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Cuesta ÁM, Palao N, Bragado P, Gutierrez-Uzquiza A, Herrera B, Sánchez A, Porras A. New and Old Key Players in Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17152. [PMID: 38138981 PMCID: PMC10742790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417152] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer represents a major health problem worldwide with growing incidence and high mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most frequent. Hepatocytes are likely the cellular origin of most HCCs through the accumulation of genetic alterations, although hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) might also be candidates in specific cases, as discussed here. HCC usually develops in a context of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, although the role of fibrosis is controversial. The interplay between hepatocytes, immune cells and hepatic stellate cells is a key issue. This review summarizes critical aspects of the liver tumor microenvironment paying special attention to platelets as new key players, which exert both pro- and anti-tumor effects, determined by specific contexts and a tight regulation of platelet signaling. Additionally, the relevance of specific signaling pathways, mainly HGF/MET, EGFR and TGF-β is discussed. HGF and TGF-β are produced by different liver cells and platelets and regulate not only tumor cell fate but also HPCs, inflammation and fibrosis, these being key players in these processes. The role of C3G/RAPGEF1, required for the proper function of HGF/MET signaling in HCC and HPCs, is highlighted, due to its ability to promote HCC growth and, regulate HPC fate and platelet-mediated actions on liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel M. Cuesta
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Palao
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Bragado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Gutierrez-Uzquiza
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Porras
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Sequera C, Grattarola M, Holczbauer A, Dono R, Pizzimenti S, Barrera G, Wangensteen KJ, Maina F. MYC and MET cooperatively drive hepatocellular carcinoma with distinct molecular traits and vulnerabilities. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:994. [PMID: 36433941 PMCID: PMC9700715 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05411-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Enhanced activation of the transcription factor MYC and of the receptor tyrosine kinase MET are among the events frequently occurring in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Both genes individually act as drivers of liver cancer initiation and progression. However, their concomitant alteration in HCC has not been explored, nor functionally documented. Here, we analysed databases of five independent human HCC cohorts and found a subset of patients with high levels of MYC and MET (MYChigh/METhigh) characterised by poor prognosis. This clinical observation drove us to explore the functionality of MYC and MET co-occurrence in vivo, combining hydrodynamic tail vein injection for MYC expression in the R26stopMet genetic setting, in which wild-type MET levels are enhanced following the genetic deletion of a stop cassette. Results showed that increased MYC and MET expression in hepatocytes is sufficient to induce liver tumorigenesis even in the absence of pre-existing injuries associated with a chronic disease state. Intriguingly, ectopic MYC in MET tumours increases expression of the Mki67 proliferation marker, and switches them into loss of Afp, Spp1, Gpc3, Epcam accompanied by an increase in Hgma1, Vim, and Hep-Par1 levels. We additionally found a switch in the expression of specific immune checkpoints, with an increase in the Ctla-4 and Lag3 lymphocyte co-inhibitory responses, and in the Icosl co-stimulatory responses of tumour cells. We provide in vitro evidence on the vulnerability of some human HCC cell lines to combined MYC and MET targeting, which are otherwise resistant to single inhibition. Mechanistically, combined blockage of MYC and MET converts a partial cytostatic effect, triggered by individual blockage of MYC or MET, into a cytotoxic effect. Together, these findings highlight a subgroup of HCC characterised by MYChigh/METhigh, and document functional cooperativity between MYC and MET in liver tumorigenesis. Thus, the MYC-R26Met model is a relevant setting for HCC biology, patient classification and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Sequera
- grid.462081.90000 0004 0598 4854Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Margherita Grattarola
- grid.462081.90000 0004 0598 4854Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Agnes Holczbauer
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Rosanna Dono
- grid.462081.90000 0004 0598 4854Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stefania Pizzimenti
- grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Barrera
- grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Kirk J. Wangensteen
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Flavio Maina
- grid.462081.90000 0004 0598 4854Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
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Rada P, Lamballe F, Carceller-López E, Hitos AB, Sequera C, Maina F, Valverde ÁM. Enhanced Wild-Type MET Receptor Levels in Mouse Hepatocytes Attenuates Insulin-Mediated Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050793. [PMID: 35269415 PMCID: PMC8909847 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Compelling evidence points to the MET receptor tyrosine kinase as a key player during liver development and regeneration. Recently, a role of MET in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and obesity is emerging. Herein, we aimed to determine whether MET regulates hepatic insulin sensitivity. To achieve this, mice in which the expression of wild-type MET in hepatocytes is slightly enhanced above endogenous levels (Alb-R26Met mice) were analyzed to document glucose homeostasis, energy balance, and insulin signaling in hepatocytes. We found that Alb-R26Met mice exhibited higher body weight and food intake when compared to R26stopMet control mice. Metabolic analyses revealed that Alb-R26Met mice presented age-related glucose and pyruvate intolerance in comparison to R26stopMet controls. Additionally, in Alb-R26Met mice, high MET levels decreased insulin-induced insulin receptor (IR) and AKT phosphorylation compared to control mice. These results were corroborated in vitro by analyzing IR and AKT phosphorylation in primary mouse hepatocytes from Alb-R26Met and R26stopMet mice upon insulin stimulation. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed MET-IR interaction under both basal and insulin stimulation conditions; this effect was enhanced in Alb-R26Met hepatocytes. Altogether, our results indicate that enhanced MET levels alter hepatic glucose homeostasis, which can be an early event for subsequent liver pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Rada
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (E.C.-L.); (A.B.H.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.R.); (F.M.); (Á.M.V.)
| | - Fabienne Lamballe
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France; (F.L.); (C.S.)
| | - Elena Carceller-López
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (E.C.-L.); (A.B.H.)
| | - Ana B. Hitos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (E.C.-L.); (A.B.H.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Celia Sequera
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France; (F.L.); (C.S.)
| | - Flavio Maina
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Turing Center for Living Systems, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France; (F.L.); (C.S.)
- Correspondence: (P.R.); (F.M.); (Á.M.V.)
| | - Ángela M. Valverde
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (E.C.-L.); (A.B.H.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.R.); (F.M.); (Á.M.V.)
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Arechederra M, Bazai SK, Abdouni A, Sequera C, Mead TJ, Richelme S, Daian F, Audebert S, Dono R, Lozano A, Gregoire D, Hibner U, Allende DS, Apte SS, Maina F. ADAMTSL5 is an epigenetically activated gene underlying tumorigenesis and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2021; 74:893-906. [PMID: 33197513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The tumour microenvironment shapes tumour growth through cellular communications that include both direct interactions and secreted factors. The aim of this study was to characterize the impact of the secreted glycoprotein ADAMTSL5, whose role in cancer has not been previously investigated, on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS ADAMTSL5 methylation status was evaluated through bisulfite sequencing, and publicly available data analysis. ADAMTSL5 RNA and protein expression were assessed in mouse models and HCC patient samples and compared to data from published datasets. Functional studies, including association of ADAMTSL5 depletion with responsiveness to clinically relevant drugs, were performed in cellular and in vivo models. Molecular alterations associated with ADAMTSL5 targeting were determined using proteomics, biochemistry, and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. RESULTS Methylome analysis revealed hypermethylated gene body CpG islands at the ADAMTSL5 locus in both mouse and human HCC, correlating with higher ADAMTSL5 expression. ADAMTSL5 targeting interfered with tumorigenic properties of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas ADAMTSL5 overexpression conferred tumorigenicity to pre-tumoural hepatocytes sensitized to transformation by a modest level of MET receptor expression. Mechanistically, ADAMTSL5 abrogation led to a reduction of several oncogenic inputs relevant to HCC, including reduced expression and/or phosphorylation levels of receptor tyrosine kinases MET, EGFR, PDGFRβ, IGF1Rβ, or FGFR4. This phenotype was associated with significantly increased sensitivity of HCC cells to clinically relevant drugs, namely sorafenib, lenvatinib, and regorafenib. Moreover, ADAMTSL5 depletion drastically increased expression of AXL, accompanied by a sensitization to bemcentinib. CONCLUSIONS Our results point to a role for ADAMTSL5 in maintaining the function of key oncogenic signalling pathways, suggesting that it may act as a master regulator of tumorigenicity and drug resistance in HCC. LAY SUMMARY The environment of cancer cells has profound effects on establishment, progression, and response of a tumour to treatment. Herein, we show that ADAMTSL5, a protein secreted by liver cancer cells and overlooked in cancer so far, is increased in this tumour type, is necessary for tumour formation and supports drug resistance. Adamtsl5 removal conferred sensitivity of liver cancer cells to drugs used in current treatment. This suggests ADAMTSL5 as a potential marker in liver cancer as well as a possible drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Arechederra
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), UMR7288, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Sehrish K Bazai
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), UMR7288, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Ahmed Abdouni
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), UMR7288, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Celia Sequera
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), UMR7288, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Timothy J Mead
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Sylvie Richelme
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), UMR7288, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Fabrice Daian
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), UMR7288, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphane Audebert
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CRCM, Marseille Proteomics, INSERM, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Rosanna Dono
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), UMR7288, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Anthony Lozano
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Damien Gregoire
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Urszula Hibner
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Daniela S Allende
- Pathology Department, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Suneel S Apte
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Flavio Maina
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), UMR7288, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France.
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Lamballe F, Ahmad F, Vinik Y, Castellanet O, Daian F, Müller A, Köhler UA, Bailly A, Josselin E, Castellano R, Cayrou C, Charafe‐Jauffret E, Mills GB, Géli V, Borg J, Lev S, Maina F. Modeling Heterogeneity of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Uncovers a Novel Combinatorial Treatment Overcoming Primary Drug Resistance. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2003049. [PMID: 33552868 PMCID: PMC7856896 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype characterized by a remarkable molecular heterogeneity. Currently, there are no effective druggable targets and advanced preclinical models of the human disease. Here, a unique mouse model (MMTV-R26Met mice) of mammary tumors driven by a subtle increase in the expression of the wild-type MET receptor is generated. MMTV-R26Met mice develop spontaneous, exclusive TNBC tumors, recapitulating primary resistance to treatment of patients. Proteomic profiling of MMTV-R26Met tumors and machine learning approach show that the model faithfully recapitulates intertumoral heterogeneity of human TNBC. Further signaling network analysis highlights potential druggable targets, of which cotargeting of WEE1 and BCL-XL synergistically kills TNBC cells and efficiently induces tumor regression. Mechanistically, BCL-XL inhibition exacerbates the dependency of TNBC cells on WEE1 function, leading to Histone H3 and phosphoS33RPA32 upregulation, RRM2 downregulation, cell cycle perturbation, mitotic catastrophe, and apoptosis. This study introduces a unique, powerful mouse model for studying TNBC formation and evolution, its heterogeneity, and for identifying efficient therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Lamballe
- Aix Marseille UnivCNRSDevelopmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM)Turing Center for Living SystemsParc Scientifique de LuminyMarseille13009France
| | - Fahmida Ahmad
- Aix Marseille UnivCNRSDevelopmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM)Turing Center for Living SystemsParc Scientifique de LuminyMarseille13009France
| | - Yaron Vinik
- Department of Molecular Cell BiologyWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovot76100Israel
| | - Olivier Castellanet
- Aix Marseille UnivCNRSDevelopmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM)Turing Center for Living SystemsParc Scientifique de LuminyMarseille13009France
| | - Fabrice Daian
- Aix Marseille UnivCNRSDevelopmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM)Turing Center for Living SystemsParc Scientifique de LuminyMarseille13009France
| | | | - Ulrike A. Köhler
- Department of Molecular Cell BiologyWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovot76100Israel
| | - Anne‐Laure Bailly
- Aix Marseille UnivCentre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM)Equipes labellisées Ligue ‘Cell polarity, cell signaling and cancer’ and ‘Telomere and Chromatin’InsermCNRSInstitut Paoli‐CalmettesMarseille13009France
| | - Emmanuelle Josselin
- Aix Marseille UnivInsermCNRSInstitut Paoli‐CalmettesCRCMTrGET PlatformMarseille13009France
| | - Rémy Castellano
- Aix Marseille UnivInsermCNRSInstitut Paoli‐CalmettesCRCMTrGET PlatformMarseille13009France
| | - Christelle Cayrou
- Aix Marseille UnivCentre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM)Equipes labellisées Ligue ‘Cell polarity, cell signaling and cancer’ and ‘Telomere and Chromatin’InsermCNRSInstitut Paoli‐CalmettesMarseille13009France
| | - Emmanuelle Charafe‐Jauffret
- Aix Marseille UnivInsermCNRSInstitut Paoli‐CalmettesCRCMExperimental Histo‐Pathology PlatformMarseille13009France
| | | | - Vincent Géli
- Aix Marseille UnivCentre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM)Equipes labellisées Ligue ‘Cell polarity, cell signaling and cancer’ and ‘Telomere and Chromatin’InsermCNRSInstitut Paoli‐CalmettesMarseille13009France
| | - Jean‐Paul Borg
- Aix Marseille UnivCentre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM)Equipes labellisées Ligue ‘Cell polarity, cell signaling and cancer’ and ‘Telomere and Chromatin’InsermCNRSInstitut Paoli‐CalmettesMarseille13009France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF)1 rue DescartesParis75231France
| | - Sima Lev
- Department of Molecular Cell BiologyWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovot76100Israel
| | - Flavio Maina
- Aix Marseille UnivCNRSDevelopmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM)Turing Center for Living SystemsParc Scientifique de LuminyMarseille13009France
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C3G Is Upregulated in Hepatocarcinoma, Contributing to Tumor Growth and Progression and to HGF/MET Pathway Activation. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082282. [PMID: 32823931 PMCID: PMC7463771 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) challenges the identification of disease-relevant signals. C3G, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rap and other Ras proteins, plays a dual role in cancer acting as either a tumor suppressor or promoter depending on tumor type and stage. The potential relevance of C3G upregulation in HCC patients suggested by database analysis remains unknown. We have explored C3G function in HCC and the underlying mechanisms using public patient data and in vitro and in vivo human and mouse HCC models. We found that C3G is highly expressed in progenitor cells and neonatal hepatocytes, whilst being down-regulated in adult hepatocytes and re-expressed in human HCC patients, mouse HCC models and HCC cell lines. Moreover, high C3G mRNA levels correlate with tumor progression and a lower patient survival rate. C3G expression appears to be tightly modulated within the HCC program, influencing distinct cell biological properties. Hence, high C3G expression levels are necessary for cell tumorigenic properties, as illustrated by reduced colony formation in anchorage-dependent and -independent growth assays induced by permanent C3G silencing using shRNAs. Additionally, we demonstrate that C3G down-regulation interferes with primary HCC tumor formation in xenograft assays, increasing apoptosis and decreasing proliferation. In vitro assays also revealed that C3G down-regulation enhances the pro-migratory, invasive and metastatic properties of HCC cells through an epithelial-mesenchymal switch that favors the acquisition of a more mesenchymal phenotype. Consistently, a low C3G expression in HCC cells correlates with lung metastasis formation in mice. However, the subsequent restoration of C3G levels is associated with metastatic growth. Mechanistically, C3G down-regulation severely impairs HGF/MET signaling activation in HCC cells. Collectively, our results indicate that C3G is a key player in HCC. C3G promotes tumor growth and progression, and the modulation of its levels is essential to ensure distinct biological features of HCC cells throughout the oncogenic program. Furthermore, C3G requirement for HGF/MET signaling full activation provides mechanistic data on how it works, pointing out the relevance of assessing whether high C3G levels could identify HCC responders to MET inhibitors.
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent subtype of primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC pathogenesis have not been fully understood. Emerging evidences have recently suggested the crucial role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. Various HCC-related lncRNAs have been shown to possess aberrant expression and participate in cancerous phenotypes (e.g. persistent proliferation, evading apoptosis, accelerated vessel formation and gain of invasive capability) through their binding with DNA, RNA or proteins, or encoding small peptides. Thus, a deeper understanding of lncRNA dysregulation would provide new insights into HCC pathogenesis and novel tools for the early diagnosis and treatment of HCC. In this review, we summarize the dysregulation of lncRNAs expression in HCC and their tumor suppressive or oncogenic roles during HCC tumorigenesis. Moreover, we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic potentials of lncRNAs in HCC.
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Genomic Perspective on Mouse Liver Cancer Models. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111648. [PMID: 31731480 PMCID: PMC6895968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Selecting the most appropriate mouse model that best recapitulates human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) allows translation of preclinical mouse studies into clinical studies. In the era of cancer genomics, comprehensive and integrative analysis of the human HCC genome has allowed categorization of HCC according to molecular subtypes. Despite the variety of mouse models that are available for preclinical research, there is a lack of evidence for mouse models that closely resemble human HCC. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the accurate mouse models that represent human HCC based on molecular subtype as well as histologic aggressiveness. In this review, we summarize the mouse models integrated with human HCC genomic data to provide information regarding the models that recapitulates the distinct aspect of HCC biology and prognosis based on molecular subtypes.
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Tracking Dynamics of Spontaneous Tumors in Mice Using Photon-Counting Computed Tomography. iScience 2019; 21:68-83. [PMID: 31655257 PMCID: PMC6820243 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Computed tomography is a powerful medical imaging modality for longitudinal studies in cancer to follow neoplasia progression and evaluate anticancer therapies. Here, we report the generation of a photon-counting micro-computed tomography (PC-CT) method based on hybrid pixel detectors with enhanced sensitivity and precision of tumor imaging. We then applied PC-CT for longitudinal imaging in a clinically relevant liver cancer model, the Alb-R26Met mice, and found a remarkable heterogeneity in the dynamics for tumors at the initiation phases. Instead, the growth curve of evolving tumors exhibited a comparable exponential growth, with a constant doubling time. Furthermore, longitudinal PC-CT imaging in mice treated with a combination of MEK and BCL-XL inhibitors revealed a drastic tumor regression accompanied by a striking remodeling of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Thus, PC-CT is a powerful system to detect cancer initiation and progression, and to monitor its evolution during treatment. Development of photon-counting micro-computed tomography (PC-CT) with hybrid pixels PC-CT allows longitudinal imaging of tumor dynamics in mouse cancer models RTK-driven tumors are heterogeneous at onset, but grow steadily during progression MEK + BCL-XL targeting leads to tumor regression and microenvironment remodeling
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Kieckhaefer JE, Maina F, Wells R, Wangensteen KJ. Liver Cancer Gene Discovery Using Gene Targeting, Sleeping Beauty, and CRISPR/Cas9. Semin Liver Dis 2019; 39:261-274. [PMID: 30912094 PMCID: PMC7485130 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1678725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a devastating and prevalent cancer with limited treatment options. Technological advances have enabled genetic screens to be employed in HCC model systems to characterize genes regulating tumor initiation and growth. Relative to traditional methods for studying cancer biology, such as candidate gene approaches or expression analysis, genetic screens have several advantages: they are unbiased, with no a priori selection; can directly annotate gene function; and can uncover gene-gene interactions. In HCC, three main types of screens have been conducted and are reviewed here: (1) transposon-based mutagenesis screens, (2) knockdown screens using RNA interference (RNAi) or the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and (3) overexpression screens using CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) or cDNAs. These methods will be valuable in future genetic screens to delineate the mechanisms underlying drug resistance and to identify new treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E. Kieckhaefer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Flavio Maina
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Rebecca Wells
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kirk J. Wangensteen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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11
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Evaluating the landscape of gene cooperativity with receptor tyrosine kinases in liver tumorigenesis using transposon-mediated mutagenesis. J Hepatol 2019; 70:470-482. [PMID: 30529386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The variety of alterations found in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) makes the identification of functionally relevant genes and their combinatorial actions in tumorigenesis challenging. Deregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is frequent in HCC, yet little is known about the molecular events that cooperate with RTKs and whether these cooperative events play an active role at the root of liver tumorigenesis. METHODS A forward genetic screen was performed using Sleeping Beauty transposon insertional mutagenesis to accelerate liver tumour formation in a genetic context in which subtly increased MET RTK levels predispose mice to tumorigenesis. Systematic sequencing of tumours identified common transposon insertion sites, thus uncovering putative RTK cooperators for liver cancer. Bioinformatic analyses were applied to transposon outcomes and human HCC datasets. In vitro and in vivo (through xenografts) functional screens were performed to assess the relevance of distinct cooperative modes to the tumorigenic properties conferred by RTKs. RESULTS We identified 275 genes, most of which are altered in patients with HCC. Unexpectedly, these genes are not restricted to a small set of pathway/cellular processes, but cover a large spectrum of cellular functions, including signalling, metabolism, chromatin remodelling, mRNA degradation, proteasome, ubiquitination, cell cycle regulation, and chromatid segregation. We validated 15 tumour suppressor candidates, as shRNA-mediated targeting confers tumorigenicity to RTK-sensitized cells, but not to cells with basal RTK levels. This demonstrates that the context of enhanced RTK levels is essential for their action in tumour initiation. CONCLUSION Our study identifies unanticipated genetic interactions underlying gene cooperativity with RTKs in HCC. Moreover, these results show how subtly increased levels of wild-type RTKs provide a tumour permissive cellular environment allowing a large spectrum of deregulated mechanisms to initiate liver cancer. LAY SUMMARY Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are among signals frequently deregulated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and their deregulation confers essential biological properties to cancer cells. We have applied a genetic method to randomly mutate large numbers of genes in the context of a mouse model with increased RTK levels, predisposed to develop liver cancer. We identified mechanisms that accelerate tumour formation in cooperation with enhanced RTK levels. The wide array of cellular functions among these cooperators illustrates an extraordinary capability of RTKs to render the liver more vulnerable to additional alterations, by priming cells for tumour initiation.
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12
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Arechederra M, Daian F, Yim A, Bazai SK, Richelme S, Dono R, Saurin AJ, Habermann BH, Maina F. Hypermethylation of gene body CpG islands predicts high dosage of functional oncogenes in liver cancer. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3164. [PMID: 30089774 PMCID: PMC6082886 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05550-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications such as aberrant DNA methylation reshape the gene expression repertoire in cancer. Here, we used a clinically relevant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse model (Alb-R26Met) to explore the impact of DNA methylation on transcriptional switches associated with tumorigenesis. We identified a striking enrichment in genes simultaneously hypermethylated in CpG islands (CGIs) and overexpressed. These hypermethylated CGIs are located either in the 5′-UTR or in the gene body region. Remarkably, such CGI hypermethylation accompanied by gene upregulation also occurs in 56% of HCC patients, which belong to the “HCC proliferative-progenitor” subclass. Most of the genes upregulated and with hypermethylated CGIs in the Alb-R26Met HCC model undergo the same change in a large proportion of HCC patients. Among reprogrammed genes, several are well-known oncogenes. For others not previously linked to cancer, we demonstrate here their action together as an “oncogene module”. Thus, hypermethylation of gene body CGIs is predictive of elevated oncogene levels in cancer, offering a novel stratification strategy and perspectives to normalise cancer gene dosages. Changes in the DNA methylation status are commonly observed in cancer but their impact on cancer development is unclear. Here, combining DNA methylation and expression profiles from a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma with those from human samples, the authors report an epigenetic reprogramming process ensuring increased dosage of an “oncogene module”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Arechederra
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Aix Marseille Univ, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Fabrice Daian
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Aix Marseille Univ, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Annie Yim
- Computational Biology Group, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sehrish K Bazai
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Aix Marseille Univ, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Sylvie Richelme
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Aix Marseille Univ, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Rosanna Dono
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Aix Marseille Univ, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Andrew J Saurin
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Aix Marseille Univ, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Bianca H Habermann
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Aix Marseille Univ, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Flavio Maina
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Aix Marseille Univ, 13009, Marseille, France.
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Faggioli F, Palagano E, Di Tommaso L, Donadon M, Marrella V, Recordati C, Mantero S, Villa A, Vezzoni P, Cassani B. B lymphocytes limit senescence-driven fibrosis resolution and favor hepatocarcinogenesis in mouse liver injury. Hepatology 2018; 67:1970-1985. [PMID: 29105104 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent neoplasia and a leading cause of inflammation-related cancer mortality. Despite that most HCCs arise from persistent inflammatory conditions, pathways linking chronic inflammation to cancer development are still incompletely elucidated. We dissected the role of adaptive immunity in the Mdr2 knockout (Mdr2-/- ) mouse, a model of inflammation-associated cancer, in which ablation of adaptive immunity has been induced genetically (Rag2-/- Mdr2-/- and μMt-Mdr2-/- mice) or with in vivo treatments using lymphocyte-specific depleting antibodies (anti-CD20 or anti-CD4/CD8). We found that activated B and T lymphocytes, secreting fibrogenic tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and other proinflammatory cytokines, infiltrated liver of the Mdr2-/- mice during chronic fibrosing cholangitis. Lymphocyte ablation, in the Rag2-/- Mdr2-/- and μMt-Mdr2-/- mice, strongly suppressed hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and extracellular matrix deposition, enhancing HSC transition to cellular senescence. Moreover, lack of lymphocytes changed the intrahepatic metabolic/oxidative state, resulting in skewed macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Remarkably, hepatocarcinogenesis was significantly suppressed in the Rag2-/- Mdr2-/- mice, correlating with reduced TNFα/NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) pathway activation. Ablation of CD20+ B cells, but not of CD4+ /CD8+ T cells, in Mdr2-/- mice, promoted senescence-mediated fibrosis resolution and inhibited the protumorigenic TNFα/NF-κB pathway. Interestingly, presence of infiltrating B cells correlated with increased tumor aggressiveness and reduced disease-free survival in human HCC. CONCLUSION Adaptive immunity sustains liver fibrosis (LF) and favors HCC growth in chronic injury, by modulating innate components of inflammation and limiting the extent of HSC senescence. Therapies designed for B-cell targeting may be an effective strategy in LF. (Hepatology 2018;67:1970-1985).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Faggioli
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Palagano
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Pathology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Veronica Marrella
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Camilla Recordati
- Mouse and Animal Pathology Laboratory, Fondazione Filarete, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Mantero
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Paolo Vezzoni
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Barbara Cassani
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
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14
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The multiple paths towards MET receptor addiction in cancer. Oncogene 2018; 37:3200-3215. [PMID: 29551767 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0185-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapies against receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are currently used with success on a small proportion of patients displaying clear oncogene activation. Lung cancers with a mutated EGFR provide a good illustration. The efficacy of targeted treatments relies on oncogene addiction, a situation in which the growth or survival of the cancer cells depends on a single deregulated oncogene. MET, a member of the RTK family, is a promising target because it displays many deregulations in a broad panel of cancers. Although clinical trials having evaluated MET inhibitors in large populations have yielded disappointing results, many recent case reports suggest that MET inhibition may be effective in a subset of patients with unambiguous MET activation and thus, most probably, oncogene addiction. Interestingly, preclinical studies have revealed a particularity of MET addiction: it can arise through several mechanisms, and the mechanism involved can differ according to the cancer type. The present review describes the different mechanisms of MET addiction and their consequences for diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. Although in each cancer type MET addiction affects a restricted number of patients, pooling of these patients across all cancer types yields a targetable population liable to benefit from addiction-targeting therapies.
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