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Ma S, Meng G, Liu T, You J, He R, Zhao X, Cui Y. The Wnt signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic prospects. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 180:117508. [PMID: 39362068 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117508] [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: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor that arises from hepatocytes. Multiple signaling pathways play a regulatory role in the occurrence and development of HCC, with the Wnt signaling pathway being one of the primary regulatory pathways. In normal hepatocytes, the Wnt signaling pathway maintains cell regeneration and organ development. However, when aberrant activated, the Wnt pathway is closely associated with invasion, cancer stem cells(CSCs), drug resistance, and immune evasion in HCC. Among these factors, the development of drug resistance is one of the most important factors affecting the efficacy of HCC treatment. These mechanisms form the basis for tumor cell adaptation and evolution within the body, enabling continuous changes in tumor cells, resistance to drugs and immune system attacks, leading to metastasis and recurrence. In recent years, there have been numerous new discoveries regarding these mechanisms. An increasing number of drugs targeting the Wnt signaling pathway have been developed, with some already entering clinical trials. Therefore, this review encompasses the latest research on the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in the onset and progression of HCC, as well as advancements in its therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Guorui Meng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Junqi You
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Risheng He
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Yunfu Cui
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China.
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Yang D, Zhang P, Yang Z, Hou G, Yang Z. miR-4461 inhibits liver cancer stem cells expansion and chemoresistance via regulating SIRT1. Carcinogenesis 2024; 45:463-474. [PMID: 36437743 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgac093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were involved in tumorigenesis, progression, recurrence and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few miRNAs have been identified and entered clinical practice. We show here that miR-4461 expression is reduced in liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) and predicts the poor prognosis of HCC patients. Knockdown of miR-4461 enhances the self-renewal and tumorigenicity of liver CSCs. Conversely, forced miR-4461 expression inhibits liver CSCs self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Mechanically, miR-4461 directly targets sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) via binding to its 3' untranslated region in liver CSCs. The correlation of miR-4461 and SIRT1 was confirmed in human HCC patients' tissues. Additionally, we found that miR-4461 overexpression hepatoma cells are more sensitive to cisplatin treatment. Patient-derived xenografts also showed that miR-4461 high HCC xenografts are sensitive to cisplatin treatment. Clinical cohort analysis further confirmed that HCC patients with high miR-4461 benefited more from transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treatment. In conclusion, our findings revealed the crucial role of miR-4461 in liver CSCs expansion and cisplatin response, rendering miR-4461 as an optimal target for the prevention and intervention of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daji Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ziting Yang
- Department of Emergency, The 964th Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Changchun, China
| | - Guojun Hou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ziyu Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
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Ma Y, Lv H, Xing F, Xiang W, Wu Z, Feng Q, Wang H, Yang W. Cancer stem cell-immune cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment for liver cancer progression. Front Med 2024; 18:430-445. [PMID: 38600350 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1049-z] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Crosstalk between cancer cells and the immune microenvironment is determinant for liver cancer progression. A tumor subpopulation called liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) significantly accounts for the initiation, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence of liver cancer. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the interaction between liver CSCs and immune cells plays a crucial role in shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment and determining immunotherapy responses. This review sheds light on the bidirectional crosstalk between liver CSCs and immune cells for liver cancer progression, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms after presenting an overview of liver CSCs characteristic and their microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the potential application of liver CSCs-targeted immunotherapy for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongwei Lv
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Fuxue Xing
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Zixin Wu
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Qiyu Feng
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Wen Yang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Chen X, Keller SJ, Hafner P, Alrawashdeh AY, Avery TY, Norona J, Zhou J, Ruess DA. Tyrosine phosphatase PTPN11/SHP2 in solid tumors - bull's eye for targeted therapy? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1340726. [PMID: 38504984 PMCID: PMC10948527 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1340726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Encoded by PTPN11, the Src-homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) integrates signals from various membrane-bound receptors such as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), cytokine and integrin receptors and thereby promotes cell survival and proliferation. Activating mutations in the PTPN11 gene may trigger signaling pathways leading to the development of hematological malignancies, but are rarely found in solid tumors. Yet, aberrant SHP2 expression or activation has implications in the development, progression and metastasis of many solid tumor entities. SHP2 is involved in multiple signaling cascades, including the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK-, PI3K-AKT-, JAK-STAT- and PD-L1/PD-1- pathways. Although not mutated, activation or functional requirement of SHP2 appears to play a relevant and context-dependent dichotomous role. This mostly tumor-promoting and infrequently tumor-suppressive role exists in many cancers such as gastrointestinal tumors, pancreatic, liver and lung cancer, gynecological entities, head and neck cancers, prostate cancer, glioblastoma and melanoma. Recent studies have identified SHP2 as a potential biomarker for the prognosis of some solid tumors. Based on promising preclinical work and the advent of orally available allosteric SHP2-inhibitors early clinical trials are currently investigating SHP2-directed approaches in various solid tumors, either as a single agent or in combination regimes. We here provide a brief overview of the molecular functions of SHP2 and collate current knowledge with regard to the significance of SHP2 expression and function in different solid tumor entities, including cells in their microenvironment, immune escape and therapy resistance. In the context of the present landscape of clinical trials with allosteric SHP2-inhibitors we discuss the multitude of opportunities but also limitations of a strategy targeting this non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase for treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Chen
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center for Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Steffen Johannes Keller
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center for Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Hafner
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center for Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Asma Y. Alrawashdeh
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center for Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Yul Avery
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center for Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johana Norona
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center for Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jinxue Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dietrich Alexander Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center for Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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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: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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.
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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
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Xie Y, Wu H, He Y, Liu L, Huang IB, Zhou L, Lin CY, Leung RWH, Loh JJ, Lee TKW, Ding J, Man K, Ma S, Tong M. Targeting AXL induces tumor-intrinsic immunogenic response in tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistant liver cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:110. [PMID: 38310091 PMCID: PMC10838288 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06493-0] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy without effective therapeutic approaches. Here, we evaluate the tumor-intrinsic mechanisms that attenuate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) that is observed in patients with advanced HCC who progress on first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Upregulation of AXL observed in sorafenib- and lenvatinib-resistant HCCs is correlated with poor response towards TKI and ICI treatments. AXL upregulation protects sorafenib-resistant HCC cells from oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and accompanying immunogenic cell death through suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and STING-type I interferon pathways. Pharmacological inhibition of AXL abrogates the protective effect and re-sensitizes TKI-resistant HCC tumors to anti-PD-1 treatment. We suggest that targeting AXL in combination with anti-PD-1 may provide an alternative treatment scheme for HCC patients who progress on TKI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunong Xie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haofeng Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yimiao He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linglin Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ianto Bosheng Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheuk-Yin Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rainbow Wing-Hei Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia-Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Terence Kin-Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jin Ding
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Hong Kong University-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Man Tong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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7
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Huang JZ, Li JD, Chen G, He RQ. Identification of the key genes and mechanisms associated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation refractoriness in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Clin Oncol 2024; 15:62-88. [PMID: 38292662 PMCID: PMC10823944 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i1.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcatheter arterial embolisation (TACE) is the primary treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients while some HCC cases have shown resistance to TACE. AIM To investigate the key genes and potential mechanisms correlated with TACE refractoriness in HCC. METHODS The microarray datasets of TACE-treated HCC tissues, HCC and non-HCC tissues were collected by searching multiple public databases. The respective differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were attained via limma R package. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was employed for identifying the significant modules related to TACE non-response. TACE refractoriness-related genes were obtained by intersecting up-regulated TACE-associated and HCC-associated DEGs together with the genes in significant modules related to TACE non-response. The key genes expression in the above two pairs of samples was compared respectively via Wilcoxon tests and standard mean differences model. The prognostic value of the key genes was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve. Multivariate analysis was utilised to investigate the independent prognostic factor in key genes. Single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing analysis was conducted to explore the cell types in HCC. TACE refractoriness-related genes activity was calculated via AUCell packages. The CellChat R package was used for the investigation of the cell-cell communication between the identified cell types. RESULTS HCC tissues of TACE non-responders (n = 66) and TACE responders (n = 81), HCC (n = 3941) and non-HCC (n = 3443) tissues were obtained. The five key genes, DLG associated protein 5 (DLGAP5), Kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A), Assembly factor for spindle microtubules (ASPM), Kinesin family member 11 (KIF11) and TPX2 microtubule nucleation factor (TPX2) in TACE refractoriness-related genes, were identified. The five key genes were all up-regulated in the TACE non-responders group and the HCC group. High expression of the five key genes predicted poor prognosis in HCC. Among the key genes, TPX2 was an independent prognostic factor. Four cell types, hepatocytes, embryonic stem cells, T cells and B cells, were identified in the HCC tissues. The TACE refractoriness-related genes expressed primarily in hepatocytes and embryonic stem cells. Hepatocytes, as the providers of ligands, had the strongest interaction with embryonic stem cells that provided receptors. CONCLUSION Five key genes (DLGAP5, KIF20A, ASPM, KIF11 and TPX2) were identified as promoting refractory TACE. Hepatocytes and embryonic stem cells were likely to boost TACE refractoriness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Zhuang Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jian-Di Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rong-Quan He
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Li YM, He HW, Zhang N. Targeting Protein Phosphatases for the Treatment of Chronic Liver Disease. Curr Drug Targets 2024; 25:171-189. [PMID: 38213163 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501278886231221092522] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
There exists a huge number of patients suffering from chronic liver disease worldwide. As a disease with high incidence and mortality worldwide, strengthening the research on the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease and the development of novel drugs is an important issue related to the health of all human beings. Phosphorylation modification of proteins plays a crucial role in cellular signal transduction, and phosphatases are involved in the development of liver diseases. Therefore, this article summarized the important role of protein phosphatases in chronic liver disease with the aim of facilitating the development of drugs targeting protein phosphatases for the treatment of chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hong-Wei He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Na Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
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Lu XJ, Gao WW, Li JC, Qin SF. miRNA-381 regulates renal cancer stem cell properties and sunitinib resistance via targeting SOX4. Biochem Biophys Rep 2023; 36:101566. [PMID: 37965067 PMCID: PMC10641571 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101566] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are crucial in the pathogenesis of human cancers. Existing studies reported that microRNA (miRNA) modulates the stemness of CSCs. We discovered that renal cell CSCs have suppressed miR-381. Suppression of miR-381 promotes renal cell tumorigenesis and CSC-like properties. Furthermore, the forced expression of miR-381 prevents the renal cell tumorigenesis and CSC-like properties. Mechanistically, renal cell CSCs have been found to interact with SOX4 through miR-381 directly. miR-381 inhibits renal cell CSC-like properties and tumorigenesis via downregulating SOX4. Examination of the patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and patient cohorts reveals that miR-381 may be able to forecast the advantages of Sunitinib in RCC patients. Moreover, the introduction of SOX4 could reverse the sensitivity of miR-381 overexpression RCC cells to Sunitinib-induced cell apoptosis. These results indicated that miR-381 is critical in renal cell CSC-like properties and tumorigenesis, making it the ideal therapeutic target for RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-jun Lu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai FourthPeople's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China
| | - Wen-wen Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shidong Hospital, Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-cheng Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai FourthPeople's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China
| | - Sheng-Fei Qin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai FourthPeople's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China
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10
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He J, Han J, Lin K, Wang J, Li G, Li X, Gao Y. PTEN/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways regulate the proliferation of Lgr5+ cells in liver cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 683:149117. [PMID: 37857166 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The progression and spread of tumors are believed to be primarily caused by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Nevertheless, the task of focusing on CSCs for cancer treatment continues to be difficult. Lgr5, a G-protein-coupled receptor containing leucine-rich repeats, is highly expressed in different types of cancer and serves as a distinctive marker for cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this study, we employed the Cre-loxP system and Lgr5 tracking mice of male to selectively remove PTEN and β-catenin in Lgr5+ cells of DEN-induced liver cancer and monitor the behavior of Lgr5+ cells. The tracking data revealed that the activation of PTEN-mediated AKT signaling in Lgr5 led to a significant rise in the quantity of Lgr5+ cells, whereas the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling decreased the number of cells in DEN-induced liver cancer. Therefore, we have shown that the growth of Lgr5+ cells can be controlled by the PTEN/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, offering a potential treatment option for fighting against liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia He
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Jimin Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaijun Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingru Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Guiqiang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China.
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11
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Liu F, Liao Z, Zhang Z. MYC in liver cancer: mechanisms and targeted therapy opportunities. Oncogene 2023; 42:3303-3318. [PMID: 37833558 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02861-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
MYC, a major oncogenic transcription factor, regulates target genes involved in various pathways such as cell proliferation, metabolism and immune evasion, playing a critical role in the tumor initiation and development in multiple types of cancer. In liver cancer, MYC and its signaling pathways undergo significant changes, exerting a profound impact on liver cancer progression, including tumor proliferation, metastasis, dedifferentiation, metabolism, immune microenvironment, and resistance to comprehensive therapies. This makes MYC an appealing target, despite it being previously considered an undruggable protein. In this review, we discuss the role and mechanisms of MYC in liver physiology, chronic liver diseases, hepatocarcinogenesis, and liver cancer progression, providing a theoretical basis for targeting MYC as an ideal therapeutic target for liver cancer. We also summarize and prospect the strategies for targeting MYC, including direct and indirect approaches to abolish the oncogenic function of MYC in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhibin Liao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhanguo Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
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12
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Guo Y, Liu Z, Wu Q, Li Z, Yang J, Xuan H. Integration with Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveals the In Vitro Cytotoxic Mechanisms of Chinese Poplar Propolis by Triggering the Glucose Metabolism in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Nutrients 2023; 15:4329. [PMID: 37892405 PMCID: PMC10610315 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204329] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products serve as a valuable reservoir of anticancer agents. Chinese poplar propolis (CP) has exhibited remarkable antitumor activities, yet its precise mechanisms of action remain elusive. This study aims to elucidate the in vitro cytotoxic mechanisms of CP in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) through comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Our evidence suggested that CP possesses a great potential to inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells by targeting the glucose metabolism. Notably, CP exhibited a dose- and time-dependent reduction in the viability of HepG2 cells. Transcriptome sequencing unveiled significant alterations in the cellular metabolism, particularly within glucose metabolism pathways. CP effectively restrained glucose consumption and lactic acid production. Moreover, the CP treatment led to a substantial decrease in the mRNA expression levels of key glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT3) and glycolytic enzymes (LDHA, HK2, PKM2, and PFK). Correspondingly, CP suppressed some key protein levels. Cellular metabolomic analysis demonstrated a marked reduction in intermediary products of glucose metabolism, specifically fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and acetyl-CoA, following CP administration. Finally, key compounds in CP were screened, and apigenin, pinobanksin, pinocembrin, and galangin were identified as potential active agents against glycolysis. It indicates that the effectiveness of propolis in inhibiting liver cancer is the result of the combined action of several components. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic value of propolis in the treatment of liver cancer by targeting glycolytic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Guo
- School of Life Science, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (Y.G.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zhengxin Liu
- School of Life Science, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (Y.G.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (Z.L.)
| | - Qian Wu
- School of Life Science, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (Y.G.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zongze Li
- School of Life Science, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (Y.G.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (Z.L.)
| | - Jialin Yang
- College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
- Yili Prefecture Agricultural and Rural Bureau, Yili 835000, China
| | - Hongzhuan Xuan
- School of Life Science, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (Y.G.); (Z.L.); (Q.W.); (Z.L.)
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13
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Zhang J, Liu Y, Wang X, Wang Z, Xing E, Li J, Wang D. Curcumin inhibits proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by blocking PTPN1 and PTPN11 expression. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:307. [PMID: 37332329 PMCID: PMC10272960 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The antitumor mechanism of curcumin is unclear, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. To clarify the mechanism of action of curcumin in the effective treatment of HCC, the targets of curcumin were screened and validated. Candidate genes of curcumin for HCC were screened using the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database and validated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The correlation of mRNA expression levels between key candidate genes was identified in the TCGA liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) dataset. The effects on prognosis were analyzed to identify the target gene of curcumin, which inhibits HCC cell proliferation. Based on the subcutaneous xenograft model of human HCC in nude mice, the expression levels of target proteins were observed using immunohistochemistry. The analysis results of the present study identified the target genes of curcumin, which were obtained by screening the TCSMP database. The protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 1 (PTPN1) was obtained from TCGA database analysis of the targeted genes. The expression levels of PTPN1 and its homologous sequence genes in TCGA LIHC project was analyzed to identify the potential target gene of curcumin, for use in HCC treatment. Next, xenograft experiments were performed to investigate the therapeutic effects of curcumin in an animal model. Curcumin was demonstrated to inhibit the growth of HCC xenograft tumors in mice. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that the protein expression levels of PTPN1 and PTPN11 in the curcumin group were significantly lower compared with those in the control group. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that curcumin inhibits the proliferation of HCC cells by inhibiting the expression of PTPN1 and PTPN11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Quality Department, Shandong Runzhong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyi Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Enjia Xing
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Jingmin Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
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14
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Li S, Pei L, Zhou Q, Fu Z, Zhang L, Liu P, Yan N, Xi S. SLC1A5 regulates cell proliferation and self-renewal through β-catenin pathway mediated by redox signaling in arsenic-treated uroepithelial cells. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115204. [PMID: 37393816 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic exposure increases the risk of bladder cancer in humans, but its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The alanine, serine, cysteine-preferring transporter 2 (ASCT2, SLC1A5) is frequently overexpressed in cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of arsenic on SLC1A5, and to determine the role of SLC1A5 in the proliferation and self-renewal of uroepithelial cells. F344 rats were exposed to 87 mg/L NaAsO2 or 200 mg/L DMAV for 12 weeks. The SV-40 immortalized human uroepithelial (SV-HUC-1) cells were cultured in medium containing 0.5 μM NaAsO2 for 40 weeks. Arsenic increased the expression levels of SLC1A5 and β-catenin both in vivo and in vitro. SLC1A5 promoted cell proliferation and self-renewal by activating β-catenin, which in turn was dependent on maintaining GSH/ROS homeostasis. Our results suggest that SLC1A5 is a potential therapeutic target for arsenic-induced proliferation and self-renewal of uroepithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihao Li
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Liang Pei
- Department of Pediatric, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhushan Fu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Pinya Liu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Nan Yan
- School of Medical Applied Technology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Shuhua Xi
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; School of Medical Applied Technology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
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15
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Xiang D, Gu M, Liu J, Dong W, Yang Z, Wang K, Fu J, Wang H. m6A RNA methylation-mediated upregulation of HLF promotes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression by regulating the FZD4/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cancer Lett 2023; 560:216144. [PMID: 36958694 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) is aberrantly expressed in human malignancies. However, its role in regulating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains unclear. This study aimed to define the role of HLF in ICC progression. Here, we showed that HLF expression is upregulated in ICC and predicts the poor prognosis in patients. Mechanistically, HLF activation in ICC is mediated by METTL3-dependent m6A methylation of the HLF mRNA. As per the results from the loss- or gain-of-function experiments, HLF promoted the self-renewal, tumorigenicity, proliferation and metastasis of ICC cells. RNA-seq and CUT&Tag analyses showed that frizzled-4 (FZD4) and forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) are target genes of HLF. Moreover, FOXQ1 transcriptionally activates METTL3 expression, forming a positive feedback loop, which subsequently activates WNT/β-catenin signaling and downstream tumor stemness. Furthermore, HLF expression was positively correlated with METTL3, IGF2BP3, FZD4 and FOXQ1 expression in ICC tissues in a large ICC cohort. The combined IHC panels exhibited a better prognostic value for patients with ICC than any of these components alone. In conclusions, these findings demonstrated that the METTL3/HLF/FOXQ1 regulatory circuit drove FZD4-mediated WNT/β-catenin activation in ICC progression, suggesting that targeting this axis could be novel therapeutic strategy for ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daimin Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute(2), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China; International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingye Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute(2), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China; International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Junyu Liu
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Pathology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhishi Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Kui Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Jing Fu
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute(2), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China; International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory on Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Chen YL, Hsieh CC, Chu PM, Chen JY, Huang YC, Chen CY. Roles of protein tyrosine phosphatases in hepatocellular carcinoma progression (Review). Oncol Rep 2023; 49:48. [PMID: 36660927 PMCID: PMC9887465 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8485] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents almost 80% of all liver cancers, is the sixth most common cancer and is the second‑highest cause of cancer‑related deaths worldwide. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), which are encoded by the largest family of phosphatase genes, play critical roles in cellular responses and are implicated in various signaling pathways. Moreover, PTPs are dysregulated and involved in various cellular processes in numerous cancers, including HCC. Kinases and phosphatases are coordinators that modulate cell activities and regulate signaling responses. There are multiple interacting signaling networks, and coordination of these signaling networks in response to a stimulus determines the physiological outcome. Numerous issues, such as drug resistance and inflammatory reactions in the tumor microenvironment, are implicated in cancer progression, and the role of PTPs in these processes has not been well elucidated. Therefore, the present review focused on discussing the relationship of PTPs with inflammatory cytokines and chemotherapy/targeted drug resistance, providing detailed information on how PTPs can modulate inflammatory reactions and drug resistance to influence progression in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Li Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ching-Chuan Hsieh
- Division of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 613, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Pei-Ming Chu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jing-Yi Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, I‑Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Chun Huang
- Aging and Diseases Prevention Research Center, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung 83102, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Cheng-Yi Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C
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17
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Wang R, Yu W, Zhu T, Lin F, Hua C, Ru L, Guo P, Wan X, Xue G, Guo Z, Han S, Lv K, Zhang G, Ge H, Guo W, Xu L, Deng W. MED27 plays a tumor-promoting role in breast cancer progression by targeting KLF4. Cancer Sci 2023. [PMID: 36786527 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mediator complex usually cooperates with transcription factors to be involved in RNA polymerase II-mediated gene transcription. As one component of this complex, MED27 has been reported in our previous studies to promote thyroid cancer and melanoma progression. However, the precise function of MED27 in breast cancer development remains poorly understood. Here, we found that MED27 was more highly expressed in breast cancer samples than in normal tissues, especially in triple-negative breast cancer, and its expression level was elevated with the increase in pathological stage. MED27 knockdown in triple-negative breast cancer cells inhibited cancer cell metastasis and stemness maintenance, which was accompanied by downregulation of the expression of EMT- and stem traits-associated proteins, and vice versa in non-triple-negative breast cancer. Furthermore, MED27 knockdown sensitized breast cancer cells to epirubicin treatment by inducing cellular apoptosis and reducing tumorsphere-forming ability. Based on RNA-seq, we identified KLF4 as the possible downstream target of MED27. KLF4 overexpression reversed the MED27 silencing-mediated arrest of cellular metastasis and stemness maintenance capacity in breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, MED27 transcriptionally regulated KLF4 by binding to its promoter region at positions -156 to +177. Collectively, our study not only demonstrated the tumor-promoting role of MED27 in breast cancer progression by transcriptionally targeting KLF4, but also suggested the possibility of developing the MED27/KLF4 signaling axis as a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruozhu Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wendan Yu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Tianhua Zhu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunyu Hua
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Liyuan Ru
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ping Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xinyu Wan
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Guoqing Xue
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ziyue Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shilong Han
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Kuan Lv
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Guohui Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hanxiao Ge
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lingzhi Xu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wuguo Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Wang J, Yu H, Dong W, Zhang C, Hu M, Ma W, Jiang X, Li H, Yang P, Xiang D. N6-Methyladenosine-Mediated Up-Regulation of FZD10 Regulates Liver Cancer Stem Cells' Properties and Lenvatinib Resistance Through WNT/β-Catenin and Hippo Signaling Pathways. Gastroenterology 2023; 164:990-1005. [PMID: 36764493 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but there is a deficiency of early diagnosis biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Drug resistance accounts for most HCC-related deaths, yet the mechanisms underlying drug resistance remain poorly understood. METHODS Expression of Frizzled-10 (FZD10) in liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) was identified by means of RNA sequencing and validated by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. In vitro and in vivo experiments were used to assess the effect of FZD10 on liver CSC expansion and lenvatinib resistance. RNA sequencing, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation, and luciferase report assays were applied to explore the mechanism underlying FZD10-mediated liver CSCs expansion and lenvatinib resistance. RESULTS Activation of FZD10 in liver CSCs was mediated by METTL3-dependent N6-methyladenosine methylation of FZD10 messenger RNA. Functional studies revealed that FZD10 promotes self-renewal, tumorigenicity, and metastasis of liver CSCs via activating β-catenin and YAP1. The FZD10-β-catenin/YAP1 axis is activated in liver CSCs and predicts poor prognosis. Moreover, FZD10-β-catenin/c-Jun axis transcriptionally activates METTL3 expression, forming a positive feedback loop. Importantly, the FZD10/β-catenin/c-Jun/MEK/ERK axis determines the responses of hepatoma cells to lenvatinib treatment. Analysis of patient cohort, patient-derived tumor organoids, and patient-derived xenografts further suggest that FZD10 might predict lenvatinib clinical benefit in patients with HCC. Furthermore, treatment of lenvatinib-resistant HCC with adeno-associated virus targeting FZD10 or a β-catenin inhibitor restored lenvatinib response. CONCLUSIONS Elevated FZD10 expression promotes expansion of liver CSCs and lenvatinib resistance, indicating that FZD10 expression is a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongming Yu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Pathology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Mingtai Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wencong Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqing Jiang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hengyu Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Pinghua Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Daimin Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Sheen IS, Jeng CJ, Wang CH. Cellular and Molecular Biology of Cancer Stem Cells of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1417. [PMID: 36674932 PMCID: PMC9861908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death globally. The cancer stem cells (CSCs) of HCC are responsible for tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, recurrence, chemoresistance, target therapy resistance and radioresistance. The reported main surface markers used to identify liver CSCs include epithelial cell adhesion/activating molecule (EpCAM), cluster differentiation 90 (CD90), CD44 and CD133. The main molecular signaling pathways include the Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factors-β (TGF-β), sonic hedgehog (SHH), PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Notch. Patients with EpCAM-positive alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-positive HCC are usually young but have advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages. CD90-positive HCCs are usually poorly differentiated with worse prognosis. Those with CD44-positive HCC cells develop early metastases. Those with CD133 expression have a higher recurrence rate and a shorter overall survival. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway triggers angiogenesis, tumor infiltration and metastasis through the enhancement of angiogenic factors. All CD133+ liver CSCs, CD133+/EpCAM+ liver CSCs and CD44+ liver CSCs contribute to sorafenib resistance. SHH signaling could protect HCC cells against ionizing radiation in an autocrine manner. Reducing the CSC population of HCC is crucial for the improvement of the therapy of advanced HCC. However, targeting CSCs of HCC is still challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan
| | - I-Shyang Sheen
- Department of Hepato Gastroenterology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Postgraduate of Institute of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsuan Wang
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan
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20
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Lu T, Han T, Zhao M. miR-3168 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via downregulating p53. Carcinogenesis 2022; 43:956-968. [PMID: 35926447 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgac062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant disease with poor prognosis, which is partly due to the presence of liver cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs participate in tumor recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance. However, the mechanisms underlying liver CSC regulation are unknown. In this study, we found that miR-3168 expression is increased in HCC and that it predicts poor prognosis. Functional assays showed that miR-3168 promotes HCC cells' proliferation and facilitates liver CSC self-renewal and tumorigenicity. Mechanistically, bioinformatics and the luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-3168 targets the 3'UTR of the p53 mRNA. MiR-3168 expression was negatively correlated with p53 mRNA in HCC tissue samples. Rescue assays demonstrated that p53 knockdown abrogates the discrepancies in proliferation, self-renewal, and tumorigenicity between miR-3168 knockdown HCC cells and control HCC cells. Furthermore, miR-3168 expression was negatively correlated with p53 in HCC tissues. The combined HCC panels exhibited a worse prognostic value for HCC patients than any of these components alone. Moreover, miR-3168 expression was increased in cisplatin-resistant HCC cells and patient-derived xenografts. Clinical cohort analysis revealed that HCC patients with low miR-3168 levels have a superior survival rate when treated with postoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization compared with that of patients with high miR-3168 levels. In conclusion, our study uncovered a novel mechanism of liver CSC regulation and provided a potential therapeutic target for liver CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Lu
- Department of Anus and Intestine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Mingfang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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21
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Leung RWH, Lee TKW. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Stemness and Metabolic Reprogramming in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215468. [PMID: 36358885 PMCID: PMC9656505 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been reported to play crucial role in pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we focus on the regulatory role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming, which are two emerging hallmarks of cancer. Understanding the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regulation of the above processes reveals novel therapeutic strategy against this deadly disease. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer death worldwide due to its high rates of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown to play a significant role in HCC development, progression and clinical impact on tumor behavior. Accumulating evidence has revealed the critical involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in driving cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming, which are regarded as emerging cancer hallmarks. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its role in HCC. Furthermore, we provide an update on the regulatory roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in metabolic reprogramming, cancer stemness and drug resistance in HCC. We also provide an update on preclinical and clinical studies targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling alone or in combination with current therapies for effective cancer therapy. This review provides insights into the current opportunities and challenges of targeting this signaling pathway in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainbow Wing Hei Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-3400-8799; Fax: +852-2364-9932
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22
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Cancer Stem Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Molecular Mechanisms in Stemness Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012327. [PMID: 36293184 PMCID: PMC9604119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most predominant type of liver cancer with an extremely poor prognosis due to its late diagnosis and high recurrence rate. One of the culprits for HCC recurrence and metastasis is the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are a small subset of cancer cells possessing robust stem cell properties within tumors. CSCs play crucial roles in tumor heterogeneity constitution, tumorigenesis, tumor relapse, metastasis, and resistance to anti-cancer therapies. Elucidation of how these CSCs maintain their stemness features is essential for the development of CSCs-based therapy. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge of intrinsic molecules and signaling pathways involved in hepatic CSCs, especially the CSC surface markers and associated signaling in regulating the stemness characteristics and the heterogeneous subpopulations within the CSC pool. In addition, we recapitulate the effects of crucial extrinsic cellular components in the tumor microenvironment, including stromal cells and immune cells, on the modulation of hepatic CSCs. Finally, we synopsize the currently valuable CSCs-targeted therapy strategies based on intervention in these intrinsic and extrinsic molecular mechanisms, in the hope of shedding light on better clinical management of HCC patients.
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23
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Li H, Cheng Z, Yang P, Huang W, Li X, Xiang D, Wu X. Endothelial Nogo-B Suppresses Cancer Cell Proliferation via a Paracrine TGF-β/Smad Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193084. [PMID: 36231046 PMCID: PMC9564156 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nogo-B has been reported to play a critical role in angiogenesis and the repair of damaged blood vessels; however, its role in the tumor microenvironment remains unclear. Here, we observed the differential expression of Nogo-B in endothelial cells from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and glioma samples. Downregulation of Nogo-B expression correlated with the malignant phenotype of cancer and a poor prognosis for patients. In subsequent studies, endothelial Nogo-B inhibition robustly promoted the growth of HCC or glioma xenografts in nude mice. Intriguingly, endothelial Nogo-B silencing dramatically suppressed endothelial cell expansion and tumor angiogenesis, but potently enhanced the proliferation of neighboring HCC and glioma cells. Based on the results of the ELISA assay, Nogo-B silencing reduced TGF-β production in endothelial cells, which attenuated the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad in neighboring cancer cells. The endothelial Nogo-B silencing-mediated increase in cancer cell proliferation was abolished by either a TGF-β neutralizing antibody or TGF-β receptor inhibitor, indicating the essential role for TGF-β in endothelial Nogo-B-mediated suppression of cancer growth. These findings not only broaden our understanding of the crosstalk between cancer cells and endothelial cells but also provide a novel prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyu Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (X.L.); (D.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Zhuo Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Pinghua Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Xizhou Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (X.L.); (D.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Daimin Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (X.L.); (D.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (X.L.); (D.X.); (X.W.)
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24
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Asmamaw MD, Shi XJ, Zhang LR, Liu HM. A comprehensive review of SHP2 and its role in cancer. Cell Oncol 2022; 45:729-753. [PMID: 36066752 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00698-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Src homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is a non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase ubiquitously expressed mainly in the cytoplasm of several tissues. SHP2 modulates diverse cell signaling events that control metabolism, cell growth, differentiation, cell migration, transcription and oncogenic transformation. It interacts with diverse molecules in the cell, and regulates key signaling events including RAS/ERK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT and PD-1 pathways downstream of several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) upon stimulation by growth factors and cytokines. SHP2 acts as both a phosphatase and a scaffold, and plays prominently oncogenic functions but can be tumor suppressor in a context-dependent manner. It typically acts as a positive regulator of RTKs signaling with some inhibitory functions reported as well. SHP2 expression and activity is regulated by such factors as allosteric autoinhibition, microRNAs, ubiquitination and SUMOylation. Dysregulation of SHP2 expression or activity causes many developmental diseases, and hematological and solid tumors. Moreover, upregulated SHP2 expression or activity also decreases sensitivity of cancer cells to anticancer drugs. SHP2 is now considered as a compelling anticancer drug target and several classes of SHP2 inhibitors with different mode of action are developed with some already in clinical trial phases. Moreover, novel SHP2 substrates and functions are rapidly growing both in cell and cancer. In view of this, we comprehensively and thoroughly reviewed literatures about SHP2 regulatory mechanisms, substrates and binding partners, biological functions, roles in human cancers, and different classes of small molecule inhibitors target this oncoprotein in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moges Dessale Asmamaw
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jing Shi
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Rong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, China. .,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Chu TH, Ko CY, Tai PH, Chang YC, Huang CC, Wu TY, Chan HH, Wu PH, Weng CH, Lin YW, Kung ML, Fang CC, Wu JC, Wen ZH, Lee YK, Hu TH, Tai MH. Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102442. [PMID: 36055405 PMCID: PMC9530851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the antineoplastic mechanism of LECT2, especially its influence on hepatic cancer stem cells (CSCs), remains largely unknown. In The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort, LECT2 mRNA expression was shown to be associated with stage, grade, recurrence, and overall survival in human HCC patients, and LECT2 expression was downregulated in hepatoma tissues compared with the adjacent nontumoral liver. Here, we show by immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses that LECT2 was expressed at lower levels in tumors and in poorly differentiated HCC cell lines. Using functional assays, we also found LECT2 was capable of suppressing oncogenic behaviors such as cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, migration, invasiveness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatoma cells. Moreover, we show exogenous LECT2 treatment inhibited CSC functions such as tumor sphere formation and drug efflux. Simultaneously, hepatic CSC marker expression was also downregulated, including expression of CD133 and CD44. This was supported by infection with adenovirus encoding LECT2 (Ad-LECT2) in HCC cells. Furthermore, in animal experiments, Ad-LECT2 gene therapy showed potent efficacy in treating HCC. We demonstrate LECT2 overexpression significantly promoted cell apoptosis and reduced neovascularization/CSC expansion in rat hepatoma tissues. Mechanistically, we showed using immunoblot and immunofluorescence analyses that LECT2 inhibited β-catenin signaling via the suppression of the hepatocyte growth factor/c-MET axis to diminish CSC properties in HCC cells. In summary, we reveal novel functions of LECT2 in the suppression of hepatic CSCs, suggesting a potential alternative strategy for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Huei Chu
- Medical Laboratory, Medical Education and Research Center, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chou-Yuan Ko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Han Tai
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Chang
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Sun Yat-sen University and Academia Sinica, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Yang Wu
- Department of Chest Medicine, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hoi-Hung Chan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Conde S. Januário Hospital, Macau, China
| | - Ping-Hsuan Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hui Weng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wei Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Lang Kung
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chieh Fang
- Center for Neuroscience, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Ching Wu
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Sun Yat-sen University and Academia Sinica, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; LabTurbo Biotech Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zhi-Hong Wen
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Kuo Lee
- Medical Laboratory, Medical Education and Research Center, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Hong Tai
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Sun Yat-sen University and Academia Sinica, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Neuroscience, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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26
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Tang X, Qi C, Zhou H, Liu Y. Critical roles of PTPN family members regulated by non-coding RNAs in tumorigenesis and immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:972906. [PMID: 35957898 PMCID: PMC9360549 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.972906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since tyrosine phosphorylation is reversible and dynamic in vivo, the phosphorylation state of proteins is controlled by the opposing roles of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPs), both of which perform critical roles in signal transduction. Of these, intracellular non-receptor PTPs (PTPNs), which belong to the largest class I cysteine PTP family, are essential for the regulation of a variety of biological processes, including but not limited to hematopoiesis, inflammatory response, immune system, and glucose homeostasis. Additionally, a substantial amount of PTPNs have been identified to hold crucial roles in tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance, and inhibitors of PTPNs have promising applications due to striking efficacy in antitumor therapy. Hence, the aim of this review is to summarize the role played by PTPNs, including PTPN1/PTP1B, PTPN2/TC-PTP, PTPN3/PTP-H1, PTPN4/PTPMEG, PTPN6/SHP-1, PTPN9/PTPMEG2, PTPN11/SHP-2, PTPN12/PTP-PEST, PTPN13/PTPL1, PTPN14/PEZ, PTPN18/PTP-HSCF, PTPN22/LYP, and PTPN23/HD-PTP, in human cancer and immunotherapy and to comprehensively describe the molecular pathways in which they are implicated. Given the specific roles of PTPNs, identifying potential regulators of PTPNs is significant for understanding the mechanisms of antitumor therapy. Consequently, this work also provides a review on the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating PTPNs in tumorigenesis and progression, which may help us to find effective therapeutic agents for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, China
| | - Chumei Qi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dazhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Honghong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Honghong Zhou, ; Yongshuo Liu,
| | - Yongshuo Liu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Honghong Zhou, ; Yongshuo Liu,
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27
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Djptpn11 is indispensable for planarian regeneration by affecting early wound response genes expression and the Wnt pathway. Biochimie 2022; 201:184-195. [PMID: 35868605 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Planarian is an ideal model system of studying regeneration. Stem cell system and positional control genes (PCGs) are two important factors for perfect regeneration of planarians and they combine to promote their regeneration. Even so, how wounds regulate proliferation and neoblast fate is still important areas to address. Ptpn11 (Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 11), one of PTP (Protein tyrosine phosphatase) family members, plays an important role in cellular processes including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Nevertheless, the role of ptpn11 in the planarian regeneration has not been fully studied. In this study, we identify the Djptpn11 gene to observe its function in planarian regeneration. The results reveal that the regeneration is severely inhibited and cause the disorder homeostasis in planarians. Furthermore, the stem cells proliferation and differentiation decreases while the apoptosis increases following Djptpn11 RNAi. At the same time, Djptpn11 affects the expression levels of early wound response genes (Djegr2, Dj1-jun, Djrunt1, Djwnt1 and Djnotum). Djwnt1 and Djnotum are two key Wnt signaling pathway genes and Djptpn11 affects the expression levels of Djwnt1 and Djnotum in the early and late stages of planarian regeneration. In general, Djptpn11 is indispensable for the homeostasis and regeneration of planarian by affecting the stem cells, early wound response genes and the Wnt pathway.
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28
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Mechanisms of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in liver cancer stem cells and potential therapeutic approaches. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:371-386. [PMID: 35818992 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of advanced-stage patients is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, therapy resistance is often encountered, and its emergence eventually curtails long-term clinical benefits. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are essential drivers of tumor recurrence and therapy resistance; thus, the elucidation of key hallmarks of resistance mechanisms of liver CSC-driven HCC may help improve patient outcomes and reduce relapse. The present review provides a comprehensive summary of the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of TKI resistance in liver CSCs, which mediate treatment failure, and discusses potential strategies to overcome TKI resistance from a preclinical perspective.
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29
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Cao Y, Duan H, Su A, Xu L, Lai B. A pan-cancer analysis confirms PTPN11's potential as a prognostic and immunological biomarker. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:5590-5610. [PMID: 35802774 PMCID: PMC9320542 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 11 (PTPN11) is a multifunctional tyrosine phosphatase and has a significant part in many types of tumors. As of yet, neither the expression profile of PTPN11 nor its significance in pan-cancer diagnosis has been clarified. With the assistance of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), we have comprehensively mapped the expression profiles, prognostic significance, genetic alteration, phosphorylation status, infiltration of immune cells, and functional properties of PTPN11 in 33 human tumors. There was an inconsistent expression of PTPN11 in different tumors, and the alteration of PTPN11 expression predicted the survival outcomes of cancer patients. A significant association was found between the genetic alteration levels of PTPN11 and some tumor predictions. Besides, the reduced PTPN11 phosphorylation levels were observed in breast cancer, clear cell RCC, head and neck carcinoma, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Furthermore, there was a significant association between PTPN11 expression and infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells, along with tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability, mismatch repair genes, and immunoregulators. Finally, pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that PTPN11-associated terms and pathways were involved in malignancy. Taken together, PTPN11 may become a new biomarker and target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yapeng Cao
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Haixia Duan
- Department of Reproduction Gynecology, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Ailing Su
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Liran Xu
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Baochang Lai
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
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30
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Chen M, Wang H, Shi S, Zhang H, Xu S, Jiang Y. miR-6071 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression via targeting PTPN11. Arch Biochem Biophys 2022; 727:109345. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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31
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Chen T, Wang H, Yan H. miR-28-5p inhibits cholangiocarcinoma progression and predicts good prognosis of patients. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:2079-2090. [PMID: 35670491 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2085359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is one of the most common hepatic and biliary malignancies. The overall five-year survival rate for cholangiocarcinoma is less than 15%. miR-28-5p has been reported to participate the development of various human cancer types. But whether miR-28-5p is associated with the clinical course of CCA patients has not been clarified. Herein, we observed that miR-28-5p was reduced in CCA tissues and predicts the poor prognosis of CCA patients. Treatment with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AZA) restored miR-28-5p expression in CCA cell lines. Furthermore, up-regulated miR-28-5p inhibited CCA cells growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, miR-28-5p suppressed CCA cells growth and metastasis via directly targeting CD44 molecular. Specific CD44 special siRNA abrogated the discrepancy of the proliferation and metastasis capacity between miR-28-5p-overexpression CCA cells and their control cells, which further confirmed that CD44 was required in miR-28-5p-inhibited CCA cell growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingsong Chen
- Department of Cancer Intervention, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Cancer Intervention, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhu Yan
- Department of Pathology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
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32
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Yan X, Yang P, Liu H, Zhao Y, Wu Z, Zhang B. miR-4461 inhibits the progression of Gallbladder carcinoma via regulating EGFR/AKT signaling. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:1166-1177. [PMID: 35196196 PMCID: PMC9103642 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2042775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) participated in the tumorigenesis, progression and recurrence of various malignancies including Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). miR-4461 was reported to work as a tumor suppressor gene in renal cell carcinoma. However, the role of miR-4461 in GBC remains unknown. Herein, we show that miR-4461 is downregulated in gallbladder cancer stem cells (CSCs). Forced miR-4461 expression attenuates the self-renewal, tumorigenicity of gallbladder CSCs, and inhibits proliferation and metastasis of GBC cells. Conversely, miR-4461 knockdown promotes the self-renewal of gallbladder CSCs, and facilities proliferation and metastasis of GBC cells. Mechanistically, miR-4461 inhibits GBC progression via downregulating EGFR/AKT pathway. Special EGFR siRNA or AKT overexpression virus abolishes the discrepancy of self-renewal, tumorigenesis, growth, and metastasis between miR-4461 overexpression GBC cells and their control cells. In conclusion, miR-4461 suppresses GBC cells self-renewal, tumorigenicity, proliferation, and metastasis by inactivating EGFR/AKT signaling, and may therefore prove to be a potential therapeutic target for GBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhou Yan
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pinghua Yang
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China,Zhixiong Wu Department of Critical Care Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Hu Liu
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China,CONTACT Baohua Zhang Department of Biliary Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyang Zhao
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China,Zhixiong Wu Department of Critical Care Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Zhixiong Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Baohua Zhang
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China,CONTACT Baohua Zhang Department of Biliary Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, 200438 Shanghai, China
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Shan L, Song P, Zhao Y, An N, Xia Y, Qi Y, Zhao H, Ge J. miR-600 promotes ovarian cancer cells stemness, proliferation and metastasis via targeting KLF9. J Ovarian Res 2022; 15:52. [PMID: 35501825 PMCID: PMC9063371 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-00981-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have revealed that miRNAs participate in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer; however, whether miR-600 is also involved remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigated the role of miR-600 in ovarian cancer progression. Here, miR-600 expression was significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer tissues and stem cells. Functional studies showed that miR-600 promoted ovarian cancer cell stemness, proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistic studies revealed that Kruppel like factor 9 (KLF9) was indicated as the target of miR-600. The luciferase reporter assay suggested that miR-600 directly bound to the 3'-untranslated region of KLF9. Additionally, miR-600 expression was negatively associated with KLF9 expression in human ovarian cancer tissues. Si-KLF9 partially abolished the discrepancy of self-renewal, growth and metastasis capacity between miR-600 knockdown ovarian cancer cells and control cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-600 promotes ovarian cancer cell stemness, proliferation and metastasis via directly downregulating KLF9, and impairing miR-600 levels may be a new treatment strategy for ovarian cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Shan
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, the Veterans General Hospital of Liaoning Province, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110002, Liaoning, China
| | - Pingping Song
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, the Veterans General Hospital of Liaoning Province, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110002, Liaoning, China
| | - Yangyang Zhao
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, the Veterans General Hospital of Liaoning Province, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110002, Liaoning, China
| | - Na An
- Department of Endoscopy, Northern Theater General Hospital, Shenyang, 110011, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanqiu Xia
- Department of Neonatology, Northern Theater General Hospital, Shenyang, 110011, Liaoning, China
| | - Yue Qi
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, the Veterans General Hospital of Liaoning Province, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110002, Liaoning, China
| | - Hongyan Zhao
- Department of Endoscopy, Northern Theater General Hospital, Shenyang, 110011, Liaoning, China
| | - Jing Ge
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, the Veterans General Hospital of Liaoning Province, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110002, Liaoning, China.
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34
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Parafibromin Is Highly Expressed in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Expression Correlates with Poor Prognosis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071773. [PMID: 35407381 PMCID: PMC9000084 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Much progress has been made regarding the understanding of hepatocarcinogenesis, yet the long-term survival rate of HCC patients remains poor. Recent efforts have shown parafibromin has a pathologic role in many human cancers, but little is known about the effects of parafibromin in HCC. This study aimed to investigate the pattern of parafibromin expression and its clinicopathologic significance in human HCC. Immunohistochemical analysis of HCC and matched non-tumor liver tissues from 50 HCC patients showed that the nuclear expression of parafibromin was higher in HCC tissues (50/50 cases) than in non-tumor liver tissues (17/50 cases). Moreover, elevated parafibromin expression was found to be significantly correlated with the presence of microvascular invasion (p = 0.017), hepatitis virus infection-induced occurrence (p = 0.005), and poorer tumor differentiation (Edmondson-Steiner grade; p = 0.000). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that HCC patients with elevated parafibromin expression had poorer recurrence-free (p = 0.014, log-rank test = 6.079) and overall survival (p = 0.036, log-rank test = 4.414). These findings indicate parafibromin may be related to the pathogenesis of HCC and a potential prognostic marker for HCC patients after hepatectomy.
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35
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Han T, Zheng H, Zhang J, Yang P, Li H, Cheng Z, Xiang D, Wang R. Downregulation of MUC15 by miR-183-5p.1 promotes liver tumor-initiating cells properties and tumorigenesis via regulating c-MET/PI3K/AKT/SOX2 axis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:200. [PMID: 35236826 PMCID: PMC8891362 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04652-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mucin 15 (MUC15) is reportedly aberrant in human malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of MUC15 in the regulation of liver tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs) remains unknown. Here, we report that expression of MUC15 is downregulated in liver T-ICs, chemoresistance and recurrent HCC samples. Functional studies reveal that MUC15 inhibits hepatoma cells self-renewal, malignant proliferation, tumorigenicity, and chemoresistance. Mechanistically, MUC15 interacts with c-MET and subsequently inactivates the PI3K/AKT/SOX2 signaling pathway. Moreover, we find that miR-183-5p.1 directly targets MUC15 3′-UTR in liver T-ICs. Coincidentally, SOX2 feedback inhibits MUC15 expression by directly transactivating miR-183-5p.1, thus completing a feedforward regulatory circuit in liver T-ICs. Importantly, MUC15/c-MET/PI3K/AKT/SOX2 axis determines the responses of hepatoma cells to lenvatinib treatment, and MUC15 overexpression abrogated lenvatinib resistance. Analysis of patient cohort, patient-derived tumor organoids and patient-derived xenografts further suggests that the MUC15 may predict lenvatinib benefits in HCC patients. Collectively, our findings suggest the crucial role of the miR-183-5p.1/MUC15/c-MET/PI3K/AKT/SOX2 regulatory circuit in regulating liver T-ICs properties, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Han
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 110001, Shenyang, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Ministry of Education, 200438, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology, 200438, Shanghai, China.,Department of Reproductive Heredity Center, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 200433, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Pinghua Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Hengyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhangjun Cheng
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Centers, Zhong Da Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, China.
| | - Daimin Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
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36
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Hexachlorophene, a selective SHP2 inhibitor, suppresses proliferation and metastasis of KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells by inhibiting RAS/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 441:115988. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.115988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma - from origin to clinical implications. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:26-44. [PMID: 34504325 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive disease with a poor clinical outcome. The cancer stem cell (CSC) model states that tumour growth is powered by a subset of tumour stem cells within cancers. This model explains several clinical observations in HCC (as well as in other cancers), including the almost inevitable recurrence of tumours after initial successful chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, as well as the phenomena of tumour dormancy and treatment resistance. The past two decades have seen a marked increase in research on the identification and characterization of liver CSCs, which has encouraged the design of novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for HCC. These studies revealed novel aspects of liver CSCs, including their heterogeneity and unique immunobiology, which are suggestive of opportunities for new research directions and potential therapies. In this Review, we summarize the present knowledge of liver CSC markers and the regulators of stemness in HCC. We also comprehensively describe developments in the liver CSC field with emphasis on experiments utilizing single-cell transcriptomics to understand liver CSC heterogeneity, lineage-tracing and cell-ablation studies of liver CSCs, and the influence of the CSC niche and tumour microenvironment on liver cancer stemness, including interactions between CSCs and the immune system. We also discuss the potential application of liver CSC-based therapies for treatment of HCC.
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38
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Wang YC, Wang ZJ, Zhang C, Ning BF. Cell reprogramming in liver with potential clinical correlations. J Dig Dis 2022; 23:13-21. [PMID: 34921720 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The theory of cell reprogramming has developed rapidly during the past decades. Cell reprogramming has been widely used in the construction of experimental models and cytotherapy for certain diseases. Hepatocyte-like cells that are important for the treatment of end-stage liver disease can now be obtained with a variety of reprogramming techniques. However, improving the differentiation status and physiological function of these cells remains challenging. Hepatocytes can transdifferentiate into other types of cells directly, whereas other types of cells can also transdifferentiate into hepatocyte-like cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, cell reprogramming is to some extent similar to malignant cell transformation. During the initiation and progression of liver cancer, cell reprogramming is always associated with cancer metastasis and chemoresistance. In this review, we summarized the research related to cell reprogramming in liver and highlighted the potential effects of cell reprogramming in the pathogenesis and treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chuan Wang
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Jie Wang
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Bei Fang Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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39
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TEX10 Promotes the Tumorigenesis and Radiotherapy Resistance of Urinary Bladder Carcinoma by Stabilizing XRCC6. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:5975893. [PMID: 34966825 PMCID: PMC8712183 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5975893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary bladder carcinoma refers to the commonest carcinoma with weak prognostic result for the patient as impacted by the limited treatment possibilities and challenging diagnosing process. Nevertheless, the molecular underpinning of bladder carcinoma malignant progression is still not clear. As a novel core part of pluripotency circuitry, testicular expression 10 (TEX10) plays an actively noticeable effect on reprogramming, early embryo development, and embryonic stem cell self-renewal. Nevertheless, TEX10 expressions and functions within bladder carcinoma are still not known. The present work is aimed at revealing TEX10 expression and biological function within urinary bladder carcinoma and elucidating the potential mechanisms. Results showed that TEX10 is abundant in urinary bladder carcinoma, and its protein level was related to poor disease-free survival in a positive manner. Reduced TEX10 level inhibited urinary bladder carcinoma cell proliferating process and metastasis in vitro and xenograft tumorigenicity in vivo. Notably, TEX10 might regulate carcinoma cell proliferating process and metastasis via XRCC6, thereby controlling the signaling of Wnt/β-catenin and DNA repair channel. Moreover, TEX10 gene knockout reduced the radiotherapy resistance of urinary bladder carcinoma. In brief, this work revealed that TEX10 could exert a significant carcinogenic effect on urinary bladder carcinoma tumorigenesis and radiotherapy resistance through the activation of XRCC6-related channels. Accordingly, targeting TEX10 is likely to offer a novel and feasible therapeutically related strategy for inhibiting urinary bladder carcinoma tumorigenicity.
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40
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Hu XH, Li ZH, Muyayalo KP, Wang LL, Liu CY, Mor G, Liao AH. A newly intervention strategy in preeclampsia: Targeting PD-1/Tim-3 signaling pathways to modulate the polarization of decidual macrophages. FASEB J 2021; 36:e22073. [PMID: 34847253 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101306r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) are important immune checkpoint receptors that prevent an overreacted maternal immune response to fetal antigens during pregnancy. Disruption of complex immune regulation mechanisms is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia (PE). Our recent study showed that the Tim-3 pathway was involved in the regulation of decidual macrophage polarization. Decidual macrophages polarized to the M1 phenotype may impair uterine vessel remodeling during placentation, accounting for the occurrence of PE. Co-blockade of the PD-1/Tim-3 pathway was shown to successfully control tumor growth in preclinical cancer models. However, the effects of activating both PD-1 and Tim-3 pathways as a combined intervention strategy in PE are never reported. Herein, we observed the skew of decidual macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype in patients with PE and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PE-like rat model. Moreover, we found that the activation of PD-1/Tim-3 pathway by using PD-L1 and Gal-9 fusion proteins could alleviate the manifestation of the LPS-induced PE-like rats and protect their offspring. Compared with the single intervention, the combination of PD-L1and Gal-9 fusion proteins exhibited obvious advantages in the relief of PE-like symptoms, trophoblast invasion, and fetal vascular development, indicating a synergistic effect of the activated PD-1/Tim-3 pathway. The in vitro study also revealed that the combined intervention using PD-L1 and Gal-9 fusion proteins inhibited the LPS-induced M1 macrophage polarization via the synergic activation of the ERK/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. Together, our findings provide the first evidence that simultaneous activation of PD-1/Tim-3 signaling pathways may have an optimal protective effect and serve as a new potential target for PE intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hui Hu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kahindo P Muyayalo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Ling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chun-Yan Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gil Mor
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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41
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Hu X, Yuan G, Li Q, Huang J, Cheng X, Chen J. DEAH-box polypeptide 32 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via activating the β-catenin pathway. Ann Med 2021; 53:437-447. [PMID: 33729094 PMCID: PMC7971220 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2021.1898674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is refractory cancer with high morbidity and high mortality. DEAH-box polypeptide 32 (DHX32) was upregulated in several types of malignancies and predicted poor prognosis. Herein, we investigated the role of DHX32 in HCC progression. METHODS The expression of DHX32, β-catenin, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related makers were determined by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR assays. Cell proliferation was tested by EdU cell proliferation assay. The effect of DHX32 and β-catenin on cell migration and invasion were detected by wound-healing and Traswell invasion assays. Tumour xenografts were performed to determine the effect of DHX32 on HCC tumour growth. RESULTS High level of DHX32 expression was associated with reduced overall survival in HCC patients. DHX32 expression was upregulated in human HCC cells and ectopic expression of DHX32 induced EMT, promoted the mobility and proliferation of HCC cells, and enhanced tumour growth in vivo. Silencing DHX32 reversed EMT, inhibited the malignancy behaviors of HCC cells, and suppressed tumour growth. Mechanistically, silencing DHX32 decreased the expression of β-cateninin in nucleus and β-catenin siRNA abrogated DHX32-mediated HCC progression. CONCLUSION DHX32 was an attractive regulator of HCC progression and indicated DHX32 canserve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guosheng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinzhang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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42
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Turdo A, D'Accardo C, Glaviano A, Porcelli G, Colarossi C, Colarossi L, Mare M, Faldetta N, Modica C, Pistone G, Bongiorno MR, Todaro M, Stassi G. Targeting Phosphatases and Kinases: How to Checkmate Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:690306. [PMID: 34778245 PMCID: PMC8581442 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.690306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic disease represents the major cause of death in oncologic patients worldwide. Accumulating evidence have highlighted the relevance of a small population of cancer cells, named cancer stem cells (CSCs), in the resistance to therapies, as well as cancer recurrence and metastasis. Standard anti-cancer treatments are not always conclusively curative, posing an urgent need to discover new targets for an effective therapy. Kinases and phosphatases are implicated in many cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation and oncogenic transformation. These proteins are crucial regulators of intracellular signaling pathways mediating multiple cellular activities. Therefore, alterations in kinases and phosphatases functionality is a hallmark of cancer. Notwithstanding the role of kinases and phosphatases in cancer has been widely investigated, their aberrant activation in the compartment of CSCs is nowadays being explored as new potential Achille's heel to strike. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the major protein kinases and phosphatases pathways by which CSCs can evade normal physiological constraints on survival, growth, and invasion. Moreover, we discuss the potential of inhibitors of these proteins in counteracting CSCs expansion during cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina D'Accardo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Glaviano
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Colarossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), Catania, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), Catania, Italy
| | - Marzia Mare
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), Catania, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Modica
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pistone
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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43
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Ren X, Rong Z, Liu X, Gao J, Xu X, Zi Y, Mu Y, Guan Y, Cao Z, Zhang Y, Zeng Z, Fan Q, Wang X, Pei Q, Wang X, Xin H, Li Z, Nie Y, Qiu Z, Li N, Sun L, Deng Y. The protein kinase activity of NME7 activates Wnt/β-Catenin signaling to promote one-carbon metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Res 2021; 82:60-74. [PMID: 34764205 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming by oncogenic signaling is a hallmark of cancer. Hyperactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms inducing hyperactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and strategies for targeting this pathway are incompletely understood. In this study, we find nucleoside diphosphate kinase 7 (NME7) to be a positive regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Upregulation of NME7 positively correlated with the clinical features of HCC. Knockdown of NME7 inhibited HCC growth in vitro and in vivo, while overexpression of NME7 cooperated with c-Myc to drive tumorigenesis in a mouse model and promote the growth of tumor-derived organoids. Mechanistically, NME7 bound and phosphorylated serine 9 of GSK3β to promote β-catenin activation. Furthermore, MTHFD2, the key enzyme in one-carbon metabolism, was a target gene of β-catenin and mediated the effects of NME7. Tumor-derived organoids with NME7 overexpression exhibited increased sensitivity to MTHFD2 inhibition. Additionally, expression levels of NME7, β-catenin and MTHFD2 correlated with each other and with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Collectively, this study emphasizes the crucial roles of NME7 protein kinase activity in promoting Wnt/β-catenin signaling and one-carbon metabolism, suggesting NME7 and MTHFD2 as potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Ren
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Zhuoxian Rong
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Ruijin Hospital
| | - Jie Gao
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Xu Xu
- Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Yuyuan Zi
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Yun Mu
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | | | - Zhen Cao
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Yuefang Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Kay Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Zimei Zeng
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Qi Fan
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Xitao Wang
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Qian Pei
- Xiangya Hospital Central South University
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
| | - Haiguang Xin
- Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Zhi Li
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | | | - Zilong Qiu
- Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Nan Li
- The Eestern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University
| | | | - Yuezhen Deng
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
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44
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Zhang X, Zhang Y, Dou L. miR-552 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells through targeting MUC15 pathway. J Cancer 2021; 12:6094-6104. [PMID: 34539882 PMCID: PMC8425207 DOI: 10.7150/jca.56098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that microRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in tumorigenesis, progression, recurrence and drug resistance of malignant tumors. The tumor-promoting role of miR-552 has been evidenced in multiple tumors. Yet, the relevance of miR-552 in cervical cancer remains undetermined. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-552 in cervical cancer proliferation and metastasis. Herein, we for first found that miR-552 expression was upregulated in cervical cancer tissues compared with their normal controls. Functional assays revealed that miR-552 promoted the proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells. Mechanically, bioinformatics and luciferase reporter analysis identified MUC15 as a direct target of miR-552. Reduced MUC15 expression was detected in cervical cancer, and MUC15 overexpression exhibited a tumor-suppressive effect. MUC15 restoration partially abolished the discrepancy of growth and metastasis capacity between miR-552 overexpression cervical cancer cells and control cells. Taken together, these data demonstrate that miR-552 acts as a potential oncogene miRNA in cervical cancer, which exerts its function through targeting MUC15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Discipline Inspection Commission, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Discipline Inspection Commission, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Lei Dou
- Department of Discipline Inspection Commission, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, China
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Epigenetic Changes Affecting the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164237. [PMID: 34439391 PMCID: PMC8392268 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma is a life-threatening disease. Despite many efforts to understand the exact pathogenesis and the signaling pathways involved in its formation, treatment remains unsatisfactory. Currently, an important function in the development of neoplastic diseases and treatment effects is attributed to changes taking place at the epigenetic level. Epigenetic studies revealed modified methylation patterns in HCC, dysfunction of enzymes engaged in the DNA methylation process, the aberrant function of non-coding RNAs, and a set of histone modifications that influence gene expression. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the role of epigenetics in the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a serious oncologic issue with still a dismal prognosis. So far, no key molecular mechanism that underlies its pathogenesis has been identified. Recently, by specific molecular approaches, many genetic and epigenetic changes arising during HCC pathogenesis were detected. Epigenetic studies revealed modified methylation patterns in HCC tumors, dysfunction of enzymes engaged in the DNA methylation process, and a set of histone modifications that influence gene expression. HCC cells are also influenced by the disrupted function of non-coding RNAs, such as micro RNAs and long non-coding RNAs. Moreover, a role of liver cancer stem cells in HCC development is becoming evident. The reversibility of epigenetic changes offers the possibility of influencing them and regulating their undesirable effects. All these data can be used not only to identify new therapeutic targets but also to predict treatment response. This review focuses on epigenetic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma and their possible implications in HCC therapy.
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Double-edged roles of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 in cancer and its inhibitors in clinical trials. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 230:107966. [PMID: 34403682 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Phosphorylation is a reversible post-translational modification regulated by phosphorylase and dephosphorylase to mediate important cellular events. Src homology-2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) encoded by PTPN11 is the first identified oncogenic protein in protein tyrosine phosphatases family. Serving as a convergent node, SHP2 is involved in multiple cascade signaling pathways including Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK, PI3K-AKT, JAK-STAT and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways. Especially, the double-edged roles of SHP2 based on the substrate specificity in various biological contexts dramatically increase the effect complexity in different SHP2-associated diseases. Evidences suggest that by collaborating with other mutations in associated pathways, dysregulation of SHP2 contributes to the pathogenesis of different cancers, making SHP2 a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. SHP2 can either act as oncogenic factor or tumor suppressor in different diseases, and both the conserved catalytic dephosphorylation mechanism and the unique allosteric regulation mechanism of SHP2 provide opportunities for the development of SHP2 inhibitors and activators. To date, several small-molecule SHP2 inhibitors have advanced into clinical trials for mono- or combined therapy of cancers. Moreover, SHP2 activators and proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC)-based degraders also display therapeutic promise. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the overall structures, regulation mechanisms, double-edged roles of SHP2 in both physiological and carcinogenic pathways, and SHP2 inhibitors in clinical trials. SHP2 activators and degraders are also briefly discussed. This review aims to provide in-depth understanding of the biological roles of SHP2 and highlight therapeutic potential of targeting SHP2.
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Charab W, Rosenberger MG, Shivram H, Mirazee JM, Donkor M, Shekhar SR, Gjuka D, Khoo KH, Kim JE, Iyer VR, Georgiou G. IgG Immune Complexes Inhibit Naïve T Cell Proliferation and Suppress Effector Function in Cytotoxic T Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:713704. [PMID: 34447380 PMCID: PMC8383740 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.713704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated levels of circulating immune complexes are associated with autoimmunity and with worse prognoses in cancer. Here, we examined the effects of well-defined, soluble immune complexes (ICs) on human peripheral T cells. We demonstrate that IgG-ICs inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of a subset of naïve T cells but stimulate the division of another naïve-like T cell subset. Phenotypic analysis by multi-parameter flow cytometry and RNA-Seq were used to characterize the inhibited and stimulated T cells revealing that the inhibited subset presented immature features resembling those of recent thymic emigrants and non-activated naïve T cells, whereas the stimulated subset exhibited transcriptional features indicative of a more differentiated, early memory progenitor with a naïve-like phenotype. Furthermore, we show that while IgG1-ICs do not profoundly inhibit the proliferation of memory T cells, IgG1-ICs suppress the production of granzyme-β and perforin in cytotoxic memory T cells. Our findings reveal how ICs can link humoral immunity and T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissam Charab
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Matthew G. Rosenberger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Haridha Shivram
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Justin M. Mirazee
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Moses Donkor
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Soumya R. Shekhar
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Donjeta Gjuka
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Kimberly H. Khoo
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Jin Eyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Vishwanath R. Iyer
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - George Georgiou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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Cancer stem cell phosphatases. Biochem J 2021; 478:2899-2920. [PMID: 34319405 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in the initiation and progression of human malignancies by enabling cancer tissue self-renewal capacity and constituting the therapy-resistant population of tumor cells. However, despite the exhausting characterization of CSC genetics, epigenetics, and kinase signaling, eradication of CSCs remains an unattainable goal in most human malignancies. While phosphatases contribute equally with kinases to cellular phosphoregulation, our understanding of phosphatases in CSCs lags severely behind our knowledge about other CSC signaling mechanisms. Many cancer-relevant phosphatases have recently become druggable, indicating that further understanding of the CSC phosphatases might provide novel therapeutic opportunities. This review summarizes the current knowledge about fundamental, but yet poorly understood involvement of phosphatases in the regulation of major CSC signaling pathways. We also review the functional roles of phosphatases in CSC self-renewal, cancer progression, and therapy resistance; focusing particularly on hematological cancers and glioblastoma. We further discuss the small molecule targeting of CSC phosphatases and their therapeutic potential in cancer combination therapies.
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Lv D, Chen L, Du L, Zhou L, Tang H. Emerging Regulatory Mechanisms Involved in Liver Cancer Stem Cell Properties in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:691410. [PMID: 34368140 PMCID: PMC8339910 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.691410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that HCC is driven by a population of cells called liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). LCSCs have been proposed to contribute to malignant HCC progression, including promoting tumor occurrence and growth, mediating tumor metastasis, and treatment resistance, but the regulatory mechanism of LCSCs in HCC remains unclear. Understanding the signaling pathways responsible for LCSC maintenance and survival may provide opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Here, we review the current literature about the origin of LCSCs and the niche composition, describe the current evidence of signaling pathways that mediate LCSC stemness, then highlight several mechanisms that modulate LCSC properties in HCC progression, and finally, summarize the new developments in therapeutic strategies targeting LCSCs markers and regulatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duoduo Lv
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liyu Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyao Du
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyun Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Xia L, Yang F, Wu X, Li S, Kan C, Zheng H, Wang S. SHP2 inhibition enhances the anticancer effect of Osimertinib in EGFR T790M mutant lung adenocarcinoma by blocking CXCL8 loop mediated stemness. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:337. [PMID: 34217295 PMCID: PMC8254369 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Additional epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations confer the drug resistance to generations of EGFR targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), posing a major challenge to developing effective treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The strategy of combining EGFR-TKI with other synergistic or sensitizing therapeutic agents are considered a promising approach in the era of precision medicine. Moreover, the role and mechanism of SHP2, which is involved in cell proliferation, cytokine production, stemness maintenance and drug resistance, has not been carefully explored in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). METHODS To evaluate the impact of SHP2 on the efficacy of EGFR T790M mutant LUAD cells to Osimertinib, SHP2 inhibition was tested in Osimertinib treated LUAD cells. Cell proliferation and stemness were tested in SHP2 modified LUAD cells. RNA sequencing was performed to explore the mechanism of SHP2 promoted stemness. RESULTS This study demonstrated that high SHP2 expression level correlates with poor outcome of LUAD patients, and SHP2 expression is enriched in Osimertinib resistant LUAD cells. SHP2 inhibition suppressed the cell proliferation and damaged the stemness of EGFR T790M mutant LUAD. SHP2 facilitates the secretion of CXCL8 cytokine from the EGFR T790M mutant LUAD cells, through a CXCL8-CXCR1/2 positive feedback loop that promotes stemness and tumorigenesis. Our results further show that SHP2 mediates CXCL8-CXCR1/2 feedback loop through ERK-AKT-NFκB and GSK3β-β-Catenin signaling in EGFR T790M mutant LUAD cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data revealed that SHP2 inhibition enhances the anti-cancer effect of Osimertinib in EGFR T790M mutant LUAD by blocking CXCL8-CXCR1/2 loop mediated stemness, which may help provide an alternative therapeutic option to enhance the clinical efficacy of osimertinib in EGFR T790M mutant LUAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leiming Xia
- Basic College of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Hematology, The Third affiliated hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Hematology, The fourth affiliated hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Basic College of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Basic College of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Suzhi Li
- Basic College of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chen Kan
- Basic College of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Basic College of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Siying Wang
- Basic College of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
- Laboratory Center for Medical Science Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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