Expression of hepatoma-derived growth factor in hepatocellular carcinoma

Identifying Key Genes and Functionally Enriched Pathways in Osteoporotic Patients by Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis

Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by low bone mineral density and bone microstructure damage, resulting in increased bone fragility and fracture risk. The present study aimed to identify key genes and functionally enriched pathways in osteoporotic patients. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was applied to microarray datasets of blood samples of osteoporotic patients from the Sao Paulo Ageing & Health [SPAH] study (26 osteoporotic samples and 31 normal samples) to construct co-expression networks and identify hub gene. The results showed that HDGF, AP2M1, DNAJC6, TMEM183B, MFSD2B, IGKV1-5, IGKV1-8, IGKV3-7, IGKV3D-11, and IGKV1D-42 are genes which were associated with the disease status of osteoporosis. Differentially expressed genes are enriched in proteasomal protein catabolic process, ubiquitin ligase complex, and ubiquitin-like protein transferase activity. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that genes in the tan module were enriched in immune-related functions, indicating that the immune system plays a critical role in osteoporosis. Validation assay demonstrated that the HDGF, AP2M1, TMEM183B, and MFSD2B levels were decreased in osteoporosis samples compared with healthy controls, while the levels of IGKV1-5, IGKV1-8, and IGKV1D-42 were increased in osteoporosis samples compared with healthy controls. In conclusion, our data identified and validated the association of HDGF, AP2M1, TMEM183B, MFSD2B, IGKV1-5, IGKV1-8, and IGKV1D-42 with osteoporosis in elderly women. These results suggest that these transcripts have potential clinical significance and may help to explain the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of osteoporosis.

HDGF stimulates liver tumorigenesis by enhancing reactive oxygen species generation in mitochondria

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) overexpression and uncontrolled reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation are involved in malignant transformation and poor prognosis in various types of cancer. However, the interplay between HDGF and ROS generation has not been elucidated in hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we first analyzed the profile of HDGF expression and ROS production in newly generated orthotopic hepatomas by ultrasound-guided implantation. In situ superoxide detection showed that HDGF-overexpressing hepatomas had significantly elevated ROS levels compared with adjacent nontumor tissues. Consistently, liver tissues from HDGF-deficient mice exhibited lower ROS fluorescence than those from age- and sex-matched WT mice. ROS-detecting fluorescent dyes and flow cytometry revealed that recombinant HDGF (rHDGF) stimulated the production of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and mitochondrial ROS generation in cultured hepatoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, the inactive Ser103Ala rHDGF mutant failed to promote ROS generation or oncogenic behaviors. Seahorse metabolic flux assays revealed that rHDGF dose dependently upregulated bioenergetics through enhanced basal and total oxygen consumption rate, extracellular acidification rate, and oxidative phosphorylation in hepatoma cells. Moreover, antioxidants of N-acetyl cysteine and MitoQ treatment significantly inhibited HDGF-mediated cell proliferation and invasive capacity. Genetic silencing of superoxide dismutase 2 augmented the HDGF-induced ROS generation and oncogenic behaviors of hepatoma cells. Finally, genetic knockdown nucleolin (NCL) and antibody neutralization of surface NCL, the HDGF receptor, abolished the HDGF-induced increase in ROS and mitochondrial energetics. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated for the first time that the HDGF/NCL signaling axis induces ROS generation by elevating ROS generation in mitochondria, thereby stimulating liver carcinogenesis.

BLM promotes malignancy in PCa by inducing KRAS expression and RhoA suppression via its interaction with HDGF and activation of MAPK/ERK pathway

Prostate cancer (PCa) has long been the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths among male worldwide. Our previous studies have shown that Bloom syndrome protein (BLM) plays a vital role in PCa proliferation, yet the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely obscure. Mechanistically, BLM directly interacted with hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF). Functionally, BLM and HDGF knockdown resulted in the higher impairment of PC3 proliferation, clonogenicity, migration and invasion than that their counterpart with either BLM or HDGF knockdown exclusively. Of note, HDGF overexpression expedited, whereas its knockdown suppressed, PC3 proliferation, clonogenicity, migration and invasion. Additionally, the potentiation or attenuation was partially antagonized upon BLM depletion or overexpression. In line with the vitro data, the impact of BLM and HDGF on tumor growth was investigated in mouse xenograft models. ChIP-seq, dual-luciferase reporter and western blotting assays were employed to expound the regulatory network in PC3 cells. The results unveiled that HDGF activated KRAS and suppressed RhoA transcription, and that the function of HDGF was mediated, in part, by interaction with BLM. Accordingly, the MAPK/ERK pathway was activated. Moreover, the regulation of HDGF on KRAS and RhoA had a signal crosstalk. To recapitulate, BLM and HDGF may serve as novel prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in PCa.

Tackling FGFR3-driven bladder cancer with a promising synergistic FGFR/HDAC targeted therapy

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and FGFR3 alterations are particularly common in BC. Despite approval of erdafitinib, durable responses for FGFR inhibitors are still uncommon and most patients relapse to metastatic disease. Given the necessity to discover more efficient therapies for BC, herein, we sought to explore promising synergistic combinations for BC with FGFR3 fusions. Our studies confirmed the synergy between FGFR and HDAC inhibitors in vitro and demonstrated its benefits in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that quisinostat can downregulate FGFR3 expression by suppressing FGFR3 translation. Additionally, quisinostat can also sensitize BC cells to erdafitinib by downregulating HDGF. Furthermore, the synergy was also confirmed in BC cells with FGFR3 S249C. This study discovers a new avenue for treatment of FGFR3-driven BC and uncovers new mechanistic insights. These preclinical studies pave the way for a direct translation of this combination to early phase clinical trials.

Small Extracellular Vesicles and Their Involvement in Cancer Resistance: An Up-to-Date Review

In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer. Thanks to advancements in molecular biology, it has been found that the fraction of EVs called exosomes or small EVs (sEVs) modulates the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents by delivering molecularly active non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). An in-depth analysis shows that two main molecular mechanisms are involved in exosomal modified chemoresistance: (1) translational repression of anti-oncogenes by exosomal microRNAs (miRs) and (2) lack of translational repression of oncogenes by sponging of miRs through long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). At the cellular level, these processes increase the proliferation and survival of cancer cells and improve their ability to metastasize and resist apoptosis. In addition, studies in animal models have shown enhancing tumor size under the influence of exosomal ncRNAs. Ultimately, exosomal ncRNAs are responsible for clinically significant chemotherapy failures in patients with different types of cancer. Preliminary data have also revealed that exosomal ncRNAs can overcome chemotherapeutic agent resistance, but the results are thoroughly fragmented. This review presents how exosomes modulate the response of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Understanding how exosomes interfere with chemoresistance may become a milestone in developing new therapeutic options, but more data are still required.

The Subventricular Zone in Glioblastoma: Genesis, Maintenance, and Modeling

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant tumor with a median survival rate of 15-16 months with standard care; however, cases of successful treatment offer hope that an enhanced understanding of the pathology will improve the prognosis. The cell of origin in GBM remains controversial. Recent evidence has implicated stem cells as cells of origin in many cancers. Neural stem/precursor cells (NSCs) are being evaluated as potential initiators of GBM tumorigenesis. The NSCs in the subventricular zone (SVZ) have demonstrated similar molecular profiles and share several distinctive characteristics to proliferative glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) in GBM. Genomic and proteomic studies comparing the SVZ and GBM support the hypothesis that the tumor cells and SVZ cells are related. Animal models corroborate this connection, demonstrating migratory patterns from the SVZ to the tumor. Along with laboratory and animal research, clinical studies have demonstrated improved progression-free survival in patients with GBM after radiation to the ipsilateral SVZ. Additionally, key genetic mutations in GBM for the most part carry regulatory roles in the SVZ as well. An exciting avenue towards SVZ modeling and determining its role in gliomagenesis in the human context is human brain organoids. Here we comprehensively discuss and review the role of the SVZ in GBM genesis, maintenance, and modeling.

Heparin-binding growth factor (HDGF) drives radioresistance in breast cancer by activating the STAT3 signaling pathway

Although reports implicate radioresistance as an important obstacle for the management of breast cancer, its molecular mechanism is elusive. Herein, we found that high HDGF levels are expressed significantly in breast cancer and exhibit a positive association with poor survival prognosis. Heparin-binding growth factor (HDGF) was upregulated in radioresistant breast cancer cells, however, its knockdown could reduce breast cancer radioresistant both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the binding of RXRα to HDGF promoter blocked HDGF transcriptional activity, consequently inhibiting breast cancer radioresistance. The enhanced radioresistant activity of HDGF is induced by TKT and STAT3, impacting the STAT3-Tyr705 and STAT3-Ser727 phosphorylation and STAT3 transcriptional activity. Notably, HDGF depletion renders radioresistant hypersensitive to the drug that targets STAT3 phosphorylation. This article demonstrates the novel function of HDGF as a promising molecular target for predicting radioresistance in breast cancer.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein induced hepatoma-derived growth factor upregulation mediates foam cell formation of cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are important vascular components that are essential for the regulation of vascular functions during vascular atherosclerogenesis and vascular injury. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is known to induce SMC activation and foam cell transformation. This study characterized the role of hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) in oxLDL-induced foam cell formation in cultured primary rat aortic SMCs. OxLDL exposure significantly increased HDGF expression and extracellular release. It also upregulated atherogenic regulators in SMCs, including TLR4, MyD88, LOX-1, and CD36. Exogenous HDGF stimulation not only increased the expression of cognate receptor nucleolin, but also the innate immunity regulators TLR4/MyD88 and lipid metabolism regulators, including LOX-1 and CD36. Oil red O staining showed that HDGF did not initiate, but enhanced oxLDL-driven foam cell formation in SMCs. Further signaling characterization demonstrated that oxLDL evoked activation of PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, both of which were involved in the upregulation of HDGF, LOX-1, and CD36 induced by oxLDL. Gene knockdown experiments using LOX-1 targeted siRNA demonstrated that LOX-1 expression was critical for oxLDL-induced HDGF upregulation, while HDGF gene depletion completely abolished oxLDL-triggered TLR4, LOX-1, and CD36 overexpression and foam cell formation in SMCs. These findings strongly suggest that oxLDL-induced HDGF upregulation participates in subsequent LOX-1 and CD36 expression in aortic SMCs and mechanistically contributes to the formation of SMC-derived foam cells. The oxLDL/LOX-1/HDGF axis may serve as a target for anti-atherogenesis therapy.

Blocking Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor Attenuates Vasospasm and Neuron Cell Apoptosis in Rats Subjected to Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an important subcategory of stroke due to its unacceptably high mortality rate as well as the severe complications it causes, such as cerebral vasospasm, neurological deficits, and cardiopulmonary abnormality. Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a growth factor related to normal development and is involved in liver development and regeneration. This study explored the relationship between SAH and HDGF. Sixty rats were divided into five groups (n = 12/group): (A) control group; (B) rHDGF ab only group [normal animals treated with 50 µM recombinant HDGF antibodies (rHDGF ab)]; (C) SAH group; (D) SAH + pre-rHDGF ab group (SAH animals pre-treated with 50 µM rHDGF ab into the subarachnoid space within 24 h before SAH); and (E) SAH + post-rHDGF ab group (SAH animals post-treated with 50 µM rHDGF ab into the subarachnoid space within 24 h after SAH). At 48 h after SAH, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected to measure the levels of pro-inflammatory factors by ELISA, and rat cortex tissues were used to measure protein levels by western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence staining for Iba-1, GFAP, TUNEL, and NeuN was detected proliferation of microglia and astrocyte and apoptosis of neuron cells. Neurological outcome was assessed by ambulation and placing/stepping reflex responses. Morphology assay showed that pre-treatment and post-treatment with rHDGF ab attenuated vasospasm after SAH. SAH up-regulated the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in both the CSF and serum samples, and both pre- and post-treatment with rHDGF ab inhibited the up-regulation of these pro-inflammatory factors, except for the serum IL-6 levels. Western blot analysis demonstrated that SAH up-regulated pro-BDNF and NFκB protein levels, and both pre- and post-treatment with rHDGF ab significantly reduced the up-regulation. The result from immunofluorescence staining showed that SAH induced proliferation of microglia and astrocyte and apoptosis of neuron cells. Both pre- and post-treatment with rHDGF ab significantly attenuated proliferation of microglia and astrocyte and inhibited apoptosis of neuron cells. Furthermore, treatment with rHDGF ab significantly improved neurological outcome. Blocking HDGF attenuates neuron cell apoptosis and vasospasm through inhibiting inflammation in brain tissue at early phase after SAH.

Use Chou's 5-steps rule to study how Baicalin suppresses the malignant phenotypes and induces the apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells

Baicalin is a traditional Chinese herb purified from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. In this study, we further analyzed the molecular mechanism behind the anti-tumor activity of Baicalin in colorectal cancer (CRC). The establishment of circular RNA (circRNA)/microRNA (miRNA)/messenger RNA (mRNA) axis was predicted by bioinformatic databases and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Baicalin dose-dependently reduced the expression of circRNA myosin heavy chain 9 (circMYH9) in CRC cells. Baicalin exposure suppressed the malignant phenotypes of CRC cells, which were largely reversed by the overexpression of circMYH9. CircMYH9 functioned as a molecular sponge for miR-761. CircMYH9 overexpression protected CRC cells from Baicalin-induced injury partly through down-regulating miR-761. MiR-761 interacted with the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) mRNA. CircMYH9 up-regulated HDGF expression partly through sponging miR-761 in CRC cells. MiR-761 silencing counteracted the anti-tumor activity of Baicalin partly through up-regulating HDGF in CRC cells. Baicalin suppresses xenograft tumor growth in vivo, and this suppressive effect was partly reversed by the overexpression of circMYH9. In conclusion, Baicalin exhibited an anti-tumor activity in CRC cells partly through down-regulating circMYH9 and HDGF and up-regulating miR-761.

Development of a Biomimetic Hydrogel Based on Predifferentiated Mesenchymal Stem-Cell-Derived ECM for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

The use of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) as a biomaterial has been an important step forward for the development of functional tissue constructs. In addition to tissues and organs, cell cultures are gaining a lot of attention as an alternative source of dECM. In this work, a novel biomimetic hydrogel is developed based on dECM obtained from mesenchymal stem cells (mdECM) for cartilage tissue engineering. To this end, cells are seeded under specific culture conditions to generate an early chondrogenic extracellular matrix (ECM) providing cues and elements necessary for cartilage development. The composition is determined by quantitative, histological, and mass spectrometry techniques. Moreover, the decellularization process is evaluated by measuring the DNA content and compositional analyses, and the hydrogel is formulated at different concentrations (3% and 6% w/v). Results show that mdECM derived hydrogels possess excellent biocompatibility and suitable physicochemical and mechanical properties for their injectability. Furthermore, it is evidenced that this hydrogel is able to induce chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) without supplemental factors and, furthermore, to form hyaline cartilage-like tissue after in vivo implantation. These findings demonstrate for the first time the potential of this hydrogel based on mdECM for applications in cartilage repair and regeneration.

Irisin Gene Delivery Ameliorates Burn-Induced Sensory and Motor Neuropathy

Burn-related neuropathy is common and often involves pain, paresthesia, or muscle weakness. Irisin, an exercise-induced myokine after cleavage from its membrane precursor fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5), exhibits neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. A rat model of third-degree burn on the right hind paw was used to investigate the therapeutic role of irisin/FNDC5. Rats received burn injury and were treated with intrathecal recombinant adenovirus containing the irisin sequence (Ad-irisin) at 3 weeks postburn. One week later, mechanical allodynia was examined. The expression of irisin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was detected. Ipsilateral gastrocnemius muscle and lumbar spinal cord were also obtained for further investigation. Furthermore, the anti-apoptotic effect of recombinant irisin in SH-SY5Y cells was evaluated through tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) stimulus to mimic burn injury. We noted intrathecal Ad-irisin attenuated pain sensitization and gastrocnemius muscle atrophy by modulating the level of irisin in CSF, and the expression of neuronal FNDC5/irisin and TNFα in the spinal cord. Ad-irisin also ameliorated neuronal apoptosis in both dorsal and ventral horns. Furthermore, recombinant irisin attenuated TNFα-induced SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis. In summary, irisin attenuated allodynia and muscle wasting by ameliorating neuroinflammation-induced neuronal apoptosis.

Hepatoma-derived growth factor participates in concanavalin A-induced hepatitis

Hepatitis is an important health problem worldwide. Novel molecular targets are in demand for detection and management of hepatitis. Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) has been delineated to participate in hepatic fibrosis and liver carcinogenesis. However, the relationship between hepatitis and HDGF remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the role of HDGF during hepatitis using concanavalin A (ConA)-induced hepatitis model. In cultured hepatocytes, ConA treatment-elicited HDGF upregulation at transcriptional level and promoted HDGF secretion while reducing intracellular HDGF protein level and cellular viability. Similarly, mice receiving ConA administration exhibited reduced hepatic HDGF expression and elevated circulating HDGF level, which was positively correlated with serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. By using HDGF knockout (KO) mice, it was found the ConA-evoked cell death was prominently alleviated in KO compared with control. Besides, it was delineated HDGF ablation conferred protection by suppressing the ConA-induced neutrophils recruitment in livers. Above all, the ConA-mediated activation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/interleukin-1β (IL-1β)/interleukin-6 (IL-6)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inflammatory signaling was significantly abrogated in KO mice. Treatment with recombinant HDGF (rHDGF) dose-dependently stimulated the expression of TNF-α/IL-1β/IL-6/COX-2 in hepatocytes, further supporting the pro-inflammatory function of HDGF. Finally, application of HDGF antibody not only attenuated the ConA-mediated inflammatory cascade in hepatocytes, but also ameliorated the ConA-induced hepatic necrosis and AST elevation in mice. In summary, HDGF participates in ConA-induced hepatitis via neutrophils recruitment and may constitute a therapeutic target for acute hepatitis.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma-associated microRNAs Induced by Hepatoma-derived Growth Factor Stimulation

BACKGROUND/AIM

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study assessed the epigenomic changes in hepatoma-derived cells through HDGF stimulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used two hepatoma-derived cell lines (HepG2 and SK-Hep1) and searched for microRNAs whose expression commonly changed in response to HDGF administration. We further explored a genetic database to investigate the association of the candidate microRNAs with the survival of HCC patients.

RESULTS

Despite both HepG2 and SK-Hep1 cells being categorized as hepatoma-derived cells, the microRNA profile differed between these two lines. However, HepG2 and SK-Hep1 cells shared 30 up-regulated and 2 down-regulated microRNAs. Of these, miR-6072 and miR-3137 were significantly associated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients.

CONCLUSION

We identified two candidate microRNAs whose expression increased in response to HDGF stimulation. Both these molecules were associated with a poor prognosis of HCC patients.

Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor: An Overview and Its Role as a Potential Therapeutic Target Molecule for Digestive Malignancies

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) was identified in research seeking to find a novel growth factor for hepatoma cells. Subsequently, four HDGF-related proteins were identified, and these proteins are considered to be members of a new gene family. HDGF has a growth-stimulating role, an angiogenesis-inducing role, and a probable anti-apoptotic role. HDGF is ubiquitously expressed in non-cancerous tissues, and participates in organ development and in the healing of damaged tissues. In addition, the high expression of HDGF was reported to be closely associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes in several malignant diseases. Thus, HDGF is considered to contribute to the development and progression of malignant disease. We herein provide a brief overview of the factor and its functions in relation to benign and malignant cells. We also describe its possible role as a target molecule for digestive malignancies.

MicroRNA-139-5p inhibits cell viability, migration and invasion and suppresses tumor growth by targeting HDGF in non-small cell lung cancer

MicroRNA (miRNAs) serve key roles in the progress of various types of cancer. The expression of miRNA (miR)-139-5p is downregulated in several types of tumor and has been recognized as a tumor suppressor. However, the role of miR-139-5p in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been investigated in detail. In the present study, it was demonstrated that miR-139-5p was significantly downregulated in NSCLC cells and tissues, and the overexpression of miR-139-5p in vitro induced apoptosis and significantly inhibited the viability and proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells. In addition, upregulation of miR-139-5p significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 and H1299 cells. Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) was identified as a direct target of miR-139-5p. Rescue experiments demonstrated that the inhibitory function of miR-139-5p on cell viability, migration and invasion was partially mediated by suppressing HDGF expression. Furthermore, miR-139-5p exhibited efficient inhibition of tumor growth in a xenograft tumor mouse model of A549 cells. In summary, the results from the present study suggested that miR-139-5p may serve an important role in NSCLC by targeting HDGF and causing inhibition of cell viability and metastasis, as well as induction of apoptosis. miR-139-5p may also have the potential to serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.

MiRNA-610 acts as a tumour suppressor to depress the cisplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through targeted silencing of hepatoma-derived growth factor

INTRODUCTION

Hepatic malignancy is one of the most common malignant neoplasms around the globe, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type. In this study, the roles and mechanisms of MiRNA-610 in the chemo resistance of HCC will be discussed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The expression of MiRNA-610 and hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) in HCC tissues and cell line was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The proliferation and chemo resistance were analysed by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to examine the apoptosis rate. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the correlation between MiRNA-610 and HDGF. HDGF protein expression was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Our study confirmed the low-expression of MiRNA-610 in HCC tissues and cell line. Its low expression was related to high T stages and poor differentiation of HCC, and was a prognostic factor for HCC. MiRNA-610 upregulation inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells. MiRNA-610 enhancement decreased the half maximal inhibitory concentration for cisplatin (DDP) and depressed the DDP resistance in HepG2 cells. The specific correlation between MiRNA-610 and HDGF was tested by luciferase reporter assay and western blot. The transfection with HDGF expression vector up-regulated the expression of HDGF protein silenced by MiRNA-610 enhancement. HDGF overexpression was found to reverse partly the regulatory roles of MiRNA-610 on malignancy and DDP resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

MiRNA-610 not only played a tumour suppressor role in HCC but also affected chemo resistance to DDP. This role is mainly mediated through targeted silencing of the HDGF gene, which may offer a new potential therapeutic target and improve the clinical therapeutic effect for HCC.

Novel HDGF/HIF-1α/VEGF axis in oral cancer impacts disease prognosis

BACKGROUND

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) participates in angiogenesis and represents a negative prognostic factor in oral cancer. The current study was designed to elucidate the regulatory mechanism between HDGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the clinical impact of oral cancer.

METHODS

TCGA data and surgical samples from oral cancer patients were used for the clinicopathological parameter and survival analysis. Human oral cancer SCC4 and SAS cells were treated with recombinant HDGF protein. VEGF gene expression and protein level were analyzed by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The signaling pathways for regulating VEGF expression were investigated. The nucleolin neutralizing antibody and HIF-1α inhibitor were applied to SCC4 cells to investigate their effects on the HDGF-stimulated VEGF pathways.

RESULTS

TCGA and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a positive correlation between HDGF and VEGF expression in oral cancer tissues. Recombinant HDGF significantly increased VEGF gene and protein expression in oral cancer SCC4 cells in a dose-dependent manner. HDGF enhanced the phosphorylation levels of AKT and IkB and the protein level of HIF-1α and NF-κB. The nucleolin-neutralizing antibody abolished HDGF-stimulated HIF-1α, NF-κB and VEGF protein expression in SCC4 cells. The HIF-1α inhibitor antagonized the HDGF-induced VEGF gene expression. High VEGF expression was strongly correlated with HDGF expression, advanced disease, and poor survival.

CONCLUSION

This study postulated a new pathway in which HDGF activated HIF-1α and then induced VEGF expression through binding to membrane nucleolin under normoxic conditions, leading to poor disease control. The HDGF/HIF-1α/VEGF axis is important for developing future therapeutic strategies.

Hepatoma-derived growth factor participates in Helicobacter Pylori-induced neutrophils recruitment, gastritis and gastric carcinogenesis

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and overexpression of hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) are involved in gastric carcinogenesis. However, the relationship between Hp-induced gastric diseases and HDGF upregulation is not yet completely clear. This study aimed to elucidate the role of HDGF in Hp-induced gastric inflammation and carcinogenesis. HDGF expression in gastric biopsy and serum from patients was analyzed by immunohistochemical and ELISA analysis, respectively. Hp and gastric cells coculture system was employed to delineate the mechanism underlying HDGF overexpression during Hp infection. The gastric pathologies of wild type and HDGF knockout mice after Hp infection were investigated by immunohistochemical, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence analyses. HDGF level was significantly elevated in patients with Hp infection or intestinal metaplasia (IM, a precancerous lesion), and HDGF overexpression was positively correlated with Hp load, IM, and neutrophil infiltration in gastric biopsy. Consistently, patients with Hp infection or IM had significantly higher serum HDGF level. By using coculture assay, Hp infection led to HDGF upregulation and secretion in gastric cells. In mice model, HDGF ablation significantly suppressed the Hp-induced neutrophil infiltration and inflammatory TNF-α/COX-2 signaling, thereby relieving the tissue damage in stomach. This was further supported by that recombinant HDGF (rHDGF) stimulated the differentiation/chemotaxis of cultured neutrophils and oncogenic behaviors of gastric cells. Time series studies showed that Hp infection elicited an inflammatory TNF-α/HDGF/COX-2 cascade in stomach. HDGF secretion by Hp infection promotes the neutrophils infiltration and relays Hp-induced inflammatory signaling. Thus, HDGF may constitute a novel diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for Hp-induced gastritis and carcinogenesis.

Expression patterns and the prognostic value of the SMYD family members in human breast carcinoma using integrative bioinformatics analysis

Suppressor of variegation, Enhancer of Zeste, Trithorax and Myeloid-Nervy-DEAF1 domain-containing (SMYD) proteins are a set of lysine methyltransferases involved in a range of diverse biological functions, including gene expression, and regulation of skeletal and cardiac-muscle development. These proteins may additionally serve roles in a number of different types of cancer. However, the roles of the five SMYD proteins, SMYD 1/2/3/4/5, their expression patterns and prognostic value remain unclear. In the present study, the transcriptional expression levels of the five SMYD proteins were compared with the survival data of patients with breast carcinoma (BC) from the ONCOMINE dataset, Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Miner v4.0, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, The Cancer Genome Atlas and cBioPortal. An increase in the SMYD2/3/5 mRNA expression levels and a decrease in SMYD1/4 mRNA expression levels in BC tissues compared with normal tissues were identified. Increased SMYD3 mRNA and decreased SMYD5 mRNA expression levels were associated with decreased levels of histological differentiation, according to the Scarff-Bloom-Richardson grading system. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that the increased SMYD1/4 and decreased SMYD2/3 mRNA expression levels were associated with good relapse-free survival (RFS) in patients with BC. Furthermore, SMYD2 mRNA expression levels were associated with the RFS of patients with BC with metastatic relapse, and SMYD4 may serve as a tumor suppressor in patients with BC, as patients with increased SMYD4 mRNA expression levels had significantly better RFS compared with decreased SMYD4 mRNA expression levels. The present data suggested that SMYD2 and SMYD3 may be potential biomarkers for diagnosis of BC. Additionally, SMYD2 and SMYD4 may be potential prognostic indicators of patients with BC.

Delta-like 1 homologue promotes tumorigenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma through activation of Notch signaling

Ovarian carcinoma is the most lethal type of gynecologic malignancies. Alterations of Notch pathway are prevalent in ovarian carcinogenesis. This study investigated the expression profile and function of delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1), a non-canonical Notch ligand, during ovarian carcinogenesis. Tissue microarray (TMA) consisting of surgically resected samples from 221 patients with ovarian carcinoma was constructed for DLK1 expression. DLK1 overexpression or knockdown was achieved by adenovirus gene delivery to evaluate the effect of DLK1 on the oncogenic behaviors in ovarian cancer cells and in xenografted tumors. TMA analysis revealed that elevated DLK1 expression was correlated with stages, lymph node metastasis and E-cadherin downregulation. Despite no influence on survival among ovarian carcinoma patients, DLK1 overexpression was specially associated with overall survival and progression free survival in high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) patients, constituting an independent prognostic factor for these patients. By adenovirus gene delivery, it was found modulation of cellular DLK1 level regulated the tumorigenic behaviors and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemical analysis further showed that DLK1 overexpression resulted in escalated proliferation, angiogenesis, EMT and Notch activities. Application of recombinant DLK1 extracellular domain (rDLK1-EC) recapitulated the tumorigenic behaviors of DLK1 in ovarian cancer cells. By using neutralizing antibody or pharmaceutical inhibitor, blockade of Notch signaling attenuated the tumorigenic behaviors evoked by DLK1 overexpression. The present study indicates that DLK1 overexpression participates in ovarian carcinogenesis through Notch activation and EMT induction. Moreover, DLK1 may constitute a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HGSC.

Helicobacter pylori Infection-Induced Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor Regulates the Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Myofibroblast-Like Cells

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) plays a critical role in tumor cell proliferation, anti-apoptosis, VEGF expression, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in human gastric cancer. Gastric cancer, as one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world for the prognosis of gastric cancer is generally poor, especially in patients with advanced stage. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection causes the chronic inflammation of stomach as well as the development of gastric cancer, with a three to six-fold increased risk of gastric cancer. Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are myofibroblasts in tumor microenvironment, which possess various abilities to promote the progression of cancer by stimulating neoangiogenesis, proliferation, migration, invasion and therapy resistance of tumor cell. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are reported to promote tumor malignance through differentiation of MSCs toward CAFs. In the present study, we demonstrated that H. pylori infection promotes HDGF expression in human gastric cancer cells. HBMMSCs treated with HDGF assume properties of CAF-like myofibroblastic phenotypes, including expression of myofibroblast markers (α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), procollagen α1, tropomyoson I, desmin, fibroblast activation protein (FAP)), and fibroblast markers (prolyl-4-hydroxylase A1 (PHA1) and fibroblast specific protein-1 (FSP-1)/S100A4). HDGF recruits HBMMSCs, and then HBMMSCs further contributes to cell survival and invasive motility in human gastric cancer cells. Treatment of HDGF neutralizing antibody (HDGF-NAb) and serum significantly inhibit HDGF-regulated differentiation and recruitment of HBMMSCs. These findings suggest that HDGF might play a critical role in gastric cancer progress through stimulation of HBMMSCs differentiation to myofibroblast-like cells.

Transformation-induced stress at telomeres is counteracted through changes in the telomeric proteome including SAMHD1

The authors apply telomeric chromatin analysis to identify factors that accumulate at telomeres during cellular transformation, promoting telomere replication and repair and counteracting oncogene-borne telomere replication stress.

Telomeres play crucial roles during tumorigenesis, inducing cellular senescence upon telomere shortening and extensive chromosome instability during telomere crisis. However, it has not been investigated if and how cellular transformation and oncogenic stress alter telomeric chromatin composition and function. Here, we transform human fibroblasts by consecutive transduction with vectors expressing hTERT, the SV40 early region, and activated H-RasV12. Pairwise comparisons of the telomeric proteome during different stages of transformation reveal up-regulation of proteins involved in chromatin remodeling, DNA repair, and replication at chromosome ends. Depletion of several of these proteins induces telomere fragility, indicating their roles in replication of telomeric DNA. Depletion of SAMHD1, which has reported roles in DNA resection and homology-directed repair, leads to telomere breakage events in cells deprived of the shelterin component TRF1. Thus, our analysis identifies factors, which accumulate at telomeres during cellular transformation to promote telomere replication and repair, resisting oncogene-borne telomere replication stress.

Cyclic Mechanical Stretch Up-regulates Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor Expression in Cultured Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a potent mitogen for vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) during embryogenesis and injury repair of vessel walls. Whether mechanical stimuli modulate HDGF expression remains unknown. The present study aimed at investigating whether cyclic mechanical stretch plays a regulatory role in HDGF expression and regenerative cytokine production in aortic SMCs. A SMC cell line was grown on a silicone-based elastomer chamber with extracellular matrix coatings (either type I collagen or fibronectin) and received cyclic and uniaxial mechanical stretches with 10% deformation at frequency 1 Hz. Morphological observation showed that fibronectin coating provided better cell adhesion and spreading and that consecutive 6 h of cyclic mechanical stretch remarkably induced reorientation and realignment of SMCs. Western blotting detection demonstrated that continuous mechanical stimuli elicited up-regulation of HDGF and proliferative cell nuclear antigen, a cell proliferative marker. Signal kinetic profiling study indicated that cyclic mechanical stretch induced signaling activity in RhoA/ROCK and PI3K/Akt cascades. Kinase inhibition study further showed that blockade of PI3K activity suppressed the stretch-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), whereas RhoA/ROCK inhibition significantly blunted the interleukin-6 (IL-6) production and HDGF overexpression. Moreover, siRNA-mediated HDGF gene silencing significantly suppressed constitutive expression of IL-6, but not TNF-α, in SMCs. These findings support the role of HDGF in maintaining vascular expression of IL-6, which has been regarded a crucial regenerative factor for acute vascular injury. In conclusion, cyclic mechanical stretch may maintain constitutive expression of HDGF in vascular walls and be regarded an important biophysical regulator in vascular regeneration.

Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis reveals a panel of nine proteins as diagnostic markers for colon adenocarcinomas

Adenocarcinomas are cancers originating from the gland forming cells of the colon and rectal lining, and are known to be the most common type of colorectal cancers. The current diagnosis strategies for colorectal cancers include biopsy, laboratory tests, and colonoscopy which are time consuming. Identification of protein biomarkers could aid in the detection of colon adenocarcinomas (CACs). In this study, tissue proteome of colon adenocarcinomas (n = 11) was compared with the matched control specimens (n = 11) using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) based liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach. A list of 285 significantly altered proteins was identified in colon adenocarcinomas as compared to its matched controls, which are associated with growth and malignancy of the tumors. Protein interaction analysis revealed the association of altered proteins in colon adenocarcinomas with various transcription factors and their targets. A panel of nine proteins was validated using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Additionally, S100A9 was also validated using immunoblotting. The identified panel of proteins may serve as potential biomarkers and thereby aid in the detection of colon adenocarcinomas.

Hepatoma-derived growth factor functions as an unfavorable prognostic marker of human gliomas

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) regulates various cellular processes involved in the onset and development of tumors. To evaluate the role of HDGF in human gliomas, western blotting analysis, immunohistochemistry staining and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to detect HDGF protein and mRNA expression levels in glioma and intractable epileptic brain tissue. Various clinicopathological characteristics, including age, gender, World health Organization grade, HDGF expression level, Karnofsky performance Status (KPS) and Ki-67 index were obtained from medical records. The correlation between HDGF expression and these clinicopathological characteristics was statistically evaluated. Following this, multivariate liner regression was used to evaluate their effect on patient survival time. HDGF expression, at the protein and mRNA levels, was observed to be more upregulated in glioma tissues compared with intractable epileptic brain tissue without tumor. Furthermore, the level of HDGF expression was positively associated with the grade of malignancy [grades II~IV, Ki-67 index ≥20% or KPS <80 (P<0.05)] and poor prognosis in glioma patients. Notably, the univariate survival analysis identified a negative correlation between HDGF-expression and survival time (P<0.01) and multivariate liner regression demonstrated that HDGF expression is an independent prognostic factor for gliomas (P=0.01). Overall, HDGF upregulation may be a crucial step in the development and invasion of glioma. Further survival analysis highlighted its prognostic value for this malignancy, implying its potential as a promising therapeutic target for gliomas.

Domain swapping and SMYD1 interactions with the PWWP domain of human hepatoma-derived growth factor

The human hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF), containing the chromatin-associated N-terminal PWWP domain capable of binding the SMYD1 promoter, participates in various cellular processes and is involved in human cancers. We report the first crystal structures of the human HDGF PWWP domain (residues 1–100) in a complex with SMYD1 of 10 bp at 2.84 Å resolution and its apo form at 3.3 Å, respectively. The structure of the apo PWWP domain comprises mainly four β-strands and two α-helices. The PWWP domain undergoes domain swapping to dramatically transform its secondary structures, altering the overall conformation from monomeric globular folding into an extended dimeric structure upon DNA binding. The flexible loop2, as a hinge loop with the partially built structure in the apo PWWP domain, notably refolds into a visible and stable α-helix in the DNA complex. The swapped PWWP domain interacts with the minor grooves of the DNA through residues Lys19, Gly22, Arg79 and Lys80 in varied ways on loops 1 and 4 of the two chains, and the structure becomes more rigid than the apo form. These novel structural findings, together with physiological and activity assays of HDGF and the PWWP domain, provide new insights into the DNA-binding mechanism of HDGF during nucleosomal functions.

Transcriptional signature of lymphoblastoid cell lines of BRCA1, BRCA2 and non-BRCA1/2 high risk breast cancer families

Approximately 25% of hereditary breast cancer cases are associated with a strong familial history which can be explained by mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 and other lower penetrance genes. The remaining high-risk families could be classified as BRCAX (non-BRCA1/2) families.

Gene expression involving alternative splicing represents a well-known mechanism regulating the expression of multiple transcripts, which could be involved in cancer development. Thus using RNA-seq methodology, the analysis of transcriptome was undertaken to potentially reveal transcripts implicated in breast cancer susceptibility and development.

RNA was extracted from immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines of 117 women (affected and unaffected) coming from BRCA1, BRCA2 and BRCAX families. Anova analysis revealed a total of 95 transcripts corresponding to 85 different genes differentially expressed (Bonferroni corrected p-value <0.01) between those groups. Hierarchical clustering allowed distinctive subgrouping of BRCA1/2 subgroups from BRCAX individuals. We found 67 transcripts, which could discriminate BRCAX from BRCA1/BRCA2 individuals while 28 transcripts discriminate affected from unaffected BRCAX individuals.

To our knowledge, this represents the first study identifying transcripts differentially expressed in lymphoblastoid cell lines from major classes of mutation-related breast cancer subgroups, namely BRCA1, BRCA2 and BRCAX. Moreover, some transcripts could discriminate affected from unaffected BRCAX individuals, which could represent potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment.

Intra- or extra-exosomal secretion of HDGF isoforms: the extraordinary function of the HDGF-A N-terminal peptide

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a protein with diverse intracellular functions. Moreover, after non-conventional secretion, extracellular HDGF is able to influence different signaling pathways, leading for example to induction of processes like epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration. Intriguingly, in recent proteome studies, HDGF was also found secreted by special microvesicles called exosomes. Recently, we demonstrated the existence of two new HDGF isoforms (B and C). These isoforms are involved in different cellular processes than HDGF-A. Along this line, in the present study we discovered that full length HDGF-A clearly is located inside of exosomes, whereas the isoforms HDGF-B and HDGF-C are found exclusively on the outer surface. Furthermore, while HDGF-B and HDGF-C seem to use exosomes mediated pathway exclusively, HDGF-A was found also as unbound protein in the conditioned media. The new finding of an intra- or extra-exosomal localisation of protein splice variants opens a fascinating new perspective concerning functional diversity of HDGF isoforms. Dysregulation of HDGF expression during cancer development and tumor progression is a commonly known fact. With our new findings, unraveling the potential functional impact according to physiological versus pathophysiologically altered levels and compositions of intra- and extra-exosomal HDGF has to be addressed in future studies.

The evaluation of hepatoma-derived growth factor in determining of prognosis and estimating of invasive probability of tumoral cells, recurrent, and metastasis of lymphatic glands in breast carcinoma

Introduction:

Recently, hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) has been considered as a significantly important factor in determining the prognosis and estimating the probability of tumor cell invasions, recurrence, and lymph node metastasis in different cancers, including breast malignancies.

Materials and Methods:

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) study for HDGF was performed on paraffin-embedded blocks of patients with breast carcinoma in Modarres hospital, Tehran, Iran, since 1387–1390 (74 cases); three separate pathologists read the slides after complete IHC staining. Thereafter, necessary information was recorded from patient files, and eventually, findings were analyzed by SPSS program.

Results:

Expression of nuclear HDGF has significant statistical correlation with tumor grade according to Nottingham grading scheme; this correlation is also seen with nuclear pleomorphism of tumor cells and mitotic count. No correlation between age and tumor size with expression of HDGF is found. Lymph node metastasis is in inverse ratio to nuclear HDGF staining.

Conclusion:

Nuclear expression of HDGF in tumor cells is increased concordantly to tumor grade, which implies us to the role of this marker in determining the prognosis and choosing the most suitable treatment plan.

Two new isoforms of the human hepatoma-derived growth factor interact with components of the cytoskeleton

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is involved in diverse, apparently unrelated processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, DNA-repair, transcriptional control, ribosome biogenesis and cell migration. Most of the interactions of HDGF with diverse molecules has been assigned to the hath region of HDGF. In this study we describe two previously unknown HDGF isoforms, HDGF-B and HDGF-C, generated via alternative splicing with structurally unrelated N-terminal regions of their hath region, which is clearly different from the well described isoform, HDGF-A. In silico modeling revealed striking differences near the PHWP motif, an essential part of the binding site for glycosaminoglycans and DNA/RNA. This observation prompted the hypothesis that these isoforms would have distinct interaction patterns with correspondingly diverse roles on cellular processes. Indeed, we discovered specific associations of HDGF-B and HDGF-C with cytoskeleton elements, such as tubulin and dynein, suggesting previously unknown functions of HDGF in retrograde transport, site directed localization and/or cytoskeleton organization. In contrast, the main isoform HDGF-A does not interact directly with the cytoskeleton, but via RNA with messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) complexes. In summary, the discovery of HDGF splice variants with their discrete binding activities and subcellular distributions opened new avenues for understanding its biological function and importance.

Hepatoma-derived growth factor: A survival-related protein in prostate oncogenesis and a potential target for vitamin K2

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a heparin-binding growth factor, which has previously been shown to be expressed in a variety of cancers. HDGF overexpression has also previously been correlated with a poor prognosis in several cancers. The significance of HDGF in prostate cancer, however, has not been investigated. Here, we show that HDGF is overexpressed in both androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells and androgen-insensitive DU145, 22RV1, and PC-3 cells. Forced overexpression enhanced cell viability of RWPE-1 cells, whereas HDGF knockdown reduced cell proliferation in human prostate cancer cells. We also show that HDGF may serve as a survival-related protein as ectopic overexpression of HDGF in RWPE cells up-regulated the expression of antiapoptosis proteins cyclin E and BCL-2, whereas simultaneously down-regulating proapoptotic protein BAX. Western blot analysis also showed that HDGF overexpression modulated the activity of phospho-AKT as well as NF-kB, and these results correlated with in vitro migration and invasion assays. We next assessed the therapeutic potential of HDGF inhibition with a HDGF monoclonal antibody and vitamin k₂, showing reduced cell proliferation as well as inhibition of NF-kB expression in HDGF overexpressed RWPE cells treated with a HDGF monoclonal antibody and vitamin K₂. Collectively, our results suggest that HDGF is a relevant protein in prostate oncogenesis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer.

Transcriptomic changes associated with DKK4 overexpression in pancreatic cancer cells detected by RNA-Seq

The promotion of tumor development by Dickkopf 4 (DKK4) is receiving increased attention. However, the association between DKK4 and pancreatic cancer remains unclear. DKK4 expression was measured in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. A DKK4-overexpressing pancreatic cancer cell line was established, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were induced by DKK4 were identified using transcriptome sequencing. The association between the identified DEGs and pancreatic cancer was assessed using gene ontology (GO), pathway analysis, pathway interaction networks, differentially expressed gene interaction network analysis, and co-expression gene networks. Finally, the accuracy of the analyses was validated using serial paraffin and frozen sections of clinical samples. DKK4 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues. DEGs of overexpression DKK4 of PANC-1 are mostly upregulated. GO and pathway analysis showed that DKK4 are associated with tumor and organ development and immune inflammation. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was the main signal transduction pathway that showed significant enrichment in overexpression DKK4 of PANC-1. The results of GO, pathway analyses, and differentially expressed gene interaction network identified genes that are closely associated with tumor development, including MAPK3, PIK3R3, VAV3, JAG1, and Notch3. The immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results suggested that DKK4 is co-expressed with MAPK3 and VAV3 in pancreatic cancer tissues. The results presented here show for the first time that DKK4 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues. Bioinformatics analysis of a DKK4-overexpressing of PANC-1 identified several oncogenes that are closely associated with tumors, and the MAPK signaling pathway is the core signal transduction pathway. DKK4 can be co-expressed with MAPK3 and VAV3 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues. Thus, DKK4 may have function on the development and progression of pancreatic cancer.

Prognostic role of hepatoma-derived growth factor in solid tumors of Eastern Asia: a systematic review and meta- analysis

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a novel jack-of-all-trades in cancer. Here we quantify the prognostic impact of this biomarker and assess how consistent is its expression in solid tumors. A comprehensive search strategy was used to search relevant literature updated on October 3, 2014 in PubMed, EMBASE and WEB of Science. Correlations between HDGF expression and clinicopathological features or cancer prognosis was analyzed. All pooled HRs or ORs were derived from random-effects models. Twenty-six studies, primarily in Eastern Asia, covering 2,803 patients were included in the analysis, all of them published during the past decade. We found that HDGF overexpression was significantly associated with overall survival (OS) (HROS=2.35, 95%CI=2.04-2.71, p<0.001) and disease free survival (DFS) (HRDFS=2.25, 95%CI =1.81-2.79, p<0.001) in solid tumors, especially in non-small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Moreover, multivariate survival analysis showed that HDGF overexpression was an independent predictor of poor prognosis (HROS=2.41, 95%CI: 2.02-2.81, p<0.001; HRDFS=2.39, 95%CI: 1.77-3.24, p<0.001). In addition, HDGF overexpression was significantly associated with tumor category (T3-4 versus T1-2, OR=2.12, 95%CI: 1.17-3.83, p=0.013) and lymph node status (N+ versus N-, OR=2.37, 95%CI: 1.31-4.29, p=0.03) in CCA. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the literature available on the association of HDGF overexpression with OS, DFS and some clinicopathological features in solid tumors. Meta-analysis results provide evidence that HDGF may be a new indicator of poor cancer prognosis. Considering the limitations of the eligible studies, other large-scale prospective trials must be conducted to clarify the prognostic value of HDGF in predicting cancer survival.

Proteomic Characterization of Annexin l (ANX1) and Heat Shock Protein 27 (HSP27) as Biomarkers for Invasive Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

To search for reliable biomarkers and drug targets for management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we performed a global proteomic analysis of a pair of HCC cell lines with distinct differentiation statuses using 2-DE coupled with MALDI-TOF MS. In total, 106 and 55 proteins were successfully identified from the total cell lysate and the cytosolic, nuclear and membrane fractions in well-differentiated (HepG2) and poorly differentiated (SK-Hep–1) HCC clonal variants, respectively. Among these proteins, nine spots corresponding to proteins differentially expressed between HCC cell types were selected and confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. Notably, Annexin 1 (ANX1), ANX–2, vimentin and stress-associated proteins, such as GRP78, HSP75, HSC–70, protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), and heat shock protein–27 (HSP27), were exclusively up-regulated in SK-Hep–1 cells. Elevated levels of ANX–4 and antioxidant/metabolic enzymes, such as MnSOD, peroxiredoxin, NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, α-enolase and UDP-glucose dehydrogenase, were observed in HepG2 cells. We functionally demonstrated that ANX1 and HSP27 were abundantly overexpressed only in highly invasive types of HCC cells, such as Mahlavu and SK-Hep–1. Knockdown of ANX1 or HSP27 in HCC cells resulted in a severe reduction in cell migration. The in-vitro observations of ANX1 and HSP27 expressions in HCC sample was demonstrated by immunohistochemical stains performed on HCC tissue microarrays. Poorly differentiated HCC tended to have stronger ANX1 and HSP27 expressions than well-differentiated or moderately differentiated HCC. Collectively, our findings suggest that ANX1 and HSP27 are two novel biomarkers for predicting invasive HCC phenotypes and could serve as potential treatment targets.

HDGF: a novel jack-of-all-trades in cancer

HDGF is an important regulator of a broad range of cancer cell activities and plays important roles in cancer cell transformation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis. Such a divergent influence of HDGF on cancer cell activities derives from its multiple inter- and sub-cellular localizations where it interacts with a range of different binding partners. Interestingly, high levels of HDGF could be detected in patients' serum of some cancers. This review is focused on the role of HDGF in tumorigenesis and metastasis, and provides insight for application in clinical cancer therapy as well as its clinical implications as a prognostic marker in cancer progression.

Hepatoma-derived growth factor/nucleolin axis as a novel oncogenic pathway in liver carcinogenesis

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) overexpression is involved in liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis. However, the receptor(s) and signaling for HDGF remain unclear. By using affinity chromatography and proteomic techniques, nucleolin (NCL) was identified and validated as a HDGF-interacting membrane protein in hepatoma cells. Exogenous HDGF elicited the membrane NCL accumulation within 0.5 hour by protein stabilization and transcriptional NCL upregulation within 24 hours. Blockade of surface NCL by antibodies neutralization potently suppressed HDGF uptake and HDGF-stimulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling in hepatoma cells. By using rescectd hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, immunohistochemical analysis revealed NCL overexpression was correlated with tumour grades, vascular invasion, serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and the poor survival in HCC patients. Multivariate analysis showed NCL was an independent prognostic factor for survival outcome of HCC patients after surgery. To delineate the role of NCL in liver carcinogenesis, ectopic NCL overexpression promoted the oncogenic behaviours and induced PI3K/Akt activation in hepatoma cells. Conversely, NCL knockdown by RNA interference attenuated the oncogenic behaviours and PI3K/Akt signaling, which could be partially rescued by exogenous HDGF supply. In summary, this study provides the first evidence that surface NCL transmits the oncogenic signaling of HDGF and facilitates a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for HCC.

The First Residue of the PWWP Motif Modulates HATH Domain Binding, Stability, and Protein-Protein Interaction

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (hHDGF) and HDGF-related proteins (HRPs) contain conserved N-terminal HATH domains with a characteristic structural motif, namely the PWWP motif. The HATH domain has attracted attention because of its ability to bind with heparin/heparan sulfate, DNA, and methylated histone peptide. Depending on the sequence of the PWWP motif, HRP HATHs are classified into P-type (Pro-His-Trp-Pro) and A-type (Ala-His-Trp-Pro) forms. A-type HATH is highly unstable and tends to precipitate in solution. We replaced the Pro residue in P-type HATHHDGF with Ala and evaluated the influence on structure, dynamics, and ligand binding. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) hydrogen/deuterium exchange and circular dichroism (CD) measurements revealed reduced stability. Analysis of NMR backbone (15)N relaxations (R1, R2, and nuclear Overhauser effect) revealed additional backbone dynamics in the interface between the β-barrel and the C-terminal helix bundle. The β1-β2 loop, where the AHWP sequence is located, has great structural flexibility, which aids HATH-HATH interaction through the loop. A-type HATH, therefore, shows a stronger tendency to aggregate when binding with heparin and DNA oligomers. This study defines the role of the first residue of the PWWP motif in modulating HATH domain stability and oligomer formation in binding.

Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor: Its Possible Involvement in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important complication of viral infection induced by hepatitis virus C, and our major research theme is to identify a new growth factor related to the progression of HCC. HDGF (hepatoma-derived growth factor) is a novel growth factor that belongs to a new gene family. HDGF was initially purified from the conditioned medium of a hepatoma cell line. HDGF promotes cellular proliferation as a DNA binding nuclear factor and a secreted protein acting via a receptor-mediated pathway. HDGF is a unique multi-functional protein that can function as a growth factor, angiogenic factor and anti-apoptotic factor and it participates in the development and progression of various malignant diseases. The expression level of HDGF may be an independent prognostic factor for predicting the disease-free and overall survival in patients with various malignancies, including HCC. Furthermore, the overexpression of HDGF promotes the proliferation of HCC cells, while a reduction in the HDGF expression inhibits the proliferation of HCC cells. This article provides an overview of the characteristics of HDGF and describes the potential role of HDGF as a growth-promoting factor for HCC.

Enhanced reactive oxygen species overexpression by CuO nanoparticles in poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are known to exhibit toxic effects on a variety of cell types and organs. To determine the oxidative impact of CuO NPs on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, well-differentiated (HepG2) and poorly differentiated (SK-Hep-1) cells were exposed to CuO NPs. Cell viability assay showed that the median inhibition concentration (IC50) for SK-Hep-1 and HepG2 cells was 25 μg ml(-1) and 85 μg ml(-1), respectively. Cellular fluorescence intensity using DCFH-DA staining analysis revealed significant intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation of up to 242% in SK-Hep-1 cells, compared with 86% in HepG2 cells. HPLC analysis demonstrated that a CuO NP treatment caused cellular GSH depletion of 58% and a GSH/GSSG ratio decrease to ∼0.1 in SK-Hep-1 cells. The oxidative stress caused by enhanced superoxide anion production was observed in both HepG2 (146%) and SK-Hep-1 (192%) cells. The Griess assay verified that CuO NPs induced NO production (170%) in SK-Hep-1 cells. Comet assay and western blot further demonstrated that CuO NPs induced severe DNA strand breakage (70%) in SK-Hep-1 cells and caused DNA damage via increased γ-H2AX levels. These results suggest that well-differentiated HepG2 cells possess a robust antioxidant defense system against CuO NP-induced ROS stress and exhibit more tolerance to oxidative stress. Conversely, poorly differentiated SK-Hep-1 cells exhibited a deregulated antioxidant defense system that allowed accumulation of CuO NP-induced ROS and resulted in severe cytotoxicity.

Up-regulation of nerve growth factor in cholestatic livers and its hepatoprotective role against oxidative stress

The role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in liver injury induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between inflammation and hepatic NGF expression, to explore the possible upstream molecules up-regulating NGF, and to determine whether NGF could protect hepatocytes from oxidative liver injury. Biochemical and molecular detection showed that NGF was up-regulated in cholestatic livers and plasma, and well correlated with systemic and hepatic inflammation. Conversely, systemic immunosuppression reduced serum NGF levels and resulted in higher mortality in BDL-treated mice. Immunohistochemistry showed that the up-regulated NGF was mainly localized in parenchymal hepatocytes. In vitro mechanistic study further demonstrated that TGF-β1 up-regulated NGF expression in clone-9 and primary rat hepatocytes. Exogenous NGF supplementation and endogenous NGF overexpression effectively protected hepatocytes against TGF-β1- and oxidative stress-induced cell death in vitro, along with reduced formation of oxidative adducted proteins modified by 4-HNE and 8-OHdG. TUNEL staining confirmed the involvement of anti-apoptosis in the NGF-exhibited hepatoprotection. Moreover, NGF potently induced Akt phosphorylation and increased Bcl-2 to Bax ratios, whereas these molecular alterations by NGF were only seen in the H₂O₂-, but not TGF-β1-treated hepatocytes. In conclusion, NGF exhibits anti-oxidative and hepatoprotective effects and is suggested to be therapeutically applicable in treating cholestatic liver diseases.

Hepatoma-derived growth factor: from the bovine uterus to the in vitro embryo culture

Early in cow embryo development, hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is detectable in uterine fluid. The origin of HDGF in maternal tissues is unknown, as is the effect of the induction on developing embryos. Herein, we analyze HDGF expression in day 8 endometrium exposed to embryos, as well as the effects of recombinant HDGF (rHDGF) on embryo growth. Exposure to embryos did not alter endometrial levels of HDGF mRNA or protein. HDGF protein localized to cell nuclei in the luminal epithelium and superficial glands and to the apical cytoplasm in deep glands. After uterine passage, levels of embryonic HDGF mRNA decreased and HDGF protein was detected only in the trophectoderm. In fetal fibroblast cultures, addition of rHDGF promoted cell proliferation. In experiments with group cultures of morulae in protein-free medium containing polyvinyl alcohol, adding rHDGF inhibited blastocyst development and did not affect cell counts when the morulae were early (day 5), whereas it enhanced blastocyst development and increased cell counts when the morulae were compact (day 6). In cultures of individual day 6 morulae, adding rHDGF promoted blastocyst development and increased cell counts. Our experiments with rHDGF indicate that the growth factor stimulates embryonic development and cell proliferation. HDGF is synthesized similarly by the endometrium and embryo, and it may exert embryotropic effects by autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms.

A complex mechanism for HDGF-mediated cell growth, migration, invasion, and TMZ chemosensitivity in glioma

HDGF is overexpressed in gliomas as compared to normal brain. We therefore analyzed the molecular mechanisms of HDGF action in gliomas. HDGF was downregulated in normal brain tissue as compared to glioma specimens at both the mRNA and the protein levels. In glioma samples, increased HDGF expression was associated with disease progression. Knocking down HDGF expression not only significantly decreased cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis, but also markedly enhanced TMZ-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in glioma cells. Mechanistic analyses revealed that CCND1, c-myc, and TGF-β were downregulated after stable HDGF knockdown in the U251 and U87 glioma cells. HDGF knockdown restored E-cadherin expression and suppressed mesenchymal cell markers such as vimentin, β-catenin, and N-cadherin. The expression of cleaved caspase-3 increased, while Bcl-2 decreased in each cell line following treatment with shHDGF and TMZ, as compared to TMZ alone. Furthermore, RNAi-based knockdown study revealed that HDGF is probably involved in the activation of both the PI3K/Akt and the TGF-β signaling pathways. Together, our data suggested that HDGF regulates glioma cell growth, apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) probably through the Akt and the TGF-β signaling pathways. These results provide evidence that targeting HDGF or its downstream targets may lead to novel therapies for gliomas.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulated by EphA2 contributes to vasculogenic mimicry formation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) was related to invasion and metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. This study was designed to investigate the role of EphA2 in VM formation of HNSCC. Methods. The SiRNA technique was used to knock down the expression of EphA2 in vitro. The ability of cell migration and invasion were measured by transwell and wound healing assays; three-dimensional culture was used to detect the ability of channel-like structure formation; Western blot was used to detect the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition- (EMT-) related molecules in vitro. Further semiquantitative real-time RT-PCR assays and immunohistochemistry were used to demonstrate expression of EphA2 and EMT-related molecules according to VM presence or not in human tissue. Results. Knocking down EphA2 in vitro leads to disabled channel-like structure formation, reduction of invasion and migration ability, and reverse of EMT-related markers. Both semiquantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry showed that expressions of EphA2, Twist, and Vimentin were higher in the VM-positive group than in the VM-negative group significantly, while expressions of E-cadherin, claudin4, and DSG-3 were reverse. Conclusions. EphA2 played a key role in VM formation of HNSCC through regulation of EMT.

Dexamethasone downregulated the expression of CSF 14-3-3β protein in mice with eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the main causative agent of human eosinophilic meningitis in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. A previous study demonstrated that the 14-3-3β protein is a neuropathological marker in monitoring neuronal damage in meningitis. Steroids are commonly used in patients with eosinophilic meningitis caused by A. cantonensis infection. However, the mechanism by which steroids act in eosinophilic meningitis is unknown. We hypothesized that the beneficial effect of steroids on eosinophilic meningitis is partially mediated by the down-regulation of 14-3-3β protein expression in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this animal study, we determined the dynamic changes of 14-3-3β protein in mice with eosinophilic meningitis. The 14-3-3β protein in serum and CSF was increased in week 2 and 3 after infections. Dexamethasone administration significantly decreased the amounts of CSF 14-3-3β protein. By developing an in-house ELISA to measure 14-3-3β protein, it was found that the amounts of 14-3-3β protein in the CSF and serum increased over a three-week period after infection. There was a remarkable reduction of 14-3-3β protein in the CSF after 2 weeks of dexamethasone treatment. In conclusion, the administration of corticosteroids in mice with eosinophilic meningitis decreased the expression of 14-3-3β protein in the CSF.

14-3-3β protein expression in eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection

Background

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a parasite endemic in the Southeast Asian and Pacific regions. Humans are incidentally infected either by eating uncooked intermediate hosts or by consuming vegetables containing the living third-stage larvae. The 14-3-3β protein is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) marker of neuronal damage during the development of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In addition, increased 14-3-3β protein is also found in CSF from patients with a variety of neurological disorders. The goal of this study is to determine the roles of serum/CSF14-3-3β protein in patients with eosinophilic meningitis.

Methods

In a cohort study among nine Thai laborers with eosinophilic meningitis due to eating raw snails (Pomacea canaliculata), we examined the CSF weekly while patients were still hospitalized and followed up the serum for 6 months. The levels of 14-3-3β protein in CSF were analyzed by western blot and an in-house 14-3-3β enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measurement was established and tested in an animal model of eosinophilic meningitis.

Results

The elevated 14-3-3β level was detected in the CSF from eight out of nine (81%) patients After 2 weeks of treatment, all patients showed a declined level or cleared of 14-3-3β protein in the CSF. By developing an in-house ELISA for measurement of 14-3-3β protein, it was found that the serum 14-3-3β level was significantly increased in patients during initial visit. . This finding was consistent to the animal experiment result in which there was severe blood brain barrier damage three weeks after infection and increased 14-3-3β protein expression in the CSF and serum by western blot and in house ELISA. After treatment, the serum 14-3-3β level in meningitis patients was rapidly returned to normal threshold. There was a correlation between initial CSF 14-3-3β level with severity of headache (r = 0.692, p = 0.039), CSF pleocytosis (r = 0.807, p = 0.009) and eosinophilia (r = 0.798, p = 0.01) in the CSF of patients with eosinophilic meningitis (Spearman’s correlation test).

Conclusions

The serum 14-3-3β concentrations may constitute a useful marker for blood brain barrier damage severity and follow up in patients with eosinophilic meningitis caused by A. cantonensis.

High nuclear expression of HDGF correlates with disease progression and poor prognosis in human endometrial carcinoma

Aims. This study examined the correlation between high nuclear expression of hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) and clinicopathologic data in endometrial carcinoma (EC), including patient survival. Methods. One hundred and twenty-two endometrial carcinoma (EC) patients from 2002 to 2008 were reviewed in the study. HDGF expression in tumor tissues was examined using immunohistochemistry (IHC), and its association with clinicopathological parameters was evaluated. Tumors with 80% or more nuclei staining were regarded as high expression and tumors with less than 80% nuclei staining considered as low expression. Results and Conclusions. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that HDGF was expressed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. High nuclear expression of HDGF was positively correlated with FIGO stage (P = 0.032), but not associated with other clinical features, such as histological grading or lymph node status. Patients with high expression of HDGF had poorer overall survival rates than those with low expression of HDGF (P = 0.001). However, multivariate analyses showed that high nuclear expression of HDGF protein was not an independent predictor of prognosis for EC patients (P = 0.111). Our results suggest that high nuclear expression of HDGF is a potential unfavorable factor for the progression and prognosis of EC.