daqing, 163316, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liquan Tong
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Daqing, 163316, People’s Republic of China
- Liquan Tong, Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Daqing, 163316, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Xueying Sun
- Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Xueying Sun, Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China, Email
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18
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Moldogazieva NT, Zavadskiy SP, Sologova SS, Mokhosoev IM, Terentiev AA. Predictive biomarkers for systemic therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:1147-1164. [PMID: 34582293 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1987217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the third cancer-related cause of death worldwide. In recent years, several systemic therapy drugs including sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, cabozantinib, ramucicurab, nivilumab, and pembrolizumab have been approved by FDA for advanced HCC. However, their insufficient efficacy, toxicity, and drug resistance require clinically applicable and validated predictive biomarkers.Areas covered: Our review covers the recent advancements in the identification of proteomic/genomic/epigenomic/transcriptomic biomarkers for predicting HCC treatment efficacy with the use of multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs), CDK4/6 inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Alpha-fetoprotein, des-carboxyprothrombin, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-2, and dysregulated MTOR, VEGFR2, c-KIT, RAF1, PDGFRβ have the potential of proteomic/genomic biomarkers for sorafenib treatment. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and albumin-bilirubin grade can predict the efficacy of other MKIs. Rb, p16, and Ki-67, and genes involved in cell cycle regulation, CDK1-4, CCND1, CDKN1A, and CDKN2A have been proposed for CD4/6 inhibitors, while dysregulated TERT, CTNNB1, TP53 FGF19, and TP53 are found to be predictors for ICI efficacy.Expert opinion: There are still limited clinically applicable and validated predictive biomarkers to identify HCC patients who benefit from systemic therapy. Further prospective biomarker validation studies for HCC personalized systemic therapy are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurbubu T Moldogazieva
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, I.m. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University);, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey P Zavadskiy
- Department of Pharmacology, Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy, I.m. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Russia, Russia
| | - Susanna S Sologova
- Department of Pharmacology, Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy, I.m. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Russia, Russia
| | - Innokenty M Mokhosoev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, N.i. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander A Terentiev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, N.i. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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19
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Song Y, Gao P, Ding H, Xu G, Hu Y, Tong Y, Xin W, Zhang L, Wu M, Fang L. Underlying mechanism of sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma: a bioinformatics study based on validated resistance-related genes. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1895-1904. [PMID: 34532137 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sorafenib, the first approved targeted therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is often reported to comprised survival-benefit due to resistance. An underlying mechanism of resistance was proposed using bioinformatics analysis based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from microarrays. However, most DEGs were invalidated at both the expression level, and the role in causing resistance. Therefore, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis based on experimentally determined sorafenib-resistance-related genes (SRRGs) to elucidate the mechanism of sorafenib resistance. Methods The SRRGs, which have been experimentally determined to promote or inhibit resistance, were collected from published studies. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis, respectively. A corresponding protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was created using the Cytoscape software program, and network hub genes were proposed. Results A total of 145 SRRGs, with 117 promoting and 28 inhibiting resistance, were identified. Cell proliferation, migration, development, response to oxygen levels, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell skeleton, protein function, and autophagy were all proposed as crucial gene functions related to resistance. The pathways related to cell proliferation or apoptosis, immune function, endocrine metabolism, stem cell function, and differentiation were identified as key resistance-related pathways. A total of 81 hub genes were proposed, including the following top 10 genes: TP53, AKT1, EGFR, STAT3, VEGFA, JUN, MAPK1, IL6, PTEN, and CTNNB1. Conclusions In conclusion, this study gathered experimentally validated genes that determine sorafenib resistance in HCC, provided an overview of the underlying mechanisms of resistance, and further validated sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Song
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiying Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gaoqi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenxiu Xin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miaolian Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Luo Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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20
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Cristina Mendonça Nogueira T, Vinicius Nora de Souza M. New FDA oncology small molecule drugs approvals in 2020: Mechanism of action and clinical applications. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 46:116340. [PMID: 34416511 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116340] [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: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In 2020, fifty-three new drugs, including forty small-molecules (thirty-six new chemical entities and four new diagnostic agents) and thirteen biologic drugs were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This year, small-molecules continue to play a role in innovative treatments representing around 75% of all drugs accepted by FDA. The dominant therapeutic area was oncology, accounting for twenty-three new approvals, including thirteen new chemical entities, four new diagnostic agents, and thirteen biologic drugs. Recognizing the importance of small-molecules on cancer treatment, this review aims to provide an overview regarding the clinical applications and mechanism of action of the thirteen new small-molecules (excluding new diagnostic agents) approved by FDA in 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Cristina Mendonça Nogueira
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos-Far Manguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Sizenando Nabuco 100, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041- 250 Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinicius Nora de Souza
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos-Far Manguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Sizenando Nabuco 100, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041- 250 Brazil.
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21
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Wang H, Chen X, Calvisi DF. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): the most promising therapeutic targets in the preclinical arena based on tumor biology characteristics. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:645-658. [PMID: 34477018 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1976142] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant liver tumor characterized by high molecular heterogeneity, which has hampered the development of effective targeted therapies severely. Recent experimental data have unraveled novel promising targets for HCC treatment. AREAS COVERED : Eligible articles were retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science databases up to July 2021. This review summarizes the established targeted therapies for advanced HCC, focusing on the strategies to overcome drug resistance and the search for combinational treatments. In addition, conventional biomarkers holding the promises for HCC treatments and novel therapeutic targets from the research field are discussed. EXPERT OPINION : HCC is a molecularly complex disease, with several and distinct pathways playing critical roles in different tumor subtypes. Experimental models recapitulating the features of each tumor subset would be highly beneficial to design novel and more effective therapies against this disease. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of combinatorial drug synergism and the role of the tumor microenvironment in HCC will lead to improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichuan Wang
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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22
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Gao L, Morine Y, Yamada S, Saito Y, Ikemoto T, Tokuda K, Takasu C, Miyazaki K, Shimada M. Nrf2 signaling promotes cancer stemness, migration, and expression of ABC transporter genes in sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256755. [PMID: 34473785 PMCID: PMC8412368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim As a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sorafenib is widely used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but patients frequently face resistance problems. Because the mechanism controlling sorafenib-resistance is not well understood, this study focused on the connection between tumor characteristics and the Nrf2 signaling pathway in a sorafenib-resistant HCC cell line. Methods A sorafenib-resistant HCC cell line (Huh7) was developed by increasing the dose of sorafenib in the culture medium until the target concentration was reached. Cell morphology, migration/invasion rates, and expression of stemness-related and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes were compared between sorafenib-resistant Huh7 cells and parental Huh7 cells. Next, a small interfering RNA was used to knock down Nrf2 expression in sorafenib-resistant Huh7 cells, after which cell viability, stemness, migration, and ABC transporter gene expression were examined again. Results Proliferation, migration, and invasion rates of sorafenib-resistant Huh7 cells were significantly increased relative to the parental cells with or without sorafenib added to the medium. The expression levels of stemness markers and ABC transporter genes were up-regulated in sorafenib-resistant cells. After Nrf2 was knocked down in sorafenib-resistant cells, cell migration and invasion rates were reduced, and expression levels of stemness markers and ABC transporter genes were reduced. Conclusion Nrf2 signaling promotes cancer stemness, migration, and expression of ABC transporter genes in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luping Gao
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yuji Morine
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Shinichiro Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yu Saito
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ikemoto
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kazunori Tokuda
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Chie Takasu
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Katsuki Miyazaki
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Shimada
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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23
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Jung TW, Lee HJ, Pyun DH, Kim TJ, Bang JS, Song JH, Shin YK, Abd El-Aty AM, Jeong JH. Capmatinib improves insulin sensitivity and inflammation in palmitate-treated C2C12 myocytes through the PPARδ/p38-dependent pathway. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 534:111364. [PMID: 34126189 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Capmatinib (CAP) has been used to treat metastatic non-small lung cancer (NSCL) and suppress inflammation. It causes hypoglycemia in NSCL patients. Therefore, it is expected that CAP improves inflammation-mediated insulin resistance due to its anti-inflammatory effect. However, the impacts of CAP on insulin signaling in skeletal muscle cells have not yet been fully elucidated. Herein, we investigated the effect of CAP on insulin resistance in palmitate-treated C2C12 myocytes and explored the related molecular mechanisms. We found that treatment of C2C12 myocytes with CAP reversed palmitate-induced impairment of insulin signaling and glucose uptake. CAP treatment ameliorated phosphorylation of inflammatory markers, including NFκB and IκB, in palmitate-treated C2C12 myocytes. Further, it augmented PPARδ expression and suppressed palmitate-induced p38 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. siRNA-mediated suppression of PPARδ abolished the effects of CAP on palmitate-induced insulin resistance and inflammation as well as p38 phosphorylation. Therefore, it has been shown that CAP treatment ameliorates insulin resistance in palmitate-treated C2C12 myocytes via PPARδ/p38 signaling-mediated suppression of inflammation. These results may represent a novel therapeutic approach that could halt insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Woo Jung
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Global Innovative Drugs, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Hyeon Pyun
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Jin Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Seok Bang
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ho Song
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Kyoo Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - A M Abd El-Aty
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, College of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Science, Jinan 250353, China; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt; Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Global Innovative Drugs, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Increased effects of 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib on sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to sorafenib via CYP3A5 expression and activation of AMPK. Toxicol In Vitro 2021; 76:105226. [PMID: 34293431 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
As the occurrence and development of HCC are often accompanied by inflammation, the combination of sorafenib with other therapeutic drugs, especially anti-inflammatory drugs, is one of the directions to be explored at present. Our previous research has been focused on the anti-inflammatory drug 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib (DMC), whether DMC combined with sorafenib could elevate the effect of inhibiting HCC deserves further exploration. In this study, we found that DMC induced CYP3A5 expression in HCC cells in a time-dependent and concentration dependent manner. We observed that sorafenib inhibited CYP3A5 expression in liver cancer cells, and activated the phosphorylation of Akt. Upregulated CYP3A5 and DMC treatment enhanced the ability of sorafenib to inhibit migration. The combination of DMC with sorafenib had a synergistic effect of enhancing drug sensitivity (CI < 1), meanwhile, inhibited the proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HCC. Activation of the AMPK pathway and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway were observed in cells treated with DMC in combination with sorafenib and could be reverted by an AMPK pathway inhibitor. Our findings suggest that DMC induces CYP3A5 expression and enhances the anticancer effect of sorafenib by activating AMPK, which would be a novel strategy for drug combination to prevent drug resistance.
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25
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Zhang J, Zhang X, Li Z, Wang Q, Shi Y, Jiang X, Sun X. The miR-124-3p/Neuropilin-1 Axis Contributes to the Proliferation and Metastasis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells and Co-Activates the TGF-β Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:654672. [PMID: 33912463 PMCID: PMC8072051 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.654672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 90% of breast cancer-associated mortality. Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) acts as a non-tyrosine kinase receptor for several cellular signaling pathways involved in the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. However, the miRNAs that regulate NRP-1 expression and the underlying mechanisms in TNBC cells remain unclear. In the present study, we found that TNBC cells expressed higher levels of NRP-1 than non-TNBC cells. Stable transfectants depleted of NRP-1 were generated from two TNBC cell lines, human MDA-MB-231 and mouse 4T1 cells. NRP-1 depletion significantly suppressed the proliferation of TNBC cells by arresting the cell cycle at phase G0/G1 by upregulating p27 and downregulating cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. NRP-1 depletion also repressed cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by inducing the upregulation of E-cadherin and the downregulation of N-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and reducing MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities as detected by gelatin zymography assay. By applying multiple miRNA-target prediction tools, we screened potential miRNAs with binding sites with the 3’-untranslated region of the NRP-1 gene and selected 12 miRNA candidates, among which miR-124-3p displayed the most vigorous activity to downregulate NRP-1 as validated by luciferase assay and miRNA transfection assay. By downregulating NRP-1, miR-124-3p mimics inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells, and antagomiR-124-3p could partially abolish the effects of NRP-1 depletion. In the animal experiments, NRP-1 depletion inhibited tumorigenesis and liver metastasis of TNBC cells, while miR-124-3p mimics inhibited the growth of established TNBC tumors. In the mechanistic exploration, we revealed that NRP-1 co-interacted with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β to activate the TGF-β pathway, which regulates EMT-related molecules. In summary, the present results indicate that the miR-124-3p/NRP-1 axis contributes to the proliferation and metastasis of TNBC cells and co-activates the TGF-β pathway, suggesting that these molecules may present as potential therapeutic targets and valuable biomarkers for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xuesong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qingshan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.,The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xueying Sun
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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26
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TRIM37 overexpression is associated with chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via activating the AKT signaling pathway. Int J Clin Oncol 2021; 26:532-542. [PMID: 33387087 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-020-01832-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer in the worldwide. Sorafenib is approved for first-line therapy against advanced HCC, but chemo-resistance is still a leading cause of tumor relapse and treatment failure in HCC. Thus, there is a significant clinical need to identify effective strategies to overcome drug resistance on the disease. METHODS The protein and mRNA expression of TRIM37 in HCC cell lines and patient tissues were determined using Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. HCC tissue samples were analyzed by IHC to investigate the association between TRIM37expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of HCC patients. Functional assays, such as MTT, FACS, and Tunel assay, are used to determine the oncogenic role of TRIM37 in human HCC progression. Furthermore, western blotting and luciferase assay were used to determine the mechanism of TRIM37promotes chemoresistance in HCC. RESULTS We found that both the mRNA and protein expression of TRIM37 was markedly upregulated in HCC cell lines and tissues, especially in Sorafenib-resistance HCC tissues. Moreover, high TRIM37 expression was associated with poor prognosis with HCC patients. TRIM37 overexpression confers Sorafenib resistance on HCC cells; however, inhibition of TRIM37 sensitized HCC cell lines to Sorafenib cytotoxicity. Additionally, TRIM37 upregulated the levels of AKT activity and phosphorylated AKT, thereby activating canonical AKT signaling. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that targeting TRIM37 signaling may represent a promising strategy to enhance Sorafenib response in HCC patients with chemoresistant.
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27
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Zhang Z, He CZ, Qin YQ, Liao JJ, Huang ST, Mo S, Li HM, Lin JY. Exploring the mechanism of resistance to sorafenib in two hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:24255-24269. [PMID: 33234725 PMCID: PMC7762478 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104195] [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: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib has long been the only approved systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but most patients show primary or acquired drug resistance. In the present study, RNA was extracted from sorafenib-resistant and -sensitive clones of the HCC cell lines HepG2 and Huh7. Protein-protein interaction networks of the up- and down-regulated genes common to the two sorafenib-resistant cell lines were extracted and subjected to modular analysis in order to identify functional modules. Functional enrichment analysis showed the modules were involved in different biological processes and pathways. These results indicate that sorafenib resistance in HCC is complicated and heterogeneous. The potential regulators of each functional module, including transcription factors, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, were explored to construct a comprehensive transcriptional regulatory network related to sorafenib resistance in HCC. Our results provide new insights into sorafenib resistance of HCC at the level of transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, Guangxi, China
| | - Cheng-Zu He
- Department of Oncology, the People’s Hospital of Binyang County, Binyang 530405, Guangxi, China
| | - Ya-Qin Qin
- Department of Liver Disease, The Affiliated Nanning Infectious Disease Hospital of Guangxi Medical University and The Fourth People’s Hospital of Nanning, Nanning 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Jian-Jun Liao
- Department of Oncology, the People’s Hospital of Binyang County, Binyang 530405, Guangxi, China
| | - Shang-Tao Huang
- Department of Oncology, the People’s Hospital of Binyang County, Binyang 530405, Guangxi, China
| | - Steven Mo
- YuanDong International Academy of Life Sciences, Nanning 530229, Guangxi, China
| | - Hong-Mian Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530022, Guangxi, China
| | - Jian-Yan Lin
- Department of Public Health, The Affiliated Nanning Infectious Disease Hospital of Guangxi Medical University and The Fourth People’s Hospital of Nanning, Nanning 530023, Guangxi, China
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28
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Silencing KIF14 reverses acquired resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:22975-23003. [PMID: 33203790 PMCID: PMC7746348 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
For nearly a decade, sorafenib has served as a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but it displays only limited efficacy against advanced drug-resistant HCC. Regorafenib, the first second-line drug approved for treatment after sorafenib failure, can reverse resistance to sorafenib. We used bioinformatics methods to identify genes whose expression was differentially induced by sorafenib and regorafenib in HCC. We identified KIF14 as an oncogene involved in the acquired resistance to sorafenib in HCC and investigated its potential as a target for reversing this resistance. Sustained exposure of resistant HCC cells to sorafenib activated the AKT pathway, which in turn upregulated KIF14 expression by increasing expression of the transcription factor ETS1. Silencing KIF14 reversed the acquired resistance to sorafenib by inhibiting AKT activation and downregulating ETS1 expression by blocking the AKT-ETS1-KIF14 positive feedback loop. Moreover, injection of siKIF14 with sorafenib suppressed growth of sorafenib-resistant HCC tumors in mice. These results demonstrate that targeting KIF14 could be an effective means of reversing sorafenib failure or strengthening sorafenib's antitumor effects.
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29
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Yu J, Chen GG, Lai PBS. Targeting hepatocyte growth factor/c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor axis in hepatocellular carcinoma: Rationale and therapeutic strategies. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:507-524. [PMID: 33026703 DOI: 10.1002/med.21738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The outcome of current standard treatments, as well as targeted therapies in advanced stages, are still unsatisfactory. Attention has been drawn to novel strategies for better treatment efficacy. Hepatocyte growth factor/c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (HGF/c-Met) axis has been known as an essential element in the regulation of liver diseases and as an oncogenic factor in HCC. In this review, we collected the evidence of HGF/c-Met as a tumor progression and prognostic marker, discussed the anti-c-Met therapy in vitro, summarized the outcome of c-Met inhibitors in clinical trials, and identified potential impetus for future anti-c-Met treatments. We also analyzed the inconsistency of HGF/c-Met from various publications and offered reasonable explanations based on the current understanding in this area. In conclusion, HGF/c-Met plays a crucial role in the progression and growth of HCC, and the strategies to inhibit this pathway may facilitate the development of new and effective treatments for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqing Yu
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - George G Chen
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Paul B S Lai
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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30
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Liu G, Shi A, Wang N, Li M, He X, Yin C, Tu Q, Shen X, Tao Y, Wang Q, Yin H. Polyphenolic Proanthocyanidin-B2 suppresses proliferation of liver cancer cells and hepatocellular carcinogenesis through directly binding and inhibiting AKT activity. Redox Biol 2020; 37:101701. [PMID: 32863234 PMCID: PMC7472926 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The well-documented anticarcinogenic properties of natural polyphenolic proanthocyanidins (OPC) have been primarily attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency. Emerging evidence suggests that OPC may target canonical oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/AKT; however, the underlying mechanism and therapeutic potential remain elusive. Here we identify that proanthocyanidin B2 (OPC-B2) directly binds and inhibits AKT activity and downstream signalling, thereby suppressing tumour cell proliferation and metabolism in vitro and in a xenograft and diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse models. We further find that OPC-B2 binds to the catalytic and regulatory PH domains to lock the protein in a closed conformation, similar to the well-studied AKT allosteric inhibitor MK-2206. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation suggest that Lys297 and Arg86 are critical sites of OPC-B2 binding; mutation of Lys297 or Arg86 to alanine completely abolishes the antitumor effects of OPC-B2 but not MK-2206. Together, our study reveals that OPC-B2 is a novel allosteric AKT inhibitor with potent anti-tumour efficacy beyond its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guijun Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200031, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China
| | - Aimin Shi
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ningning Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200031, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China
| | - Min Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200031, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China
| | - Xuxiao He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200031, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China
| | - Chunzhao Yin
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Qiaochu Tu
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xia Shen
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yongzhen Tao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Huiyong Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200031, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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31
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Fan G, Wei X, Xu X. Is the era of sorafenib over? A review of the literature. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920927602. [PMID: 32518599 PMCID: PMC7252361 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920927602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most severe diseases worldwide. For the different stages of HCC, there are different clinical treatment strategies, such as surgical therapy for the early stage, and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) for intermediate-stage disease. Systemic treatment, which uses mainly targeted drugs, is the standard therapy against advanced HCC. Sorafenib is an important first-line therapy for advanced HCC. As a classically effective drug, sorafenib can increase overall survival markedly. However, it still has room for improvement because of the heterogeneity of HCC and acquired resistance. Scientists have reported the acquired sorafenib resistance is associated with the anomalous expression of certain genes, most of which are also related with HCC onset and development. Combining sorafenib with inhibitors targeting these genes may be an effective treatment. Combined treatment may not only overcome drug resistance, but also inhibit the expression of carcinoma-related genes. This review focuses on the current status of sorafenib in advanced HCC, summarizes the inhibitors that can combine with sorafenib in the treatment against HCC, and provides the rationale for clinical trials of sorafenib in combination with other inhibitors in HCC. The era of sorafenib in the treatment of HCC is far from over, as long as we find better methods of medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghan Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, CAMS; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, CAMS; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, CAMS; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, 79 QingChun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
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32
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Liang P, Wu H, Zhang Z, Jiang S, Lv H. Preparation and characterization of parthenolide nanocrystals for enhancing therapeutic effects of sorafenib against advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Pharm 2020; 583:119375. [PMID: 32344021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A novel nanocrystals delivery system of parthenolide (PTL) was designed to combined application with sorafenib (Sora) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy, attempting to not only improve the poor aqueous solubility of PTL, but also enhance the synergistic therapeutic effects with Sora. The PTL nanocrystals (PTL-NCs) were prepared by precipitation-high-pressure homogenization method. The formed PTL-NCs with rod morphology possessed size of 126.9 ± 2.31 nm, zeta potential of -11.18 ± 0.59 mV and drug loading of 31.11 ± 1.99%. Meanwhile, PTL in PTL-NCs exhibited excellent storage stability and sustained release behavior. The combination therapy of Sora and PTL-NCs (Sora/PTL-NCs) in vitro for HepG2 cells presented superior therapeutic effects over that of individual PTL and Sora on intracellular uptake, cell proliferation inhibition and migration inhibition. Meanwhile the strongest anti-tumor effect with 81.86% inhibition rate and minimized systemic toxicity of Sora/PTL-NCs in vivo were obtained on tumor-bearing mice compared with that of PTL (48.84%) and Sora (58.83%). Thus, these findings suggested that PTL-NCs as an effective delivery system for the synergistically used with Sora to gain an optimal response against HCC, for referenced in the industrialization of nanocrystals products for intravenous administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hangyi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhenhai Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shulong Jiang
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272000, China.
| | - Huixia Lv
- Department of Pharmaceutics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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33
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Gao YX, Yang TW, Yin JM, Yang PX, Kou BX, Chai MY, Liu XN, Chen DX. Progress and prospects of biomarkers in primary liver cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2020; 57:54-66. [PMID: 32236573 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor biomarkers are important in the early screening, diagnosis, therapeutic evaluation, recurrence and prognosis prediction of tumors. Primary liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors; it has high incidence and mortality rates and seriously endangers human health. The main pathological types of primary liver cancer include hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and combined HCC‑cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC‑CC). In the present review, a systematic outline of the current biomarkers of primary liver cancer is presented, from conventional blood biomarkers, histochemical biomarkers and potential biomarkers to resistance‑associated biomarkers. The important relationships are deeply elucidated between biomarkers and diagnosis, prognosis, clinicopathological features and resistance, as well as their clinical significance, in patients with the three main types of primary liver cancer. Moreover, a summary of several important biomarker signaling pathways is provided, which is helpful for studying the biological mechanism of liver cancer. The purpose of this review is to provide help for clinical or medical researchers in the early diagnosis, differential diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xue Gao
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Tong-Wang Yang
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Ming Yin
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Peng-Xiang Yang
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Bu-Xin Kou
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Yin Chai
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ni Liu
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - De-Xi Chen
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
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34
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Wang H, Rao B, Lou J, Li J, Liu Z, Li A, Cui G, Ren Z, Yu Z. The Function of the HGF/c-Met Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:55. [PMID: 32117981 PMCID: PMC7018668 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, leading to a large global cancer burden. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its high-affinity receptor, mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met), are closely related to the onset, progression, and metastasis of multiple tumors. The HGF/c-Met axis is involved in cell proliferation, movement, differentiation, invasion, angiogenesis, and apoptosis by activating multiple downstream signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on the function of the HGF/c-Met axis in HCC. The HGF/c-Met axis promotes the onset, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Moreover, it can serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a therapeutic target for HCC. In addition, it is closely related to drug resistance during HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Benchen Rao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Lou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guangying Cui
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zujiang Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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35
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Zaky MY, Liu X, Wang T, Wang S, Liu F, Wang D, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Guo D, Sun Q, Li Q, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Dong W, Liu Z, Liu S, Liu H. Dynasore potentiates c-Met inhibitors against hepatocellular carcinoma through destabilizing c-Met. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 680:108239. [PMID: 31881189 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.108239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
c-Met receptor is frequently overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and thus considered as an attractive target for pharmacological intervention with small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Albeit with the development of multiple c-Met inhibitors, none reached clinical application in the treatment of hepatoma so far. To improve the efficacy of c-Met inhibitors towards hepatocellular carcinoma, we investigated the combined effects of the dynamin inhibitor dynasore with several c-Met inhibitors, including tivantinib, PHA-665752, and JNJ-38877605. We provide several lines of evidence that dynasore enhanced the inhibitory effects of these inhibitors on hepatoma cell proliferation and migration, accompanied with increased cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mechanically, the combinatorial treatments decreased c-Met levels and hence markedly disrupted downstream signaling, as revealed by the dramatically declined phosphorylation of AKT and MEK. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the candidate agent dynasore potentiated the inhibitory effects of c-Met inhibitors against hepatoma cells and will shed light on the development of novel therapeutic strategies to target c-Met in the clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Y Zaky
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Molecular Physiology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Egypt
| | - Xiuxiu Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Taishu Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Duchuang Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yueguang Wu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Dong Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qianhui Sun
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qiong Li
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jinrui Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yingqiu Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Weijie Dong
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhenhua Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Shuyan Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Han Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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Suk FM, Liu CL, Hsu MH, Chuang YT, Wang JP, Liao YJ. Treatment with a new benzimidazole derivative bearing a pyrrolidine side chain overcomes sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17259. [PMID: 31754201 PMCID: PMC6872581 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53863-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Currently, sorafenib is the standard first-line drug for patients with advanced HCC. However, long-term exposure to sorafenib often results in reduced sensitivity of tumour cells to the drug, leading to acquired resistance. Therefore, developing new compounds to treat sorafenib resistance is urgently needed. Although benzimidazole and its derivatives have been reported to exert antimicrobial and antitumour effects, the anti-drug resistance potential of these molecules is still unknown. In this study, we established sorafenib-resistant (SR) cell lines and an acquired sorafenib resistance xenograft model. We showed that treatment with a benzimidazole derivative bearing a pyrrolidine side chain (compound 9a) inhibited the proliferation of SR cells by blocking the phosphorylation of AKT, p70S6 and the downstream molecule RPS6. In addition, caspase 3/PARP-dependent apoptotic signals were induced in 9a-treated cells. Regarding epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activities, 9a treatment significantly suppressed the migration of SR cells. In particular, the levels of EMT-related transcription factors (snail, slug and twist) and mesenchymal markers (vimentin and N-cadherin) were downregulated. In the acquired sorafenib resistance xenograft model, compound 9a administration decreased the growth of tumours with acquired sorafenib resistance and the expression of the HCC markers α-fetoprotein, glypican 3 and survivin. In conclusion, treatment with this compound may be a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with sorafenib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fat-Moon Suk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Lien Liu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hua Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Chuang
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jack P Wang
- Department of International Medicine, Taipei City Hospital Ranai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Liao
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Shao W, Zhu W, Lin J, Luo M, Lin Z, Lu L, Jia H, Qin L, Lu M, Chen J. Liver X Receptor Agonism Sensitizes a Subset of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Sorafenib by Dual-Inhibiting MET and EGFR. Neoplasia 2019; 22:1-9. [PMID: 31751859 PMCID: PMC6911865 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is the first approved systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is the first-line choice in clinic. Sustained activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is associated with low efficacy of sorafenib in HCC. Activation of liver X receptor (LXR) has been reported to inhibit some RTKs. In this study, we found that the LXR agonist enhanced the anti-tumor activity of sorafenib in a subset of HCC cells with high LXR-β/α gene expression ratio. Mechanically, the activation of LXR suppressed sorafenib dependent recruitment of MET and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in lipid rafts through cholesterol efflux. Our findings imply that LXR agonist can serve as a potential sensitizer to enhance the anti-tumor effect of sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqing Shao
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Wenwei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Mengjun Luo
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE & MOH), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 138 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhifei Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Huliang Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lunxiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai 200040, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 138 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Ming Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Jinhong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai 200040, China.
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Saraswati S, Alhaider A, Abdelgadir AM, Tanwer P, Korashy HM. Phloretin attenuates STAT-3 activity and overcomes sorafenib resistance targeting SHP-1-mediated inhibition of STAT3 and Akt/VEGFR2 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:127. [PMID: 31619257 PMCID: PMC6794763 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0430-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. Phloretin (PH) possesses anticancer, antitumor, and hepatoprotective effects, however, the effects and potential mechanisms of phloretin remain elusive. Methods Five HCC cells were tested in vitro for sensitivity to PH, Sorafenib (Sor) or both and the apoptosis, signal transduction and phosphatase activity were analyzed. To validate the role of SHP-1, we used PTP inhibitor III and SHP-1 siRNA. Further, we used purified SHP-1 proteins or HCC cells expressing deletion N-SH2 domain or D61A point mutants to study the PH efficacy on SHP-1. The `in vivo studies were conducted using HepG2 and SK-Hep1 and Sor resistant HepG2SR and Huh7SR xenografts. Molecular docking was done with Swiss dock and Auto Dock Vina. Results PH inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in all HCC cells by upregulating SHP-1 expression and downregulating STAT3 expression and further inhibited pAKT/pERK signaling. PH activated SHP-1 by disruption of autoinhibition of SHP-1, leading to reduced p-STAT3Tyr705 level. PH induced apoptosis in two Sor-resistant cell lines and overcome STAT3, AKT, MAPK and VEGFR2 dependent Sor resistance in HCCs. PH potently inhibited tumor growth in both Sor-sensitive and Sor-resistant xenografts in vivo by impairing angiogenesis, cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis via targeting the SHP-1/STAT3 signaling pathway. Conclusion Our data suggest that PH inhibits STAT3 activity in Sor-sensitive and -resistant HCCs via SHP-1–mediated inhibition of STAT3 and AKT/mTOR/JAK2/VEGFR2 pathway. Our results clearly indicate that PH may be a potent reagent for hepatocellular carcinoma and a noveltargeted therapy for further clinical investigations. Graphical abstract ![]()
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12964-019-0430-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Saraswati
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine,
- King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdulqader Alhaider
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine,
- King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelgalil Mohamed Abdelgadir
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Pooja Tanwer
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas-New Delhi, India
| | - Hesham M Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar.
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Ma L, Zhai B, Zhu H, Li W, Jiang W, Lei L, Zhang S, Qiao H, Jiang X, Sun X. The miR-141/neuropilin-1 axis is associated with the clinicopathology and contributes to the growth and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:248. [PMID: 31572065 PMCID: PMC6764122 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-0963-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a non-tyrosine kinase receptor interacting with multiple signaling pathways that underpin the biological behavior and fate of cancer cells. However, in pancreatic cancer, the mechanisms underlying the function of NRP-1 in cell proliferation and metastasis and the involvement of regulatory upstream miRNAs remain unclear. Methods Potential miRNAs were mined by using multiple bioinformatics prediction tools and validated by luciferase assays. The expression of NRP-1 and miRNA-141 (miR-141) in pancreatic tissues and cells was examined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting and/or real-time RT-PCR. Stable transfected cells depleted of NRP-1 were generated, and regulatory effects of miR-141 were investigated by transfecting cells with miR-141 mimics and anti-miR-141. Assays of cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle distribution, transwell migration and cell scratch were employed. Xenograft tumor models were established to assess the effects of NRP-1 depletion on tumorigenesis and liver metastasis, and therapeutic effects of miR-141 on tumor growth. The role of miR-141/NRP-1 axis in regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by co-interacting the TGF-β pathway was examined. Results In this study, of 12 candidate miRNAs identified, miR-141 showed the strongest ability to regulate NRP-1. In pancreatic cancer tissues and cells, the expression level of NRP-1 was negatively correlated with that of miR-141. NRP-1 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues compared with normal pancreatic tissues, and its expression levels were positively correlated with tumor grade, lymph metastasis and AJCC staging. NRP-1 depletion inhibited cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase through upregulating p27 and downregulating cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinase 2, and reduced cell migration by inhibiting EMT through upregulating E-cadherin and downregulating Snail and N-cadherin. Through downregulating NRP-1, miR-141 mimics showed a similar effect as NRP-1 depletion on cell proliferation and migration. NRP-1 depletion suppressed tumor growth and liver metastasis and miR-141 mimics inhibited the growth of established tumors in mice. NRP-1 depletion and/or miR-141 mimics inhibited the activation of the TGF-β pathway stimulated by TGF-β ligand. Conclusions The present results indicate that NRP-1 is negatively regulated by miR-141 and the miR-141/NRP-1 axis may serve as potentially valuable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Ma
- 1Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China
| | - Bo Zhai
- 2Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China.,3The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China
| | - Huaqiang Zhu
- 4Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, 250021 China
| | - Weidong Li
- 2Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China.,3The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China
| | - Wenjing Jiang
- 3The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China
| | - Liwang Lei
- 1Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- 5Department of Pathology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China
| | - Haiquan Qiao
- 1Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China
| | - Xian Jiang
- 1Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China.,3The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China
| | - Xueying Sun
- 3The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China
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Wang G, Zhao W, Wang H, Qiu G, Jiang Z, Wei G, Li X. Exosomal MiR-744 Inhibits Proliferation and Sorafenib Chemoresistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting PAX2. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:7209-7217. [PMID: 31553714 PMCID: PMC6777417 DOI: 10.12659/msm.919219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a commonly occurring liver malignancy. Its prognosis remains unsatisfactory. Accumulating evidence has revealed that exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) act as biomarkers and play crucial roles in the advancement of HCC. The current study explored the biological role and fundamental mechanism of exosomal miR-744 in HCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS The serum exosomes of HCC patients were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation. MiR-744 expression in HCC tissues, cell lines and serum exosomes were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) assay and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay were conducted to show the impacts of miR-744 or exosomal miR-744 on proliferation and sorafenib resistance in HepG2 cells. The target of miR-744 was ascertained by regulating the level of miR-744 in HepG2 cells. RESULTS MiR-744 is downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines as well as in exosomes derived from patient serum and HepG2 cells. Additionally, downregulated miR-744 promotes HepG2 cell proliferation and inhibits the chemosensitivity of HepG2 cells to sorafenib. PAX2 was identified as the functional target of miR-744. Interestingly, miR-744 is decreased in exosomes derived from sorafenib-resistant HepG2 cells. Furthermore, when treated with the miR-744-enriched exosomes, the proliferation of HepG2 cells was significantly suppressed, and the sorafenib resistance was reduced. CONCLUSIONS MiR-744 has an imperative role in the propagation and chemoresistance of HCC. Serum exosomal miR-744 might act as a biomarker of HCC, and exosomal miR-744 might offer an innovative strategy for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Huxia Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial Tumor Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Guanglin Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Zhengdong Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Guangbing Wei
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Xuqi Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
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Li A, Zhang R, Zhang Y, Liu X, Wang R, Liu J, Liu X, Xie Y, Cao W, Xu R, Ma Y, Cai W, Wu B, Cai S, Tang X. BEZ235 increases sorafenib inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by suppressing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:5573-5585. [PMID: 31632530 PMCID: PMC6789287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor that inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via the Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway. However, sorafenib loses effectiveness because most tumors acquire drug resistance over time. As the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is also activated abnormally in HCC, we evaluated the effect of sorafenib, in combination with a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, BEZ235, on HCC cell proliferation and survival in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS Biological phenotypes were analysed in HCC cell lines, parental and sorafenib-resistant HepG2 cells (HepG2 and HepG2R), treated with sorafenib or BEZ235, alone or in combination. HCC cellular proliferation and apoptosis were investigated, and perturbations of the Ras/Raf/MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling/survival pathways were evaluated by western blot analysis. RESULTS BEZ235 enhanced sorafenib inhibition of cellular proliferation, migration, and promotion of apoptosis in HepG2 and HepG2R cells. The combined effects were associated with inhibition of phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR and S6K in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, whereas the combination of sorafenib and BEZ235 did not significantly alter the Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway compared with the effect of sorafenib alone. CONCLUSION Sorafenib/BEZ235 combination has potent anti-HCC cell activity. This anti-tumor activity is most likely multi-factorial, mainly involving PI3K down-regulation and AKT, mTOR and S6K dephosphorylation. Combined inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Ras/Raf/MAPK pathways enhances sorafenib inhibition of HCC. The results of these in vitro studies suggest that trials of combined sorafenib and BEZ235 in the treatment of HCC should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Li
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Rongbo Zhang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Yinci Zhang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Xueke Liu
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Ruikai Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Jiachang Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Xinkuang Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Yinghai Xie
- First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Weiya Cao
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Ruyue Xu
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Yongfang Ma
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Wenpeng Cai
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Binquan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu 233004, China
| | - Shuyu Cai
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science & TechnologyHuainan 232001, China
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Chen S, Xia X. Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 suppresses sorafenib sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via regulating miR-335-c-Met. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14999-15009. [PMID: 30937906 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in regulating sorafenib (Sora) sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and possible signaling pathways. METHODS HCC cell lines and tumor tissue were quantified for NEAT1 expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Following shRNA (short hairpin RNA) knockdown of NEAT1, cell viability, apoptosis, and related protein expression were measured after drug treatment. The downstream target of NEAT1, including miR-335 and c-Met was studied using a combination of luciferase binding assay, gene knockdown/overexpression, western blot analysis, and cell viability/apoptosis assay. Cancer cells with NEAT1 knockdown were transplanted onto nude mice for in vivo tumorigenesis assay. RESULTS Silencing of NEAT1 in HCC cells facilitated Sora sensitivity by enhancing drug-induced apoptosis, and led to smaller tumor size on nude mice. Mechanistic study suggested that miR-335 was negatively regulated by NEAT1, and miR-335 further suppressed c-Met-Akt pathway, whose activation caused drug resistance of HCC cells. The knockdown of miR-335, or overexpression of c-Met, all remarkably abolished the proapoptotic effect of NEAT1 knockdown in HCC cells. CONCLUSION lncRNA NEAT1 mediates Sora resistance of HCC cells by suppressing miR-335 expression, and disinhibition on c-Met-Akt signaling pathway. Our results provide potency of NEAT1 as the biomarker for drug resistant HCC and possible treating targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwei Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chenzhou First People's Hospital, Chenzhou, China
| | - Xinhu Xia
- Department of Somatic Disease, Hunan Provincial Secondary People's Hospital, Changsha, China
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Neureiter D, Stintzing S, Kiesslich T, Ocker M. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Therapeutic advances in signaling, epigenetic and immune targets. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:3136-3150. [PMID: 31333307 PMCID: PMC6626722 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i25.3136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global medical burden with rising incidence due to chronic viral hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. Treatment of advanced disease stages is still unsatisfying. Besides first and second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors have become central for the treatment of HCC. New modalities like epigenetic therapy using histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and cell therapy approaches with chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) are currently under investigation in clinical trials. Development of such novel drugs is closely linked to the availability and improvement of novel preclinical and animal models and the identification of predictive biomarkers. The current status of treatment options for advanced HCC, emerging novel therapeutic approaches and different preclinical models for HCC drug discovery and development are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Neureiter
- Institute of Pathology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University/Salzburger Landeskliniken (SALK), Salzburg 5020, Austria
| | - Sebastian Stintzing
- Medical Department, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Tobias Kiesslich
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Paracelsus Medical University/Salzburger Landeskliniken (SALK) and Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria
| | - Matthias Ocker
- Translational Medicine Oncology, Bayer AG, Berlin 13353, Germany
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
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M2 macrophages mediate sorafenib resistance by secreting HGF in a feed-forward manner in hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2019; 121:22-33. [PMID: 31130723 PMCID: PMC6738111 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0482-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sorafenib is the only approved first line systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the last decade. Tumour resistance to sorafenib has been of major obstacles to improve HCC patient survival. Methods We polarised THP-1 cells to M1 and M2 macrophages, performed various in vitro assays and developed sorafenib-resistant xenograft models to investigate the role of tumour-associated macrophages (TAM)-secreted molecules in HCC resistance to the targeted therapy. Results We demonstrated M2, but not M1, macrophages not only promote proliferation, colony formation and migration of hepatoma cells but also significantly confer tumour resistance to sorafenib via sustaining tumour growth and metastasis by secreting hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). HGF activates HGF/c-Met, ERK1/2/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways in tumour cells. Tumour-associated M2 macrophages were accumulated in sorafenib-resistance tumours more than in sorafenib-sensitive tumours in vivo and produced abundant HGF. HGF chemoattracts more macrophages migrated from surrounding area, regulates the distribution of M2 macrophages and increases hepatoma resistance to sorafenib in a feed-forward manner. Conclusions Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms of sorafenib resistance in HCC and rationale for developing new trials by combining sorafenib with a potent HGF inhibitor such as cabozantinib to improve the first line systemic therapeutic efficacy.
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45
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Li P, Zhang J, Li F, Yu Y, Chen Y. Low‑intensity ultrasound enhances the chemosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to cisplatin via altering the miR‑34a/c‑Met axis. Int J Mol Med 2019; 44:135-144. [PMID: 31115495 PMCID: PMC6559300 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the use of low-intensity ultrasound (LIUS) combined with chemotherapeutic agents is widely used in clinical practice, mainly for the treatment of cancer; however, the mechanisms as to how LIUS enhances the antitumor effects of these agents are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to explore the synergistic antitumor effects and mechanisms of cisplatin (DDP) combined with LIUS (LIUS-DDP) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We reported that LIUS effectively enhanced Huh7 and HCCLM3 cell sensitivity to a low concentration of DDP. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that LIUS could increase the expression of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) in HCC cells following DDP treatment. In addition, LIUS-DDP significantly increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in vitro, and the upregulation of miR-34a induced by LIUS-DDP was reversed by the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine, suggesting that LIUS upregulates the expression of miR-34a via production of ROS. In addition, knockdown of miR-34a in HCC cells significantly suppressed the synergistic effects of LIUS-DDP treatment. Conversely, overexpression of miR-34a enhanced these synergistic effects. The results of a dual-luciferase assay indicated that c-Met, a well-known oncogene, was a target of miR-34a. We also determined that LIUS-DDP treatment inhibited the expression of c-Met, possibly due to increased ROS production, which upregulated miR-34a expression. Furthermore, overexpression of c-Met reversed the synergistic effects of LIUS-DDP treatment. Our findings suggest that LIUS could enhance the chemosensitivity of HCC cells to DDP by altering the miR-34a/c-Met axis. Therefore, DDP combined with LIUS may be a potential therapeutic application for the clinical treatment of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Li
- Department of Ultrasonography, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475000, P.R. China
| | - Juanjuan Zhang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475000, P.R. China
| | - Fuchun Li
- Department of Ultrasonography, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475000, P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Yu
- Department of Ultrasonography, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475000, P.R. China
| | - Yinghong Chen
- Department of Ultrasonography, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475000, P.R. China
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Poliaková M, Felser A, Pierzchala K, Nuoffer JM, Aebersold DM, Zimmer Y, Zamboni N, Medová M. Metabolomics reveals tepotinib-related mitochondrial dysfunction in MET-activating mutations-driven models. FEBS J 2019; 286:2692-2710. [PMID: 30993872 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Genetic aberrations in the hepatocyte growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase MET induce oncogenic addiction in various types of human cancers, advocating MET as a viable anticancer target. Here, we report that MET signaling plays an important role in conferring a unique metabolic phenotype to cellular models expressing MET-activating mutated variants that are either sensitive or resistant toward MET small molecule inhibitors. MET phosphorylation downregulated by the specific MET inhibitor tepotinib resulted in markedly decreased viability and increased apoptosis in tepotinib-sensitive cells. Moreover, prior to the induction of MET inhibition-dependent cell death, tepotinib also led to an altered metabolic signature, characterized by a prominent reduction of metabolite ions related to amino sugar metabolism, gluconeogenesis, glycine and serine metabolism, and of numerous TCA cycle-related metabolites such as succinate, malate, and citrate. Functionally, a decrease in oxygen consumption rate, a reduced citrate synthase activity, a drop in membrane potential, and an associated misbalanced mitochondrial function were observed exclusively in MET inhibitor-sensitive cells. These data imply that interference with metabolic state can be considered an early indicator of efficient MET inhibition and particular changes reported here could be explored in the future as markers of efficacy of anti-MET therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Poliaková
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Radiation Oncology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Felser
- University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Pierzchala
- Center for Biomedical Imaging (CIBM), EPFL SB CIBM - AIT/LIFMET, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Nuoffer
- University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Matthias Aebersold
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Radiation Oncology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yitzhak Zimmer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Radiation Oncology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Zamboni
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Medová
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Radiation Oncology, University of Bern, Switzerland
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47
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Li W, Dong X, He C, Tan G, Li Z, Zhai B, Feng J, Jiang X, Liu C, Jiang H, Sun X. LncRNA SNHG1 contributes to sorafenib resistance by activating the Akt pathway and is positively regulated by miR-21 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:183. [PMID: 31053148 PMCID: PMC6499991 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1177-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Acquired resistance to sorafenib greatly limits its therapeutic efficiency in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increasing evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the resistance to anti-cancer drugs. The present study aims to explore the involvement of lncRNA SNHG1 (small nucleolar RNA host gene 1) in sorafenib resistance and how SNHG1 is associated with overexpressed microRNA-21 (miR-21) and the activated Akt pathway, which have been demonstrated to mediate this resistance in HCC cells. Methods Sorafenib-resistant HCC (SR-HCC) cells were generated and their sorafenib-resistant properties were confirmed by cell viability and apoptosis assays. Potential lncRNAs were screened by using multiple bioinformatics analyses and databases. The expression of genes and proteins was detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot and in situ hybridization. Gene silencing was achieved by specific siRNA or lncRNA Smart Silencer. The effects of anti-SNHG1 were evaluated in vitro and in experimental animals by using quantitative measures of cell proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy. The binding sites of miR-21 and SNHG1 were predicted by using the RNAhybrid algorithm and their interaction was verified by luciferase assays. Results The Akt pathway was highly activated by overexpressed miR-21 in SR-HCC cells compared with parental HCC cells. Among ten screened candidates, SNHG1 showed the largest folds of alteration between SR-HCC and parental cells and between vehicle- and sorafenib-treated cells. Overexpressed SNHG1 contributes to sorafenib resistance by activating the Akt pathway via regulating SLC3A2. Depletion of SNHG1 enhanced the efficacy of sorafenib to induce apoptosis and autophagy of SR-HCC cells by inhibiting the activation of Akt pathway. Sorafenib induced translocation of miR-21 to the nucleus, where it promoted the expression of SNHG1, resulting in upregulation of SLC3A2, leading to the activation of Akt pathway. In contrast, SNHG1 was shown to have little effect on the expression of miR-21, which downregulated the expression of PTEN, leading to the activation of the Akt pathway independently of SNHG1. Conclusions The present study has demonstrated that lncRNA SNHG1 contributes to sorafenib resistance by activating the Akt pathway and its nuclear expression is promoted by miR-21, whose nuclear translocation is induced by sorafenib. These results indicate that SNHG1 may represent a potentially valuable target for overcoming sorafenib resistance for HCC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1177-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Li
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China.,Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xuesong Dong
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Changjun He
- Department of Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Gang Tan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Bo Zhai
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China.,Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Jing Feng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hongchi Jiang
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xueying Sun
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China.
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Chen W, Yang J, Zhang Y, Cai H, Chen X, Sun D. Regorafenib reverses HGF-induced sorafenib resistance by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. FEBS Open Bio 2019; 9:335-347. [PMID: 30761258 PMCID: PMC6356182 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib resistance is one of the major obstacles towards achieving a better outcome in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in which aberrant activation of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/mesenchymal‐epithelial transition pathway is frequently observed. Here, we report that HCC cells develop sorafenib resistance following HGF stimulation. Furthermore, HGF activates the downstream extracellular signal‐related kinase (ERK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway and induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by up‐regulating Snail in HCC cells. Inhibition of ERK and STAT3 abolished the rescue effect of HGF by down‐regulating Snail and EMT. Moreover, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt was also activated in HGF‐treated HCC cells, although it had no effect on Snail expression. Notably, we also found that regorafenib reversed HGF‐induced sorafenib resistance by inhibiting ERK and STAT3, and subsequently down‐regulating Snail and EMT. Taken together, our results indicate that HGF induces sorafenib resistance by activating phosporylated (P)‐ERK/Snail/EMT and P‐STAT3/Snail/EMT pathways. Inhibition of P‐ERK and P‐STAT3 by regorafenib can block HGF‐induced EMT, thereby reversing HGF‐induced sorafenib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibo Chen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Changzhou China
| | - Junsheng Yang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Changzhou China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Changzhou China
| | - Huihua Cai
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Changzhou China
| | - Xuemin Chen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Changzhou China
| | - Donglin Sun
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Changzhou China
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Activation of c-Met in cancer cells mediates growth-promoting signals against oxidative stress through Nrf2-HO-1. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:7. [PMID: 30647407 PMCID: PMC6333845 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0116-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Any imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the anti-oxidant capacity lead to cellular oxidative stress. Many chemotherapeutic agents mediate their cytotoxic functions through the generation of ROS. c-Met, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is over-expressed in renal cancer and plays very crucial role(s) in its growth and survival. Here, we show that c-Met activation protected renal cancer cells from ROS, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by the anti-cancer agent sorafenib (used for renal cancer treatment); and it markedly attenuated sorafenib-induced DNA damage. Activated c-Met promoted the anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) and inhibited apoptotic cleaved caspase-3. We found that the cytoprotective function of c-Met against sorafenib-induced ROS generation and apoptosis was mediated primarily through the activation of anti-oxidant Nrf2-HO-1. c-Met promoted the nuclear localization of Nrf2 and hindered its binding with the inhibitory protein Keap1. Silencing of Nrf2 attenuated the protective action of c-Met against sorafenib-induced oxidative stress. To evaluate the physiological significance of our findings, in a tumor xenograft model, we observed that a combination treatment with pharmacological inhibitors of c-Met and it's anti-oxidant downstream effecter HO-1 markedly reduced the growth of renal tumor in vivo; it increased the oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptotic markers in the tumor xenografts, along with reduced tumor vessel density. Our observations indicate that the c-Met-Nrf2-HO-1 pathway plays a vital role in relieving ROS-mediated oxidative stress of renal tumors. Targeting this pathway can significantly increase the oxidative stress to promote apoptotic death of cancer cells.
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Inhibition of HGF/MET signaling decreases overall tumor burden and blocks malignant conversion in Tpl2-related skin cancer. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:1. [PMID: 30631034 PMCID: PMC6328619 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0109-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor progression locus 2 (Tpl2) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family of serine/threonine kinases. Deletion of the Tpl2 gene is associated with a significantly higher number of papillomas and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs). Overexpression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor MET is abundant in cSCC and can lead to increased proliferation, migration, invasion or resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The aim of this study was to address whether the increased tumor burden in Tpl2−/− mice is due to aberrant HGF/MET signaling. C57Bl/6 wild type (WT) and Tpl2−/− mice were subjected to a two-stage chemical carcinogenesis protocol for one year. At the time of promotion half of the mice received 44 mg/kg capmatinib (INC 280), a pharmacological inihibitor of MET, in their diet. Tpl2−/− mice had signficantly higher tumor incidence and overall tumor burden compared to WT mice. Further, carcinogen-intiated Tpl2−/− mice could bypass the need for promotion, as 89% of Tpl2−/− mice given only DMBA developed papillomas. v-rasHa -transduced keratinocytes and SCCs from Tpl2−/− mice revealed an upregulation in HGF and p-MET signaling compared to WT animals. Long-term capmatinib treatment had no adverse effects in mice and capmatinib-fed Tpl2−/− mice had a 60% reduction in overall tumor burden. Further, no tumors from Tpl2−/− mice fed capmatinib underwent malignant conversion. In summary targeting MET may be a potential new strategy to combat cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas that result from dysregulation in MAPK signaling.
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