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Powell H, Coarfa C, Ruiz-Echartea E, Grimm SL, Najjar O, Yu B, Olivares L, Scheurer ME, Ballantyne C, Alsarraj A, Salem EM, Thrift AP, El Serag HB, Kaochar S. Differences in Prediagnostic Serum Metabolomic and Lipidomic Profiles Between Cirrhosis Patients with and without Incident Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:1699-1712. [PMID: 39263690 PMCID: PMC11389719 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s474010] [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: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for improving patient outcomes, but we lack robust clinical biomarkers. This study aimed to identify a metabolite and/or lipid panel for early HCC detection. Methods We developed a high-resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based profiling platform and evaluated differences in the global metabolome and lipidome between 28 pre-diagnostic serum samples from patients with cirrhosis who subsequently developed HCC (cases) and 30 samples from patients with cirrhosis and no HCC (controls). We linked differentially expressed metabolites and lipids to their associated genes, proteins, and transcriptomic signatures in publicly available datasets. We used machine learning models to identify a minimal panel to distinguish between cases and controls. Results Among cases compared with controls, 124 metabolites and 246 lipids were upregulated, while 208 metabolites and 73 lipids were downregulated. The top upregulated metabolites were glycoursodeoxycholic acid, 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, octanoyl-coenzyme A, and glycocholic acid. Elevated lipids comprised glycerol lipids, cardiolipin, and phosphatidylethanolamine, whereas suppressed lipids included oxidized phosphatidylcholine and lysophospholipids. There was an overlap between differentially expressed metabolites and lipids and previously published transcriptomic signatures, illustrating an association with liver disease severity. A panel of 12 metabolites that distinguished between cases and controls with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.98 for the support vector machine (interquartile range, 0.9-1). Conclusion Using prediagnostic serum samples, we identified a promising metabolites panel that accurately identifies patients with cirrhosis who progressed to HCC. Further validation of this panel is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Powell
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elisa Ruiz-Echartea
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sandra L Grimm
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Omar Najjar
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bing Yu
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luis Olivares
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Abeer Alsarraj
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Aaron P Thrift
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hashem B El Serag
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Salma Kaochar
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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2
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Li L, Xie D, Yu S, Ma M, Fan K, Chen J, Xiu M, Xie K, Li Y, Gao Y. WNK1 Interaction with KEAP1 Promotes NRF2 Stabilization to Enhance the Oxidative Stress Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2024; 84:2776-2791. [PMID: 38885324 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Cellular oxidative stress plays a key role in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A better understanding of the processes that regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis could uncover improved strategies for treating HCC. Herein, we identified protein kinase with-no-lysine kinase 1 (WNK1) as an antioxidative factor and therapeutic target in HCC. In human HCC, WNK1 expression was increased and correlated with poor patient prognosis. WNK1 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth. Mechanistically, WNK1 competed with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) for binding with the partial Kelch domain of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), reducing NRF2 ubiquitination and promoting NRF2 accumulation and nuclear translocation to increase antioxidant response. WNK1 silencing increased H2O2-induced apoptosis and inhibited cell growth by elevating ROS levels, which could be rescued by treatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine and NRF2 activator tert-butylhydroquinone. Liver-specific WNK1 knockout mouse models of HCC substantiated that WNK1 promoted HCC development by regulating ROS levels. WNK463, an inhibitor of the WNK kinase family, suppressed HCC progression and altered the redox status. These findings suggest that WNK1 plays a critical role in HCC development and progression and that the WNK1-oxidative stress axis may be a promising therapeutic target for HCC. Significance: Inhibiting WNK1 induces NRF2 degradation and reduces the oxidative stress response to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma growth, indicating that targeting the WNK1-KEAP1-NRF2 axis is a potential strategy to treat liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dacheng Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shijun Yu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Muyuan Ma
- Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kailing Fan
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingde Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengxi Xiu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Keping Xie
- Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yandong Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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3
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Adapa SR, Meshram P, Sami A, Jiang RHY. Harnessing Porphyrin Accumulation in Liver Cancer: Combining Genomic Data and Drug Targeting. Biomolecules 2024; 14:959. [PMID: 39199347 PMCID: PMC11352895 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The liver, a pivotal organ in human metabolism, serves as a primary site for heme biosynthesis, alongside bone marrow. Maintaining precise control over heme production is paramount in healthy livers to meet high metabolic demands while averting potential toxicity from intermediate metabolites, notably protoporphyrin IX. Intriguingly, our recent research uncovers a disrupted heme biosynthesis process termed 'porphyrin overdrive' in cancers that fosters the accumulation of heme intermediates, potentially bolstering tumor survival. Here, we investigate heme and porphyrin metabolism in both healthy and oncogenic human livers, utilizing primary human liver transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). Our investigations unveil robust gene expression patterns in heme biosynthesis in healthy livers, supporting electron transport chain (ETC) and cytochrome P450 function without intermediate accumulation. Conversely, liver cancers exhibit rewired heme biosynthesis and a massive downregulation of cytochrome P450 gene expression. Notably, despite diminished drug metabolism, gene expression analysis shows that heme supply to the ETC remains largely unaltered or even elevated with patient cancer progression, suggesting a metabolic priority shift. Liver cancers selectively accumulate intermediates, which are absent in normal tissues, implicating their role in disease advancement as inferred by expression analysis. Furthermore, our findings in genomics establish a link between the aberrant gene expression of porphyrin metabolism and inferior overall survival in aggressive cancers, indicating potential targets for clinical therapy development. We provide in vitro proof-of-concept data on targeting porphyrin overdrive with a drug synergy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swamy R. Adapa
- USF Genomics Program, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Pravin Meshram
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Abdus Sami
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Rays H. Y. Jiang
- USF Genomics Program, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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Oshi M, Chida K, Roy AM, Mann GK, An N, Yan L, Endo I, Takabe K. Higher inflammatory response in hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with immune cell infiltration and a better outcome. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:1299-1309. [PMID: 38898190 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10678-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often develops from chronic liver inflammation. Inflammation within a tumor can either promote cancer progression or activate an immune response against it. This study aims to determine the clinical significance of enhanced inflammation in HCC. METHODS Data from 655 HCC patients across four cohorts (TCGA, GSE6764, GSE76427, GSE89377) were examined. Inflammatory response was quantified using a scoring system derived from the gene set variation analysis of the "INFLAMMATORY_RESPONSE" gene set. RESULTS A stepwise increase in inflammatory response was noted from normal liver to cirrhosis, with consistently lower levels in HCC across both GSE6764 and GSE89377 cohorts (both p < 0.001). Similar trends were observed in interferon response, pathways such as IL6/JAK/STAT3 and complement signaling, coagulation cascade, and allograft rejection (all p < 0.02). HCCs with high inflammatory response were associated with increased immune cell infiltrations (p < 0.01) and cytolytic activity (p < 0.001). Interestingly, these HCCs had reduced mutation rates, no relationship with cell proliferation, and displayed both immune responses and pro-cancerous signals including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, KRAS, and hypoxia. Further, a high inflammatory score correlated with improved disease-free survival in TCGA (p = 0.034) and overall survival in GSE76427 (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION HCC with higher levels of inflammatory response demonstrated increased immune cell infiltration, enhanced immune-related and other pro-cancerous-related signaling, and showed a trend toward a better patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Oshi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kohei Chida
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Arya Mariam Roy
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Gabriella Kim Mann
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Nan An
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Li Yan
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Itaru Endo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan.
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan.
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan.
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8520, Japan.
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
- Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
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5
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Zhang X, Wang L, Yang T, Kong L, Wei L, Du J. Bioinformatic analysis of the role of immune checkpoint genes and immune infiltration in the pathogenesis and development of premature ovarian insufficiency. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1619-1635. [PMID: 38695984 PMCID: PMC11224201 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03120-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE With advances in immunology, increasing evidence suggests that immunity is involved in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) pathogenesis. This study investigated the roles of immune checkpoint genes and immune cell infiltration in POI pathogenesis and development. METHODS The GSE39501 dataset and immune checkpoint genes were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and related literature. The two datasets were intersected to obtain immune checkpoint-related differentially expressed genes (ICRDEGs), which were analyzed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes enrichment analysis, weighted correlation network analysis, protein-protein interaction and related microRNAs, transcription factors, and RNA binding proteins. The immune cell infiltration of ICRDEGs was explored, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to validate the diagnostic value of ICRDEGs in POI. RESULTS We performed ICRDEG functional enrichment analysis and found that these genes were closely related to immune processes, such as T cell activation. Specifically, they are enriched in various biological processes and pathways, such as cell adhesion molecule and T cell receptor signaling pathways. Weighted correlation network analysis identified seven hub genes: Cd200, Cd274, Cd28, neurociliary protein-1, Cd276, Cd40lg, and Cd47. Furthermore, we identified 112 microRNAs, 17 RNA-binding proteins, and 101 transcription factors. Finally, immune infiltration analysis showed a clear positive correlation between hub genes and multiple immune cell types. CONCLUSION Bioinformatic analysis identified seven potential ICRDEGs associated with POI, among which the immune checkpoint molecules CD200 and neurociliary protein-1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyan Zhang
- The 940, Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Gansu, 730050, China
| | - Ling Wang
- The 940, Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Gansu, 730050, China.
| | - Tongkun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology the First Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Li Kong
- The 940, Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Gansu, 730050, China
- Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Luxiao Wei
- The 940, Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Gansu, 730050, China
- Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Jing Du
- The 940, Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Gansu, 730050, China
- Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu, 730030, China
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6
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Ma LN, Ma Y, Luo X, Ma ZM, Ma LN, Ding XC. AKR1B10 expression characteristics in hepatocellular carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathological features and immune microenvironment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12149. [PMID: 38802416 PMCID: PMC11130141 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62323-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major global health threat with diverse and complex pathogenesis. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10), a tumor-associated enzyme, exhibits abnormal expression in various cancers. However, a comprehensive understanding of AKR1B10's role in HCC is lacking. This study aims to explore the expression characteristics of AKR1B10 in HCC and its correlation with clinicopathological features, survival prognosis, and tumor immune microenvironment, further investigating its role and potential regulatory mechanisms in HCC. This study conducted comprehensive analyses using various bioinformatics tools and databases. Initially, differentially expressed genes related to HCC were identified from the GEO database, and the expression of AKR1B10 in HCC and other cancers was compared using TIMER and GEPIA databases, with validation of its specificity in HCC tissue samples using the HPA database. Furthermore, the relationship of AKR1B10 expression with clinicopathological features (age, gender, tumor size, staging, etc.) of HCC patients was analyzed using the TCGA database's LIHC dataset. The impact of AKR1B10 expression levels on patient prognosis was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model. Additionally, the correlation of AKR1B10 expression with tumor biology-related signaling pathways and tumor immune microenvironment was studied using databases like GSEA, Targetscan, and others, identifying microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that regulate AKR1B10 expression to explore potential regulatory mechanisms. Elevated AKR1B10 expression was significantly associated with gender, primary tumor size, and fibrosis stage in HCC tissues. High AKR1B10 expression indicated poor prognosis and served as an independent predictor for patient outcomes. Detailed mechanism analysis revealed a positive correlation between high AKR1B10 expression, immune cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a potential DANCR-miR-216a-5p-AKR1B10 axis regulating the tumor microenvironment and impacting HCC development and prognosis. The heightened expression of AKR1B10 in HCC is not only related to significant clinical-pathological traits but may also influence HCC progression and prognosis by activating key signaling pathways and altering the tumor immune microenvironment. These findings provide new insights into the role of AKR1B10 in HCC pathogenesis and highlight its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Na Ma
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Xia Luo
- Department of Infectious Disease, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, 804 Shengli South Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Zi-Min Ma
- Xinasheng Biotech of Ningxia, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Li-Na Ma
- Department of Infectious Disease, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, 804 Shengli South Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
| | - Xiang-Chun Ding
- Department of Infectious Disease, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, 804 Shengli South Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
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Zong X, Li M, Li J, Chen Q, Shi A, Gao X, Guo R. Mean ADC values and arterial phase hyperintensity discriminate small (≤ 3 cm) well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma from dysplastic nodule. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2024; 49:1132-1143. [PMID: 38289351 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-023-04171-x] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM This research endeavor sought to distinguish small (≤ 3 cm) well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (WD-HCC) from dysplastic nodules (DN) by employing traditional imaging features and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (mADC) values derived from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective analysis, we assessed a cohort of ninety patients with confirmed dysplastic nodules (DNs) (n = 71) or well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (WD-HCC) (n = 41) who had undergone dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging between March 2018 and June 2021. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were executed to pinpoint characteristics that can effectively differentiate histologic grades. A region-of-interest (ROI) encompassing all lesion voxels was delineated on each slice containing the mass in the ADC map. Subsequently, the whole-lesion mean ADC (mADC) were computed from these delineations. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to assess the discriminatory efficacy of the mADC values in distinguishing between WD-HCC and DN. RESULTS Among the histopathological types from benign to malignant, mADC showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001). The mADCs were effective in distinguishing WD-HCC from DN [AUC, 0.903 (95% CI 0.849-0.958)]. The best cutoffs for the Youden index were 0.0012 mm2/s for mADC, with moderate sensitivity (70.7%) and high specificity (94.4%). MRI features including hyperintensity at arterial phase (odds ratio, 21.2; P = 0.009), mADC < 0.0012 mm2/s (odds ratio, 52.2; P < 0.001) were independent predictors for WD-HCC at multivariable analysis. The AUC value of hyperintensity at arterial phase was 0.857 (95% CI 0.786-0.928). The composite diagnostic criterion of arterial hyperintensity + mADC < 0.0012 mm2/s showed good performance [AUC, 0.926 (95% CI 0.878-0.975)], displaying increased sensitivity compared to individual assessments involving arterial hyperintensity (P = 0.013), mADC < 0.0012 mm2/s (P = 0.004), or LR-5 (P < 0.001), with similar specificity compared to LR-5 (P = 0.193). CONCLUSION DN and WD-HCC displayed contrasting diffusion characteristics, attainable to distinguish with satisfactory accuracy. The utilization of arterial phase hyperintensity and mADC < 0.0012 on MRI facilitated the differentiation of WD-HCC from DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Zong
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Mingkai Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jianwen Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qilong Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Anping Shi
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Ruomi Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Benichou E, Seffou B, Topçu S, Renoult O, Lenoir V, Planchais J, Bonner C, Postic C, Prip-Buus C, Pecqueur C, Guilmeau S, Alves-Guerra MC, Dentin R. The transcription factor ChREBP Orchestrates liver carcinogenesis by coordinating the PI3K/AKT signaling and cancer metabolism. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1879. [PMID: 38424041 PMCID: PMC10904844 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45548-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells integrate multiple biosynthetic demands to drive unrestricted proliferation. How these cellular processes crosstalk to fuel cancer cell growth is still not fully understood. Here, we uncover the mechanisms by which the transcription factor Carbohydrate responsive element binding protein (ChREBP) functions as an oncogene during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Mechanistically, ChREBP triggers the expression of the PI3K regulatory subunit p85α, to sustain the activity of the pro-oncogenic PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HCC. In parallel, increased ChREBP activity reroutes glucose and glutamine metabolic fluxes into fatty acid and nucleic acid synthesis to support PI3K/AKT-mediated HCC growth. Thus, HCC cells have a ChREBP-driven circuitry that ensures balanced coordination between PI3K/AKT signaling and appropriate cell anabolism to support HCC development. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of ChREBP by SBI-993 significantly suppresses in vivo HCC tumor growth. Overall, we show that targeting ChREBP with specific inhibitors provides an attractive therapeutic window for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Benichou
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Bolaji Seffou
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Selin Topçu
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Ophélie Renoult
- Nantes Université, INSERM U1307, CNRS 6075, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
| | - Véronique Lenoir
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Julien Planchais
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Bonner
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- INSERM, U1011, Lille, France
- European Genomic Institute for Diabetes, Lille, France
- Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Catherine Postic
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Carina Prip-Buus
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Claire Pecqueur
- Nantes Université, INSERM U1307, CNRS 6075, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
| | - Sandra Guilmeau
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | | | - Renaud Dentin
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France.
- Institut Cochin, Faculté de Médecine 3ème étage, 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, 75014, Paris, France.
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9
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Huang Y, Luo W, Yang Z, Lan T, Wei X, Wu H. Machine learning and experimental validation identified autophagy signature in hepatic fibrosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1337105. [PMID: 38481992 PMCID: PMC10933073 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1337105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The molecular mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis (HF), closely related to autophagy, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate autophagy characteristics in HF. Methods Gene expression profiles (GSE6764, GSE49541 and GSE84044) were downloaded, normalized, and merged. Autophagy-related differentially expressed genes (ARDEGs) were determined using the limma R package and the Wilcoxon rank sum test and then analyzed by GO, KEGG, GSEA and GSVA. The infiltration of immune cells, molecular subtypes and immune types of healthy control (HC) and HF were analyzed. Machine learning was carried out with two methods, by which, core genes were obtained. Models of liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro were constructed to verify the expression of core genes and corresponding immune cells. Results A total of 69 ARDEGs were identified. Series functional cluster analysis showed that ARDEGs were significantly enriched in autophagy and immunity. Activated CD4 T cells, CD56bright natural killer cells, CD56dim natural killer cells, eosinophils, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, and type 17 T helper (Th17) cells showed significant differences in infiltration between HC and HF groups. Among ARDEGs, three core genes were identified, that were ATG5, RB1CC1, and PARK2. Considerable changes in the infiltration of immune cells were observed at different expression levels of the three core genes, among which the expression of RB1CC1 was significantly associated with the infiltration of macrophage, Th17 cell, natural killer cell and CD56dim natural killer cell. In the mouse liver fibrosis experiment, ATG5, RB1CC1, and PARK2 were at higher levels in HF group than those in HC group. Compared with HC group, HF group showed low positive area in F4/80, IL-17 and CD56, indicating decreased expression of macrophage, Th17 cell, natural killer cell and CD56dim natural killer cell. Meanwhile, knocking down RB1CC1 was found to inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells and alleviate liver fibrosis. Conclusion ATG5, RB1CC1, and PARK2 are promising autophagy-related therapeutic biomarkers for HF. This is the first study to identify RB1CC1 in HF, which may promote the progression of liver fibrosis by regulating macrophage, Th17 cell, natural killer cell and CD56dim natural killer cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushen Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Liuzhou Workers Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Wen Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Liuzhou Workers Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhijie Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Liuzhou Workers Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Tian Lan
- Department of Pharmacy, Liuzhou Workers Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaomou Wei
- Department of Scientific Research, Liuzhou Workers Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Hongwen Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Liuzhou Workers Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
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10
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Liu R, Yu X, Cao X, Wang X, Liang Y, Qi W, Ye Y, Zao X. Downregulation of ST6GAL2 Correlates to Liver Inflammation and Predicts Adverse Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:565-580. [PMID: 38318244 PMCID: PMC10843983 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s437291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose ST6 Beta-Galactoside Alpha-2,6-Sialyltransferase 2 (ST6GAL2), a member of the sialic acid transferase family, is differentially expressed in diverse cancers. However, it remains poorly understood in tumorigenesis and impacts on immune cell infiltration (ICI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and Methods Herein, the expression, diagnosis, prognosis, functional enrichment, genetic alterations, immune characteristics, and targeted drugs of ST6GAL2 in HCC were researched by conducting bioinformatics analysis, in vivo, and in vitro experiments. Results ST6GAL2 was remarkably decreased in HCC compared to non-tumor tissues, portending a poor prognosis associated with high DNA methylation levels. Functional enrichment and GSVA analyses revealed that ST6GAL2 might function through the extracellular matrix, PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, and tumor inflammation signature. We found that ST6GAL2 expression was proportional to ICI, immunostimulator, and immune subtypes. ST6GAL2 expression first increased and then decreased during the progression of liver inflammation to HCC. The dysfunctional experiment indicated that ST6GAL2 might exert immunosuppressive effects during HCC progression through regulating ICI. Several broad-spectrum anticancer drugs were obtained by drug sensitivity prediction analysis of ST6GAL2. Conclusion In conclusion, ST6GAL2 was a reliable prognostic biomarker strongly associated with ICI, and could be a potential immunotherapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijia Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xudong Yu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Cao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuyun Wang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yijun Liang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenying Qi
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong’an Ye
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaobin Zao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Oshi M, Chida K, Roy AM, Mann GK, An N, Yan L, Endo I, Takabe K. Higher Inflammatory Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma is Associated with Immune Cell Infiltration and a Better Outcome. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3768964. [PMID: 38260290 PMCID: PMC10802714 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3768964/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background & Aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often develops from chronic liver inflammation. Inflammation within a tumor can either promote cancer progression or activate an immune response against it. This study aims to determine the clinical significance of enhanced inflammation in HCC. Methods Data from 655 HCC patients across four cohorts (TCGA, GSE6764, GSE76427, GSE89377) were examined. Inflammatory response was quantified using a scoring system derived from the gene set variation analysis of the "INFLAMMATORY_RESPONSE" gene set. Results A stepwise increase in inflammatory response was noted from normal liver to cirrhosis, with consistently lower levels in HCC across both GSE6764 and GSE89377 cohorts (both p<0.001). Similar trends were observed in interferon response, pathways such as IL6/JAK/STAT3 and complement signaling, coagulation cascade, and allograft rejection (all p<0.02). HCCs with high inflammatory response were associated with increased immune cell infiltrations (p<0.01) and cytolytic activity (p<0.001). Interestingly, these HCCs had reduced mutation rates, no relationship with cell proliferation, and displayed both immune responses and pro-cancerous signals including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, KRAS, and hypoxia. Further, a high inflammatory score correlated with improved disease-free survival in TCGA (p=0.034) and overall survival in GSE76427 (p=0.008). Conclusion HCC with higher levels of inflammatory response demonstrated increased immune cell infiltration, enhanced immune-related and other pro-cancerous-related signaling, and better patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Nan An
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Li Yan
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Itaru Endo
- Yokohama City University: Yokohama Shiritsu Daigaku
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12
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Jiang H, Yu Y, Hu X, Du B, Shao Y, Wang F, Chen L, Yan R, Li L, Lv L. The fecal microbiota of patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) causes PBC-like liver lesions in mice and exacerbates liver damage in a mouse model of PBC. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2383353. [PMID: 39105259 PMCID: PMC11305030 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2383353] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of the gut microbiota in the occurrence and progression of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is not fully understood. First, the fecal microbiota of patients with PBC (n = 4) (PBC-FMT) or healthy individuals (n = 3) (HC-FMT) was transplanted into pseudo germ-free mice or 2OA-BSA-induced PBC models. The functions, histology and transcriptome of the liver, and microbiota and metabolome of the feces were analyzed. Second, the liver transcriptomes of PBC patients (n = 7) and normal individuals (n = 7) were analyzed. Third, the liver transcriptomes of patients with other liver diseases were collected from online databases and compared with our human and mouse data. Our results showed that PBC-FMT increased the serum ALP concentration, total bile acid content, liver injury and number of disease-related pathways enriched with upregulated liver genes in pseudo germ-free mice and increased the serum glycylproline dipeptidyl aminopeptidase level and liver damage in a 2OA-BSA-induced PBC model. The gut microbiota and metabolome differed between PBC-FMT and HC-FMT mice and reflected those of their donors. PBC-FMT tended to upregulate hepatic immune and signal transduction pathways but downregulate metabolic pathways, as in some PBC patients. The hematopoietic cell lineage, Toll-like receptor, and PPAR signaling pathway were not affected in patients with alcoholic hepatitis, HBV, HCV, HCV cirrhosis, or NASH, indicating their potential roles in the gut microbiota affecting PBC. In conclusion, the altered gut microbiota of PBC patients plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of PBC. The improvement of the gut microbiota is worthy of in-depth research and promotion as a critical aspect of PBC prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Yu
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Du
- Microecological Laboratory, Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Yini Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feiyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lifeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ren Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Longxian Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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13
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Wang XK, Guo YX, Wang M, Zhang XD, Liu ZY, Wang MS, Luo K, Huang S, Li RF. Identification and validation of candidate clinical signatures of apolipoprotein L isoforms in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20969. [PMID: 38017264 PMCID: PMC10684526 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48366-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy worldwide with an increasing number of new cases each year. Apolipoprotein (APOL) isoforms have been explored for their associations with HCC.The GSE14520 cohort was used for training data; The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used for validated data. Diagnostic, prognostic significance and mechanisms were explored using these cohorts. Risk score models and nomograms were constructed using prognosis-related isoforms and clinical factors for survival prediction. Oncomine and HCCDB databases were further used for validation of diagnostic, prognostic significance. APOL1, 3, and 6 were differentially expressed in two cohorts (all P ≤ 0.05). APOL1 and APOL6 had diagnostic capacity whereas APOL3 and APOL6 had prognostic capacity in two cohorts (areas under curves [AUCs] > 0.7, P ≤ 0.05). Mechanism studies demonstrated that APOL3 and APOL6 might be involved in humoral chemokine signaling pathways (all P ≤ 0.05). Risk score models and nomograms were constructed and validated for survival prediction of HCC. Moreover, diagnostic values of APOL1 and weak APOL6 were validated in Oncomine database (AUC > 0.700, 0.694); prognostic values of APOL3 and APOL6 were validated in HCCDB database (all P < 0.05). Differentially expressed APOL1 and APOL6 might be diagnostic biomarkers; APOL3 and APOL6 might be prognostic biomarkers of RFS and OS for HCC via chemokine signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Kun Wang
- Departments of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Xiang Guo
- Departments of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Nanyang Second General Hospital, Nanyang, 473009, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu-Dong Zhang
- Departments of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Yuan Liu
- Departments of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mao-Sen Wang
- Departments of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Luo
- Departments of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Huang
- Departments of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren-Feng Li
- Departments of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Leslie J, Hunter JE, Collins A, Rushton A, Russell LG, Ramon‐Gil E, Laszczewska M, McCain M, Zaki MYW, Knox A, Seow Y, Sabater L, Geh D, Perkins ND, Reeves HL, Tiniakos D, Mann DA, Oakley F. c-Rel-dependent Chk2 signaling regulates the DNA damage response limiting hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatology 2023; 78:1050-1063. [PMID: 36089330 PMCID: PMC10521790 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death. The NF-κB transcription factor family subunit c-Rel is typically protumorigenic; however, it has recently been reported as a tumor suppressor. Here, we investigated the role of c-Rel in HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS Histological and transcriptional studies confirmed expression of c-Rel in human patients with HCC, but low c-Rel expression correlated with increased tumor cell proliferation and mutational burden and was associated with advanced disease. In vivo , global ( Rel-/- ) and epithelial specific ( RelAlb ) c-Rel knockout mice develop more tumors, with a higher proliferative rate and increased DNA damage, than wild-type (WT) controls 30 weeks after N-diethylnitrosamine injury. However, tumor burden was comparable when c-Rel was deleted in hepatocytes once tumors were established, suggesting c-Rel signaling is important for preventing HCC initiation after genotoxic injury, rather than for HCC progression. In vitro , Rel-/- hepatocytes were more susceptible to genotoxic injury than WT controls. ATM-CHK2 DNA damage response pathway proteins were suppressed in Rel-/- hepatocytes following genotoxic injury, suggesting that c-Rel is required for effective DNA repair. To determine if c-Rel inhibition sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy, by preventing repair of chemotherapy-induced DNA damage, thus increasing tumor cell death, we administered single or combination doxorubicin and IT-603 (c-Rel inhibitor) therapy in an orthotopic HCC model. Indeed, combination therapy was more efficacious than doxorubicin alone. CONCLUSION Hepatocyte c-Rel signaling limits genotoxic injury and subsequent HCC burden. Inhibiting c-Rel as an adjuvant therapy increased the effectiveness of DNA damaging agents and reduced HCC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Leslie
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Jill E. Hunter
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Amy Collins
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Amelia Rushton
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Lauren G. Russell
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Erik Ramon‐Gil
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Maja Laszczewska
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Misti McCain
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Marco Y. W. Zaki
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Amber Knox
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Yixin Seow
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Laura Sabater
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Daniel Geh
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
- Department of Medicine, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Neil D. Perkins
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Helen L. Reeves
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
- Department of Medicine, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Dina Tiniakos
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
- Department of Pathology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Derek A. Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Oakley
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK
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15
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Zhao H, Zhu H, Zhang Y, Ding Y, Feng R, Li J, Ma T, Huang C. Lymphocyte-Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase Contributes to Spontaneous Regression of Liver Fibrosis may by Interacting with Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1. Inflammation 2023; 46:1653-1669. [PMID: 37233920 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01831-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSCs), converted to myofibroblasts, produce fibrous scars, which is an essential event during liver fibrogenesis. Clinical and experimental fibrosis undergo remarkable regression when the underlying etiological agent is removed. Some myofibroblasts revert to an inactive phenotype (iHSCs) during the regression of fibrosis. However, the mechanisms underlying HSC activation and reversal remain unclear. The present study demonstrated that the expression of lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) was increased in fibrotic livers but decreased after spontaneous recovery in vivo and in vitro, which was correlated with the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (COL-1). Further investigation indicated that specific knockdown of LCK by a recombination adeno-associated virus 9 (rAAV9) in C57BL/6 mice ameliorated liver fibrosis. Co-incubation of TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cells with LCK-siRNA inhibited cell proliferation and activation. Overexpression of LCK inhibited activated HSCs going to inactivated phenotype. Interestingly, we found that LCK may interact with suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and may influence the expression of p-JAK1 and p-STAT1/3. These data suggest that LCK may play a regulatory role in liver fibrosis by inhibiting SOCS1, indicating that LCK is a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizi Zhao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuhao Ding
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Rui Feng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Taotao Ma
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Daniels BC, Wang Y, Page RE, Amdam GV. Identifying a developmental transition in honey bees using gene expression data. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010704. [PMID: 37733808 PMCID: PMC10547183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In many organisms, interactions among genes lead to multiple functional states, and changes to interactions can lead to transitions into new states. These transitions can be related to bifurcations (or critical points) in dynamical systems theory. Characterizing these collective transitions is a major challenge for systems biology. Here, we develop a statistical method for identifying bistability near a continuous transition directly from high-dimensional gene expression data. We apply the method to data from honey bees, where a known developmental transition occurs between bees performing tasks in the nest and leaving the nest to forage. Our method, which makes use of the expected shape of the distribution of gene expression levels near a transition, successfully identifies the emergence of bistability and links it to genes that are known to be involved in the behavioral transition. This proof of concept demonstrates that going beyond correlative analysis to infer the shape of gene expression distributions might be used more generally to identify collective transitions from gene expression data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan C. Daniels
- School of Complex Adaptive Systems, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Ying Wang
- Banner Health Corporation, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Robert E. Page
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Gro V. Amdam
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway
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17
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Coffin P, He A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Past and Present Challenges and Progress in Molecular Classification and Precision Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13274. [PMID: 37686079 PMCID: PMC10487618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common solid tumor malignancies in the world and represents roughly 90% of all primary malignancies of the liver. The most common risk factors for HCC include hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, alcohol, and increasingly, fatty liver. Most HCC is diagnosed at advanced stages, excluding the possibility of curative resection, which leaves systemic therapy as the only treatment option. However, given the extreme mutational diversity and heterogenous nature of HCC, efforts to develop new targeted systemic therapies were largely unsuccessful until recently. HCC pathogenesis is thought to be a multistage process driven by a wide array of nonmutually exclusive driver mutations accompanied by many passenger mutations, with the average tumor possessing approximately 40 genomic aberrations. Over the past two decades, several efforts to categorize HCC prognostically and therapeutically according to different molecular subclassifications with the intent to guide treatment and identify drug targets have emerged, though, no single consensus has been reached. Recent breakthroughs in drug development have greatly expanded treatment options, but the ideal of uniting each patient's unique HCC with a targeted systemic therapy remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Coffin
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Lombardi Cancer Center, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
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Kim HS, Yoon JH, Baek GO, Yoon MG, Han JE, Cho HJ, Kim SS, Jeong JY, Cheong JY, Eun JW. Tumor Endothelial Cells-Associated Integrin Alpha-6 as a Promising Biomarker for Early Detection and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4156. [PMID: 37627184 PMCID: PMC10453423 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
HCC remains a lethal cancer type, with early detection being critical for improved patient outcomes. This study introduces a comprehensive methodological approach to identify the ITGA6 gene as a potential blood marker for early HCC (eHCC) detection. We initially analyzed the GSE114564 dataset encompassing various stages of liver disease, identifying 972 differentially expressed genes in HCC. A refined analysis yielded 59 genes specifically differentially expressed in early HCC, including ITGA6. Subsequent validation in multiple datasets confirmed the consistent upregulation of ITGA6 in HCC. In addition, when analyzing progression-free survival (PFS) within the entire patient cohort and overall survival (OS) specifically among patients classified as tumor grade G1, the group of patients characterized by high expression levels of ITGA6 displayed an elevated risk ratio in relation to prognosis. Further analyses demonstrated the predominant expression of ITGA6 in TECs and its enrichment in angiogenesis-related pathways. Additionally, positive correlations were found between ITGA6 expression and pro-tumorigenic immune cells, but not with anti-tumorigenic immune cells. Our study elucidates the potential of ITGA6 as a blood-based marker for HCC early detection and diagnosis and its complex interplay with the tumor microenvironment. Further research may lead to novel strategies for HCC management and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Seok Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Seo-gu, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea; (H.S.K.); (J.-Y.J.)
| | - Jung Hwan Yoon
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea;
| | - Geum Ok Baek
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Moon Gyeong Yoon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Ji Eun Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Hyo Jung Cho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Soon Sun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Jee-Yeong Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Seo-gu, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea; (H.S.K.); (J.-Y.J.)
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
| | - Jung Woo Eun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (G.O.B.); (M.G.Y.); (J.E.H.); (H.J.C.); (S.S.K.)
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19
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Liu Y, Zhang H, Xu Y, Liu YZ, Al-Adra DP, Yeh MM, Zhang Z. Five Critical Gene-Based Biomarkers With Optimal Performance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Inform 2023; 22:11769351231190477. [PMID: 37577174 PMCID: PMC10413891 DOI: 10.1177/11769351231190477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal cancers in the world. There is an urgent need to understand the molecular background of HCC to facilitate the identification of biomarkers and discover effective therapeutic targets. Published transcriptomic studies have reported a large number of genes that are individually significant for HCC. However, reliable biomarkers remain to be determined. In this study, built on max-linear competing risk factor models, we developed a machine learning analytical framework to analyze transcriptomic data to identify the most miniature set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By analyzing 9 public whole-transcriptome datasets (containing 1184 HCC samples and 672 nontumor controls), we identified 5 critical differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (ie, CCDC107, CXCL12, GIGYF1, GMNN, and IFFO1) between HCC and control samples. The classifiers built on these 5 DEGs reached nearly perfect performance in identification of HCC. The performance of the 5 DEGs was further validated in a US Caucasian cohort that we collected (containing 17 HCC with paired nontumor tissue). The conceptual advance of our work lies in modeling gene-gene interactions and correcting batch effect in the analytic framework. The classifiers built on the 5 DEGs demonstrated clear signature patterns for HCC. The results are interpretable, robust, and reproducible across diverse cohorts/populations with various disease etiologies, indicating the 5 DEGs are intrinsic variables that can describe the overall features of HCC at the genomic level. The analytical framework applied in this study may pave a new way for improving transcriptome profiling analysis of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heping Zhang
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuqing Xu
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yao-Zhong Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - David P Al-Adra
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Matthew M Yeh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Zhengjun Zhang
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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20
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Chida K, Oshi M, Roy AM, Yachi T, Nara M, Yamada K, Matsuura O, Hashizume T, Endo I, Takabe K. E2F target score is associated with cell proliferation and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Surgery 2023; 174:307-314. [PMID: 37198038 PMCID: PMC10524872 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND E2F target genes are essential for the cell cycle. A score that quantifies its activity is expected to reflect the aggressiveness and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS Cohorts of hepatocellular carcinoma patients (total n = 655) from The Cancer Genome Atlas, GSE89377, GSE76427, and GSE6764 were analyzed. The cohorts were divided into high versus low by the median. RESULTS All the Hallmark cell proliferation-related gene sets were consistently enriched in hepatocellular carcinoma with high E2F targets score, and E2F score was associated with grade, tumor size, American Joint Committee on Cancer staging, proliferation score, and MKI67 expression, as well as with less abundance of hepatocytes and stromal cells. E2F targets enriched DNA repair, mTORC1 signaling, glycolysis, and unfolded protein response gene sets and were significantly associated with the higher intratumoral genomic heterogeneity, homologous recombination deficiency, and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. On the other hand, there was no relationship between E2F targets and mutation rates or neoantigens. High E2F hepatocellular carcinoma did not enrich any of the immune-response-related gene sets but was associated with high infiltration of Th1, Th2 cells, and M2 macrophage; however, there was no difference in cytolytic activity. In both early (I and II) and late (III and IV) stages of hepatocellular carcinoma, a high E2F score was associated with worse survival and was an independent prognostic factor for overall and disease-specific survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSION The E2F target score, associated with cancer aggressiveness and worse survival, could be used as a prognostic biomarker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Chida
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY; Department of Surgery, Mutsu General Hospital, Aomori, Japan. http://www.twitter.com/koheichida1
| | - Masanori Oshi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY; Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Arya Mariam Roy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
| | - Takafumi Yachi
- Department of Surgery, Mutsu General Hospital, Aomori, Japan
| | - Masaki Nara
- Department of Surgery, Mutsu General Hospital, Aomori, Japan
| | - Kyogo Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Mutsu General Hospital, Aomori, Japan
| | - Osamu Matsuura
- Department of Surgery, Mutsu General Hospital, Aomori, Japan
| | | | - Itaru Endo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY; Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Surgery, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, NY; Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Tokyo Medical University, Japan; Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Japan; Department of Breast Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan; Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY.
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21
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Han N, Yuan M, Yan L, Tang H. Emerging Insights into Liver X Receptor α in the Tumorigenesis and Therapeutics of Human Cancers. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1184. [PMID: 37627249 PMCID: PMC10452869 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver X receptor α (LXRα), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is identified as a protein activated by ligands that interacts with the promoters of specific genes. It regulates cholesterol, bile acid, and lipid metabolism in normal physiological processes, and it participates in the development of some related diseases. However, many studies have demonstrated that LXRα is also involved in regulating numerous human malignancies. Aberrant LXRα expression is emerging as a fundamental and pivotal factor in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and metastasis. Herein, we outline the expression levels of LXRα between tumor tissues and normal tissues via the Oncomine and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) 2.0 databases; summarize emerging insights into the roles of LXRα in the development, progression, and treatment of different human cancers and their diversified mechanisms; and highlight that LXRα can be a biomarker and therapeutic target in diverse cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Han
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Man Yuan
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Libo Yan
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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22
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Shen C, Cao Y, Qi GQ, Huang J, Liu ZP. Discovering pathway biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence and development by dynamic network entropy analysis. Gene 2023; 873:147467. [PMID: 37164125 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147467] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gene expression profiling techniques measure the transcription of thousands of genes in a parallel manner. With more and more hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) transcriptomic data becoming available, the high-throughput data provides an unprecedented opportunity to discover HCC diagnostic biomarkers. In this work, we propose a bioinformatics method based on dynamic network entropy analysis, called DNEA, to identify potential pathway biomarkers for HCC occurrence and development by integrating transcriptome and interactome. METHODS We firstly collect the pathways documented in different knowledge-bases and then impose the genome-wide human transcriptomic data of multistage cancerous tissues during the development and progression of HCC. After linking the gene sets of pathways into individual connected networks, we map the corresponding gene expression information onto these pathways. The dynamic network entropy of individual pathways is calculated to evaluate its activities and dysfunctionalities during the disease occurrence and development. We use the overall significant difference in the entropic dynamics during the time course to prioritize distinctive pathways during disease progression. Then machine learning classification methods are employed to screen out pathway biomarkers with the classification ability to distinguish different-stage samples of HCC progression. RESULTS Pathway biomarkers discovered based on DNEA demonstrate good classification performance in measuring HCC progression. The classification accuracy is as follows: DNA replication pathway (mean AUC= 0.82, 20 genes) from KEGG, FMLP pathway (mean AUC=0.84, 14 genes) from BioCarta, and downstream signaling of activated FGFR pathway (mean AUC =0.80, 15 genes) from Reactome. At the same time, previous studies have shown that these genes and pathways screened are closely related to the occurrence and development of HCC in terms of oncogenesis dysfunctions. CONCLUSIONS Our method for cancer biomarker discovery based on dynamic network entropy analysis is effective and efficient in identifying pathway biomarkers related to the progression of complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Control Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250061, China; Department of Data and Information, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310052, China; Sino-Finland Joint AI Laboratory for Child Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310052, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Control Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250061, China; Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Guo-Qiang Qi
- Department of Data and Information, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310052, China; Sino-Finland Joint AI Laboratory for Child Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310052, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Data and Information, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310052, China; Sino-Finland Joint AI Laboratory for Child Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310052, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Control Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250061, China.
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23
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Yin Z, Ma T, Chen S, Yu M. Identification of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers among CXC chemokines in hepatocellular carcinoma microenvironment. Cancer Biomark 2023; 36:231-250. [PMID: 36938723 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-210300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUD Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by occult onset, rapid progression and poor prognosis. CXC chemokines play an important role in tumor microenvironment and development. OBJECTIVE The potential mechanistic values of CXC chemokines as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HCC have not been fully clarified. METHODS ONCOMINE, UALCAN, GEPIA, cBioPortal, SurvExpress, MethSurv, SurvivalMeth, String, GeneMANIA, DAVID, Metascape, TRRUST, LinkedOmics, and Timer were applied in this study. RESULTS The transcriptional levels of CXCL9/16/17 in HCC tissues were significantly elevated while CXCL1/2/5/6/7/12/14 were significantly reduced. significant correlation was found between the expression of CXC3/5 and the pathological stage of HCC patients. High level of CXCL4 was associated with a longer disease-free survival. For overall survival, lower expressions of CXCL1/3/5/8 and higher expressions of CXCL2 were associated with a better outcome. In addition, the prognostic values of CXC chemokines signature in HCC were explored in four independent cohorts, the high-risk group displayed unfavorable survival outcome compared with the low-risk group. And for the prognostic value of the DNA methylation of CXC chemokines, we identified the CpGs which were significantly associated with prognosis in HCC patients. DNA methylation signature analysis also showed a statistically significant association between the high- and low-risk group. For potential mechanism, the neighbor gene networks, interaction analyses, functional enrichment analyses of CC chemokine receptors in HCC were performed, the transcription factor targets, kinase targets, and miRNA targets of CXC chemokines were also identified in HCC. We also found significant correlations among CXC chemokines expression and the infiltration of immune cells, the tumor infiltration levels among HCC with different somatic copy number alterations of these chemokine receptors were also assessed. Moreover, the Cox proportional hazard model showed that CCR2/6/8/12, B_cell, macrophage and dendritic _cell were significantly related to the clinical outcome of HCC patients. CONCLUSION CXC chemokines might serve as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Yin
- General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tingting Ma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Yu
- General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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24
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Wang C, Wang Q, Weng Z. LINC00664/miR-411-5p/KLF9 feedback loop contributes to the human oral squamous cell carcinoma progression. Oral Dis 2023; 29:672-685. [PMID: 34582069 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most aggressive head and neck cancers with high incidence. Multiple studies have revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis. However, the role of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 664 (LINC00664) on the progression of OSCC was still unclear. SUBJECTS AND METHODS In this study, the expression of LINC00664 in OSCC tissues and cell lines was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The functional role of LINC0664 was estimated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell assays, Western blot in vitro, and xenograft tumor model in vivo. The regulatory mechanism was investigated by RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS LINC00664 was found to be upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines and was associated with poor prognosis of OSCC patients. LINC00664 knockdown suppressed OSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, Kruppel like factor 9 (KLF9) enhanced LINC00664 expression at transcription level. Interestingly, LINC00664 upregulated KLF9 expression by sponging miR-411-5p. In addition, knockdown of LINC00664 restrained tumor growth of OSCC in vivo. CONCLUSION Our study identified the oncogenic roles of LINC00664 in OSCC tumorigenesis and EMT via KLF9/LINC00664/miR-411-5p/KLF9 feedback loop, which provides new perspectives of the potential therapeutic target for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyong Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qinglian Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zuquan Weng
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
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25
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ZHANG Y, YUAN L, CUI S, WU S. Tripartite motif protein 6 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via multiple pathways. Turk J Med Sci 2023; 53:1032-1044. [PMID: 38813007 PMCID: PMC10763761 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. The TRIM (tripartite motif-containing) protein family members had been reported to be involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Here we aimed to explore the expression profile of TRIM6 in HCC and investigate its clinical significance as well as underlying mechanisms. Materials and methods We retrospectively enrolled 138 HCC patients that underwent surgical resection in our hospital and tested protein expression level of TRIM6 through immunohistochemical staining. The correlation between TRIM6 and patients' characteristics was assessed by Chi-square test. Log-rank test and Cox hazard regression test were conducted for univariate and multivariate survival analyses, respectively. Two human HCC cell lines, Huh7 and Hep3B, were subjected for knockdown and overexpression assays, followed by phonotype tests including proliferation and invasion. Nude mice were used to generate xenograft model to validate our findings in vivo. Results TRIM6 was highly expressed in HCC specimen compared to nontumorous liver tissues. Higher TRIM6 expression was correlated with larger tumor size, later tumor stage, and worse prognosis. According to the cellular experiments, TRIM6-knockdown resulted in decreased expression of cyclin B1, c-Myc, Snail, MMP2, and VEGF-A. Consistently, TRIM6-knockdown led to impaired HCC proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. In contrast, TRIM6 overexpression showed opposite effects. Finally, the oncogenic role of TRIM6 in HCC was validated by in vivo mice experiments. Conclusion TRIM6 can serve as a novel prognostic factor for HCC, which functions by multiple signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng ZHANG
- Division of Digestive System, Department of Internal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Tai’an,
China
| | - Lin YUAN
- Division of Digestive System, Department of Internal Medicine, The 960th Hospital of PLA, Tai’an,
China
| | - Shanshan CUI
- Division of Digestive System, Department of Internal Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Tai’an, Tai’an,
China
| | - Song WU
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Tai’an,
China
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26
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Tian Y, Xiao H, Yang Y, Zhang P, Yuan J, Zhang W, Chen L, Fan Y, Zhang J, Cheng H, Deng T, Yang L, Wang W, Chen G, Wang P, Gong P, Niu X, Zhang X. Crosstalk between 5-methylcytosine and N 6-methyladenosine machinery defines disease progression, therapeutic response and pharmacogenomic landscape in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:5. [PMID: 36627693 PMCID: PMC9830866 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01706-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulated evidence highlights the significance of the crosstalk between epigenetic and epitranscriptomic mechanisms, notably 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Herein, we conducted a widespread analysis regarding the crosstalk between 5mC and m6A regulators in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Pan-cancer genomic analysis of the crosstalk between 5mC and m6A regulators was presented at transcriptomic, genomic, epigenetic, and other multi-omics levels. Hub 5mC and m6A regulators were summarized to define an epigenetic and epitranscriptomic module eigengene (EME), which reflected both the pre- and post-transcriptional modifications. RESULTS 5mC and m6A regulators interacted with one another at the multi-omic levels across pan-cancer, including HCC. The EME scoring system enabled to greatly optimize risk stratification and accurately predict HCC patients' clinical outcomes and progression. Additionally, the EME accurately predicted the responses to mainstream therapies (TACE and sorafenib) and immunotherapy as well as hyper-progression. In vitro, 5mC and m6A regulators cooperatively weakened apoptosis and facilitated proliferation, DNA damage repair, G2/M arrest, migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells. The EME scoring system was remarkably linked to potential extrinsic and intrinsic immune escape mechanisms, and the high EME might contribute to a reduced copy number gain/loss frequency. Finally, we determined potential therapeutic compounds and druggable targets (TUBB1 and P2RY4) for HCC patients with high EME. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that HCC may result from a unique synergistic combination of 5mC-epigenetic mechanism mixed with m6A-epitranscriptomic mechanism, and their crosstalk defines therapeutic response and pharmacogenomic landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tian
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Haijuan Xiao
- grid.508012.eDepartment of Oncology, Shaanxi Province, Affiliated Hospital of the Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712046 China
| | - Yanhui Yang
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China ,grid.453074.10000 0000 9797 0900Department of Trauma Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003 Henan China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- grid.411525.60000 0004 0369 1599Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Jiahui Yuan
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Wei Zhang
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Lijie Chen
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122 Liaoning China
| | - Yibao Fan
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Jinze Zhang
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Huan Cheng
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Tingwei Deng
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Lin Yang
- grid.440299.2Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Province, Xianyang Central Hospital, Xianyang, 712099 Shaanxi China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China ,grid.414011.10000 0004 1808 090XHepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan China
| | - Guoyong Chen
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China ,grid.414011.10000 0004 1808 090XHepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan China
| | - Peiqin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003 China
| | - Peng Gong
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Xing Niu
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China ,grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122 Liaoning China
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
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Seven Hub Genes Predict the Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Corresponding Competitive Endogenous RNA Network. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3379330. [PMID: 36276270 PMCID: PMC9581604 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3379330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This study was aimed at identifying hub genes and ceRNA regulatory networks linked to prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify possible therapeutic targets. Methods Differential expression analyses were performed to detect the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the four datasets (GSE76427, GSE6764, GSE62232, and TCGA). The intersected DEmRNAs were identified to explore biological significance by enrichment analysis. We built a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA. The mRNAs of the ceRNA network were used to perform Cox and Kaplan-Meier analyses to obtain prognosis-related genes, followed by the selection of genes with an area under the curve >0.8 to generate the random survival forest model and obtain feature genes. Furthermore, the feature genes were subjected to least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and univariate Cox analyses were used to identify the hub genes. Finally, the infiltration status of immune cells in the HCC samples was determined. Results A total of 1923 intersected DEmRNAs were identified in four datasets and involved in cell cycle and carbon metabolism. ceRNA network was created using 10 lncRNAs, 67 miRNAs, and 1,923 mRNAs. LASSO regression model was performed to identify seven hub genes, SOCS2, MYOM2, FTCD, ADAMTSL2, TMEM106C, LARS, and KPNA2. Among them, TMEM106C, LARS, and KPNA2 had a poor prognosis. KPNA2 was considered a key gene base on LASSO and Cox analyses and involved in the ceRNA network. T helper 2 cells and T helper cells showed a higher degree of infiltration in HCC. Conclusion The findings revealed seven hub genes implicated in HCC prognosis and immune infiltration. A corresponding ceRNA network may help reveal their potential regulatory mechanism.
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Balakrishnan K. Hepatocellular carcinoma stage: an almost loss of fatty acid metabolism and gain of glucose metabolic pathways dysregulation. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:247. [PMID: 36209296 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01839-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells rewire the metabolic processes beneficial for cancer cell proliferation, survival, and their progression. In this study, metabolic processes related to glucose, glutamine, and fatty acid metabolism signatures were collected from the molecular signatures database and investigated in the context of energy metabolic pathways through available genome-wide expression profiles of liver cancer cohorts by gene sets-based pathway activation scoring analysis. The outcomes of this study portray that the fatty acid metabolism, transport, and its storage related signatures are highly expressed across early stages of liver tumors and on the contrary, the gene sets related to glucose transport and glucose metabolism are prominently activated in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stage. Based on the results, these metabolic pathways are clearly dysregulated across specific stages of carcinogenesis. The identified dimorphic metabolic pathway dysregulation patterns are further reconfirmed by examining corresponding metabolic pathway genes expression patterns across various stages encompassing profiles. Recurrence is the primary concern in the carcinogenesis of liver tumors due to liver tissues regeneration. Hence, to further explore these dysregulation effects on recurrent cirrhosis and recurrent HCC sample containing profile GSE20140 was examined and interestingly, this result also reiterated these differential metabolic pathways dysregulation. In addition, a recently established metabolome profile for the massive panel of cancer cell-lines, including liver cancer cell-lines, was used for further exploration. These findings also reassured those differential metabolites abundance of the fatty acid and glucose metabolic pathways enlighten those dimorphic metabolic pathways dysregulation. Moreover, ROC curves of fatty acid metabolic pathway genes such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACACB), acyl-CoA dehydrogenase long chain (ACADL), and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase medium chain (ACADM) as well as glucose metabolic pathway genes such as phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK1), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDHA1), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK1) demonstrated greater sensitivity and specificity in the corresponding stage-specific tumors with significant p-values (p < 0.05). Furthermore, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) studies also reconfirmed that the rate-limiting genes expression of fatty acid and glucose metabolic pathways reveal better and poor survival in HCC patient cohorts, respectively. In conclusion, all these results clearly show that metabolic rewiring and the existence of two diverse metabolic pathways dysregulation involving fatty acid and glucose metabolism across the stages of liver tumors have been identified. These findings might be useful for developing therapeutic target treatments in stage-specific tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Balakrishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Saroj Institute of Technology and Management (SITM), 12th KM Stone, Lucknow-Sultanpur Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226002, India.
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Yi Q, Liang Q, Liu Y, Gong Z, Yan Y. Application of genomic selection and experimental techniques to predict cell death and immunotherapeutic efficacy of ferroptosis-related CXCL2 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:998736. [PMID: 36276119 PMCID: PMC9579367 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.998736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since most hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, there is no effective treatment to improve patient survival. Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death driven by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, has been reported to play an important role in tumorigenesis. However, the detailed mechanism and biological function of ferroptosis are still incompletely understood in HCC patients. In this study, we analyzed genomic profiles of three HCC datasets, GSE6764, GSE14520, and GSE14323. Venn diagrams were implemented to visualize the overlapping genes between differentially expressed genes and ferroptosis-related gene set. Then, one up-regulated gene, ACSL4, and five down-regulated genes, STEAP3, MT1G, GCH1, HAMP, and CXCL2, were screened. Based on the survival analysis performed by Kaplan-Meier plotter database, ferroptosis-related gene CXCL2 was demonstrated positively-correlated with the patients’ prognosis. Moreover, CXCL2 overexpression significantly inhibited cell growth and improved cellular ROS, Fe2+ and MDA levels in HCC cells Huh7 and MHCC97H, suggesting the roles of CXCL2 in inducing ferroptotic cell death. In addition, aberrantly expressed CXCL2 was negatively associated with malignancy clinical features, such as nodal metastasis and higher grades. The ssGSEA enrichment analysis revealed that CXCL2 co-expressed molecules were mainly involved in inflammation and immune-related pathways, such as acute inflammatory response, humoral immune response, adaptive immune response. TISIDB algorithm indicated the positive correlation between CXCL2 expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages. Additionally, we also found that CXCL2 was positively correlated with immune infiltration score, and HCC patients with higher score harbored better prognosis. Together, these findings suggested that CXCL2 may enhance ferroptosis sensitivity and regulate immune microenvironment in HCC, and serve as a promising prognosis biomarker for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoli Yi
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiuju Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuanhong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhicheng Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanliang Yan, ; Zhicheng Gong,
| | - Yuanliang Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanliang Yan, ; Zhicheng Gong,
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Comprehensive analyses of prognostic biomarkers and immune infiltrates among histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:2449-2467. [DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03167-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Chen X, Gong R, Wang J, Ma B, Lei K, Ren H, Wang J, Zhao C, Wang L, Yu Q. Identification of HnRNP Family as Prognostic Biomarkers in Five Major Types of Gastrointestinal Cancer. Curr Gene Ther 2022; 22:449-461. [PMID: 35794744 PMCID: PMC9906633 DOI: 10.2174/1566523222666220613113647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs), a large family of RNAbinding proteins, have been implicated in tumor progression in multiple cancer types. However, the expression pattern and prognostic value of hnRNPs in five gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including gastric, colorectal, esophageal, liver, and pancreatic cancer, remain to be investigated. OBJECTIVE The current research aimed to identify prognostic biomarkers of the hnRNP family in five major types of gastrointestinal cancer. METHODS Oncomine, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and Kaplan-Meier Plotter were used to explore the hnRNPs expression levels concerning clinicopathological parameters and prognostic values. The protein level of hnRNPU was validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in human tissue specimens. Genetic alterations of hnRNPs were analyzed using cBioportal, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to illustrate the biological functions of co-expressed genes of hnRNPs. RESULTS The vast majority of hnRNPs were highly expressed in five types of GI cancer tissues compared to their adjacent normal tissues, and mRNA levels of hnRNPA2B1, D, Q, R, and U were significantly different in various GI cancer types at different stages. In addition, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the increased hnRNPs expression levels were correlated with better prognosis in gastric and rectal cancer patients (log-rank p < 0.05). In contrast, patients with high levels of hnRNPs exhibited a worse prognosis in esophageal and liver cancer (log-rank p < 0.05). Using immunohistochemistry, we further confirmed that hnRNPU was overexpressed in gastric, rectal, and liver cancers. In addition, hnRNPs genes were altered in patients with GI cancers, and RNA-related processing was correlated with hnRNPs alterations. CONCLUSION We identified differentially expressed genes of hnRNPs in tumor tissues versus adjacent normal tissues, which might contribute to predicting tumor types, early diagnosis, and targeted therapies in five major types of GI cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghan Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China;,Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China;,These authors contribute to this work equally.
| | - Ruining Gong
- Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China;,Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China;,These authors contribute to this work equally.
| | - Jia Wang
- Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Boyi Ma
- Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China;,Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Ke Lei
- Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - He Ren
- Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China;,Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China,Address correspondence to these authors at the Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 1677 Wutaishan Road, Qingdao, 266000, China; Tel/Fax: 86-532-82917308; E-mail: and Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 1677 Wutaishan Road, Qingdao, 266003, China; Tel/Fax: 86-532- 82919350; E-mail:
| | - Qian Yu
- Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China;,Address correspondence to these authors at the Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 1677 Wutaishan Road, Qingdao, 266000, China; Tel/Fax: 86-532-82917308; E-mail: and Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 1677 Wutaishan Road, Qingdao, 266003, China; Tel/Fax: 86-532- 82919350; E-mail:
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Identification of Downregulated Exosome-Associated Gene ENPP1 as a Novel Lipid Metabolism and Immune-Associated Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:4834791. [PMID: 36199794 PMCID: PMC9529392 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4834791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Exosome plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). However, the functions and mechanisms of exosome-associated molecules in LIHC are still underexplored. Here, we investigated the role of the exosome-related gene ENPP1 in LIHC. Comprehensive bioinformatics from multiple databases revealed that ENPP1 was significantly downregulated in LIHC tissues. The patients with downregulated ENPP1 displayed a poor prognosis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to further confirm the downregulated ENPP1 in LIHC tissues. In addition, the coexpression network of ENPP1 was also explored to understand its roles in the underlying signaling pathways, including fatty acid degradation and the PPAR signaling pathway. Simultaneously, GSEA analysis indicated the potential roles of ENPP1 in the lipid metabolism-associated signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of LIHC, including fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and so on. Finally, immunological analysis indicated that ENPP1 might also be involved in multiple immune-related features, including immunoinhibitors, immunostimulators, and chemokines. Taken together, these findings could enhance our understanding of ENPP1 in LIHC pathogenesis and immune response and provide a new target for ENPP1-related immunotherapy in clinical treatment.
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Overexpression of SRD5A3 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Molecular Mechanism: A Study of Bioinformatics Exploration Analysis with Experimental Verification. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7853168. [PMID: 36159555 PMCID: PMC9507747 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7853168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and more prevalent among males than females. However, the biological role of enzyme 5α-reductase (SRD5A3), which plays a critical role in the androgen receptor signaling pathway during HCC development, remains poorly understood. Methods. ONCOMINE, GEPIA, UALCAN, and Kaplan–Meier Plotter were used to analyze the expression and prognostic value of SRD5A3 in HCC. STRING and Metascape were applied to analyze potential target and molecular pathways underlying SRD5A3 in HCC. A real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to validate the downstream target expression of SRD5A3. Results. The expression of SRD5A3 was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues compared with normal tissues, while the expression of SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 were downregulated in multiple public datasets. It may be that the low methylation of the SRD5A3 promoter leads to its overexpression. The level of SRD5A3 tended to be higher expressed in clinical samples with advanced stage and positive node metastasis. Furthermore, the patients with higher SRD5A3 were remarkably associated with poorer overall survival and disease-free survival in the TCGA data. In addition, the increased mRNA expression of SRD5A3 could predict poorer overall survival in Kaplan–Meier Plotter database including different patient cohorts. Moreover, HCC patients with higher level of SRD5A3 had significantly shorter recurrence-free survival, progression-free survival, and disease-specific survival. Furthermore, enrichment analysis demonstrated that multiple processes, such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, lipid biosynthetic process, and androgen metabolic process, were affected by SRD5A1-3 alterations. In vitro experiments showed that the expression of SRD5A3 was increased in HCC tissues than that in adjacent tissues. SRD5A3 silencing promoted the expression of DOLK in two HCC cell lines. Conclusions. This study identified SRD5A3/DOLK as a novel axis to regulate HCC development.
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Machida K. HCV and tumor-initiating stem-like cells. Front Physiol 2022; 13:903302. [PMID: 36187761 PMCID: PMC9520593 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.903302] [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: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoplasms contain tumor-initiating stem-like cells (TICs) that are characterized by increased drug resistance. The incidence of many cancer types have trended downward except for few cancer types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore mechanism of HCC development and therapy resistance needs to be understood. These multiple hits by hepatitis C virus (HCV) eventually promotes transformation and TIC genesis, leading to HCC development. This review article describes links between HCV-associated HCC and TICs. This review discusses 1) how HCV promotes genesis of TICs and HCC development; 2) how this process avails itself as a novel therapeutic target for HCC treatment; and 3) ten hall marks of TIC oncogenesis and HCC development as targets for novel therapeutic modalities.
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RPNs Levels Are Prognostic and Diagnostic Markers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:7270541. [PMID: 36072976 PMCID: PMC9444382 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7270541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The ribophorin family (RPN) is an essential regulatory subunit of the proteasome. By influencing the ubiquitin-proteasome system activity, ribophorins (RPNs) are responsible for almost all physiology and pathology processes of mammalian cells. Nevertheless, little is known about the role of RPNs in HCC. In this work, we first evaluated the transcriptional levels and the prognostic and diagnostic value of RPNs based on the public database. Firstly, we found all RPNs were surprisingly consistently upregulated in HCC tissues. Moreover, the RPNs' expression pattern is correlated with HCC tumor grade. The TCGA HCC platforms' data indicated that RPN2, RPN3, RPN6, RPN9, RPN10, RPN11, and RPN12 have robust diagnosis values. Then, survival analysis revealed that the high expression of RPN1, RPN2, RPN4, RPN5, RPN6, RPN9, and RPN11 was correlated with unfavourable HCC overall survival. Then, genetic alteration, immune infiltration feature, gene-genes network, and functional enrichment for RPNs indicated that RPNs have many potential biosynthesis activities expert for UPS functions. Moreover, western blot and qRT-PCR results confirmed these results. The silencing of RPN6 and RPN9 significantly reduced HCC cells' proliferation, migration, and invasion ability in vitro. An in vivo tumor model further validated the oncogene effect of RPN6 on HCC cell growth. Moreover, RPN6 and RPN9 could promote cell migratory and invasive potential by affecting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In summary, this study suggests that the RPN family has the potential to be potential biomarkers and targets for HCC.
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Cai C, Zhang Y, Hu X, Yang S, Ye J, Wei Z, Chu T. Spindle and Kinetochore-associated Family Genes are Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:627-641. [PMID: 36062274 PMCID: PMC9396317 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent malignant tumors. Spindle and kinetochore-associated (SKA) family genes are essential for the maintenance of the metaphase plate and spindle checkpoint silencing during mitosis. Recent studies have indicated that dysregulation of SKA family genes induces tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and chemoresistance via modulation of cell cycle and DNA replication. However, the differential transcription of SKAs in the context of HCC and its prognostic significance has not been demonstrated. METHODS Bioinformatics analyses were performed using TCGA, ONCOMINE, HCCDB, Kaplan-Meier plotter, STRING, GEPIA databases. qRT-PCR, western blot, and functional assays were utilized for in vitro experiments. RESULTS We found remarkable upregulation of transcripts of SKA family genes in HCC samples compared with normal liver samples on bioinformatics analyses and in vitro validation. Interaction analysis and enrichment analysis showed that SKA family members were mainly related to microtubule motor activity, mitosis, and cell cycle. Immuno-infiltration analysis showed a correlation of all SKA family genes with various immune cell subsets, especially T helper 2 (Th2) cells. Transcriptional levels of SKA family members were positively associated with histologic grade, T stage, and α-fetoprotein in HCC patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated a strong predictive ability of SKA1/2/3 for HCC. Increased expression of these SKAs was associated with unfavorable overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease-specific survival. On Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, SKA1 upregulation and pathological staging were independent predictors of overall survival and disease-specific survival of HCC patients. Finally, clinical tissue microarray validation and in vitro functional assays revealed SKA1 acts an important regulatory role in tumor malignant behavior. CONCLUSIONS SKA family members may potentially serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers in the context of HCC. The correlation between SKAs and immune cell infiltration provides a promising research direction for SKA-targeted immunotherapeutics for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tongwei Chu
- Correspondence to: Tongwei Chu, Department of Orthopedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), No.83 Xinqiao Main Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400037, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0309-7082. Tel: +86-13708388336, E-mail:
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The Prognostic Value of AT-Rich Interaction Domain (ARID) Family Members in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1150390. [PMID: 36034939 PMCID: PMC9410793 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1150390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies with a poor prognosis. The AT-rich interaction domain (ARID) family plays an essential regulatory role in the pathogenesis and progression of cancers. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value and clinical significance of human ARID family genes in HCC. Methods ONCOMINE and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were employed to retrieve ARIDs expression profile and clinicopathological information of HCC. Kaplan–Meier plotter and MethSurv were applied to the survival analysis of patients with HCC. CBioPortal was used to analyze genetic mutations of ARIDs. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Metascape were used to perform hub gene identification and functional enrichment. Results Expression levels of 11 ARIDs were upregulated in HCC, and 2 ARIDs were downregulated. Also, 4 ARIDs and 5 ARIDs were correlated with pathologic stages and histologic grades, respectively. Furthermore, higher expression of ARID1A, ARID1B, ARID2, ARID3A, ARID3B, ARID5B, KDM5A, KDM5B, KDM5C, and JARID2 was remarkably correlated with worse overall survival of patients with HCC, and the high ARID3C/KDM5D expression was related to longer overall survival. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that ARID3A, KDM5C, and KDM5D were independent risk factors for HCC prognosis. Moreover, ARIDs mutations and 127 CpGs methylation in all ARIDs were observed to be significantly associated with the prognosis of HCC patients. Besides, our data showed that ARIDs could regulate tumor-related pathways and distinct immune cells in the HCC microenvironment. Conclusions ARIDs present the potential prognostic value for HCC. Our findings suggest that ARID3A, KDM5C, and KDM5D may be the prognostic biomarkers for patients with HCC.
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Prognostic Values of BolA Family Member Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:8360481. [PMID: 36017386 PMCID: PMC9398796 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8360481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The BolA gene family member (BOLA1-3) plays an important role in regulating normal and pathological biological processes including liver tumorigenesis. However, their expression patterns as prognostic factors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients have not to be elucidated. We examined the transcriptional expressions and survival data of BolA family member in patients with HCC from online databases including ONCOMINE, TCGA, UALCAN, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), Kaplan-Meier plotter, SurvExpress, cBioPortal, and Exobase. Network molecular interaction views of BolA family members and their neighborhoods were constructed by the IntAct web server. In our research, we had found that the expression levels of BolA /2/3 mRNA were higher in HCC tissue than in normal liver tissues from TGCA databases. Moreover, the BolA family gene expression level is significantly associated with distinct tumor pathological grade, TMN stage, and overall survival (OS). The BolA family can be considered as prognostic risk biomarkers of HCC. A small number of BolA gene-mutated samples were detected in the HCC tissue. IntAct analysis revealed that BolA1/2/3 was closely associated with the GLRX3 expression in HCC, which is implicated in the regulation of the cellular iron homeostasis and tumor growth. Furthermore, prognostic values of altered BolAs and their neighbor GLRX3 gene in HCC patients were validated by SurvExpress analysis. In conclusion, the membrane BolA family identified in this study provides very useful information for the mechanism of hepatic tumorigenesis.
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Yu ZX, Xiang C, Xu SG, Zhang YP. The clinical significance of thyroid hormone-responsive in thyroid carcinoma and its potential regulatory pathway. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29972. [PMID: 35945747 PMCID: PMC9351852 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of thyroid hormone-responsive (THRSP) and explore its relevant pathways in thyroid carcinoma (THCA). The gene expression data of THRSP were obtained and the prognostic significance of THRSP in THCA was analyzed through various bioinformatics databases. Then, the factors influencing THRSP mRNA expression were explored, and the function of THRSP in predicting the lymph node metastasis (LNM) stage was determined. We further performed the enrichment analysis and constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to examine potential regulatory pathways associated with THRSP. THRSP gene expression was significantly increased in THCA compared with the normal tissues. High THRSP mRNA expression had a favorable overall survival (OS) in THCA patients (P < .05). Additionally, the mRNA expression of THRSP was related to stage, histological subtype, and methylation among THCA patients (all P < .05). Besides, THRSP served as a potent predictor in discriminating the LNM stage of thyroid cancer patients. According to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) on THRSP-associated genes, THRSP was positively related to metabolic pathways. The upregulation of THRSP predicted a good OS in THCA patients. Furthermore, THRSP might inhibit THCA progression through positive regulation of metabolism-associated pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-xing Yu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Ningde, China
| | - Cheng Xiang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng-gui Xu
- Orthopedics Department, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Ningde, China
| | - Yang-ping Zhang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Ningde, China
- *Correspondence: Yang-ping Zhang, Department of Thyroid Surgery, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, No. 89 Heshan Road, Chengnan Street, Fu’an 355000, Ningde, Fujian, China (e-mail: )
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Wang X, Wu Y, Liu J, Xu X, Sheng Z, Liu W, Chen M, Ma Y, Zhao D, Li D, Zheng X. Identification of target and pathway of aspirin combined with Lipitor treatment in prostate cancer through integrated bioinformatics analysis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 452:116169. [PMID: 35926565 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116169] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our previous studies have confirmed that aspirin combined with Lipitor inhibited the development of prostate cancer (PCa), but the mechanisms need to be comprehensively expounded. The study aims to screen out the hub genes of combination therapy and to explore their association with the pathogenesis and prognosis of PCa. METHODS Gene expressions were quantified by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Altered biological function, pathways of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), protein-protein interaction network, the filtering of hub genes, gene co-expression and the pathogenesis and prognosis were revealed by bioinformatics analysis. The correlation between hub gene expression and patient survival was validated by Kaplan-Meier. The effects of silent DNA replication and sister chromatid cohesion 1 (siDSCC1) combined with Lipitor and aspirin on DSCC1 expression, viability, invasion and migration of PCa cells were detected by qRT-PCR, Wound healing and transwell assays. RESULTS 157 overlapped DEGs involved in FoxO, PI3K-Akt and p53 signaling pathways were identified. Ten hub genes (NEIL3, CDC7, DSCC1, CDC25C, PRIM1, MCM10, FBXO5, DTL, SERPINE1, EXO1) were verified to be correlated with the pathology and prognosis of PCa. DSCC1 silencing not only inhibited the viability, migration and invasion of PCa cells, but also strengthened the suppressing effects of Lipitor and aspirin alone or in combination on PCa cells. CONCLUSION The enrichment pathways and targets of Lipitor combined with aspirin in PCa are discovered, and DSCC1 silencing can potentiate the effect of Lipitor combined with aspirin in the treatment of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen City 529020, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Junlei Liu
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xuetao Xu
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen City 529020, China
| | - Zhaojun Sheng
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen City 529020, China
| | - Wenfeng Liu
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen City 529020, China
| | - Min Chen
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen City 529020, China
| | - Yanyan Ma
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen City 529020, China
| | - Denggao Zhao
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen City 529020, China
| | - Dongli Li
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen City 529020, China
| | - Xi Zheng
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Ruters University, Piscataway NJ08854, USA.
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Zhang R, Ai J, Wang J, Sun C, Lu H, He A, Li M, Liao Y, Lei J, Zhou F, Wu L, Liao W. NCAPG promotes the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma through the CKII-dependent regulation of PTEN. J Transl Med 2022; 20:325. [PMID: 35864529 PMCID: PMC9301831 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03519-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NCAPG, non-SMC subunit in the concentrate I complex, might promote the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanism is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore how NCAPG affects PTEN to influence the proliferation of HCC. METHODS Western blotting, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect NCAPG expression in HCC tissues. The effect of NCAPG on the proliferation of HCC cell lines was evaluated using an EdU incorporation assay, a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). BALB/c-nu/nu mice were used for the in vivo proliferation experiment. Transcriptome sequencing was used to determine the relationship between NCAPG and PTEN. Immunocoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS), proteomic sequencing and Co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) were used to identify and examine the interaction between the NCAPG and CKII proteins. RESULTS We confirmed that NCAPG was abnormally overexpressed in HCC and promoted the proliferation of HCC cells. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that NCAPG inhibited the transcription of PTEN and promoted the activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway. We found a close association between NCAPG and CKII through proteomic sequencing; their interaction was confirmed by Co-IP. There was a positive correlation between NCAPG and CKII that promoted the phosphorylation of PTEN and thus inhibited its transcription and functions. We also proved that CKII was the key factor in the induction of proliferation by NCAPG. CONCLUSION We revealed the mechanism by which NCAPG regulates the proliferation of HCC: NCAPG inhibits PTEN through its interaction with CKII, and then activates the PI3K-AKT pathway to promote the proliferation of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongguiyi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jiyuan Ai
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Hospital of Nanchang City, No. 2, Xiangshan South Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jiakun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Chi Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Hongcheng Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Aoxiao He
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yuting Liao
- Department of Nursing, Gannan Medical College, No. 1, Medical Road, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Jun Lei
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Linquan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Wenjun Liao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Lan F, Chen X, Xiong Z, Cao Z, Lu L, Zhong Y, Zhan X, Yang Y, Shao Y, Li M, Han Z, Zhu X. Comprehensive transcriptomic and co-expression analysis of ABL1 gene and molecularly targeted drugs in hepatocellular carcinoma based on multi-database mining. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:146. [PMID: 35834027 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01730-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Consequently, it is essential to identify biomarkers for treatment response and the prognosis prediction. We investigated whether ABL1 can function as a biomarker or a drug target for HCC. We assessed the ABL1 expression, genetic alterations and patients' survival from LinkedOmics, GEO, TCGA and Human Protein Atlas. We analyzed PPI, GO and KEGG pathways. GSEA was analyzed for functional comparison. The current drugs targeting ABL1 were statistically analyzed using DRUGSURV and DGIdb database. We found ABL1 is overexpressed in HCC and its higher expression reduces survival probability. Genetic changes of ABL1 are not frequent. We screened out 25 differentially expressed genes correlated with ABL1. The top functions of ABL1 are biological regulation, metabolic process, protein-containing, and protein binding. KEGG pathways showed that ABL1 and correlated with ABL1 significantly genes markedly enriched in the ErbB signaling pathway, and pathways in cancer. We counted the existing drugs targeting ABL1, which indicates that inhibiting ABL1 expression may improve the survival probability of HCC. In conclusion, ABL1 plays a crucial role in the development and progression of this cancerization and is a potential drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Lan
- Medical Genetics Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinqia Chen
- Zhu's Team, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zhuolong Xiong
- Zhu's Team, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zitong Cao
- Zhu's Team, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Liangzong Lu
- Zhu's Team, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yueyuan Zhong
- Zhu's Team, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xuliang Zhan
- Zhu's Team, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Zhu's Team, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yingqi Shao
- Zhu's Team, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Minhua Li
- Zhu's Team, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zenglei Han
- Department of Pathology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China.
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Zhu's Team, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China. .,School of Laboratory Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
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INK4 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors as potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231524. [PMID: 35771229 PMCID: PMC9284345 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20221082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The INK4 family is an important family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) and consists of CDKN2A, CDKN2B, CDKN2, and CDKN2D. Abnormal expression of CDKN2A has been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with the prognosis of patients and infiltration of immune cells. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the roles of the other INK4 family members in the diagnosis, prognosis, and immune regulation of HCC. Using online public databases and clinical samples, we comprehensively analyzed the INK4 family in HCC. All four INK4 proteins were overexpressed in HCC and correlated with advanced cancer stage and poor prognosis. INK4 expression accurately distinguished tumor from normal tissue, particularly CDKN2A and CDKN2C. The INK4 family participated in cell-cycle regulation and the DNA damage repair pathway, which inhibited genotoxic-induced apoptosis in tumorigenesis. INK4 proteins were positively correlated with the infiltration of immune cells (B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells) and immune checkpoints (CTLA-4, PD1, and PD-L1). CDKN2D had the highest correlation (correlation coefficient >0.3) with all the above-mentioned infiltrating immune cells and immune checkpoints, indicating that it may be useful as an immunotherapy target. The INK4 family was valuable for diagnosis and predicting the prognosis of HCC and participated in the occurrence, progression, and immune regulation of HCC, demonstrating its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HCC.
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Liu T, Yu J, Ge C, Zhao F, Chen J, Miao C, Jin W, Zhou Q, Geng Q, Lin H, Tian H, Chen T, Xie H, Cui Y, Yao M, Xiao X, Li J, Li H. Sperm associated antigen 4 promotes SREBP1-mediated de novo lipogenesis via interaction with lamin A/C and contributes to tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2022; 536:215642. [PMID: 35307486 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor and its progression is associated with altered lipid metabolism in precancerous lesions, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Here, we identified sperm associated antigen 4 (SPAG4), and explored its oncogenic role in HCC progression. Database analysis and immunohistochemistry indicated increased level of SPAG4 in HCC tissues which was of prognostic value. Gain/loss-of-function experiments showed that SPAG4 exerted oncogenic roles in HCC growth both in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing revealed activation of a lipogenic state and SREBP1-mediated pathway following SPAG4 overexpression. Mechanistically, the N-terminal region of SPAG4 bound to lamin A/C, which increased SREBP1 expression, nuclear translocation, and transcriptional activity. Treatment with orlistat, a lipid synthesis inhibitor, reversed SPAG4-mediated oncogenic effects, and its efficacy varied with SPAG4 level. The effect of orlistat was further amplified when combined with sorafenib in tumor xenograft mouse models. Our study provides evidence that SPAG4 mediates HCC progression by affecting lipid metabolism. Administration of orlistat combined with sorafenib reverses SPAG4-mediated oncogenesis in HCC cells and ectopic xenograft tumors in mice, suggesting that this pathway represents a potential target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Ren ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Junming Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chao Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fangyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chunxiao Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenjiao Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qingqing Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Rui jin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200020, China
| | - Qin Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hechun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hua Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Taoyang Chen
- Qi Dong Liver Cancer Institute, Qi Dong, 226200, China
| | - Haiyang Xie
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Ying Cui
- Cancer Institute of Guangxi, Nanning, 530027, China
| | - Ming Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiuying Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Ren ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jinjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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McLaughlin KL, Nelson MAM, Coalson HS, Hagen JT, Montgomery MM, Wooten AR, Zeczycki TN, Vohra NA, Fisher-Wellman KH. Bioenergetic Phenotyping of DEN-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Reveals a Link Between Adenylate Kinase Isoform Expression and Reduced Complex I-Supported Respiration. Front Oncol 2022; 12:919880. [PMID: 35756609 PMCID: PMC9213884 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.919880] [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: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondria play a central role in malignant metabolic reprogramming in HCC, which may promote disease progression. To comprehensively evaluate the mitochondrial phenotype present in HCC, we applied a recently developed diagnostic workflow that combines high-resolution respirometry, fluorometry, and mitochondrial-targeted nLC-MS/MS proteomics to cell culture (AML12 and Hepa 1-6 cells) and diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced mouse models of HCC. Across both model systems, CI-linked respiration was significantly decreased in HCC compared to nontumor, though this did not alter ATP production rates. Interestingly, CI-linked respiration was found to be restored in DEN-induced tumor mitochondria through acute in vitro treatment with P1, P5-di(adenosine-5′) pentaphosphate (Ap5A), a broad inhibitor of adenylate kinases. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics revealed that DEN-induced tumor mitochondria had increased expression of adenylate kinase isoform 4 (AK4), which may account for this response to Ap5A. Tumor mitochondria also displayed a reduced ability to retain calcium and generate membrane potential across a physiological span of ATP demand states compared to DEN-treated nontumor or saline-treated liver mitochondria. We validated these findings in flash-frozen human primary HCC samples, which similarly displayed a decrease in mitochondrial respiratory capacity that disproportionately affected CI. Our findings support the utility of mitochondrial phenotyping in identifying novel regulatory mechanisms governing cancer bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L McLaughlin
- Brody School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Margaret A M Nelson
- Brody School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Hannah S Coalson
- Brody School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - James T Hagen
- Brody School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - McLane M Montgomery
- Brody School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Ashley R Wooten
- Brody School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Tonya N Zeczycki
- Brody School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Nasreen A Vohra
- Brody School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Kelsey H Fisher-Wellman
- Brody School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States.,UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Zanotti S, Boot GF, Coto-Llerena M, Gallon J, Hess GF, Soysal SD, Kollmar O, Ng CKY, Piscuoglio S. The Role of Chronic Liver Diseases in the Emergence and Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Omics Perspective. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:888850. [PMID: 35814741 PMCID: PMC9263082 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.888850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) typically develops from a background of cirrhosis resulting from chronic inflammation. This inflammation is frequently associated with chronic liver diseases (CLD). The advent of next generation sequencing has enabled extensive analyses of molecular aberrations in HCC. However, less attention has been directed to the chronically inflamed background of the liver, prior to HCC emergence and during recurrence following surgery. Hepatocytes within chronically inflamed liver tissues present highly activated inflammatory signaling pathways and accumulation of a complex mutational landscape. In this altered environment, cells may transform in a stepwise manner toward tumorigenesis. Similarly, the chronically inflamed environment which persists after resection may impact the timing of HCC recurrence. Advances in research are allowing an extensive epigenomic, transcriptomic and proteomic characterization of CLD which define the emergence of HCC or its recurrence. The amount of data generated will enable the understanding of oncogenic mechanisms in HCC from the CLD perspective and provide the possibility to identify robust biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of primary and recurrent HCC. Importantly, biomarkers defined by the analysis of CLD tissue may permit the early detection or prevention of HCC emergence and recurrence. In this review, we compile the current omics based evidence of the contribution of CLD tissues to the emergence and recurrence of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Zanotti
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas University Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Gina F. Boot
- Visceral Surgery and Precision Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mairene Coto-Llerena
- Visceral Surgery and Precision Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - John Gallon
- Visceral Surgery and Precision Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel F. Hess
- Clarunis, University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Savas D. Soysal
- Clarunis, University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Otto Kollmar
- Clarunis, University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte K. Y. Ng
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Salvatore Piscuoglio
- Visceral Surgery and Precision Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Salvatore Piscuoglio
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Huang L, Guan S, Feng L, Wei J, Wu L. Integrated analysis identified NPNT as a potential key regulator in tumor metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Gene 2022; 825:146436. [PMID: 35304239 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the lethal malignancies worldwide. Tumor metastasis is the main cause of HCC related death. Although progress has been made in the mechanism study of HCC in the past decades, the underlying mechanism of HCC metastasis has not been fully illustrated. In the present study, bioinformatic analysis including weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differentially expressed gene analysis, and gene enrichment analysis were applied to discover genes correlated with HCC metastasis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays were applied to detect the expression of NPNT in HCC samples. Cell transfection, wound healing, matrigel transwell assays, and western blot assays were utilized to evaluate the effects of NPNT on cell migration and invasion and signaling pathway variation. We found that NPNT was up-regulated in HCC tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. Especially, NPNT was highly expressed in metastatic tumor compared with non-metastatic HCC tumors. Down-regulation of NPNT via siRNA transfection inhibited cell migration, invasion, and FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HCC. Our results demonstrate that NPNT is a potential key regulator in HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingkun Huang
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Shuzhen Guan
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Lin Feng
- Department of Pathology, the first Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinrui Wei
- Guangxi Scientific Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Lichuan Wu
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
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Li X, Zhang L, Yi Z, Zhou J, Song W, Zhao P, Wu J, Song J, Ni Q. NUF2 Is a Potential Immunological and Prognostic Marker for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:1161931. [PMID: 35600043 PMCID: PMC9119754 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1161931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most prevalent tumors. Various studies have investigated its etiology, but the molecular mechanism of NSCLC has not been elucidated. Methods The GSE19804, GSE118370, GSE19188, GSE27262, and GSE33532 microarray datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for the identification of genes involved in NSCLC development as well as progression. Then, the identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were subjected to functional enrichment analyses. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built after which module analysis was conducted via the Search Tool for Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) and Cytoscape. There were 562 DEGs: 98 downregulated genes and 464 upregulated. These DEGs were established to be enriched in p53 signaling pathway, transendothelial leukocyte migration, cell adhesion molecules, contractions of vascular smooth muscles, coagulation and complement cascades, and axon guidance. Assessment of tumor immunity was performed to determine the roles of hub genes. Results There were 562 dysregulated genes, while 12 genes were hub genes. NUF2 was established to be a candidate immunotherapeutic target with potential clinical implications. The 12 hub genes were highly enriched in the p53 signaling pathway, the cell cycle, progesterone-associated oocyte maturation, cellular senescence, and oocyte meiosis. Survival analysis showed that NUF2 is associated with NSCLC occurrence, invasion, and recurrence. Conclusion The NUF2 gene discovered in this study helps us clarify the pathomechanisms of NSCLC occurrence as well as progression and provides a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Department of General Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province, China
- The Central Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lianlian Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound Imaging, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng First People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhongquan Yi
- The Central Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of General Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenchun Song
- Department of General Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Panwen Zhao
- The Central Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jixiang Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jianxiang Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qinggan Ni
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng First People's Hospital, Jiangsu Province, China
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49
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Comprehensive Landscape of STEAP Family Members Expression in Human Cancers: Unraveling the Potential Usefulness in Clinical Practice Using Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. DATA 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/data7050064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The human Six-Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate (STEAP) family comprises STEAP1-4. Several studies have pointed out STEAP proteins as putative biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets in several types of human cancers, particularly in prostate cancer. However, the relationships and significance of the expression pattern of STEAP1-4 in cancer cases are barely known. Herein, the Oncomine database and cBioPortal platform were selected to predict the differential expression levels of STEAP members and clinical prognosis. The most common expression pattern observed was the combination of the over- and underexpression of distinct STEAP genes, but cervical and gastric cancer and lymphoma showed overexpression of all STEAP genes. It was also found that STEAP genes’ expression levels were already deregulated in benign lesions. Regarding the prognostic value, it was found that STEAP1 (prostate), STEAP2 (brain and central nervous system), STEAP3 (kidney, leukemia and testicular) and STEAP4 (bladder, cervical, gastric) overexpression correlate with lower patient survival rate. However, in prostate cancer, overexpression of the STEAP4 gene was correlated with a higher survival rate. Overall, this study first showed that the expression levels of STEAP genes are highly variable in human cancers, which may be related to different patients’ outcomes.
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50
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Liao S, Wang K, Zhang L, Shi G, Wang Z, Chen Z, Zhu P, He Q. PRC1 and RACGAP1 are Diagnostic Biomarkers of Early HCC and PRC1 Drives Self-Renewal of Liver Cancer Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:864051. [PMID: 35445033 PMCID: PMC9014962 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.864051] [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: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths across the world. Due to the lack of reliable markers for early HCC detection, most HCC patients are diagnosed in middle/late stages. Liver cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are drivers of liver tumorigenesis, usually emerge in the early HCC stage and are also termed as liver tumor initiation cells (TIC). Liver CSCs contribute to initiation, propagation, and metastasis of HCC and also play a key role in tumor therapy. Taking advantage of online-available data sets, bioinformatic analyses, and experimental confirmation, here we have screened out PRC1 and RACGAP1 as reliable markers for early HCC detection. PRC1 or RACGAP1 knockdown dramatically inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities of HCC cells, conferring PRC1 and RACGAP1 as predominant modulators for HCC propagation and metastasis. Moreover, the sphere formation capacity of HCC cells was impaired after PRC1 knockdown, revealing the function of PRC1 as a modulator for liver CSC self-renewal. Furthermore, the inhibitor of PRC1 had same phenotypes as PRC1 knockdown in HCC cells. Altogether, PRC1 and RACGAP1 are identified both as prognosis markers for early HCC detection and therapeutic targets for liver cancer and liver CSCs, adding additional layers for the early prognosis and therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixin Liao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kaili Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gaoli Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pingping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiankun He
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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