1
|
Thu Nguyen T, Van Tran K, Cam Ho T, Xuan Nguyen H, Trong Nguyen T. A systematic analysis with the hierarchical cluster analysis strategy on the complex interaction of TERT and CTNNB1 somatic mutations in Vietnamese hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Gene 2024; 927:148646. [PMID: 38851365 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148646] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and β-catenin (CTNNB1) mutations may occur following the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathway signal. We conducted a Hierarchical cluster analysis study on 408 patients diagnosed with HCC by pathological surgery, identifying TERT promoter and CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations by sequencing. The overall preclinical characteristics, cumulative cut-point values, and the factors associated with these somatic mutations were analyzed in uni/multidimensional scaling model. HBV(+) HCV(-) HCC male patients who were older than 62.74 years old and have TERT promoter mutation as well as AFP > 489.78 ng/ml got a higher risk of HCC grade more than two from 27 % to 200 % with p < 0.05 (RR are from 1.27 [1.09-1.47] to 3.06 [2.04-4.61]). This mutation was a good indicator of grade 2 risk (HR = 0.37 [2.72-0.16], β = -1.00, p = 0.019). TERT promoter and CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations independently influenced tumor size and tumor site status in grade 3 and HBV(-) HCV (-) male HCC patients, where the hazard rates, respectively, were 0.28 [0.09-0.89], 0.023 [0.0023-0.23] and 0.06 [0.012-0.32] (β < 0 and p < 0.01). These two mutations inversely impacted each other the tumor sites status, especially in male HCC patients with grade 2 without B, C hepatitis virus (RRCTNNB1 exon 3 mutate - TERT promoter wildtype = 1.12 [1.04-1.20], p < 0.05). Consequently, the mutations in TERT promoter and CTNNB1 exon 3 may synchronize with other factors or independently impact the hepatocarcinogenesis and are important indicators for HCC prognostic in male patients with very high AFP levels or with moderately as well as poorly differentiated in tumor. Our results serve as the basis for further studies to understand the impact of different factors on the outcome of HCC, especially in monitoring and assessing the cancer risk of patients infect HBV and carry mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Thu Nguyen
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, 116177 Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Khanh Van Tran
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, 116177 Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Tu Cam Ho
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, 116177 Hanoi, Viet Nam; Institute of Virology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Hau Xuan Nguyen
- Department of Oncology, Hanoi Medical University, 116177 Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Tue Trong Nguyen
- Medical Laboratory Department, Hanoi Medical University, 116177 Hanoi, Viet Nam; Clinical Laboratory Department, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, 116177 Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fleming AM, Gehle DB, Freitas JP, Hendrick LE, Yakoub D, Abdelhafeez H, Nezakatgoo N, Deneve JL, Langham MR, Glazer ES, Shibata D, Merchant NB, Dickson PV, Murphy AJ. CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations in metastatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas. J Surg Oncol 2024. [PMID: 39155692 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27808] [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: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas demonstrates an indolent disease course; however, some patients present with a "malignant" phenotype, including distant metastases resistant to chemotherapy. This analysis identifies molecular drivers of metastatic SPN using the world's largest clinicogenomics database. METHODS The American Association for Cancer Research Project Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange was queried for primary and metastatic SPN samples. Sample-level genomic alterations were compared. A pan-pancreatic cancer analysis assessed relevant mutations among all metastatic pancreatic malignancies. RESULTS Among 28 SPN samples identified (n = 17 primary, n = 11 metastatic), the most commonly mutated gene was CTNNB1, (24/28 samples; 85.7%). Most mutations were missense (21/24; 87.5%) or in-frame deletions (3/24; 12.5%). The most common CTNNB1 mutations in primary SPN were exon 3 S37F/C missense mutations (6/16 profiled patients, 37.5%), contrasting exon 3 D32N/Y/H missense mutations in metastatic samples (6/11 profiled patients, 54.5%). Metastatic SPN had higher rates of CTNNB1 mutations than metastases from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (72.7% vs. 1.1%; q < 0.0001), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (72.7% vs. 2.5%; q < 0.0001), and pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (72.7% vs. 11.5%; q = 0.0254). CONCLUSIONS Missense mutations along exon 3 of CTNNB1 predominate metastatic SPN, differentiating these patients from those with metastases from analogous pancreatic malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Fleming
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Daniel B Gehle
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Julia Pedo Freitas
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Leah E Hendrick
- Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Danny Yakoub
- Department of Surgery, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hafeez Abdelhafeez
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nosratollah Nezakatgoo
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jeremiah L Deneve
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Max R Langham
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Evan S Glazer
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - David Shibata
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nipun B Merchant
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Health System, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Paxton V Dickson
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tsuruoka M, Ninomiya M, Inoue J, Iwata T, Sano A, Sato K, Onuki M, Sawahashi S, Masamune A. Changes in Mutations of Cell-Free DNA and Liver Tumor Tissue in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma before and after Introduction of Lenvatinib. Oncology 2024:1-12. [PMID: 39047713 DOI: 10.1159/000540438] [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: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is expected to contribute to the decision for treatment and prediction of effects with minimally invasion. We investigated the correlation between gene mutations before and after lenvatinib (LEN) treatment and its effectiveness, in order to find advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who would benefit greatly from the therapy. METHODS We analyzed cfDNA before and 6-8 weeks after the start of treatment in 20 advanced HCC patients who started LEN. A next-generation sequencer was used for CTNNB1 and TP53. Concerning TERT promoter, -124C>T and -146C>T mutations are researched using digital PCR. In addition, we examined liver tumor biopsy tissues by the same method. Computerized tomography evaluation was performed at 6-8 weeks and 3-4 months to assess the efficacy. RESULTS Frequencies of TERT promoter, CTNNB1, and TP53 mutations in pretreatment cfDNA were 45%, 65%, and 65%, but 53%, 41%, and 47% in HCC tissues, respectively. There were no clear correlations between these gene mutations and the disease-suppressing effect or progression-free survival. Overall, there were many cases showing a decrease in mutations after LEN treatment. Integrating the reduction of CTNNB1 and TP53 genetic mutations increased the potential for disease suppression. CONCLUSION This study suggests that analysis of cfDNA in advanced HCC patients may be useful for identifying LEN responders and determining therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, it has potential for selecting responders for other molecular-targeted drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mio Tsuruoka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan,
| | - Masashi Ninomiya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Jun Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Iwata
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Sano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kosuke Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masazumi Onuki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Satoko Sawahashi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dantzer C, Vaché J, Brunel A, Mahouche I, Raymond AA, Dupuy JW, Petrel M, Bioulac-Sage P, Perrais D, Dugot-Senant N, Verdier M, Bessette B, Billottet C, Moreau V. Emerging role of oncogenic ß-catenin in exosome biogenesis as a driver of immune escape in hepatocellular carcinoma. eLife 2024; 13:RP95191. [PMID: 39008536 PMCID: PMC11249736 DOI: 10.7554/elife.95191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have produced encouraging results in cancer patients. However, the majority of ß-catenin-mutated tumors have been described as lacking immune infiltrates and resistant to immunotherapy. The mechanisms by which oncogenic ß-catenin affects immune surveillance remain unclear. Herein, we highlighted the involvement of ß-catenin in the regulation of the exosomal pathway and, by extension, in immune/cancer cell communication in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We showed that mutated ß-catenin represses expression of SDC4 and RAB27A, two main actors in exosome biogenesis, in both liver cancer cell lines and HCC patient samples. Using nanoparticle tracking analysis and live-cell imaging, we further demonstrated that activated ß-catenin represses exosome release. Then, we demonstrated in 3D spheroid models that activation of β-catenin promotes a decrease in immune cell infiltration through a defect in exosome secretion. Taken together, our results provide the first evidence that oncogenic ß-catenin plays a key role in exosome biogenesis. Our study gives new insight into the impact of ß-catenin mutations on tumor microenvironment remodeling, which could lead to the development of new strategies to enhance immunotherapeutic response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Justine Vaché
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, U1312, BRICBordeauxFrance
| | - Aude Brunel
- Université de Limoges, INSERM, U1308, CAPTuRLimogesFrance
| | | | - Anne-Aurélie Raymond
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, U1312, BRICBordeauxFrance
- Plateforme OncoProt, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, TBM-Core, US5, UAR3457BordeauxFrance
| | - Jean-William Dupuy
- Plateforme OncoProt, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, TBM-Core, US5, UAR3457BordeauxFrance
- Plateforme Protéome, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux ProteomeBordeauxFrance
| | - Melina Petrel
- Bordeaux Imaging Center, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, BICBordeauxFrance
| | | | - David Perrais
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Nathalie Dugot-Senant
- Plateforme d'histologie, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, TBM-Core, US5, UAR3457BordeauxFrance
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ducatel A, Trillaud H, Reizine E, Vilgrain V, Sempoux C, Schmidt-Kobbe S, Gouw ASH, de Haas RJ, Julien C, Paradis V, Blanc JF, Chiche L, Balabaud C, Bioulac-Sage P, Frulio N. Sonic hedgehog hepatocellular adenoma: magnetic resonance imaging features and correlation with histology. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:4649-4662. [PMID: 38012454 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10344-5] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sonic hedgehog hepatocellular adenoma (shHCA) is a new hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) subgroup characterized by high risk of hemorrhage. ShHCA account for below 10% of all HCA cases and are often associated with female gender, obesity, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. No specific MRI characteristics have been described to date. The objective of this study was to assess the value of using MRI to identify shHCA, and correlate MRI findings with histology. METHODS We retrospectively collected MRI scans of 29 patients with shHCA from our center and from different liver referral centers to include 35 lesions. Diagnosis of shHCA was assessed by immunohistochemical overexpression of argininosuccinate synthase 1 or prostaglandin D2 synthase, then confirmed by molecular analysis of sonic hedgehog pathway activation and/or by proteomic analysis. RESULTS In 46% (n = 16/35) of shHCA cases, we detected intralesional fluid-filled cavities defined on MR images as fluid-like foci markedly hyperintense on T2-weighted sequences, and hypointense on T1-weighted sequences, with or without delayed enhancement. Pathologically, these cavities were observed in 54% of cases as vacuoles filled with blood at different stages of degradation. Hemorrhage and/or necrosis were detected among 71% of cases by MRI analysis (n = 25/35) versus 82% pathologically. Seventeen percent of shHCA cases (n = 6/35) were completely homogeneous via MRI and pathological analysis. No MRI criteria was found in favor of focal nodular hyperplasia, HNF1A-mutated HCA, or typical inflammatory HCA. CONCLUSION We reveal the presence of intralesional fluid-filled cavities among 46% of our shHCA cases that represent a new MRI finding possibly helpful for shHCA diagnosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT This multicenter study is the first clinical study about the radiological aspect of this new hepatocellular adenoma subgroup. This highlights a strong correlation between MRI and histological analysis, with a specific pattern emerging for diagnosis. KEY POINTS • Sonic hedgehog hepatocellular adenoma is a new hepatocellular adenoma subgroup associated with high risk of hemorrhage, but imaging features of this subgroup remain unknown. • Analysis of MR images and correlation with pathology revealed intralesional fluid-filled cavities and necrotic-hemorrhagic changes. • Intralesional fluid-filled cavities have not yet been described in other adenoma subtypes and represent a new MRI finding for sonic hedgehog hepatocellular adenoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Ducatel
- Department of Radiology, University Bordeaux Hospital, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, F-33604, Pessac, France.
| | - Hervé Trillaud
- Department of Radiology, University Bordeaux Hospital, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, F-33604, Pessac, France
| | - Edouard Reizine
- Department of Radiology, APHP Nord, Hôpital Beaujon, Université Paris Cité, Clichy, France
| | - Valérie Vilgrain
- Department of Radiology, APHP Nord, Hôpital Beaujon, Université Paris Cité, Clichy, France
| | - Christine Sempoux
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Schmidt-Kobbe
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Annette S H Gouw
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert J de Haas
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Céline Julien
- Department of Digestive Surgery, University Bordeaux Hospital, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, F-33604, Pessac, France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Department of Pathology, APHP, Université de Paris, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Jean-Frédéric Blanc
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, University Bordeaux Hospital, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, F-33604, Pessac, France
| | - Laurence Chiche
- Department of Digestive Surgery, University Bordeaux Hospital, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, F-33604, Pessac, France
| | - Charles Balabaud
- UMR 1053, University Bordeaux, INSERM, F-33076, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Nora Frulio
- Department of Radiology, University Bordeaux Hospital, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, F-33604, Pessac, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang M, Yan X, Dong Y, Li X, Gao B. From driver genes to gene families: A computational analysis of oncogenic mutations and ubiquitination anomalies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 112:108119. [PMID: 38852361 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108119] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a widespread primary liver cancer with a high fatality rate. Despite several genes with oncogenic effects in HCC have been identified, many remain undiscovered. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive computational analysis to explore the involvement of genes within the same families as known driver genes in HCC. Specifically, we expanded the concept beyond single-gene mutations to encompass gene families sharing homologous structures, integrating various omics data to comprehensively understand gene abnormalities in cancer. Our analysis identified 74 domains with an enriched mutation burden, 404 domain mutation hotspots, and 233 dysregulated driver genes. We observed that specific low-frequency somatic mutations may contribute to HCC occurrence, potentially overlooked by single-gene algorithms. Furthermore, we systematically analyzed how abnormalities in the ubiquitinated proteasome system (UPS) impact HCC, finding that abnormal genes in E3, E2, DUB families, and Degron genes often result in HCC by affecting the stability of oncogenic or tumor suppressor proteins. In conclusion, expanding the exploration of driver genes to include gene families with homologous structures emerges as a promising strategy for uncovering additional oncogenic alterations in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Faculty of Environment and Life of Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xinyue Yan
- Faculty of Environment and Life of Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yanan Dong
- Faculty of Environment and Life of Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xiaoqin Li
- Faculty of Environment and Life of Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Bin Gao
- Faculty of Environment and Life of Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Aoki T, Nishida N, Kurebayashi Y, Sakai K, Morita M, Chishina H, Takita M, Hagiwara S, Ida H, Ueshima K, Minami Y, Tsurusaki M, Nakai T, Sakamoto M, Nishio K, Kudo M. Two Distinct Characteristics of Immune Microenvironment in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Wnt/β-Catenin Mutations. Liver Cancer 2024; 13:285-305. [PMID: 38894812 PMCID: PMC11185857 DOI: 10.1159/000533818] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immunotherapy is becoming a promising approach for unresectable-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); the anti-tumor response is affected by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although Wnt/β-catenin mutations are reported to cause non-inflamed phenotype, their role on TME remains controversial. We aimed to clarify the heterogeneity of immunophenotype in HCC with Wnt/β-catenin mutations. Methods This study includes 152 resected HCCs; mutations in the catenin beta-1, adenomatous polyposis coli, or AXIN1, or AXIN2 genes were defined as Wnt/β-catenin mutations. With hierarchical cluster analyses, TME was classified into inflamed or non-inflamed classes based on the gene expressions associated with T-cell activation. Expression profiles of molecules related to cell differentiation and biliary-stem cell markers were compared between the TME classes to investigate whether differences in tumor traits were associated with TME. Results Forty of 152 (26.3%) HCCs carried the Wnt/β-catenin mutations. Of these, 33 were classified as non-inflamed (33/40, 82.5%) and 7 as inflamed (7/40, 17.5%). Non-inflamed class was characterized by low number of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells on immunostaining, and high mRNA expressions of AXIN2 and GLUL, which are involved in the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling and hepatocyte differentiation, respectively. Non-inflamed tumors showed higher enhancement on the hepatobiliary-phase of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to inflamed tumors. HCCs classified as inflamed class are revealed to have high numbers of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes on immunostaining. This class is associated with increased expression of anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule and FOXM1 accompanied by upregulation of genes related to interferon-gamma signaling, dendritic cell migration, regulatory T cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cell activation and recognized as low enhancement nodule on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. Conclusion Heterogeneity of tumor traits and TME was observed in HCC with Wnt/β-catenin mutation. The potential was indicated that tumor traits and TME are determined not only by the activation of the HNF4A but also by FOXM1, both of which are downstream transcription factor of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Aoki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Naoshi Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kurebayashi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuko Sakai
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Chishina
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Satoru Hagiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Kazuomi Ueshima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Yasunori Minami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Tsurusaki
- Department of Radiology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Takuya Nakai
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Michiie Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuto Nishio
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Scheers I, Tambucci R, De Magnee C, Pire A, Stephenne X, Reding R, Nault JC. Paediatric hepatocellular adenomas: Lessons from a systematic review of relevant literature. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101078. [PMID: 38699071 PMCID: PMC11061330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101078] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are rare benign liver tumours. Predisposing factors and complication rates appear to differ among children and adults. In the present study, we aimed to systematically characterise paediatric HCAs and determine their course, complications, and management. Medical history, clinical symptoms, imaging, histopathology, and genetics of children with HCAs were collected through a systematic and comprehensive review of the published literature. A total of 316 children with HCAs were included in the present study. HCAs were diagnosed primarily in girls (59.3%) and at a mean age of 11.5 (range 0-17.7) years. The majority (83.6%) of HCAs occurred in children with predisposing diseases, of which glycogen storage disease was the most common, followed by portosystemic shunts and MODY3 (maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 3). Each of these diseases leads to a well-defined HCA molecular pattern. A significant number of HCAs either bled (24.7%) or transformed (14.8%) over time. HCA transformation was significantly more frequent in children with portosystemic shunts and in β-catenin-mutated HCAs, while haemorrhages were more frequent in children exposed to hormones and those with larger lesions. Management was primarily guided by any predisposing conditions and the number of lesions. Therefore, vascular shunts were closed when possible, while complicated lesions were resected. Liver transplantation has made it possible to treat adenomatosis, as well as any underlying diseases. Progress in understanding genetic and/or malformative contributions, which appear to be significant in paediatric HCAs, have provided insights into tumour pathogenesis and will further guide patient surveillance and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Scheers
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc. Laboratoire de Pédiatrie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Roberto Tambucci
- Division of Pediatric Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Cliniques universitaires Saint Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catherine De Magnee
- Division of Pediatric Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Cliniques universitaires Saint Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aurore Pire
- Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006 Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Pédiatrie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xavier Stephenne
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc. Laboratoire de Pédiatrie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raymond Reding
- Division of Pediatric Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Cliniques universitaires Saint Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006 Paris, France
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Bobigny, France, University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Arias Rivera AS, Xacur Trabulce A, Brener Chaoul M, De La Rosa Abaroa MA, Padilla Longoria R. Surgical Management of a Giant Inflammatory Hepatocellular Adenoma in a Young Female. Cureus 2024; 16:e62097. [PMID: 38989373 PMCID: PMC11236435 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular adenomas are rare and benign primary neoplasms of phenotypically mature hepatocytes. Our understanding of this pathology has greatly improved due to advances in molecular and anatomic knowledge. This article provides an in-depth review of hepatic adenomas (HCA) while presenting the case of a 20-year-old patient with a giant inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma with an atypical presentation, in whom surgical intervention was performed via right hepatectomy. In the post-surgical course, the patient had an in-hospital stay of three days with no complications. During outpatient monitoring via laboratory tests and imaging at eight months, the patient did not present any trace of recurrence.
Collapse
|
10
|
Lehrich MB, Tong CLC, Hsu PKF, Kuan CE. Genomic drivers in craniopharyngiomas: Analysis of the AACR project GENIE database. Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:1661-1669. [PMID: 38421446 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06320-z] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Craniopharyngiomas are rare tumors originating in the sellar region, with limited information on their somatic mutational landscape. In this study, we utilized a publicly available genomic database to profile the somatic mutational landscape of craniopharyngioma patients and interrogate differences based on histologic subtype. METHODS We utilized the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Project Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE)® database accessed from cBioPortal (v13.1-public) to query all patients with craniopharyngiomas. RESULTS Of the 336 patients with sellar tumors, 51 (15.2%) had craniopharyngiomas. Of these 51 patients, 42 (82.4%) were adamantinomatous subtype and 9 (17.6%) were papillary subtype. In this cohort, 32 (62.7%) patients were pediatric, while 19 (37.3%) were adult. The top mutations in the cohort were: CTNNB1 (n = 37; 73%), BRAF (n = 7; 14%), ARID1B (n = 5; 10%), KMT2D (n = 4; 8%), FANCA (n = 4; 8%), ATM (n = 4; 8%), and TERT (n = 3; 8%). Of the 37 patients with CTNNB1 mutations, 8 (21.6%) had S33X, 9 (24.3%) had S37X, 7 (18.9%) had T41X, and 5 (13.5%) had D32X. In this cohort, CTNNB1 mutations tended to co-occur with ATM (n = 4; 10.8%), KMT2C (n = 4; 10.8%), TERT (n = 3; 8.1%), BLM (n = 3; 8.1%), and ERBB2/3 (n = 3; 8.1%), suggesting CTNNB1 mutations tended to co-occur with mutations in genes important in cell growth and survival, chromatin accessibility, and DNA damage response pathways. CONCLUSIONS CTNNB1 mutations account for a large proportion of somatic mutations in craniopharyngiomas. Identification of specific point mutations and secondary drivers may advance development of novel craniopharyngioma preclinical models for targeted therapy testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Brandon Lehrich
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - C L Charles Tong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York, NY, USA
| | - P K Frank Hsu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - C Edward Kuan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Schmieder S. How tumors escape the immune system. eLife 2024; 13:e97881. [PMID: 38743056 PMCID: PMC11093581 DOI: 10.7554/elife.97881] [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] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene for β-catenin cause liver cancer cells to release fewer exosomes, which reduces the number of immune cells infiltrating the tumor.
Collapse
|
12
|
Cai N, Cheng K, Ma Y, Liu S, Tao R, Li Y, Li D, Guo B, Jia W, Liang H, Zhao J, Xia L, Ding ZY, Chen J, Zhang W. Targeting MMP9 in CTNNB1 mutant hepatocellular carcinoma restores CD8 + T cell-mediated antitumour immunity and improves anti-PD-1 efficacy. Gut 2024; 73:985-999. [PMID: 38123979 PMCID: PMC11103337 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The gain of function (GOF) CTNNB1 mutations (CTNNB1 GOF ) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cause significant immune escape and resistance to anti-PD-1. Here, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of CTNNB1 GOF HCC-mediated immune escape and raise a new therapeutic strategy to enhance anti-PD-1 efficacy in HCC. DESIGN RNA sequencing was performed to identify the key downstream genes of CTNNB1 GOF associated with immune escape. An in vitro coculture system, murine subcutaneous or orthotopic models, spontaneously tumourigenic models in conditional gene-knock-out mice and flow cytometry were used to explore the biological function of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) in tumour progression and immune escape. Single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics were used to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of MMP9. RESULTS MMP9 was significantly upregulated in CTNNB1 GOF HCC. MMP9 suppressed infiltration and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells, which was critical for CTNNB1 GOF to drive the suppressive tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and anti-PD-1 resistance. Mechanistically, CTNNB1 GOF downregulated sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), resulting in promotion of β-catenin/lysine demethylase 4D (KDM4D) complex formation that fostered the transcriptional activation of MMP9. The secretion of MMP9 from HCC mediated slingshot protein phosphatase 1 (SSH1) shedding from CD8+ T cells, leading to the inhibition of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3)-mediated intracellular of G protein-coupled receptors signalling. Additionally, MMP9 blockade remodelled the TIME and potentiated the sensitivity of anti-PD-1 therapy in HCC. CONCLUSIONS CTNNB1 GOF induces a suppressive TIME by activating secretion of MMP9. Targeting MMP9 reshapes TIME and potentiates anti-PD-1 efficacy in CTNNB1 GOF HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Cai
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Cheng
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Ma
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Sha Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Tao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yani Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Danfeng Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Guo
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenlong Jia
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze-Yang Ding
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhong Chen
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanguang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bojan A, Pricop C, Ciocoiu M, Vladeanu MC, Bararu Bojan I, Badulescu OV, Badescu MC, Plesoianu CE, Halitchi DI, Foia LG. Environmental and Metabolic Risk Factors Linked to Gallbladder Dysplasia. Metabolites 2024; 14:273. [PMID: 38786750 PMCID: PMC11123122 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14050273] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Gallbladder disorders encompass a spectrum from congenital anomalies to inflammatory and neoplastic conditions, frequently requiring surgical intervention. Epithelial abnormalities like adenoma and metaplasia have the potential to progress to carcinoma, emphasizing the importance of histopathological assessment for early detection of malignancy. Gallbladder cancer (GBC) may be incidentally discovered during cholecystectomy for presumed benign conditions, underscoring the need for a thorough examination. However, the lack of clarity regarding the molecular mechanisms of GBC has impeded diagnostic and therapeutic advancements. Timely detection is crucial due to GBC's aggressive nature and poor prognosis. Chronic inflammation plays a central role in carcinogenesis, causing DNA damage and oncogenic alterations due to persistent insults. Inflammatory cytokines and microRNAs are among the various mediators contributing to this process. Gallbladder calcifications, particularly stippled ones, may signal malignancy and warrant preemptive removal. Molecular pathways involving mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes drive GBC pathogenesis, with proposed sequences such as gallstone-induced inflammation leading to carcinoma formation. Understanding these mechanisms, alongside evaluating mucin characteristics and gene mutations, can deepen comprehension of GBC's pathophysiology. This, in turn, facilitates the identification of high-risk individuals and the development of improved treatment strategies, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. Thus, in this review, our aim has been to underscore the primary mechanisms underlying the development of gallbladder dysplasia and neoplasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Bojan
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania (C.P.)
| | - Catalin Pricop
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania (C.P.)
| | - Manuela Ciocoiu
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.C.V.)
| | - Maria Cristina Vladeanu
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.C.V.)
| | - Iris Bararu Bojan
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.C.V.)
| | - Oana Viola Badulescu
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.C.V.)
| | - Minerva Codruta Badescu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.C.B.)
| | - Carmen Elena Plesoianu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.C.B.)
| | - Dan Iliescu Halitchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.C.B.)
| | - Liliana Georgeta Foia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang R, Li S, Schippers K, Li Y, Eimers B, Lavrijsen M, Wang L, Cui G, Chen X, Peppelenbosch MP, Lebbink JH, Smits R. Analysis of Tumor-Associated AXIN1 Missense Mutations Identifies Variants That Activate β-Catenin Signaling. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1443-1459. [PMID: 38359148 PMCID: PMC11063763 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2268] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
AXIN1 is a major component of the β-catenin destruction complex and is frequently mutated in various cancer types, particularly liver cancers. Truncating AXIN1 mutations are recognized to encode a defective protein that leads to β-catenin stabilization, but the functional consequences of missense mutations are not well characterized. Here, we first identified the GSK3β, β-catenin, and RGS/APC interaction domains of AXIN1 that are the most critical for proper β-catenin regulation. Analysis of 80 tumor-associated variants in these domains identified 18 that significantly affected β-catenin signaling. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that most of them lost binding to the binding partner corresponding to the mutated domain. A comprehensive protein structure analysis predicted the consequences of these mutations, which largely overlapped with the observed effects on β-catenin signaling in functional experiments. The structure analysis also predicted that loss-of-function mutations within the RGS/APC interaction domain either directly affected the interface for APC binding or were located within the hydrophobic core and destabilized the entire structure. In addition, truncated AXIN1 length inversely correlated with the β-catenin regulatory function, with longer proteins retaining more functionality. These analyses suggest that all AXIN1-truncating mutations at least partially affect β-catenin regulation, whereas this is only the case for a subset of missense mutations. Consistently, most colorectal and liver cancers carrying missense variants acquire mutations in other β-catenin regulatory genes such as APC and CTNNB1. These results will aid the functional annotation of AXIN1 mutations identified in large-scale sequencing efforts or in individual patients. SIGNIFICANCE Characterization of 80 tumor-associated missense variants of AXIN1 reveals a subset of 18 mutations that disrupt its β-catenin regulatory function, whereas the majority are passenger mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruyi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kelly Schippers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yunlong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Boaz Eimers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marla Lavrijsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Guofei Cui
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Xin Chen
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joyce H.G. Lebbink
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Oncode Institute, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiotherapy, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ziki RA, Colnot S. Glutamine metabolism, a double agent combating or fuelling hepatocellular carcinoma. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101077. [PMID: 38699532 PMCID: PMC11063524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The reprogramming of glutamine metabolism is a key event in cancer more generally and in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in particular. Glutamine consumption supplies tumours with ATP and metabolites through anaplerosis of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, while glutamine production can be enhanced by the overexpression of glutamine synthetase. In HCC, increased glutamine production is driven by activating mutations in the CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin. Increased glutamine synthesis or utilisation impacts tumour epigenetics, oxidative stress, autophagy, immunity and associated pathways, such as the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway. In this review, we will discuss studies which emphasise the pro-tumoral or tumour-suppressive effect of glutamine overproduction. It is clear that more comprehensive studies are needed as a foundation from which to develop suitable therapies targeting glutamine metabolic pathways, depending on the predicted pro- or anti-tumour role of dysregulated glutamine metabolism in distinct genetic contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Razan Abou Ziki
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), Paris, F-75006, France
- Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Sabine Colnot
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), Paris, F-75006, France
- Équipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sanceau J, Poupel L, Joubel C, Lagoutte I, Caruso S, Pinto S, Desbois-Mouthon C, Godard C, Hamimi A, Montmory E, Dulary C, Chantalat S, Roehrig A, Muret K, Saint-Pierre B, Deleuze JF, Mouillet-Richard S, Forné T, Grosset CF, Zucman-Rossi J, Colnot S, Gougelet A. DLK1/DIO3 locus upregulation by a β-catenin-dependent enhancer drives cell proliferation and liver tumorigenesis. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1125-1143. [PMID: 38311851 PMCID: PMC11163201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.036] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The CTNNB1 gene, encoding β-catenin, is frequently mutated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, ∼30%) and in hepatoblastoma (HB, >80%), in which DLK1/DIO3 locus induction is correlated with CTNNB1 mutations. Here, we aim to decipher how sustained β-catenin activation regulates DLK1/DIO3 locus expression and the role this locus plays in HB and HCC development in mouse models deleted for Apc (ApcΔhep) or Ctnnb1-exon 3 (β-cateninΔExon3) and in human CTNNB1-mutated hepatic cancer cells. We identified an enhancer site bound by TCF-4/β-catenin complexes in an open conformation upon sustained β-catenin activation (DLK1-Wnt responsive element [WRE]) and increasing DLK1/DIO3 locus transcription in β-catenin-mutated human HB and mouse models. DLK1-WRE editing by CRISPR-Cas9 approach impaired DLK1/DIO3 locus expression and slowed tumor growth in subcutaneous CTNNB1-mutated tumor cell grafts, ApcΔhep HB and β-cateninΔExon3 HCC. Tumor growth inhibition resulted either from increased FADD expression and subsequent caspase-3 cleavage in the first case or from decreased expression of cell cycle actors regulated by FoxM1 in the others. Therefore, the DLK1/DIO3 locus is an essential determinant of FoxM1-dependent cell proliferation during β-catenin-driven liver tumorigenesis. Targeting the DLK1-WRE enhancer to silence the DLK1/DIO3 locus might thus represent an interesting therapeutic strategy to restrict tumor growth in primary liver cancers with CTNNB1 mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Sanceau
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Team « Oncogenic functions of beta-catenin signaling in the liver », Équipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, F-75013 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Lucie Poupel
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Team « Oncogenic functions of beta-catenin signaling in the liver », Équipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, F-75013 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France; Inovarion, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Camille Joubel
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Team « Oncogenic functions of beta-catenin signaling in the liver », Équipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, F-75013 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Lagoutte
- University Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Stefano Caruso
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Sandra Pinto
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Team « Oncogenic functions of beta-catenin signaling in the liver », Équipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Christèle Desbois-Mouthon
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Team « Oncogenic functions of beta-catenin signaling in the liver », Équipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, F-75013 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Cécile Godard
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Team « Oncogenic functions of beta-catenin signaling in the liver », Équipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, F-75013 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Akila Hamimi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Team « Oncogenic functions of beta-catenin signaling in the liver », Équipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, F-75013 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Enzo Montmory
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Team « Oncogenic functions of beta-catenin signaling in the liver », Équipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, F-75013 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Cécile Dulary
- Centre National de Génotypage, Institut de Génomique, CEA, F-91057 Evry, France
| | - Sophie Chantalat
- Centre National de Génotypage, Institut de Génomique, CEA, F-91057 Evry, France
| | - Amélie Roehrig
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Kevin Muret
- Centre National de Génotypage, Institut de Génomique, CEA, F-91057 Evry, France
| | | | | | - Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Thierry Forné
- IGMM, University Montpellier, CNRS, F-34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Christophe F Grosset
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, Biotherapy of Genetic Diseases, Inflammatory Disorders and Cancer, BMGIC, U1035, MIRCADE team, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; University Bordeaux, INSERM, Bordeaux Institute in Oncology, BRIC, U1312, MIRCADE team, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Sabine Colnot
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Team « Oncogenic functions of beta-catenin signaling in the liver », Équipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, F-75013 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Angélique Gougelet
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France; Team « Oncogenic functions of beta-catenin signaling in the liver », Équipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, F-75013 Paris, France; APHP, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75015 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tóth M, Kirchner M, Longerich T, Stenzinger A, Schirmacher P. Integrated genotype-phenotype analysis of familial adenomatous polyposis-associated hepatocellular adenomas. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:587-595. [PMID: 37872280 PMCID: PMC11062996 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03680-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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant syndrome caused by a germline mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, characterized by numerous colorectal adenomas. In addition, FAP patients may develop extraintestinal manifestations. Several cases of hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) detected accidentally in FAP patients have raised the so-far unsolved question of whether they represent a specific manifestation of FAP or a mere coincidence. To investigate the incidence of liver tumors in FAP patients, we analyzed our diagnostic database from 1991 to 2021. Among the 58 hepatic mass lesions identified, five HCAs occurring in three patients with FAP were identified, and comprehensive morphological, immunohistological, and molecular analysis employing targeted next-generation sequencing was conducted for characterization. The HCAs in this study showed no cytological or histological atypia. They displayed a diffuse, strong positivity for glutamine synthetase but no nuclear beta-catenin immunostaining. In two patients, the adenomas showed moderate immunoreactivity against serum amyloid A. Consistent with the diagnosis of FAP, molecular profiling revealed a pathogenic germline mutation of the APC gene in all analyzed adenomas as well as deleterious somatic second hits. All somatic mutations were localized between codons 1345 and 1577. No mutations were found in the catenin beta 1 gene. HCA in FAP patients can be a specific, although rare, neoplastic manifestation of this inborn disease and represents a distinct subgroup of HCAs. These benign tumors represent an important differential diagnosis for hepatic metastases in FAP patients and require adequate clinical and molecular (diagnostic) assessments for optimal patient guidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Tóth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Martina Kirchner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Longerich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Albrecht Stenzinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wen KW, Kakar S. Hepatic Precancerous Lesions and Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2024; 53:109-132. [PMID: 38280744 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2023.11.005] [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] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
This review discusses the diagnostic challenges of diagnosing and treating precursor lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic livers. The distinction of high-grade dysplastic nodule (the primary precursor lesion in cirrhotic liver) from early HCC is emphasized based on morphologic, immunohistochemical, and genomic features. The risk factors associated with HCC in hepatocellular adenomas (precursor lesion in non-cirrhotic liver) are delineated, and the risk in different subtypes is discussed with emphasis on terminology, diagnosis, and genomic features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwun Wah Wen
- 505 Parnassus Avenue, M545, Box #0102, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Sanjay Kakar
- 505 Parnassus Avenue, M545, Box #0102, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gajos-Michniewicz A, Czyz M. WNT/β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: The aberrant activation, pathogenic roles, and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2024; 11:727-746. [PMID: 37692481 PMCID: PMC10491942 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver cancer, highly heterogeneous both at the histopathological and molecular levels. It arises from hepatocytes as the result of the accumulation of numerous genomic alterations in various signaling pathways, including canonical WNT/β-catenin, AKT/mTOR, MAPK pathways as well as signaling associated with telomere maintenance, p53/cell cycle regulation, epigenetic modifiers, and oxidative stress. The role of WNT/β-catenin signaling in liver homeostasis and regeneration is well established, whereas in development and progression of HCC is extensively studied. Herein, we review recent advances in our understanding of how WNT/β-catenin signaling facilitates the HCC development, acquisition of stemness features, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. We outline genetic and epigenetic alterations that lead to activated WNT/β-catenin signaling in HCC. We discuss the pivotal roles of CTNNB1 mutations, aberrantly expressed non-coding RNAs and complexity of crosstalk between WNT/β-catenin signaling and other signaling pathways as challenging or advantageous aspects of therapy development and molecular stratification of HCC patients for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gajos-Michniewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-215, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-215, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Longerich T, Stenzinger A, Schirmacher P. Molecular diagnostics of hepatobiliary and pancreatic neoplasias. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:263-272. [PMID: 38429607 PMCID: PMC10948571 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-024-03744-5] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Neoplasias of the hepatopancreatobiliary tract are growing in numbers, have the poorest prognosis of all major cancer entities, and thus represent a rising clinical problem. Their molecular diagnostic has dramatically improved, contributing to tumor subtyping, definition of malignancy, and uncovering cases with hereditary predisposition. Most of all, predictive molecular testing allows to identify cases amenable to treatment with the rising number of approved targeted drugs, immune-oncological treatment, and clinical trials. In this review, the current state of molecular testing and its contribution to clinical decision-making are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Longerich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A Stenzinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - P Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Di Tommaso S, Dourthe C, Dupuy JW, Dugot-Senant N, Cappellen D, Cazier H, Paradis V, Blanc JF, Le Bail B, Balabaud C, Bioulac-Sage P, Saltel F, Raymond AA. Spatial characterisation of β-catenin-mutated hepatocellular adenoma subtypes by proteomic profiling of the tumour rim. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100913. [PMID: 38304236 PMCID: PMC10831953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100913] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are rare, benign, liver tumours classified at the clinicopathological, genetic, and proteomic levels. The β-catenin-activated (b-HCA) subtypes harbour several mutation types in the β-catenin gene (CTNNB1) associated with different risks of malignant transformation or bleeding. Glutamine synthetase is a surrogate marker of β-catenin pathway activation associated with the risk of malignant transformation. Recently, we revealed an overexpression of glutamine synthetase in the rims of exon 3 S45-mutated b-HCA and exon 7/8-mutated b-HCA compared with the rest of the tumour. A difference in vascularisation was found in this rim shown by diffuse CD34 staining only at the tumour centre. Here, we aimed to characterise this tumour heterogeneity to better understand its physiopathological involvement. Methods Using mass spectrometry imaging, genetic, and proteomic analyses combined with laser capture microdissection, we compared the tumour centre with the tumour rim and with adjacent non-tumoural tissue. Results The tumour rim harboured the same mutation as the tumour centre, meaning both parts belong to the same tumour. Mass spectrometry imaging showed different spectral profiles between the rim and the tumour centre. Proteomic profiling revealed the significant differential expression of 40 proteins at the rim compared with the tumour centre. The majority of these proteins were associated with metabolism, with an expression profile comparable with a normal perivenous hepatocyte expression profile. Conclusions The difference in phenotype between the tumour centres and tumour rims of exon 3 S45-mutated b-HCA and exon 7/8-mutated b-HCA does not depend on CTNNB1 mutational status. In a context of sinusoidal arterial pathology, tumour heterogeneity at the rim harbours perivenous characteristics and could be caused by a functional peripheral venous drainage. Impact and implications Tumour heterogeneity was revealed in β-catenin-mutated hepatocellular adenomas (b-HCAs) via the differential expression of glutamine synthase at tumour rims. The combination of several spatial approaches (mass spectrometry imaging, genetic, and proteomic analyses) after laser capture microdissection allowed identification of a potential role for peripheral venous drainage underlying this difference. Through this study, we were able to illustrate that beyond a mutational context, many factors can downstream regulate gene expression and contribute to different clinicopathological phenotypes. We believe that the combinations of spatial analyses that we used could be inspiring for all researchers wanting to access heterogeneity information of liver tumours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvaine Di Tommaso
- Université Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1312 BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), Bordeaux, France
- Oncoprot Platform, TBM-Core US 005, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cyril Dourthe
- Université Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1312 BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), Bordeaux, France
- Oncoprot Platform, TBM-Core US 005, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | - David Cappellen
- Université Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1312 BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), Bordeaux, France
- Bordeaux University Hospital Center, Tumor Bank and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Pessac, France
| | - Hélène Cazier
- Pathology Department, Henri Mondor AP-HP Hospital, Créteil, France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Pathology Department, Henri Mondor AP-HP Hospital, Créteil, France
| | - Jean-Frédéric Blanc
- Université Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1312 BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), Bordeaux, France
- Department of Hepatology and Oncology, Bordeaux University Hospital, INSERM CIC 1401, Bordeaux, France
| | - Brigitte Le Bail
- Université Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1312 BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), Bordeaux, France
- Pathology Department, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Charles Balabaud
- Université Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1312 BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), Bordeaux, France
| | - Paulette Bioulac-Sage
- Université Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1312 BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), Bordeaux, France
| | - Frédéric Saltel
- Université Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1312 BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), Bordeaux, France
- Oncoprot Platform, TBM-Core US 005, Bordeaux, France
| | - Anne-Aurélie Raymond
- Université Bordeaux, Inserm UMR1312 BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), Bordeaux, France
- Oncoprot Platform, TBM-Core US 005, Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Liu F, Wu Y, Zhang B, Yang S, Shang K, Li J, Zhang P, Deng W, Chen L, Zheng L, Gai X, Zhang H. Oncogenic β-catenin-driven liver cancer is susceptible to methotrexate-mediated disruption of nucleotide synthesis. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:181-189. [PMID: 37612257 PMCID: PMC10798734 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002816] [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: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is largely resistant to chemotherapy. This study aimed to identify the effective chemotherapeutics for β-catenin-activated liver cancer which is caused by gain-of-function mutation of catenin beta 1 ( CTNNB1 ), the most frequently altered proto-oncogene in hepatic neoplasms. METHODS Constitutive β-catenin-activated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were established by deleting exon 3 ( β-catenin Δ(ex3)/+ ), the most common mutation site in CTNNB1 gene. A screening of 12 widely used chemotherapy drugs was conducted for the ones that selectively inhibited β-catenin Δ(ex3)/+ but not for wild-type MEFs. Untargeted metabolomics was carried out to examine the alterations of metabolites in nucleotide synthesis. The efficacy and selectivity of methotrexate (MTX) on β-catenin-activated human liver cancer cells were determined in vitro . Immuno-deficient nude mice subcutaneously inoculated with β-catenin wild-type or mutant liver cancer cells and hepatitis B virus ( HBV ); β-catenin lox(ex3)/+ mice were used, respectively, to evaluate the efficacy of MTX in the treatment of β-catenin mutant liver cancer. RESULTS MTX was identified and validated as a preferential agent against the proliferation and tumor formation of β-catenin-activated cells. Boosted nucleotide synthesis was the major metabolic aberration in β-catenin-active cells, and this alteration was also the target of MTX. Moreover, MTX abrogated hepatocarcinogenesis of HBV ; β-catenin lox(ex3)/+ mice, which stimulated concurrent Ctnnb1- activated mutation and HBV infection in liver cancer. CONCLUSION MTX is a promising chemotherapeutic agent for β-catenin hyperactive liver cancer. Since repurposing MTX has the advantages of lower risk, shorter timelines, and less investment in drug discovery and development, a clinical trial is warranted to test its efficacy in the treatment of β-catenin mutant liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangming Liu
- Department of Physiology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yuting Wu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Baohui Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
| | - Shuhui Yang
- Department of Physiology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Kezhuo Shang
- Department of Physiology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Physiology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Pengju Zhang
- Department of Physiology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Weiwei Deng
- Department of Physiology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Linlin Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Liang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Ministry of Health, Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xiaochen Gai
- Department of Physiology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chen J, Zhang L, Lu CH, Xu CZ. Exploration of Key Genes Combining with Immune Infiltration Level andTumor Mutational Burden in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2024; 27:2110-2124. [PMID: 38213141 DOI: 10.2174/0113862073239916231023053142] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy due to its heterogeneity and aggressive behavior. Recently, somatic mutations and tumor cell interactions with the surrounding tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) have been reported to participate in HCC carcinogenesis and predict HCC progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between tumor mutational burden (TMB) and TIME in HCC. Additionally, we sought to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with HCC prognosis and progression. METHODS The expression, clinical, and mutational data were downloaded from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. The immune infiltration levels and TMB levels of the HCC samples were estimated and the samples were divided into immune cluster (ICR)-1 and 2 based on immune infiltration score and high and low TMB groups based on TMB score. Thereafter, differential gene expression analysis was conducted to identify the DEGs in the ICR1/2 and high/low TMB groups, and the intersecting DEGs were selected. Thereafter, Cox regression analysis was performed on 89 significant DEGs, among which 19 were associated with prognosis. These 19 DEGs were then used to construct a prognostic model based on their expression levels and regression coefficients. Thereafter, we analyzed the DEGs in mutant and wildtype TP53 HCC samples and identified high BCL10 and TRAF3 expression in the mutant TP53 samples. BCL10 and TRAF3 expression was detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR and immunohistochemistry, and their clinical correlation, biological function, and immune infiltration levels were analyzed by chi-square analyses, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and "ssGSEA", respectively. RESULTS The results of our study revealed that immune infiltration level was correlated with TMB and that they synergistically predicted poor prognosis of HCC patients. DEGs enriched in immune-related pathways could serve as indicators of immunotherapy response in HCC. Among these DEGs, BCL10 and TRAF3 were highly expressed in HCC tissues, especially in the mutant TP53 group, and they co-operatively exhibited immunological function, thereby affecting HCC progression and prognosis. CONCLUSION In this study, we identified BCL10 and TRAF3 as potential prognostic indicators in HCC patients. Additionally, we found that BCL10 and TRAF3 influence TMB and TIME in HCC patients and can be used for the development of immune-based therapies for improving the long-term survival of HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Cui-Hua Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chen-Zhou Xu
- The First Hospital of Jiaxing Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Iwabuchi S, Takahashi K, Kawaguchi K, Nagatsu A, Imafuku T, Shichino S, Matsushima K, Taketomi A, Honda M, Hashimoto S. Phospholipase A2 Group IIA Is Associated with Inflammatory Hepatocellular Adenoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:159. [PMID: 38201587 PMCID: PMC10778238 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010159] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Although benign hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) are very rare, recent observations have shown their occurrence in patients with diabetes mellitus. Consequently, most of these cases are treated by resection due to concerns regarding their potential progression to hepatocarcinoma (HCC). This decision is largely driven by the limited number of studies on HCC subtyping and the lack of molecular and biological insights into the carcinogenic potential of benign tumors. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the subtype classification of HCA and to compare and analyze gene expression profiling between HCA and HCC tissues. One fresh inflammatory HCA (I-HCA), three non-B non-C HCCs, two hepatitis B virus-HCCs, and one normal liver tissue sample were subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Comparative analysis of scRNA-seq among different tissues showed that phospholipase A2 group IIA (PLA2G2A) mRNA was specifically expressed in I-HCA, following RNA-seq analysis in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from other HCAs. Immunohistochemistry using the PLA2G2A antibody in these tissues indicated that the positive reaction was mainly observed in hepatocytes of I-HCAs and stromal cells surrounding the tumor tissue in HCC were also stained. According to a clinical database, PLA2G2A expression in HCC does not correlate with poor prognosis. This finding may potentially help develop a new definition for I-HCA, resulting in a significant clinical contribution, but it requires validation with other fresh HCA samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadahiro Iwabuchi
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Wakayama 641-0011, Japan; (S.I.)
| | - Kenta Takahashi
- Department of Human Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kawaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Ishikawa, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
| | - Akihisa Nagatsu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido, Sapporo 060-8648, Japan
| | - Tadashi Imafuku
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Wakayama 641-0011, Japan; (S.I.)
| | - Shigeyuki Shichino
- Division of Molecular Regulation of Inflammatory and Immune Disease, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Noda 278-8510, Japan
| | - Kouji Matsushima
- Division of Molecular Regulation of Inflammatory and Immune Disease, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Noda 278-8510, Japan
| | - Akinobu Taketomi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido, Sapporo 060-8648, Japan
| | - Masao Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Ishikawa, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Wakayama 641-0011, Japan; (S.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Umetsu SE, Joseph NM, Cho SJ, Morotti R, Deshpande V, Jain D, Kakar S. Focal nodular hyperplasia-like nodules arising in the setting of hepatic vascular disorders with portosystemic shunting show β-catenin activation. Hum Pathol 2023; 142:20-26. [PMID: 37806391 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.09.010] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular nodules can develop in the setting of chronic hepatic vascular disorders including those characterized by portosystemic shunts such as Abernethy malformation and post-Fontan procedure. The nodules can range from benign lesions such as regenerative nodules, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) to malignant neoplasms such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In many instances, these nodules are difficult to place into well-defined categories based on radiologic or histologic features. Nodular lesions that resemble FNH are common in this context and have been described as FNH-like nodules, the nature of which is not well-established. This study examines 6 liver resections from patients with vascular disease characterized by portosystemic shunts. A wide range of nodules were present in these cases, including regenerative nodules (n = 2), FNH and FNH-like (n = 30), HCA (n = 10), HCA-like (n = 13), and HCC (n = 2). Six nodules from 3 patients were categorized as FNH-like due to one or more features such as nodular architecture, fibrous septa, and ductular reaction, but lack of typical map-like glutamine synthetase (GS) staining. Further characterization of these 6 FNH-like nodules showed diffuse GS staining in all nodules (3 diffuse homogeneous, 3 diffuse heterogeneous). Targeted next-generation sequencing identified CTNNB1 alterations in all tested FNH-like nodules (n = 4). These results indicate that FNH-like nodules in the setting of chronic hepatic vascular disorders can be neoplastic. Since the presence of β-catenin activation portends a potential risk for malignant progression, GS and β-catenin immunohistochemistry should be obtained in all cases showing FNH-like morphology, with molecular analysis performed in cases with indeterminate staining pattern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Umetsu
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Nancy M Joseph
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Soo-Jin Cho
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | | | - Vikram Deshpande
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Dhanpat Jain
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Sanjay Kakar
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bucurica S, Lupanciuc M, Ionita-Radu F, Stefan I, Munteanu AE, Anghel D, Jinga M, Gaman EL. Estrobolome and Hepatocellular Adenomas-Connecting the Dots of the Gut Microbial β-Glucuronidase Pathway as a Metabolic Link. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16034. [PMID: 38003224 PMCID: PMC10671049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular adenomas are benign endothelial tumors of the liver, mostly associated with female individual users of estrogen-containing medications. However, the precise factors underlying the selective development of hepatic adenomas in certain females remain elusive. Additionally, the conventional profile of individuals prone to hepatic adenoma is changing. Notably, male patients exhibit a higher risk of malignant progression of hepatocellular adenomas, and there are instances where hepatic adenomas have no identifiable cause. In this paper, we theorize the role of the human gastrointestinal microbiota, specifically, of bacterial species producing β-glucuronidase enzymes, in the development of hepatic adenomas through the estrogen recycling pathway. Furthermore, we aim to address some of the existing gaps in our knowledge of pathophysiological pathways which are not yet subject to research or need to be studied further. As microbial β-glucuronidases proteins recycle estrogen and facilitate the conversion of inactive estrogen into its active form, this process results in elevated levels of unbound plasmatic estrogen, leading to extended exposure to estrogen. We suggest that an imbalance in the estrobolome could contribute to sex hormone disease evolution and, consequently, to the advancement of hepatocellular adenomas, which are estrogen related.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandica Bucurica
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Lupanciuc
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Florentina Ionita-Radu
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ion Stefan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Medico-Surgical and Prophylactic Disciplines, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania; (A.E.M.); (D.A.)
| | - Alice Elena Munteanu
- Department of Medico-Surgical and Prophylactic Disciplines, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania; (A.E.M.); (D.A.)
- Department of Cardiology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Anghel
- Department of Medico-Surgical and Prophylactic Disciplines, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania; (A.E.M.); (D.A.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Jinga
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Elena Laura Gaman
- Department of Biochemistry, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhang SL, Wang HL. Ancillary tests for hepatobiliary neoplasms: what we know and what we need to know. Hum Pathol 2023; 141:183-200. [PMID: 36775105 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.02.001] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Ancillary tests are commonly used in the surgical pathology setting for diagnosing challenging neoplastic diseases of the liver and biliary tract, while histology and clinical correlation remain to be critically important. With continuous discoveries, more and more useful ancillary tests have become available, which can help distinguish between malignant and benign hepatocellular neoplasms, malignant and benign biliary tract entities, and intrahepatic and metastatic carcinomas. This review will focus on existing and emerging biomarkers (such as glutamine synthetase, organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3, insulin-like growth factor-II mRNA binding protein-3, S100P, SMAD4, enhancer of zeste homolog 2, albumin, hepatocyte nuclear factor-1β, etc.) that can be used for the diagnosis, classification and prognostication of hepatobiliary neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine and Ronald Reagan Medical Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Hanlin L Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine and Ronald Reagan Medical Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
López-Pérez A, Remeseiro S, Hörnblad A. Diet-induced rewiring of the Wnt gene regulatory network connects aberrant splicing to fatty liver and liver cancer in DIAMOND mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18666. [PMID: 37907668 PMCID: PMC10618177 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45614-1] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Several preclinical models have been recently developed for metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but comprehensive analysis of the regulatory and transcriptional landscapes underlying disease in these models are still missing. We investigated the regulatory and transcriptional landscape in fatty livers and liver tumours from DIAMOND mice that faithfully mimic human HCC development in the context of MAFLD. RNA-sequencing and ChIP-sequencing revealed rewiring of the Wnt/β-catenin regulatory network in DIAMOND tumours, as manifested by chromatin remodelling and associated switching in the expression of the canonical TCF/LEF downstream effectors. We identified splicing as a major mechanism leading to constitutive oncogenic activation of β-catenin in a large subset of DIAMOND tumours, a mechanism that is independent on somatic mutations in the locus and that has not been previously shown. Similar splicing events were found in a fraction of human HCC and hepatoblastoma samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana López-Pérez
- Umeå Centre for Molecular Medicine (UCMM), Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Silvia Remeseiro
- Umeå Centre for Molecular Medicine (UCMM), Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Andreas Hörnblad
- Umeå Centre for Molecular Medicine (UCMM), Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Soon GST, Yasir S, Jain D, Kakar S, Wu TT, Yeh MM, Torbenson MS, Chen ZE. CRP Versus SAA for Identification of Inflammatory Hepatic Adenomas. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2023; 31:590-595. [PMID: 37698958 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000001155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Subtyping hepatic adenomas is important for patient management due to differing complication risks. Immunohistochemical staining with C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid-A (SAA) is widely accepted as a surrogate for molecular classification to identify inflammatory hepatocellular adenomas. Limited data, however, has been published on how these 2 stains compare for sensitivity. We conducted a large, multicenter, retrospective study to examine the sensitivity and staining characteristics of CRP and SAA in inflammatory hepatic adenomas, with focal nodular hyperplasia (FNHs) as a control group. Inflammatory adenomas were identified in 133 patients (average age 37 years, 109 were female). In all, 69.9% of cases were resection specimens and 90.2% of all cases showed positive staining for both CRP and SAA; 10 (7.5%) were positive for CRP only and 3 (2.3%) were positive for SAA only. CRP was more sensitive than SAA (97.74% vs. 92.48%, P -value = 0.0961) and showed more extensive and intense staining, with a significantly higher modified H-score ( P <0.001). Focal nodular hyperplasia can also show positive CRP and SAA staining but with a lower modified H-score ( P <0.0001). Based on beta-catenin and glutamine synthetase staining, 26 of inflammatory adenomas also had beta-catenin activation (19.5%). All 3 cases with positive SAA and negative CRP staining were beta-catenin activated. In contrast, the proportion of cases that were CRP positive and SAA negative was similar regardless of beta-catenin activation. The data affirms the strategy of using both CRP and SAA immunostains for hepatic adenoma subtyping and raises the awareness of the highly variable nature of SAA staining characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gwyneth S T Soon
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Saba Yasir
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Dhanpat Jain
- Department of Pathology, Yale University Medical Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Sanjay Kakar
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
| | - Tsung-Teh Wu
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Matthew M Yeh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ugonabo O, Udoh UAS, Rajan PK, Reeves H, Arcand C, Nakafuku Y, Joshi T, Finley R, Pierre SV, Sanabria JR. The Current Status of the Liver Liquid Biopsy in MASH Related HCC: Overview and Future Directions. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1369. [PMID: 37759769 PMCID: PMC10526956 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is one of the major risk factors for chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The incidence of MASH in Western countries continues to rise, driving HCC as the third cause of cancer-related death worldwide. HCC has become a major global health challenge, partly from the obesity epidemic promoting metabolic cellular disturbances but also from the paucity of biomarkers for its early detection. Over 50% of HCC cases are clinically present at a late stage, where curative measures are no longer beneficial. Currently, there is a paucity of both specific and sensitive biological markers for the early-stage detection of HCC. The search for biological markers in the diagnosis of early HCC in high-risk populations is intense. We described the potential role of surrogates for a liver biopsy in the screening and monitoring of patients at risk for nesting HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Onyinye Ugonabo
- Department of Medicine, Marshall University School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (O.U.); (T.J.)
| | - Utibe-Abasi Sunday Udoh
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25703, USA; (U.-A.S.U.); (P.K.R.); (Y.N.); (S.V.P.)
- Department of Surgery, Marshall University School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (H.R.); (C.A.); (R.F.)
| | - Pradeep Kumar Rajan
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25703, USA; (U.-A.S.U.); (P.K.R.); (Y.N.); (S.V.P.)
- Department of Surgery, Marshall University School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (H.R.); (C.A.); (R.F.)
| | - Heather Reeves
- Department of Surgery, Marshall University School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (H.R.); (C.A.); (R.F.)
| | - Christina Arcand
- Department of Surgery, Marshall University School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (H.R.); (C.A.); (R.F.)
| | - Yuto Nakafuku
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25703, USA; (U.-A.S.U.); (P.K.R.); (Y.N.); (S.V.P.)
- Department of Surgery, Marshall University School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (H.R.); (C.A.); (R.F.)
| | - Tejas Joshi
- Department of Medicine, Marshall University School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (O.U.); (T.J.)
| | - Rob Finley
- Department of Surgery, Marshall University School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (H.R.); (C.A.); (R.F.)
| | - Sandrine V. Pierre
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25703, USA; (U.-A.S.U.); (P.K.R.); (Y.N.); (S.V.P.)
| | - Juan Ramon Sanabria
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25703, USA; (U.-A.S.U.); (P.K.R.); (Y.N.); (S.V.P.)
- Department of Surgery, Marshall University School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (H.R.); (C.A.); (R.F.)
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolomic Core Facility, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Poté N, Caruso S, Caderaro J, Cauchy F, Lagadec F, Couchy G, Raffenne J, Augustin J, Vernuccio F, Vilgrain V, Hercent A, Theou-Anton N, Zucman-Rossi J, Paradis V. Borderline Hepatocellular Adenomas: A Practical Diagnostic Approach Based on Pathologic and Molecular Features. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100211. [PMID: 37169258 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100211] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Borderline hepatocellular adenomas (BL-HCA) are characterized by focal architectural/cytologic atypia and reticulin loss, features that are insufficient for a definitive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The diagnosis and management of BL-HCA are challenging as their biological behavior, especially in terms of malignant potential, is still debated. We aimed to compare the clinicopathologic and molecular features of BL-HCA with those of typical HCA (T-HCA), HCA with malignant transformation (HCC on HCA), and HCC to assess the risk of malignancy. One hundred six liver resection specimens were retrospectively selected from 2 reference centers, including 39 BL-HCA, 42 T-HCA, 12 HCC on HCA, and 13 HCC specimens. Somatic mutations, including TERT promoter mutations associated with HCA malignant transformation and the gene expression levels of 96 genes, were investigated in 93 frozen samples. Additionally, TERT promoter mutations were investigated in 44 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples. The clinical features of patients with BL-HCA were similar to those of patients with T-HCA, patients being mainly women (69%) with a median age of 37 years. The median tumor size was 7.5 cm, 64% of patients had a single nodule, and no recurrence was observed. Compared with T-HCA, BL-HCA was significantly enriched in β-catenin-mutated HCA in exon 3 (41% vs 6%; P < .001). Unsupervised statistical analysis based on gene expression showed that BL-HCA overlapped with T-HCA and HCC on HCA, favoring a molecular continuum of the tumors. TERT promoter mutations were observed only in HCC on HCA (42%) and in HCC (38%). In conclusion, these results suggest that despite their worrisome morphologic features, the clinicopathologic and molecular features of BL-HCA are much closer to those of T-HCA than those of HCC on HCA or HCC. This strongly supports the usefulness of combining morphologic and molecular analyses in a practical diagnostic approach for guiding the management of BL-HCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Poté
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-1149, Paris, France; Department of Pathology, Beaujon Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy, France.
| | - Stefano Caruso
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université-Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Paris, France; Team Fungest, Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex immuno-Oncology, Paris, France
| | - Julien Caderaro
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France; Team 18, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM UMR-955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - François Cauchy
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Beaujon Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy, France
| | - Floriane Lagadec
- Department of Pathology, Beaujon Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy, France
| | - Gabrielle Couchy
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université-Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Paris, France; Team Fungest, Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex immuno-Oncology, Paris, France
| | | | - Jeremy Augustin
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Federica Vernuccio
- Department of Radiology, Beaujon Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy, France
| | - Valérie Vilgrain
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-1149, Paris, France; Department of Radiology, Beaujon Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy, France
| | - Agathe Hercent
- Department of Genetics, Bichat Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Theou-Anton
- Department of Genetics, Bichat Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université-Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Paris, France; Team Fungest, Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex immuno-Oncology, Paris, France; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-1149, Paris, France; Department of Pathology, Beaujon Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy, France
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Umetsu SE, Kakar S. Evaluating Liver Biopsies with Well-Differentiated Hepatocellular Lesions. Surg Pathol Clin 2023; 16:581-598. [PMID: 37536890 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2023.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Needle core biopsies of liver lesions can be challenging, particularly in cases with limited material. The differential diagnosis for well-differentiated hepatocellular lesions includes focal nodular hyperplasia, hepatocellular adenoma, and well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in noncirrhotic liver, while dysplastic nodules and well-differentiated HCC are the primary considerations in cirrhotic liver. The first part of this review focuses on histochemical and immunohistochemical stains as well as molecular assays that are useful in the differential diagnosis. The second portion describes the features of hepatocellular adenoma subtypes and focuses on the differential diagnoses in commonly encountered clinicopathologic scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Umetsu
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0102, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Sanjay Kakar
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0102, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ye Y, Yu B, Wang H, Yi F. Glutamine metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1242059. [PMID: 37635935 PMCID: PMC10452011 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1242059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal disease with limited management strategies and poor prognosis. Metabolism alternations have been frequently unveiled in HCC, including glutamine metabolic reprogramming. The components of glutamine metabolism, such as glutamine synthetase, glutamate dehydrogenase, glutaminase, metabolites, and metabolite transporters, are validated to be potential biomarkers of HCC. Increased glutamine consumption is confirmed in HCC, which fuels proliferation by elevated glutamate dehydrogenase or upstream signals. Glutamine metabolism also serves as a nitrogen source for amino acid or nucleotide anabolism. In addition, more glutamine converts to glutathione as an antioxidant in HCC to protect HCC cells from oxidative stress. Moreover, glutamine metabolic reprogramming activates the mTORC signaling pathway to support tumor cell proliferation. Glutamine metabolism targeting therapy includes glutamine deprivation, related enzyme inhibitors, and transporters inhibitors. Together, glutamine metabolic reprogramming plays a pivotal role in HCC identification, proliferation, and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Ye
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bodong Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, China
| | - Fengming Yi
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bakrania A, To J, Zheng G, Bhat M. Targeting Wnt-β-Catenin Signaling Pathway for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Nanomedicine. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2023; 2:948-963. [PMID: 39130774 PMCID: PMC11307499 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a high-fatality cancer with a 5-year survival of 22%. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway presents as one of the most upregulated pathways in HCC. However, it has so far not been targetable in the clinical setting. Therefore, studying new targets of this signaling cascade from a therapeutic aspect could enable reversal, delay, or prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis. Although enormous advancement has been achieved in HCC research and its therapeutic management, since HCC often occurs in the context of other liver diseases such as cirrhosis leading to liver dysfunction and/or impaired drug metabolism, the current therapies face the challenge of safely and effectively delivering drugs to the HCC tumor site. In this review, we discuss how a targeted nano drug delivery system could help minimize the off-target toxicities of conventional HCC therapies as well as enhance treatment efficacy. We also put forward the current challenges in HCC nanomedicine along with some potential therapeutic targets from the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway that could be used for HCC therapy. Overall, this review will provide an insight to the current advances, limitations and how HCC nanomedicine could change the landscape of some of the undruggable targets in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bakrania
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey To
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Sciences, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ahadova A, Stenzinger A, Seppälä T, Hüneburg R, Kloor M, Bläker H. A "Two-in-One Hit" Model of Shortcut Carcinogenesis in MLH1 Lynch Syndrome Carriers. Gastroenterology 2023; 165:267-270.e4. [PMID: 36907525 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aysel Ahadova
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Albrecht Stenzinger
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Toni Seppälä
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland; Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Department of Surgery, Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Robert Hüneburg
- National Center for Hereditary Tumor Syndromes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Hendrik Bläker
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Jiao J, Finberg KE, Jain D, Morotti R. Hepatocellular Adenoma: Report of 2 Cases That Highlight the Relevance of Phenotype-Genotype Correlation in the Pediatric Population. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2023; 26:394-403. [PMID: 37334553 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231175426] [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] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) in the pediatric population is very rare and there are only limited studies, especially with molecular characterization of the tumors. Main HCA subtypes recognized in the current WHO classification include HNF1A-inactivated HCA (H-HCA), inflammatory HCA (IHCA), β-catenin-activated HCA (b-HCA), and β-catenin-activated IHCA (b-IHCA) and sonic hedgehog HCA (shHCA) is reported as an emerging subtype. METHODS Clinical history, pathological information, and molecular studies for a series of 2 cases of pediatric HCA were reviewed. RESULTS Case 1 was a b-HCA characterized by somatic CTNNB1 S45 mutation in a 11-year-old male with Abernethy malformation. Case 2 was a H-HCA characterized by germline HNF1A variant (c.526+1G>A) in a 15-year-old male associated with maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 3 (MODY3). CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the rarity of these 2 cases associated with adenomatosis, and the contribution of molecular/genetic analysis for proper sub-typing, prognosis and family surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Jiao
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Karin E Finberg
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dhanpat Jain
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Raffaella Morotti
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pospieszna J, Dams-Kozlowska H, Udomsak W, Murias M, Kucinska M. Unmasking the Deceptive Nature of Cancer Stem Cells: The Role of CD133 in Revealing Their Secrets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10910. [PMID: 37446085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, and its complexity poses a significant challenge to effective treatment. Cancer stem cells and their markers have become key players in tumor growth and progression. CD133, a marker in various cancer types, is an active research area as a potential therapeutic target. This article explores the role of CD133 in cancer treatment, beginning with an overview of cancer statistics and an explanation of cancer stem cells and their markers. The rise of CD133 is discussed, including its structure, functions, and occurrence in different cancer types. Furthermore, the article covers CD133 as a therapeutic target, focusing on gene therapy, immunotherapy, and approaches to affect CD133 expression. Nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles and nanoliposomes are also discussed in the context of CD133-targeted therapy. In conclusion, CD133 is a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. As research in this area progresses, it is hoped that CD133-targeted therapies will offer new and effective treatment options for cancer patients in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pospieszna
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Street, 10 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
| | - Hanna Dams-Kozlowska
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 15 Garbary Street, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Diagnostics and Cancer Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 15 Garbary Street, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
| | - Wachirawit Udomsak
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Street, 10 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Murias
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Street, 10 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 10 Street, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Kucinska
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 30 Dojazd Street, 10 Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego Street, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kopystecka A, Patryn R, Leśniewska M, Budzyńska J, Kozioł I. The Use of ctDNA in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119342. [PMID: 37298294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in medicine, it is still a cancer with a very poor prognosis. Both imaging and liver biopsy still have important limitations, especially in very small nodules and those which show atypical imaging features. In recent years, liquid biopsy and molecular analysis of tumor breakdown products have become an attractive source of new biomarkers. Patients with liver and biliary malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), may greatly benefit from ctDNA testing. These patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease, and relapses are common. Molecular analysis may indicate the best cancer treatment tailored to particular patients with specific tumor DNA mutations. Liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive technique that facilitates the early detection of cancer. This review summarizes the knowledge of ctDNA in liquid biopsy as an indicator for early diagnosis and monitoring of hepatocellular cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kopystecka
- Students' Scientific Circle on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Rafał Patryn
- Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Leśniewska
- Students' Scientific Circle on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Julia Budzyńska
- Students' Scientific Circle on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ilona Kozioł
- Students' Scientific Circle on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Haefliger S, Hench J, O'Rourke CJ, Meyer-Schaller N, Uzun S, Saldarriaga J, Weber A, Mazzucchelli L, Jermann P, Frank S, Andersen JB, Terracciano L, Sempoux C, Matter MS. Genetic and epigenetic analysis of hepatocellular adenomas with atypical morphological features. Histopathology 2023; 82:722-730. [PMID: 36583256 DOI: 10.1111/his.14858] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rare liver tumour, which can have atypical morphological features such as cytological atypia, pseudoglandular architecture, and altered reticulin framework. Little is known about the genetic and epigenetic alterations of such HCAs and whether they show the alterations classically found in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or in HCA without atypical morphology. METHODS We analysed five HCAs with atypical morphological features and one HCA with transition to HCC. Every tumour was subtyped by immunohistochemistry, sequenced by a targeted NGS panel, and analysed on a DNA methylation microarray. RESULTS Subtyping of the five HCAs with atypical features revealed two β-catenin mutated HCA (b-HCA), two β-catenin mutated inflammatory HCA (b-IHCA), and one sonic hedgehog activated HCA (shHCA). None of them showed mutations typically found in HCC, such as, e.g. TERT or TP53 mutations. The epigenomic pattern of HCAs with atypical morphological features clustered with reference data for HCAs without atypical morphological features but not with HCC. Similarly, phyloepigenetic trees using the DNA methylation data reproducibly showed that HCAs with morphological atypia are much more similar to nonmalignant samples than to malignant samples. Finally, atypical HCAs showed no relevant copy number variations (CNV). CONCLUSION In our series, mutational, DNA methylation, as well as CNV analyses, supported a relationship of atypical HCAs with nonatypical HCAs rather than with HCC. Therefore, in cases with difficult differential diagnosis between HCC and HCA, it might be advisable to perform targeted sequencing and/or combined methylation/copy number profiling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Haefliger
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Juergen Hench
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Colm J O'Rourke
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Nathalie Meyer-Schaller
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sarp Uzun
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joan Saldarriaga
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Achim Weber
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Philip Jermann
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Frank
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Christine Sempoux
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthias S Matter
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mou H, Eskiocak O, Özler KA, Gorman M, Yue J, Jin Y, Wang Z, Gao Y, Janowitz T, Meyer HV, Yu T, Wilkinson JE, Kucukural A, Ozata DM, Beyaz S. CRISPR-induced exon skipping of β-catenin reveals tumorigenic mutants driving distinct subtypes of liver cancer. J Pathol 2023; 259:415-427. [PMID: 36641763 PMCID: PMC10273193 DOI: 10.1002/path.6054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-driven cancer modeling studies are based on the disruption of tumor suppressor genes by small insertions or deletions (indels) that lead to frame-shift mutations. In addition, CRISPR/Cas9 is widely used to define the significance of cancer oncogenes and genetic dependencies in loss-of-function studies. However, how CRISPR/Cas9 influences gain-of-function oncogenic mutations is elusive. Here, we demonstrate that single guide RNA targeting exon 3 of Ctnnb1 (encoding β-catenin) results in exon skipping and generates gain-of-function isoforms in vivo. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated exon skipping of Ctnnb1 induces liver tumor formation in synergy with YAPS127A in mice. We define two distinct exon skipping-induced tumor subtypes with different histological and transcriptional features. Notably, ectopic expression of two exon-skipped β-catenin transcript isoforms together with YAPS127A phenocopies the two distinct subtypes of liver cancer. Moreover, we identify similar CTNNB1 exon-skipping events in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Collectively, our findings advance our understanding of β-catenin-related tumorigenesis and reveal that CRISPR/Cas9 can be repurposed, in vivo, to study gain-of-function mutations of oncogenes in cancer. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiwei Mou
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Onur Eskiocak
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Kadir A. Özler
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Megan Gorman
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Junjiayu Yue
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Ying Jin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Zhikai Wang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Ya Gao
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Tianxiong Yu
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - John E Wilkinson
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alper Kucukural
- Bioinformatics Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Deniz M. Ozata
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Semir Beyaz
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Groenewald W, Lund AH, Gay DM. The Role of WNT Pathway Mutations in Cancer Development and an Overview of Therapeutic Options. Cells 2023; 12:cells12070990. [PMID: 37048063 PMCID: PMC10093220 DOI: 10.3390/cells12070990] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that mutations in the canonical WNT-signalling pathway play a major role in various cancers. Critical to developing new therapeutic strategies is understanding which cancers are driven by WNT pathway activation and at what level these mutations occur within the pathway. Some cancers harbour mutations in genes whose protein products operate at the receptor level of the WNT pathway. For instance, tumours with RNF43 or RSPO mutations, still require exogenous WNT ligands to drive WNT signalling (ligand-dependent mutations). Conversely, mutations within the cytoplasmic segment of the Wnt pathway, such as in APC and CTNNB1, lead to constitutive WNT pathway activation even in the absence of WNT ligands (ligand-independent). Here, we review the predominant driving mutations found in cancer that lead to WNT pathway activation, as well as explore some of the therapeutic interventions currently available against tumours harbouring either ligand-dependent or ligand-independent mutations. Finally, we discuss a potentially new therapeutic avenue by targeting the translational apparatus downstream from WNT signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wibke Groenewald
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders H Lund
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Michael Gay
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
An Angiogenic Gene Signature for Prediction of the Prognosis and Therapeutic Responses of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043324. [PMID: 36834736 PMCID: PMC9965274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Among cancer-related deaths worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks second. The hypervascular feature of most HCC underlines the importance of angiogenesis in therapy. This study aimed to identify the key genes which could characterize the angiogenic molecular features of HCC and further explore therapeutic targets to improve patients' prognosis. Public RNAseq and clinical data are from TCGA, ICGC, and GEO. Angiogenesis-associated genes were downloaded from the GeneCards database. Then, we used multi-regression analysis to generate a risk score model. This model was trained on the TCGA cohort (n = 343) and validated on the GEO cohort (n = 242). The predicting therapy in the model was further evaluated by the DEPMAP database. We developed a fourteen-angiogenesis-related gene signature that was distinctly associated with overall survival (OS). Through the nomograms, our signature was proven to possess a better predictive role in HCC prognosis. The patients in higher-risk groups displayed a higher tumor mutation burden (TMB). Interestingly, our model could group subsets of patients with different sensitivities to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and Sorafenib. We also predicted that Crizotinib, an anti-angiogenic drug, might be more sensitive to these patients with high-risk scores by the DEPMAP. The inhibitory effect of Crizotinib in human vascular cells was obvious in vitro and in vivo. This work established a novel HCC classification based on the gene expression values of angiogenesis genes. Moreover, we predicted that Crizotinib might be more effective in the high-risk patients in our model.
Collapse
|
43
|
Rigual MDM, Sánchez Sánchez P, Djouder N. Is liver regeneration key in hepatocellular carcinoma development? Trends Cancer 2023; 9:140-157. [PMID: 36347768 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.10.005] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the largest organ of the mammalian body and has the remarkable ability to fully regenerate in order to maintain tissue homeostasis. The adult liver consists of hexagonal lobules, each with a central vein surrounded by six portal triads localized in the lobule border containing distinct parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells. Because the liver is continuously exposed to diverse stress signals, several sophisticated regenerative processes exist to restore its functional status following impairment. However, these stress signals can affect the liver's capacity to regenerate and may lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most aggressive liver cancers. Here, we review the mechanisms of hepatic regeneration and their potential to influence HCC development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Del Mar Rigual
- Molecular Oncology Programme, Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, CNIO, Madrid, ES-28029, Spain
| | - Paula Sánchez Sánchez
- Molecular Oncology Programme, Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, CNIO, Madrid, ES-28029, Spain
| | - Nabil Djouder
- Molecular Oncology Programme, Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, CNIO, Madrid, ES-28029, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Demory A, Péron JM, Calderaro J, Selves J, Mokrane FZ, Amaddeo G, Paradis V, Ziol M, Sutter O, Blaise L, Ganne-Carrié N, Vilgrain V, Cauchy F, Zucman-Rossi J, Ronot M, Nault JC. Body weight changes and duration of estrogen exposure modulate the evolution of hepatocellular adenomas after contraception discontinuation. Hepatology 2023; 77:430-442. [PMID: 35980227 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The natural history of hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) remains to be better described, especially in nonresected patients. We aim to identify the predictive factors of HCA evolution after estrogen-based contraception discontinuation. APPROACH AND RESULTS We retrospectively included patients with a histological diagnosis of HCA from three centers. Clinical, radiological, and pathological data were collected to identify predictive factors of radiological evolution per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1, and occurrence of complications (bleeding, malignant transformation). We built a score using variables that modulate estrogen levels: body mass index and duration of estrogen-based contraception. An external cohort was used to validate this score. 183 patients were included in the cohort, including 161 women (89%) using estrogen-based contraception for a median of 12 years. Thirty percent of patients had at least one HNF1A -inactivated HCA, 45.5% at least one inflammatory HCA, and 11% at least one HCA with activation of β-catenin (bHCA). Twenty-one symptomatic bleedings (11%) and eleven malignant transformations (6%) occurred. Ages < 37 years old ( p = 0.004) and HCA > 5 cm at imaging were independently associated with symptomatic bleeding ( p = 0.003), whereas a bHCA was associated with malignant transformation ( p < 0.001). After a median follow-up of 5 years, radiological regression was observed in 31%, stabilization in 47%, and progression in 22% of patients. Weight loss was associated with regression ( p < 0.0001) and weight gain with progression ( p = 0.02). The estrogen exposure score predicted radiological regression (odds ratio, 2.33; confidence interval 95%, 1.29-4.19; p = 0.005) with a linear relationship between the rate of estrogen exposure and the probability of regression. This result was confirmed in an external cohort of 72 female patients ( p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Weight variation is strongly associated with radiological evolution after oral contraception discontinuation. A score of estrogen exposure, easily assessable in clinical practice at diagnosis, predicts regression of HCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alix Demory
- Service d'hépatologie , Hôpital Avicenne , Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis , Assistance-Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Bobigny , France.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine , Université Paris Nord , Paris , France.,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers , Inserm, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris, INSERM, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory , Paris , France
| | - Jean-Marie Péron
- Service d'hépatogastroentérologie , hôpital Rangueil , CHU Toulouse Assistance , Toulouse , France
| | - Julien Calderaro
- Department of Pathology , Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier University Hospital , Créteil , France.,Université Paris Est Créteil , INSERM, IMRB , Créteil , France.,INSERM, Unit U955, Team 18 , Créteil , France
| | - Janick Selves
- Service d'anatomopathologie , hôpital Rangueil , CHU Toulouse Assistance , Toulouse , France
| | - Fatima-Zohra Mokrane
- Service de radiologie , hôpital Rangueil , CHU Toulouse Assistance , Toulouse , France
| | - Giuliana Amaddeo
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Henri Mondor, Service d'Hépatologie , Créteil , France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB , Créteil , France.,INSERM, U955, Equipe 18 "Physiopathologie et Thérapeutiques des Hépatites Virales Chroniques et des cancers liés" , Créteil , France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'anatomopathologie , Clichy , France.,Université de Paris Cité, Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Inserm, U1149, CNRS, ERL8252 , Paris , France
| | - Marianne Ziol
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine , Université Paris Nord , Paris , France.,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers , Inserm, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris, INSERM, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory , Paris , France.,Service d'anatomopathologie , Hôpital Avicenne, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Bobigny , France
| | - Olivier Sutter
- Service de radiologie , Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Bobigny , France
| | - Lorraine Blaise
- Service d'hépatologie , Hôpital Avicenne , Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis , Assistance-Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Bobigny , France
| | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrié
- Service d'hépatologie , Hôpital Avicenne , Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis , Assistance-Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Bobigny , France.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine , Université Paris Nord , Paris , France.,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers , Inserm, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris, INSERM, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory , Paris , France
| | - Valérie Vilgrain
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Beaujon, Service de radiologie , Clichy , France.,INSERM U1149 "Centre de Recherche Sur L'inflammation" , CRI, Université Paris Cité , Paris , France
| | - François Cauchy
- INSERM U1149 "Centre de Recherche Sur L'inflammation" , CRI, Université Paris Cité , Paris , France.,Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Beaujon, Service de chirurgie hépato-biliaire , Clichy , France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers , Inserm, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris, INSERM, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory , Paris , France.,Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Service d'Oncologie Médicale, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou , Paris , France
| | - Maxime Ronot
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Beaujon, Service de radiologie , Clichy , France.,INSERM U1149 "Centre de Recherche Sur L'inflammation" , CRI, Université Paris Cité , Paris , France
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Service d'hépatologie , Hôpital Avicenne , Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis , Assistance-Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Bobigny , France.,Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine , Université Paris Nord , Paris , France.,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers , Inserm, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris, INSERM, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors laboratory , Paris , France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wu Y, Yang S, Han L, Shang K, Zhang B, Gai X, Deng W, Liu F, Zhang H. β-catenin-IRP2-primed iron availability to mitochondrial metabolism is druggable for active β-catenin-mediated cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:50. [PMID: 36703130 PMCID: PMC9879242 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03914-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although β-catenin signaling cascade is frequently altered in human cancers, targeting this pathway has not been approved for cancer treatment. METHODS High-throughput screening of an FDA-approved drug library was conducted to identify therapeutics that selectively inhibited the cells with activated β-catenin. Efficacy of iron chelator and mitochondrial inhibitor was evaluated for suppression of cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Cellular chelatable iron levels were measured to gain insight into the potential vulnerability of β-catenin-activated cells to iron deprivation. Extracellular flux analysis of mitochondrial function was conducted to evaluate the downstream events of iron deprivation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, real-time quantitative PCR and immunoblotting were performed to identify β-catenin targets. Depletion of iron-regulatory protein 2 (IRP2), a key regulator of cellular iron homeostasis, was carried out to elucidate its significance in β-catenin-activated cells. Online databases were analyzed for correlation between β-catenin activity and IRP2-TfR1 axis in human cancers. RESULTS Iron chelators were identified as selective inhibitors against β-catenin-activated cells. Deferoxamine mesylate, an iron chelator, preferentially repressed β-catenin-activated cell proliferation and tumor formation in mice. Mechanically, β-catenin stimulated the transcription of IRP2 to increase labile iron level. Depletion of IRP2-sequered iron impaired β-catenin-invigorated mitochondrial function. Moreover, mitochondrial inhibitor S-Gboxin selectively reduced β-catenin-associated cell viability and tumor formation. CONCLUSIONS β-catenin/IRP2/iron stimulation of mitochondrial energetics is targetable vulnerability of β-catenin-potentiated cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wu
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhui Yang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing, China
| | - Luyang Han
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing, China
| | - Kezhuo Shang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing, China
| | - Baohui Zhang
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884Department of Physiology, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaochen Gai
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Deng
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing, China
| | - Fangming Liu
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wakasa Y, Toyoki Y, Kusumi T, Kameyama Y, Odagiri T, Jin H, Nakai M, Aoki K, Kawashima H, Endo M. β-Catenin-activated inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma with pigmentation and atypical features: a case report. Clin J Gastroenterol 2023; 16:237-243. [PMID: 36640247 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-023-01757-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular adenomas are rare diseases, defined as benign liver neoplasms composed of cells with hepatocellular differentiation. Differential diagnosis of hepatocellular adenoma from other lesions, including focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatocellular carcinoma, is crucial to determine treatment strategy. We describe a case of β-catenin-activated inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma with malignant transformation. A 50-year-old man with a suspected liver tumor, based on abdominal ultrasonography findings, was referred to our hospital. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a liver tumor in S2 which was enhanced in the arterial phase to the delayed phase. Based on diagnostic imaging findings, hepatocellular adenoma or focal nodular hyperplasia was suspected. We considered the possibility of malignant potential because of the enlargement of the lesion. Thus, we performed a laparoscopic hepatectomy. Histological examination showed pigment deposition in the hepatocytes, which was determined to be lipofuscin. Mild nuclear swelling and atypia in the tumor area indicated nodular growth. Based on the histological and immunohistochemical findings, the diagnosis was ꞵ-catenin-activated inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma with atypical features. The imaging features of hepatocellular adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia are similar, but if the tumor tends to grow, surgical treatment should be performed because of the possibility of malignant hepatocellular adenoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Wakasa
- Department of General Surgery, Aomori City Hospital, 1-14-20, Katta, Aomori, 030-0821, Japan.
| | - Yoshikazu Toyoki
- Department of General Surgery, Aomori City Hospital, 1-14-20, Katta, Aomori, 030-0821, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kusumi
- Department of Pathology, Aomori City Hospital, Aomori, Japan
| | - Yuma Kameyama
- Department of General Surgery, Aomori City Hospital, 1-14-20, Katta, Aomori, 030-0821, Japan
| | - Tadashi Odagiri
- Department of General Surgery, Aomori City Hospital, 1-14-20, Katta, Aomori, 030-0821, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Aomori City Hospital, 1-14-20, Katta, Aomori, 030-0821, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakai
- Department of General Surgery, Aomori City Hospital, 1-14-20, Katta, Aomori, 030-0821, Japan
| | - Kazunori Aoki
- Department of General Surgery, Aomori City Hospital, 1-14-20, Katta, Aomori, 030-0821, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kawashima
- Department of General Surgery, Aomori City Hospital, 1-14-20, Katta, Aomori, 030-0821, Japan
| | - Masaaki Endo
- Department of General Surgery, Aomori City Hospital, 1-14-20, Katta, Aomori, 030-0821, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Akl MG, Widenmaier SB. Immunometabolic factors contributing to obesity-linked hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1089124. [PMID: 36712976 PMCID: PMC9877434 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1089124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major public health concern that is promoted by obesity and associated liver complications. Onset and progression of HCC in obesity is a multifactorial process involving complex interactions between the metabolic and immune system, in which chronic liver damage resulting from metabolic and inflammatory insults trigger carcinogenesis-promoting gene mutations and tumor metabolism. Moreover, cell growth and proliferation of the cancerous cell, after initiation, requires interactions between various immunological and metabolic pathways that provide stress defense of the cancer cell as well as strategic cell death escape mechanisms. The heterogenic nature of HCC in addition to the various metabolic risk factors underlying HCC development have led researchers to focus on examining metabolic pathways that may contribute to HCC development. In obesity-linked HCC, oncogene-induced modifications and metabolic pathways have been identified to support anabolic demands of the growing HCC cells and combat the concomitant cell stress, coinciding with altered utilization of signaling pathways and metabolic fuels involved in glucose metabolism, macromolecule synthesis, stress defense, and redox homeostasis. In this review, we discuss metabolic insults that can underlie the transition from steatosis to steatohepatitis and from steatohepatitis to HCC as well as aberrantly regulated immunometabolic pathways that enable cancer cells to survive and proliferate in the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss therapeutic modalities targeted at HCC prevention and regression. A full understanding of HCC-associated immunometabolic changes in obesity may contribute to clinical treatments that effectively target cancer metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- May G. Akl
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada,Department of Physiology, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Scott B. Widenmaier
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada,*Correspondence: Scott B. Widenmaier,
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Montironi C, Castet F, Haber PK, Pinyol R, Torres-Martin M, Torrens L, Mesropian A, Wang H, Puigvehi M, Maeda M, Wei-Qiang L, Harrod E, Taik P, Chinburen J, Taivanbaatar E, Chinbold E, Solé M, Donovan M, Thung SN, Neely J, Mazzaferro V, Anderson J, Roayaie S, Schwartz ME, Villanueva A, Friedman SL, Uzilov A, Sia D, Llovet JM. Inflamed and non-inflamed classes of HCC: a revised immunogenomic classification. Gut 2023; 72:129-140. [PMID: 35197323 PMCID: PMC9395551 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 101.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously reported a characterisation of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) immune contexture and described an immune-specific class. We now aim to further delineate the immunogenomic classification of HCC to incorporate features that explain responses/resistance to immunotherapy. DESIGN We performed RNA and whole-exome sequencing, T-cell receptor (TCR)-sequencing, multiplex immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry in a novel cohort of 240 HCC patients and validated our results in other cohorts comprising 660 patients. RESULTS Our integrative analysis led to define: (1) the inflamed class of HCC (37%), which includes the previously reported immune subclass (22%) and a new immune-like subclass (15%) with high interferon signalling, cytolytic activity, expression of immune-effector cytokines and a more diverse T-cell repertoire. A 20-gene signature was able to capture ~90% of these tumours and is associated with response to immunotherapy. Proteins identified in liquid biopsies recapitulated the inflamed class with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.91; (2) The intermediate class, enriched in TP53 mutations (49% vs 29%, p=0.035), and chromosomal losses involving immune-related genes and; (3) the excluded class, enriched in CTNNB1 mutations (93% vs 27%, p<0.001) and PTK2 overexpression due to gene amplification and promoter hypomethylation. CTNNB1 mutations outside the excluded class led to weak activation of the Wnt-βcatenin pathway or occurred in HCCs dominated by high interferon signalling and type I antigen presenting genes. CONCLUSION We have characterised the immunogenomic contexture of HCC and defined inflamed and non-inflamed tumours. Two distinct CTNNB1 patterns associated with a differential role in immune evasion are described. These features may help predict immune response in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Montironi
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Pathology Department and Molecular Biology Core, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Florian Castet
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Philipp K. Haber
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Roser Pinyol
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Miguel Torres-Martin
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Laura Torrens
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Agavni Mesropian
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Marc Puigvehi
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Hepatology Section, Gastroenterology Department, Parc de Salut Mar, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Miho Maeda
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Leow Wei-Qiang
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Elizabeth Harrod
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK.,University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Jigjidsuren Chinburen
- Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery Department, National Cancer Center, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | | | - Enkhbold Chinbold
- Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery Department, National Cancer Center, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Manel Solé
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Michael Donovan
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Swan N. Thung
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Jaclyn Neely
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- Gastrointestinal Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sasan Roayaie
- Department of Surgery, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, New York, USA
| | - Myron E Schwartz
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Uzilov
- Sema4, Stamford, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Daniela Sia
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Josep M. Llovet
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut D’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Institució Catalana De Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Guven DC, Erul E, Sahin TK, Dizdar O, Yalcin S, Sahin IH. The benefit of immunotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Future Oncol 2022; 18:4119-4136. [PMID: 36533987 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0642] [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: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A systemic review of the survival benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in phase III hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) trials was conducted. Methods: Meta-analyses were performed with the generic inverse-variance method with a fixed-effects model. Results: In 10 trials encompassing 6123 patients, ICI-based therapy (monotherapy/combination) improved overall survival (OS) compared with the control arm (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.70-0.84; p < 0.001). The survival benefit was consistent across variable treatment lines, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and AFP levels. While the OS benefit was more pronounced in hepatitis B-related HCC (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.63-0.77; p < 0.001), OS was improved in hepatitis C-related (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.71-0.98) and nonviral HCC (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77-0.97). Conclusion: ICI-based therapies should be the standard for all patients with advanced HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Can Guven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Enes Erul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Taha Koray Sahin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Omer Dizdar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Suayib Yalcin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Halil Sahin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Matsuda K, Kurebayashi Y, Masugi Y, Yamazaki K, Ueno A, Tsujikawa H, Ojima H, Kitago M, Itano O, Shinoda M, Abe Y, Sakamoto M. Immunovascular microenvironment in relation to prognostic heterogeneity of WNT/β-catenin-activated hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Res 2022; 53:344-356. [PMID: 36517953 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM WNT/β-catenin-activated hepatocellular carcinoma (W/B subclass HCC) is considered a molecularly homogeneous entity and has been linked to resistance to immunotherapy. However, recent studies have indicated possible heterogeneity in the immunovascular microenvironment in this subclass. We set out to test the hypothesis that specific immunovascular features might stratify W/B subclass HCCs into tumors having distinct aggressive natures. METHODS In this study, we analyzed 352 resected HCCs including 78 immunohistochemically defined W/B subclass HCCs. The density of tumor-infiltrating CD3+ T cells and the area ratio of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) were calculated on tissue specimens. The gene expressions of angiogenic factors were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Disease-free survival (DFS) was assessed using multivariable Cox regression analyses. RESULTS The T-cell density of W/B subclass HCCs was regionally heterogenous within tumor tissues, and focally reduced T-cell density was observed in areas with VETC. VETC-positivity (defined as VETC area ratio greater than 1%) was inversely associated with T-cell infiltration in both W/B subclass and non-W/B subclass HCCs. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) gene expression was higher in W/B subclass than in non-W/B subclass HCCs. The VETC-positivity and low T-cell density correlated with increased expression of FGF2 in W/B subclass HCCs. Additionally, VETC-positive HCCs showed significantly shorter DFS in W/B subclass HCCs. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the immune and vascular microenvironments are interrelated and are also correlated with clinicopathological heterogeneity in W/B subclass HCC. These results could inform clinical practice and translational research on the development of therapeutic stratification of HCCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Matsuda
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kurebayashi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Masugi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Yamazaki
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihisa Ueno
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hanako Tsujikawa
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Ojima
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minoru Kitago
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Itano
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinoda
- Digestive Diseases Center, International University of Health and Welfare, Mita Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Abe
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michiie Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|