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Wang X, Yang T, Shi X. NK cell-based immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: An attractive therapeutic option for the next decade. Cell Signal 2024; 124:111405. [PMID: 39260532 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111405] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major subtype of liver cancer, poses significant therapeutic challenges due to its late diagnosis and rapid progression. The evolving landscape of immunotherapy offers a beacon of hope, with natural killer (NK) cells emerging as pivotal players in combating HCC. NK cells are unique cytotoxic lymphocytes that are essential in the fight against infections and malignancies. Phenotypic and functional NK cell abnormalities have been shown in HCC patients, indicating their significance as a component of the innate immune system against cancer. This review elucidates the critical role of NK cells in combating HCC, focusing on their interaction with the tumor microenvironment, the development of NK cell-based therapies, and the innovative strategies to enhance their efficacy in the immunosuppressive milieu of HCC. The review delves into the various therapeutic strategies, including autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapies, genetic engineering to improve NK cell resilience and targeting, and the integration of NK cells with other immunotherapeutic approaches like checkpoint inhibitors and oncolytic virotherapy. By highlighting recent advancements and the ongoing challenges in the field, this review sets the stage for future research directions that could unlock the full potential of NK cell-based immunotherapy for HCC, offering a beacon of hope for patients battling this formidable cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, China
| | - Tianye Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, China
| | - Xiaoli Shi
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China; Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
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2
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Gujarathi R, Franses JW, Pillai A, Liao CY. Targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: past, present, and future. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1432423. [PMID: 39267840 PMCID: PMC11390354 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1432423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies are the mainstay of systemic therapies for patients with advanced, unresectable, or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Several therapeutic targets, such as c-Met, TGF-β, and FGFR, have been evaluated in the past, though results from these clinical studies failed to show clinical benefit. However, these remain important targets for the future with novel targeted agents and strategies. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, c-Myc oncogene, GPC3, PPT1 are exciting novel targets, among others, currently undergoing evaluation. Through this review, we aim to provide an overview of previously evaluated and potentially novel therapeutic targets and explore their continued relevance in ongoing and future studies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushabh Gujarathi
- Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joseph W Franses
- Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chih-Yi Liao
- Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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3
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Li W, You L, Lin J, Zhang J, Zhou Z, Wang T, Wu Y, Zheng C, Gao Y, Kong X, Sun X. An herbal formula Shenlian decoction upregulates M1/M2 macrophage proportion in hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing complement cascade. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116943. [PMID: 38878636 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116943] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The immunosuppressive microenvironment is a vital factor for the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, effective treatment is lacking at current. Shenlian decoction (SLD) is a registered herbal therapy for the HCC treatment, but the underlying mechanism of SLD remains largely elusive. Here, we aimed to explore the anti-tumor effect of SLD in the treatment of HCC. SLD was intragastrically given after the tumor initiation in β-catenin/C-Met or DEN and CCl4 induced HCC mouse model. The tumor growth levels were evaluated by liver weight and histological staining. The tumor-infiltrating immune cells were detected by immunological staining and flow cytometry. The mechanism of the SLD was detected by non-targeted proteomics and verified by a cell co-culture system. The result showed that SLD significantly attenuated HCC progression. SLD promoted macrophage infiltration and increased the M1/M2 macrophage ratio within the tumor tissues. Non-targeted proteomics showed the inhibition of complement C5/C5a signaling is the key mechanism of SLD. Immunological staining showed SLD inhibited C5/C5a expression and C5aR1+ macrophage infiltration. The suggested mechanism was demonstrated by application of C5aR1 inhibitor, PMX-53 in mouse HCC model. Hepatoma cell-macrophage co-culture showed SLD targeted hepatoma cells and inhibited the supernatant-induced macrophage M2 polarization. SLD inhibited AMPK/p38 signaling which is an upstream mechanism of C5 transcription. In conclusion, we found SLD relieved immune-suppressive environment by inhibiting C5 expression. SLD could suppress the C5 secretion in hepatoma cells via inhibition of AMPK/p38 signaling. We suggested that SLD is a potential herbal therapy for the treatment of HCC by alleviating immune-suppressive status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Li
- Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Central Laboratory, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping You
- Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Central Laboratory, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiacheng Lin
- Central Laboratory, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinghao Zhang
- Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijia Zhou
- Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Central Laboratory, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Central Laboratory, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuelan Wu
- Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Central Laboratory, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Zheng
- Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Central Laboratory, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoni Kong
- Central Laboratory, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xuehua Sun
- Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Min W, Yang H, Wang D, Chen C, Wang Y, Hou Y, Zhu Y, Sun C, Wang X, Yuan K, Yang P. Discovery of Potent and Selective c-Met Degraders for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment. J Med Chem 2024; 67:12314-12330. [PMID: 38962837 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Targeting c-Met is a clinical trend for the precise treatment of HCC, but the potential issue of acquired drug resistance cannot be ignored. Targeted protein degradation technology has demonstrated promising prospects in disease treatment and overcoming drug resistance due to its special mechanism of action. In this study, we designed and synthesized two series of novel c-Met degraders and conducted a systematic biological evaluation of the optimal compound H11. H11 exhibited good c-Met degradation activity and anti-HCC activity. Importantly, H11 also demonstrated more potent inhibitory activity against Ba/F3-TPR-MET-D1228N and Ba/F3-TPR-MET-Y1230H cell lines than did tepotinib. In summary, H11 displayed potent anti-HCC activity as a degrader and may overcome resistance to type Ib inhibitors, making it a new therapeutic strategy for HCC with MET alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Huanaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chunling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yanyin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yasheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chengliang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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5
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Liang Y, Li Y, Song L, Zhen X, Peng J, Li H. Quantification and analyses of seven tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting hepatocellular carcinoma in human plasma by QuEChERS and UPLC-MS/MS. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1242:124217. [PMID: 38924946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are commonly used to treat various cancers. Literature suggests that the blood concentration of TKIs strongly correlates with their efficacy and adverse effects. Therefore, establishing a Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) methodology for TKI drugs is crucial to improving their clinical efficacy and minimizing the treatment-related adverse effects. However, quantifying their concentrations in the plasma using existing methods to avoid potential toxicity is challenging. Herein, seven TKIs, namely sorafenib tosylate, axitinib, erlotinib, cediranib, brivanib, linifanib, and golvatinib, were successfully analyzed in human plasma by following a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) pretreatment method combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Briefly, biological samples were extracted using 1 mL of methanol, followed by the sequential addition of 250 mg of anhydrous magnesium sulfate and 25 mg of N-propylethylenediamine (PSA) for salinization and purification by adsorption, respectively. In this study, dovitinib was used as the internal standard. The seven TKIs were detected by the gradient elution method for 4 min in the positive ion electrospray mode. The mobile phase comprised methanol (phase A) and 0.1 % aqueous formic acid solution (phase B) on the Agilent Zorbax RRHD Stablebond Aq, (2.1 × 50 mm; 1.8 μm). Brivanib, linifanib, axitinib, sorafenib tosylate, and golvatinib exhibited good linearity in the range of 5-500 ng/mL, and erlotinib and cediranib exhibited good linearity in the range of 10-1000 ng/mL, with linear correlation coefficients (R2) ≥ 0.99. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.60-0.18 ng/mL and 5-10 ng/mL, respectively. The intraday and interday accuracy values ranged from -6.12 % to 7.31 %, with a precision (RSD) of ≤ 10.57 %. The method was rapid, accurate, specific, simple, reproducible, and suitable for the quantitative determination of the seven TKIs in human plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Yilin Li
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Li Song
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Xiaolan Zhen
- Hebei Institute of Drug and Medical Device Inspection, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Jiangning Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Hui Li
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; Hebei Institute of Drug and Medical Device Inspection, Shijiazhuang 050000, China.
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6
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Nam DE, Park SJ, Omole S, Um E, Hakami RM, Hahn YS. Activated Gab1 drives hepatocyte proliferation and anti-apoptosis in liver fibrosis via potential involvement of the HGF/c-Met signaling axis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306345. [PMID: 38935609 PMCID: PMC11210754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases are caused by hepatic viral infection, chemicals, and metabolic stress. The protein Grb2-associated binder 1 (Gab1) binds to various growth factor receptors, and triggers cell differentiation/survival signaling pathways. To identify signaling molecules involved in the progression of liver diseases, we performed reverse-phase protein microarray (RPMA)-based screening of hepatocytes isolated from humanized mice after acute HCV infection. Acute viral infection in humanized liver mice significantly decreased the level of hepatocyte p-Gab1. Moreover, hepatoma cells upon HCV infection decreased Gab1 mRNA at later times of infection (D3 to D5) and p-Gab1 level was inversely related to the production of TGF-β. In contrast, the level of p-Gab1 was increased in CCL4-induced fibrotic liver. Hepatoma cells showed elevation of p-Gab1, along with an increase in STAT3 and ERK activation, upon treatment with HGF (ligand of HGF receptor/c-Met) and CCL4. In Gab1 knockdown hepatoma cells, cell proliferative signaling activity was reduced but the level of activated caspase-3 was increased. These findings suggest that hepatocyte Gab1 expression may play a role in promoting liver fibrosis progression by triggering ERK activation and inhibiting apoptosis. It implies that the Gab1-mediated signaling pathway would be a promising therapeutic target to treat chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-eun Nam
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Soo-Jeung Park
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Samson Omole
- School of Systems Biology, and Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Eugene Um
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ramin M. Hakami
- School of Systems Biology, and Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Young S. Hahn
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
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Wang K, Yang C, Xie J, Zhang X, Wei T, Yan Z. Long non-coding RNAs in ferroptosis and cuproptosis impact on prognosis and treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:135. [PMID: 38907744 PMCID: PMC11193701 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01397-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis and cuproptosis are recently discovered forms of cell death that have gained interest as potential cancer treatments, particularly for hepatocellular carcinoma. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) influence cancer cell activity by interacting with various nucleic acids and proteins. However, the role of ferroptosis and cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (FCRLs) in cancer remains underexplored. Ferroptosis and cuproptosis scores for each sample were assessed using Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA). Weighted correlation network analysis identified the FCRLs most relevant to our study. A risk model based on FCRLs was developed to categorize patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. We then compared overall survival (OS), tumor immune microenvironment, and clinical characteristics between these groups. The IPS score and ImmuCellAI webpage were used to predict the association between FCRL-related signatures and immunotherapy response. Finally, we validated the accuracy of FCRLs in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines using induction agents (elesclomol and erastin). Patients in different risk subgroups showed significant differences in OS, immune cell infiltration, pathway activity, and clinical characteristics. Cellular assays revealed significant changes in the expression of AC019080.5, AC145207.5, MIR210HG, and LINC01063 in HCC cell lines following the addition of ferroptosis and cuproptosis inducers. We created a signature of four FCRLs that accurately predicted survival in HCC patients, laid the foundation for basic research related to ferroptosis and cuproptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma, and provided therapeutic recommendations for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, China
| | - Chunqian Yang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingen Xie
- Department of General Medicine, Huai'an Cancer Hospital, Huai'an, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ting Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, China.
| | - Zhu Yan
- Emergency Medicine Department, Huai'an Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University (The Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an), Huaian, China.
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Szilveszter RM, Muntean M, Florea A. Molecular Mechanisms in Tumorigenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and in Target Treatments-An Overview. Biomolecules 2024; 14:656. [PMID: 38927059 PMCID: PMC11201617 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary malignancy of the liver, with hepatocellular differentiation. It is ranked sixth among the most common cancers worldwide and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The most important etiological factors discussed here are viral infection (HBV, HCV), exposure to aflatoxin B1, metabolic syndrome, and obesity (as an independent factor). Directly or indirectly, they induce chromosomal aberrations, mutations, and epigenetic changes in specific genes involved in intracellular signaling pathways, responsible for synthesis of growth factors, cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, the metastasis process (including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the expression of adhesion molecules), and angiogenesis. All these disrupted molecular mechanisms contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, equally important is the interaction between tumor cells and the components of the tumor microenvironment: inflammatory cells and macrophages-predominantly with a pro-tumoral role-hepatic stellate cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, cancer stem cells, extracellular vesicles, and the extracellular matrix. In this paper, we reviewed the molecular biology of hepatocellular carcinoma and the intricate mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinogenesis, and we highlighted how certain signaling pathways can be pharmacologically influenced at various levels with specific molecules. Additionally, we mentioned several examples of recent clinical trials and briefly described the current treatment protocol according to the NCCN guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca-Margit Szilveszter
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400340 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (A.F.)
- Cluj County Emergency Clinical Hospital, 400340 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mara Muntean
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Adrian Florea
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (A.F.)
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9
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Peng L, Wu T, Liu Y, Zhao D, He W, Yuan Y. OTUB1 accelerates hepatocellular carcinoma by stabilizing RACK1 via its non-canonical ubiquitination. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:987-1004. [PMID: 38315284 PMCID: PMC11219430 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00913-7] [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] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulated ubiquitination modification occupies a pivotal role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis and progression. The ubiquitin aldehyde binding 1 (OTUB1) was aberrantly upregulated and exhibited the pro-tumorigenic function in HCC. However, the underlying mechanisms and responsible targets of OTUB1 remain unclear. METHODS First, bioinformatics analysis, western blot and immunohistochemistry staining were applied to analyze OTUB1 expression in HCC specimens. Then, immunoprecipitation assay-tandem mass spectrometry (MS) combined with the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the downstream target of OTUB1. Co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays were used to identify the mechanisms involved. Finally, we explored the regulatory effect of MAZ on OTUB1 through ChIP-qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS OTUB1 was broadly elevated in HCC tissues and promoted the proliferation and metastasis of HCC in vitro and in vivo. The receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) performed as a functional partner of OTUB1 and its hyperactivation was associated with aggressive development and other malignant features in HCC by activating oncogenes transcription. Mechanistically, OTUB1 directly bound to RACK1 at its C-terminal domain and decreased the K48-linked ubiquitination of RACK1 through its non-canonical suppression of ubiquitination activity, which stabilized RACK1 protein levels in HCC cells. Therefore, OTUB1 significantly increased multiple oncogenes expression and activated PI3K/AKT and FAK/ERK signaling in a RACK1-dependent manner in HCC. Moreover, the transcription factor MAZ upregulated OTUB1 expression through identifying a putative response element of OTUB1 promoter area. CONCLUSIONS Our findings might provide a new therapeutic strategy for HCC by modifying the MAZ-OTUB1-RACK1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Tiangen Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingyi Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongli Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenzhi He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yufeng Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.
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10
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Xue Y, Ruan Y, Wang Y, Xiao P, Xu J. Signaling pathways in liver cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:20. [PMID: 38816668 PMCID: PMC11139849 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide with high incidence and mortality rates. Due to its subtle onset, liver cancer is commonly diagnosed at a late stage when surgical interventions are no longer feasible. This situation highlights the critical role of systemic treatments, including targeted therapies, in bettering patient outcomes. Despite numerous studies on the mechanisms underlying liver cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the only widely used clinical inhibitors, represented by sorafenib, whose clinical application is greatly limited by the phenomenon of drug resistance. Here we show an in-depth discussion of the signaling pathways frequently implicated in liver cancer pathogenesis and the inhibitors targeting these pathways under investigation or already in use in the management of advanced liver cancer. We elucidate the oncogenic roles of these pathways in liver cancer especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the current state of research on inhibitors respectively. Given that TKIs represent the sole class of targeted therapeutics for liver cancer employed in clinical practice, we have particularly focused on TKIs and the mechanisms of the commonly encountered phenomena of its resistance during HCC treatment. This necessitates the imperative development of innovative targeted strategies and the urgency of overcoming the existing limitations. This review endeavors to shed light on the utilization of targeted therapy in advanced liver cancer, with a vision to improve the unsatisfactory prognostic outlook for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangtao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yeling Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Junjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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11
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Santoro A, Assenat E, Yau T, Delord JP, Maur M, Knox J, Cattan S, Lee KH, Del Conte G, Springfeld C, Leo E, Xyrafas A, Fairchild L, Mardjuadi F, Chan SL. A phase Ib/II trial of capmatinib plus spartalizumab vs. spartalizumab alone in patients with pretreated hepatocellular carcinoma. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101021. [PMID: 38617599 PMCID: PMC11009449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & aims This phase Ib/II trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of capmatinib in combination with spartalizumab or spartalizumab alone in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Eligible patients who had progressed or were intolerant to sorafenib received escalating doses of capmatinib 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg twice a day (bid) plus spartalizumab 300 mg every 3 weeks (q3w) in the phase Ib study. Once the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) was determined, the phase II study commenced with randomised 1:1 treatment with either capmatinib + spartalizumab (n = 32) or spartalizumab alone (n = 30). Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability (phase Ib) and investigator-assessed overall response rate per RECIST v1.1 for combination vs. single-agent arms using a Bayesian logistic regression model (phase II). Results In phase Ib, the RP2D for capmatinib in combination with spartalizumab was determined to be 400 mg bid. Dose-limiting toxicity consisting of grade 3 diarrhoea was reported in one patient at the capmatinib 400 mg bid + spartalizumab 300 mg q3w dose level. The primary endpoint in the phase II study was not met. The observed overall response rate in the capmatinib + spartalizumab arm was 9.4% vs. 10% in the spartalizumab arm. The most common any-grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs, ≥20%) were nausea (37.5%), asthenia and vomiting (28.1% each), diarrhoea, pyrexia, and decreased appetite (25.0% each) in the combination arm; TRAEs ≥10% were pruritus (23.3%), and rash (10.0%) in the spartalizumab-alone arm. Conclusion Capmatinib at 400 mg bid plus spartalizumab 300 mg q3w was established as the RP2D, with manageable toxicities and no significant safety signals, but the combination did not show superior clinical activity compared with spartalizumab single-agent treatment in patients with advanced HCC who had previously been treated with sorafenib. Impact and implications Simultaneous targeting of MET and programmed cell death protein 1 may provide synergistic clinical benefit in patients with advanced HCC. This is the first trial to report a combination of capmatinib (MET inhibitor) and spartalizumab (programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor) as second-line treatment after sorafenib for advanced HCC. The combination did not show superior clinical activity compared with spartalizumab single-agent treatment in patients with advanced HCC who had previously been treated with sorafenib. The results indicate that there is a clear need to identify a reliable predictive marker of response for HCC and to identify patients with HCC that would benefit from the combination of checkpoint inhibitor +/- targeted therapy. Clinical trial number NCT02795429.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Santoro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele – Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Humanitas Cancer Center, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eric Assenat
- Hopital Arnaud de Villeneuve Montpellier Cedex 5, Herault, France
| | - Thomas Yau
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Michela Maur
- Oncology Unit, AOU Policlinico Modena and University Study of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | - Kyung-Hun Lee
- Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gianluca Del Conte
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Christoph Springfeld
- Nat. Centrum f. Tumorerkrankungen, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elisa Leo
- Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lauren Fairchild
- Oncology Data Science, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, USA
| | - Feby Mardjuadi
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Stephen L. Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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12
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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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13
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Pessino G, Scotti C, Maggi M, Immuno-Hub Consortium. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:901. [PMID: 38473265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), globally ranks sixth in incidence and third in cancer-related deaths. HCC risk factors include non-viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. No specific genetic alterations are unequivocally linked to HCC tumorigenesis. Current standard therapies include surgical options, systemic chemotherapy, and kinase inhibitors, like sorafenib and regorafenib. Immunotherapy, targeting immune checkpoints, represents a promising avenue. FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, show efficacy, and combination therapies enhance clinical responses. Despite this, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge, as the complex tumor ecosystem and the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with it hamper the efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. This review explores current and advanced approaches to treat HCC, considering both known and new potential targets, especially derived from proteomic analysis, which is today considered as the most promising approach. Exploring novel strategies, this review discusses antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), and engineered antibodies. It then reports a systematic analysis of the main ligand/receptor pairs and molecular pathways reported to be overexpressed in tumor cells, highlighting their potential and limitations. Finally, it discusses TGFβ, one of the most promising targets of the HCC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maristella Maggi
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Immuno-Hub Consortium
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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14
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Qin S, Pan H, Blanc JF, Grando V, Lim HY, Chang XY, O'Brate A, Stroh C, Friese-Hamim M, Albers J, Johne A, Faivre S. Activity of Tepotinib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma With High-Level MET Amplification: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence. JCO Precis Oncol 2024; 8:e2300328. [PMID: 38354329 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00328] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE MET amplification (METamp) has been reported in 1%-5% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and may be sensitive to MET inhibition. Tepotinib, a selective MET inhibitor, has shown promising activity in HCC with MET overexpression. We investigated the preclinical and clinical activity of tepotinib in HCC with METamp (MET gene copy number [GCN] ≥5), including high-level METamp (MET GCN ≥10). METHODS Preclinical antitumor activity of tepotinib 100 mg/kg (orally, days 1-5, every 7 days, 3-5 weeks; 3-12 replicates) was evaluated according to METamp status, as determined using the nCounter platform (NanoString), in 37 HCC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) in immunodeficient mice. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in patients with METamp by fluorescence in situ hybridization who received tepotinib 500 mg (450 mg active moiety) in two phase Ib/II trials in HCC with MET overexpression. RESULTS Across the PDX models, tepotinib induced complete or near-complete tumor regression in the only two models with high-level METamp. Median tumor volume reductions were 100% and 99.8% in models with MET GCN 47.1 and 44.0, respectively. Across the two clinical trials, 15/121 patients had METamp. Disease control was achieved by 11/15 patients with METamp (complete response [CR], n = 1; partial response [PR], n = 4; stable disease [SD], n = 6) and 4/4 with high-level METamp (CR, n = 1; PR, n = 2; SD, n = 1). All three patients with high-level METamp and objective response received treatment for >1 year, including one patient who received first-line tepotinib for >6 years. CONCLUSION High-level METamp may be an oncogenic driver in HCC that is sensitive to MET inhibitors such as tepotinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukui Qin
- PLA Cancer Center, Nanjing Bayi Hospital, Nanjing, China
- Cancer Center of Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongming Pan
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Ho Yeong Lim
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Xin Ying Chang
- Global Clinical Development China, Merck Serono Co., Ltd, Beijing, China, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Aurora O'Brate
- The healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | | | - Joachim Albers
- The healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andreas Johne
- The healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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15
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Luo X, He X, Zhang X, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Hua S. Hepatocellular carcinoma: signaling pathways, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e474. [PMID: 38318160 PMCID: PMC10838672 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with a high mortality rate. It is regarded as a significant public health issue because of its complicated pathophysiology, high metastasis, and recurrence rates. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage of HCC, which often leads to delays in diagnosis. Traditional treatment methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and interventional therapies have limited therapeutic effects for HCC patients with recurrence or metastasis. With the development of molecular biology and immunology, molecular signaling pathways and immune checkpoint were identified as the main mechanism of HCC progression. Targeting these molecules has become a new direction for the treatment of HCC. At present, the combination of targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors is the first choice for advanced HCC patients. In this review, we mainly focus on the cutting-edge research of signaling pathways and corresponding targeted therapy and immunotherapy in HCC. It is of great significance to comprehensively understand the pathogenesis of HCC, search for potential therapeutic targets, and optimize the treatment strategies of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Luo
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Xin He
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Xingmei Zhang
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yuzhe Zhang
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yusheng Shi
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Shengni Hua
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
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16
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Huang D, Chen Y, Yang J, Zhao B, Wang S, Chai T, Cui J, Zhou X, Shang Z. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 2-Substituted Aniline Pyrimidine Derivatives as Potent Dual Mer/c-Met Inhibitors. Molecules 2024; 29:475. [PMID: 38257391 PMCID: PMC10819570 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020475] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Mer and c-Met kinases, which are commonly overexpressed in various tumors, are ideal targets for the development of antitumor drugs. This study focuses on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of several 2-substituted aniline pyrimidine derivatives as highly potent dual inhibitors of Mer and c-Met kinases for effective tumor treatment. Compound 18c emerged as a standout candidate, demonstrating robust inhibitory activity against Mer and c-Met kinases, with IC50 values of 18.5 ± 2.3 nM and 33.6 ± 4.3 nM, respectively. Additionally, compound 18c displayed good antiproliferative activities on HepG2, MDA-MB-231, and HCT116 cancer cells, along with favorable safety profiles in hERG testing. Notably, it exhibited exceptional liver microsomal stability in vitro, with a half-life of 53.1 min in human liver microsome. Compound 18c also exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity and hindered migration of HCT116 cancer cells, as demonstrated in apoptosis and migration assays. These findings collectively suggest that compound 18c holds promise as a dual Mer/c-Met agent for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daowei Huang
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China; (D.H.); (Y.C.); (B.Z.); (T.C.)
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base-Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China; (D.H.); (Y.C.); (B.Z.); (T.C.)
| | - Jixia Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China;
| | - Bingyang Zhao
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China; (D.H.); (Y.C.); (B.Z.); (T.C.)
| | - Shouying Wang
- School of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China;
| | - Tingting Chai
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China; (D.H.); (Y.C.); (B.Z.); (T.C.)
| | - Jie Cui
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China;
| | - Xiaolei Zhou
- School of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China;
| | - Zhenhua Shang
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China; (D.H.); (Y.C.); (B.Z.); (T.C.)
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base-Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
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17
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Min W, Wang Y, Shen H, Zheng M, Tong C, Shen H, Wang D, Zhu Y, Wang X, Xiao Y, Zhang XY, Yang P. Discovery of potent and selective c-Met inhibitors for MET-amplified hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116025. [PMID: 38086189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and lethal malignancy worldwide. The MET gene, which encodes receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met, is aberrantly activated in various solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer and HCC. In this study, we identified a novel c-Met inhibitor 54 by virtual screening and structural optimization. Compound 54 showed potent c-Met inhibition with an IC50 value of 0.45 ± 0.06 nM. It also exhibited high selectivity among 370 kinases and potent anti-proliferative activity against MET-amplified HCC cells. Moreover, compound 54 displayed significant anti-tumor efficacy in vivo, making it a potential candidate for HCC treatment in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yanyin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Hongtao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Mingming Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Chen Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Hao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yasheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Xiao-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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18
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Chen J, Ning D, Du P, Liu Q, Mo J, Liang H, Zhang W, Zhang M, Jiang L, Zhang B, Chen X. USP11 potentiates HGF/AKT signaling and drives metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogene 2024; 43:123-135. [PMID: 37973952 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02847-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
USP11 is a member of the ubiquitin-specific protease family and plays a crucial role in tumor progression in various cancers. However, the precise mechanism by which USP11 promotes EMT and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrated that the USP11 expression was dramatically upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Increased USP11 expression was closely associated with tumor number, vascular invasion, and poor prognosis. Functional experiments demonstrated that USP11 markedly promoted metastasis and EMT in HCC via induction of the transcription factor Snail. Mechanistically, USP11 interacted with and deubiquitinated eEF1A1 on Lys439, thereby inhibiting its ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Subsequently, the elevated expression of eEF1A1 resulted in its binding to SP1, which in turn drove the binding of SP1 to its target HGF gene promoter to increase its transcription. This led to an enhanced expression of HGF and the activation of the downstream PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. We demonstrated that USP11 promotes EMT and metastasis in HCC via eEF1A1/SP1/HGF dependent-EMT. Our findings suggest that the USP11/ eEF1A1/SP1/HGF axis contributes to metastasis in HCC, and therefore, could be considered as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Deng Ning
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Pengcheng Du
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
| | - Qiumeng Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Jie Mo
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Wanguang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China.
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China.
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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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20
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Wu D, Li Y. Application of adoptive cell therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Immunology 2023; 170:453-469. [PMID: 37435926 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge. Novel treatment modalities are urgently needed to extend the overall survival of patients. The liver plays an immunomodulatory function due to its unique physiological structural characteristics. Therefore, following surgical resection and radiotherapy, immunotherapy regimens have shown great potential in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adoptive cell immunotherapy is rapidly developing in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the latest research on adoptive immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. The focus is on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and T cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells. Then tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), natural killer (NK) cells, cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, and macrophages are briefly discussed. The main overview of the application and challenges of adoptive immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. It aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the current status of HCC adoptive immunotherapy and offers some strategies. We hope to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengqiang Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Ningbo No. 6 Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Yujie Li
- Clinical Laboratory of Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, Ningbo, China
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21
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Gu J, Bao S, Akemuhan R, Jia Z, Zhang Y, Huang C. Radiomics Based on Contrast-Enhanced CT for Recognizing c-Met-Positive Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Noninvasive Approach to Predict the Outcome of Sorafenib Resistance. Mol Imaging Biol 2023; 25:1073-1083. [PMID: 37932610 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-023-01870-1] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of our project was to investigate the effectiveness of radiomic features based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) that can detect the expression of c-Met in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to validate its efficacy in predicting the outcome of sorafenib resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 130 patients (median age, 60 years) with pathologically confirmed HCC who underwent contrast material-enhanced CT from October 2012 to July 2020 were randomly divided into a training set (n = 91) and a test set (n = 39). Radiomic features were extracted from arterial phase (AP), portal venous phase (VP) and delayed phase (DP) images of every participant's enhanced CT images. RESULTS The entire group comprised 39 Met-positive and 91 Met-negative patients. The combined model, which included the clinical factors and the radiomic features, performed well in the training (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.878) and validation (AUC = 0.851) cohorts. The nomogram, which relied on the combined model, fits well in the calibration curves. Decision curve analysis (DCA) further confirmed that the clinical valuation of the nomogram achieved comparable accuracy in c-Met prediction. Among another 20 patients with HCC who had received sorafenib, the predicted high-risk group had shorter overall survival (OS) than the predicted low-risk group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION A multivariate model acquired from three phases (AP, VP and DP) of enhanced CT, HBV-DNA and γ glutamyl transpeptidase isoenzyme II (GGT-II) could be considered a satisfactory preoperative marker of the expression of c-Met in patients with HCC. This approach may help in overcoming sorafenib resistance in advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxiao Gu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, the, People's Republic of China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shanlei Bao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | | | - Zhongzheng Jia
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, the, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Yan W, Hou N, Zheng J, Zhai W. Predictive genomic biomarkers of therapeutic effects in renal cell carcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:1559-1575. [PMID: 37223875 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00827-4] [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] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, there have been great improvements in the therapy of renal cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, the therapeutic effect varies significantly from person to person. To discern the effective treatment for different populations, predictive molecular biomarkers in response to target, immunological, and combined therapies are widely studied. CONCLUSION This review summarized those studies from three perspectives (SNPs, mutation, and expression level) and listed the relationship between biomarkers and therapeutic effect, highlighting the great potential of predictive molecular biomarkers in metastatic RCC therapy. However, due to a series of reasons, most of these findings require further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Yan
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Naiqiao Hou
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junhua Zheng
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhai
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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23
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Li Z, Zhang Z, Fang L, Zhao J, Niu Z, Chen H, Cao G. Tumor Microenvironment Composition and Related Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:2083-2099. [PMID: 38022729 PMCID: PMC10676104 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s436962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75%-95%. The tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of the extracellular matrix, helper cells, immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, promotes the immune escape, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Tumor metastasis and postoperative recurrence are the main threats to the long-term prognosis of HCC. TME-related therapies are increasingly recognized as effective treatments. Molecular-targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and their combined therapy are the main approaches. Immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and targeted therapy, highlighted by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), have greatly improved the prognosis of HCC. This review focuses on the TME compositions and emerging therapeutic approaches to TME in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishuai Li
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Tongji University School of Medicine Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Letian Fang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheyun Niu
- Department of Epidemiology, Tongji University School of Medicine Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongsen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangwen Cao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China
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24
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Weidle UH, Nopora A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Up-regulated Circular RNAs Which Mediate Efficacy in Preclinical In Vivo Models. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:500-521. [PMID: 37889063 PMCID: PMC10614070 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20401] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranges as number two with respect to the incidence of tumors and is associated with a dismal prognosis. The therapeutic efficacy of approved multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors and checkpoint inhibitors is modest. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic targets and entities is of paramount importance. We searched the literature for up-regulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) which mediate efficacy in preclinical in vivo models of HCC. Our search resulted in 14 circRNAs which up-regulate plasma membrane transmembrane receptors, while 5 circRNAs induced secreted proteins. Two circRNAs facilitated replication of Hepatitis B or C viruses. Three circRNAs up-regulated high mobility group proteins. Six circRNAs regulated components of the ubiquitin system. Seven circRNAs induced GTPases of the family of ras-associated binding proteins (RABs). Three circRNAs induced redox-related proteins, eight of them up-regulated metabolic enzymes and nine circRNAs induced signaling-related proteins. The identified circRNAs up-regulate the corresponding targets by sponging microRNAs. Identified circRNAs and their targets have to be validated by standard criteria of preclinical drug development. Identified targets can potentially be inhibited by small molecules or antibody-based moieties and circRNAs can be inhibited by small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Adam Nopora
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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Ma H, Wei W, Liang D, Xu X, Yang D, Wang Q, Wang Y, Wei Q, Sun B, Zhao X. HGF-Based CAR-T Cells Target Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells That Express High Levels of c-Met. Immunol Invest 2023; 52:735-748. [PMID: 37409941 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2232402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CAR-T is emerging as an effective treatment strategy for hematologic malignancies, however its effectiveness for treating solid tumors, such as Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is limited. Here, we screened a variety of CAR-T cells that target c-Met to investigate their potential to induce HCC cell death in vitro. METHODS Human T cells were transduced to express CARs by lentiviral vector transfection. c-Met expression in human HCC cell lines and CARs expression were monitored by flow cytometry. Tumor cell killing was evaluated by Luciferase Assay System Kit. The concentrations of cytokine were tested by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Knock down and overexpression studies targeting c-Met were conducted to assess the targeting specificity of CARs. RESULTS We found that CAR T cells expressing a minimal amino-terminal polypeptide sequence comprising the first kringle (kringle 1) domain (denoted as NK1 CAR-T cells), efficiently killed HCC cell lines that expressed high levels of the HGF receptor c-Met. Furthermore, we report that while NK1 CAR-T cells were efficient at targeting SMMC7221 cells for destruction, and its potency was significantly attenuated in parallel experiments with cells stably expressing short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that suppressed c-Met expression. Correspondingly, overexpression of c-Met in the embryonic kidney cell line HEK293T led to their enhanced killing by NK1 CAR-T cells. CONCLUSION Our studies demonstrate that a minimal amino-terminal polypeptide sequence comprising the kirngle1 domain of HGF is highly relevant to the design of effective CAR-T cell therapies that kill HCC cells expressing high levels of c-Met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenwen Wei
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dandan Liang
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xing Xu
- Core Facilities, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Quan Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Chen MT, Li BZ, Zhang EP, Zheng Q. Potential roles of tumor microenvironment in gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35086. [PMID: 37800802 PMCID: PMC10553124 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the course of treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant, gefitinib resistance (GR) is unavoidable. As the environment for tumor cells to grow and survive, tumor microenvironment (TME) can significantly affect therapeutic response and clinical outcomes, offering new opportunities for addressing GR. Dynamic changes within the TME were identified during the treatment of gefitinib, suggesting the close relationship between TME and GR. Various dynamic processes like angiogenesis, hypoxia-pathway activation, and immune evasion can be blocked so as to synergistically enhance the therapeutic effects of gefitinib or reverse GR. Besides, cellular components like macrophages can be reprogrammed for the same purpose. In this review, we summarized recently proposed therapeutic targets to provide an overview of the potential roles of TME in treating gefitinib-resistant NSCLC, and discussed the difficulty of applying these targets in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Tong Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Bai-Zhi Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - En-Pu Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen, China
| | - Qing Zheng
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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Huo Q, Lv J, Zhang J, Huang H, Hu H, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Qiu J, Ye Y, Huang A, Chen Y, Qin L, Qin D, Li P, Cai G. c-Met is a chimeric antigen receptor T-cell target for treating recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:1037-1047. [PMID: 37436338 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.06.004] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Radiation therapy is the standard treatment for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but relapse occurs in 10% to 20% of patients. The treatment of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC) remains challenging. Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)-T-cell therapy has achieved good outcomes in the treatment of leukemia and seems to be a promising therapeutic strategy for solid tumors. c-Met has been found to be highly expressed in multiple cancer types, and the activation of c-Met leads to the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. However, the expression of c-Met in rNPC tissues and whether it can be used as a target for CAR-T therapy in rNPC remain to be investigated. METHODS We detected the expression of c-Met in 24 primary human rNPC tissues and three NPC cell lines and constructed two different antibody-derived anti-c-Met CARs, namely, Ab928z and Ab1028z. To estimate the function of these two different c-Met-targeted CAR-T cells, CD69 expression, cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion of CAR-T cells were assessed after coculture with target cells. A cell line-derived xenograft mouse model also was used to evaluate these two anti-c-Met CAR-T cells. Furthermore, we determined whether combination with an anti-EGFR antibody could promote the antitumor effect of CAR-T cells in a patient-derived xenograft mouse model. RESULTS High c-Met expression was detected in 23 of 24 primary human rNPC tissues by immunohistochemistry staining and in three NPC cell lines by flow cytometry. Ab928z-T cells and Ab1028z-T cells showed significantly upregulated expression of CD69 after coculture with targeted cells. However, Ab1028z-T cells showed superior cytokine secretion and antitumor activity. Furthermore, Ab1028z-T cells effectively suppressed tumor growth compared with control CAR-T cells, and the combination with nimotuzumab further enhanced the tumor-clearing ability of Ab1028z-T cells. CONCLUSIONS We found that c-Met is highly expressed in rNPC tissues and confirmed its potential as a CAR-T target for rNPC. Our study provides a new idea for the clinical treatment of rNPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyi Huo
- Otolaryngology Department, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China; Graduate School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiang Lv
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianzhong Zhang
- Otolaryngology Department, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Haiqiong Huang
- Otolaryngology Department, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Huayong Hu
- Otolaryngology Department, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Yaoxin Zhao
- Otolaryngology Department, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Xinrui Zhang
- Otolaryngology Department, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Yingqi Wang
- Otolaryngology Department, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Yiyi Zhou
- Otolaryngology Department, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Junchao Qiu
- Obstetrics Department, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Yanmei Ye
- Obstetrics Department, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Aiqun Huang
- Blood Transfusion Department, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Yanhong Chen
- Medical Quality Management Evaluation Section, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Le Qin
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dajiang Qin
- Innovation Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China.
| | - Peng Li
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Gang Cai
- Otolaryngology Department, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, China.
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Yang MH, Lee M, Deivasigamani A, Le DD, Mohan CD, Hui KM, Sethi G, Ahn KS. Decanoic Acid Exerts Its Anti-Tumor Effects via Targeting c-Met Signaling Cascades in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Model. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4681. [PMID: 37835375 PMCID: PMC10571573 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
DA, one of the medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil, is suggested to have diverse biochemical functions. However, its possible role as a chemoprevention agent in HCC has not been deciphered. Aberrant activation of c-Met can modulate tumor growth and progression in HCC. Here, we report that DA exhibited pro-found anti-tumor effects on human HCC through the suppression of HGF/c-Met signaling cascades in vitro and in vivo. It was noted that DA inhibited HGF-induced activation of c-Met and its downstream signals. DA induced apoptotic cell death and inhibited the expression of diverse tumorigenic proteins. In addition, DA attenuated tumor growth and lung metastasis in the HCC mouse model. Similar to in vitro studies, DA also suppressed the expression of c-Met and its downstream signals in mice tissues. These results highlight the substantial potential of DA in the prevention and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hee Yang
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Mina Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungangno, Suncheon-si 57922, Republic of Korea; (M.L.); (D.D.L.)
| | - Amudha Deivasigamani
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 169610, Singapore; (A.D.); (K.M.H.)
| | - Duc Dat Le
- College of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungangno, Suncheon-si 57922, Republic of Korea; (M.L.); (D.D.L.)
| | - Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya Mohan
- FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Kam Man Hui
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 169610, Singapore; (A.D.); (K.M.H.)
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
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29
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Wang T, Feng L, Shi Z, Yang L, Yu X, Wu J, Sun J, Zhang J, Feng Y, Wang W. A negative feedback loop between KLF9 and the EMT program dictates metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:2372-2384. [PMID: 37400979 PMCID: PMC10424290 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the primary cause of death of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while the mechanism underlying this severe disease remains largely unclear. The Kruppel-like factor (KLF) family is one of the largest transcription factor families that control multiple physiologic and pathologic processes by governing the cellular transcriptome. To identify metastatic regulators of HCC, we conducted gene expression profiling on the MHCC97 cell series, a set of subclones of the original MHCC97 that was established by in vivo metastasis selection therefore harbouring differential metastatic capacities. We found that the expression of KLF9, a member of the KLF family, was dramatically repressed in the metastatic progeny clone of the MHCC97 cells. Functional studies revealed overexpression of KLF9 suppressed HCC migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo, while knockdown of KLF9 was sufficient to promote cell migration and metastasis accordingly. Mechanistically, we found the expression of KLF9 can reverse the pro-metastatic epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program via direct binding to the promoter regions of essential mesenchymal genes, thus repressing their expression. Interestingly, we further revealed that KLF9 was, in turn, directly suppressed by a mesenchymal transcription factor Slug, suggesting an intriguing negative feedback loop between KLF9 and the EMT program. Using clinical samples, we found that KLF9 was not only downregulated in HCC tissue compared to its normal counterparts but also further reduced in the HCC samples of whom had developed metastatic lesions. Together, we established a critical transcription factor that represses HCC metastasis, which is clinically and mechanically significant in HCC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Interventional OncologyRenji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Limin Feng
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Zhong Shi
- Department of Medical OncologyZhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of SciencesHangzhouChina
| | - Lixian Yang
- First Affiliated HospitalInstitute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaofu Yu
- Department of Thoracic RadiotherapyZhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of SciencesHangzhouChina
| | - Jinsong Wu
- College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument ScienceZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jirui Sun
- Department of PathologyBaoding NO.1 Central HospitalBaodingChina
| | - Jinku Zhang
- Department of PathologyBaoding NO.1 Central HospitalBaodingChina
| | - Yuxiong Feng
- First Affiliated HospitalInstitute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
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30
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Affo S, Filliol A, Gores GJ, Schwabe RF. Fibroblasts in liver cancer: functions and therapeutic translation. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:748-759. [PMID: 37385282 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of fibroblasts in the premalignant or malignant liver is a characteristic feature of liver cancer, but has not been therapeutically leveraged despite evidence for pathophysiologically relevant roles in tumour growth. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a largely non-desmoplastic tumour, in which fibroblasts accumulate predominantly in the pre-neoplastic fibrotic liver and regulate the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma development through a balance of tumour-suppressive and tumour-promoting mediators. By contrast, cholangiocarcinoma is desmoplastic, with cancer-associated fibroblasts contributing to tumour growth. Accordingly, restoring the balance from tumour-promoting to tumour-suppressive fibroblasts and mediators might represent a strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma prevention, whereas in cholangiocarcinoma, fibroblasts and their mediators could be leveraged for tumour treatment. Importantly, fibroblast mediators regulating hepatocellular carcinoma development might exert opposite effects on cholangiocarcinoma growth. This Review translates the improved understanding of tumour-specific, location-specific, and stage-specific roles of fibroblasts and their mediators in liver cancer into novel and rational therapeutic concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Affo
- Department of Liver, Digestive System, and Metabolism, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aveline Filliol
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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31
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Sang YB, Kim G, Hwang S, Kang H, Chon HJ. Dramatic Response to Cabozantinib in a Patient with Refractory Hepatocellular Carcinoma with c- MET Amplification. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:747-750. [PMID: 36969903 PMCID: PMC10037501 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a patient with c-MET amplified hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had a dramatic response to cabozantinib despite being refractory to four previous lines of systemic therapy. The patient had previously received regorafenib plus nivolumab as first-line treatment, lenvatinib as second-line, sorafenib as third-line, and ipilimumab plus nivolumab as fourth-line treatment in sequence. However, all regimens showed early progression within 2 months. The patient's HCC was well-controlled, with a partial response (PR) of over 9 months after beginning cabozantinib treatment. Although there were mild adverse events such as diarrhea and elevated liver enzymes, they were tolerable. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the patient's previous surgical specimen indicated amplification of c-MET genes. Although it is well known that cabozantinib has excellent effectiveness for inhibiting c-MET at the preclinical level, to the best of our knowledge this is the first case of dramatic response to cabozantinib in a patient with advanced HCC with c-MET amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Beom Sang
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Gwangil Kim
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Sohyun Hwang
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- CHA Future Medicine Research Institute, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Haeyoun Kang
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hong Jae Chon
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- CHA Future Medicine Research Institute, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- Correspondence to: Hong Jae Chon, Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13496, Korea. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6979-5812. Tel/Fax: +82-31-780-7590, E-mail:
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32
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Wang C, Lu X. Targeting MET: Discovery of Small Molecule Inhibitors as Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37262349 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
MET has been considered as a promising drug target for the treatment of MET-dependent diseases, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Small molecule MET inhibitors with mainly three types of binding modes (Ia/Ib, II, and III) have been developed. In this Review, we provide an overview of the structural features, activation mechanism, and dysregulation pathway of MET and summarize progress on the development and discovery strategies utilized for MET inhibitors as well as mechanisms of acquired resistance to current approved inhibitors. The insights will accelerate discovery of new generation MET inhibitors to overcome clinical acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofan Wang
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, #855 Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, #855 Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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Das B, Sethy C, Chatterjee S, Dash SR, Sinha S, Paul S, Goutam K, Kundu CN. Quinacrine inhibits cMET-mediated metastasis and angiogenesis in breast cancer stem cells. J Cell Commun Signal 2023:10.1007/s12079-023-00756-9. [PMID: 37162635 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00756-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A trans-membrane receptor tyrosine kinase, cMET, belonging to the MET proto-oncogene family, is responsible for cancer metastasis and angiogenesis. But not much is known about the role of cMET in growth and progression of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Earlier studies have shown that Quinacrine (QC), a bioactive agent, has anti-CSCs activity. Here, the role of QC in deregulation of cMET-mediated metastasis and angiogenesis has been systematically evaluated in vitro in highly metastatic breast CSCs (mBCSCs), ex vivo in patient-derived breast cancer stem cells (PDBCSCs) and in vivo in xenograft mice model systems. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and representative metastasis markers were upregulated in cMET-overexpressed cells and QC exposure inhibited these processes in both mBCSCs and PDBCSCs. Interestingly, metastasis was significantly inhibited by QC in cMET-overexpressed cells but comparatively lesser significant alteration of the process was noted in cMET-silenced cells. Increase in vascularization (in in ovo CAM assay), and cell-cell tube formation (in HUVECs), and enhanced MMP9 and MMP2 enzymatic activities (in gelatin zymography) were noted after cMET overexpression but these processes got reversed after cMET knockdown or QC treatment in cMET-overexpressed cells. QC inhibited angiogenesis significantly in cMET-overexpressed cells, but lesser significant change was observed in cMET-silenced cells. Reduction in tumor volume and decreased expression of metastatic and angiogenic markers were also noted in xenograft mice after QC treatment. Furthermore, QC inhibited cMET activity by dephosphorylation of its tyrosine residues (Y1234 and Y1356) and downregulation of its downstream cascade. Thus, QC inhibited the cMET-mediated metastasis and angiogenesis in in vitro, in ovo, in vivo and ex vivo model systems. Ligand (HGF) binding leads to receptor dimerization and phosphorylation of tyrosine kinase domain of cMET. This activates the cMET signaling cascade. The representative downstream metastasis and angiogenesis-related proteins get upregulated and induce the metastasis and angiogenesis process. But after the QC treatment, cMET get dephosphorylated and inactivated. As a result, the downstream signaling proteins of cMET along with the other representative metastatic and angiogenic factors get downregulated. These lead to inhibition of cMET-mediated metastasis and angiogenesis. (Created with BioRender.com).
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Das
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to be University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Chinmayee Sethy
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to be University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Subhajit Chatterjee
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to be University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Somya Ranjan Dash
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to be University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Saptarshi Sinha
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to be University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Subarno Paul
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to be University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Kunal Goutam
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack, Odisha, 753007, India
| | - Chanakya Nath Kundu
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to be University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India.
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Verma S, Sahu BD, Mugale MN. Role of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Life Sci 2023; 325:121751. [PMID: 37169145 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the deadliest cancer in human malignancies. It is the most common and severe type of primary liver cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a new kind of RNA and epigenetic factors, play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and the progression of HCC. LncRNAs are capable of promoting the autophagy, proliferation, and migration of tumor cells by targeting and modulating the expression of downstream genes in signaling pathways related to cancer; these transcripts modify the activity and expression of various tumor suppressors and oncogenes. LncRNAs could act as biomarkers for treatment approaches such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery to effectively treat HCC patients. Improved knowledge regarding the aetiology of HCC may result from an advanced understanding of lncRNAs. Enhanced oxidative stress in the mitochondrial and Endoplasmic reticulum leads to the activation of unfolded protein response pathway that plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma. The mutual regulation between LncRNAs and Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in cancer and simultaneous activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway determines the fate of tumor cells in HCC. Mitochondria-associated lncRNAs work as essential components of several gene regulatory networks; abnormal regulation of mitochondria-associated lncRNAs may lead to oncogenesis, which provides further insight into the understanding of tumorigenesis and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Verma
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Bidhya Dhar Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, Assam, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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35
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Vafaei R, Khaki Z, Salehi M, Jalili N, Esmailinejad MR, Muhammadnajad A, Nassiri SM, Vajhi A, Kalbolandi SM, Mirzaei R, Farahmand L. Development of a MET-targeted single-chain antibody fragment as an anti-oncogene targeted therapy for breast cancer. Invest New Drugs 2023; 41:226-239. [PMID: 37004643 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01354-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
The usage of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antibody fragments, as a matter associated with the biopharmaceutical industry, is increasingly growing. Harmonious with this concept, we designed an exclusive modeled single-chain variable fragment (scFv) against mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) oncoprotein. This scFv was newly developed from Onartuzumab sequence by gene cloning, and expression using bacterial host. Herein, we examined its preclinical efficacy for the reduction of tumor growth, invasiveness and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Expressed anti-MET scFv demonstrated high binding capacity (48.8%) toward MET-overexpressing cancer cells. The IC50 value of anti-MET scFv against MET-positive human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-435) was 8.4 µg/ml whereas this value was measured as 47.8 µg/ml in MET-negative cell line BT-483. Similar concentrations could also effectively induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-435 cancer cells. Moreover, this antibody fragment could reduce migration and invasion in MDA-MB-435 cells. Grafted breast tumors in Balb/c mice showed significant tumor growth suppression as well as reduction of blood-supply in response to recombinant anti-MET treatment. Histopathology and immunohistochemical assessments revealed higher rate of response to therapy. In our study, we designed and synthetized a novel anti-MET scFv which could effectively suppress MET-overexpressing breast cancer tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Vafaei
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Khaki
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Malihe Salehi
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Jalili
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Esmailinejad
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahad Muhammadnajad
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Nassiri
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Vajhi
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Moradi Kalbolandi
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Mirzaei
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Farahmand
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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Huang YC, Hsieh PY, Wang LY, Tsai TH, Chen YJ, Hsieh CH. Local Liver Irradiation Concurrently Versus Sequentially with Cabozantinib on the Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065849. [PMID: 36982920 PMCID: PMC10056485 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065849] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiotherapy (RT)-pharmacokinetics (PK) effect of cabozantinib in concurrent or sequential regimens with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Concurrent and sequential regimens involving RT and cabozantinib were designed. The RT–drug interactions of cabozantinib under RT were confirmed in a free-moving rat model. The drugs were separated on an Agilent ZORBAX SB-phenyl column with a mobile phase consisting of 10 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4)–methanol solution (27:73, v/v) for cabozantinib. There were no statistically significant differences in the concentration versus time curve of cabozantinib (AUCcabozantinib) between the control group and the RT2Gy×3 f’x and RT9Gy×3 f’x groups in the concurrent and the sequential regimens. However, compared to those in the control group, the Tmax, T1/2 and MRT decreased by 72.8% (p = 0.04), 49.0% (p = 0.04) and 48.5% (p = 0.04) with RT2Gy×3 f’x in the concurrent regimen, respectively. Additionally, the T1/2 and MRT decreased by 58.8% (p = 0.01) and 57.8% (p = 0.01) in the concurrent RT9Gy×3 f’x group when compared with the control group, respectively. The biodistribution of cabozantinib in the heart increased by 271.4% (p = 0.04) and 120.0% (p = 0.04) with RT2Gy×3 f’x in the concurrent and sequential regimens compared to the concurrent regimen, respectively. Additionally, the biodistribution of cabozantinib in the heart increased by 107.1% (p = 0.01) with the RT9Gy×3 f’x sequential regimen. Compared to the RT9Gy×3 f’x concurrent regimen, the RT9Gy×3 f’x sequential regimen increased the biodistribution of cabozantinib in the heart (81.3%, p = 0.02), liver (110.5%, p = 0.02), lung (125%, p = 0.004) and kidneys (87.5%, p = 0.048). No cabozantinib was detected in the brain in any of the groups. The AUC of cabozantinib is not modulated by irradiation and is not affected by treatment strategies. However, the biodistribution of cabozantinib in the heart is modulated by off-target irradiation and SBRT doses simultaneously. The impact of the biodistribution of cabozantinib with RT9Gy×3 f’x is more significant with the sequential regimen than with the concurrent regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chuen Huang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan (Y.-J.C.)
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ying Hsieh
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ying Wang
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Physical Therapy Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hu Tsai
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Jen Chen
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan (Y.-J.C.)
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 104, Taiwan
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Medical Application, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hsi Hsieh
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Jiang L, Li L, Liu Y, Zhan M, Lu L, Yuan S, Liu Y. Drug resistance mechanism of kinase inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1097277. [PMID: 36891274 PMCID: PMC9987615 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1097277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, and it usually occurs following chronic liver disease. Although some progress has been made in the treatment of HCC, the prognosis of patients with advanced HCC is not optimistic, mainly because of the inevitable development of drug resistance. Therefore, multi-target kinase inhibitors for the treatment of HCC, such as sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, and regorafenib, produce small clinical benefits for patients with HCC. It is necessary to study the mechanism of kinase inhibitor resistance and explore possible solutions to overcome this resistance to improve clinical benefits. In this study, we reviewed the mechanisms of resistance to multi-target kinase inhibitors in HCC and discussed strategies that can be used to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital AffiliatedWith Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Luan Li
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongzhuang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital AffiliatedWith Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital AffiliatedWith Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengtao Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital AffiliatedWith Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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Liu Y, Xiao X, Wang J, Wang Y, Yu Y. Silencing CircEIF3I/miR-526b-5p Axis Epigenetically Targets HGF/c-Met Signal to Hinder the Malignant Growth, Metastasis and Angiogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biochem Genet 2023; 61:48-68. [PMID: 35723810 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-022-10239-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) is important for the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key regulators of HCC progression, and this study focused on circRNA eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit I (circEIF3I) with HGF/c-Met in HCC. METHODS Levels of circEIF3I, microRNA (miR)-526b-5p, HGF, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were detected by Gene Expression Omnibus database, quantitative PCR and western blotting. Cell functions were measured by detecting cell growth (cell proliferation assay with WST-1 and EdU, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, caspase 3 activity assay, and nude mouse tumorigenicity assay), metastasis (transwell assay and western blotting), angiogenesis (endothelial tube formation assay). Molecular interaction was determined dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS Expression of circEIF3I was upregulated in HCC tissues. Knockdown of circEIF3I suppressed cell proliferation epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion and tube formation ability but promoted apoptosis of HCC cells. CircEIF3I could sponge miR-526b-5pto regulate downstream HGF. Functionally, circEIF3I regulation in HCC cell progression was associated with miR-526b-5p sponging function and HGF upregulation could attenuate tumor-inhibiting roles of miR-526b-5p. HCC tumor growth was delayed by interfering circEIF3I. CONCLUSION CircEIF3I was an oncogenic circRNA in HCC-, and interfering circEIF3I exhibited anti-HCC activity via circEIF3I-miR-526b-5p-HGF/c-Met pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Radiological, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xia Xiao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130001, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jingying Wang
- Department of Laboratory, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yitong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130001, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yanhui Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130001, Jilin Province, China.
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Ma Y, Liu X, Tang X. ETS-1/c-Met drives resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:896-913. [PMID: 36915773 PMCID: PMC10006745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to clarify the molecular regulatory mechanism of c-Met up-regulated expression and elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which c-Met overexpression and activation drive progression and sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The resistance index was calculated. Bioinformatic techniques were applied to predict the transcription factors that bind and their binding sites on the c-Met promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were implemented to verify the prediction results. To determine the regulatory mechanisms and effects of c-Met on sorafenib resistance in HCC, c-Met expression and activation were down-regulated by siRNA and inhibitor in in vivo and vitro experiments, while a parental cell line (Huh-7) was transfected with the adenovirus that upregulated c-Met expression. RESULTS c-Met expression was increased in HCC sorafenib-resistant cells. Functional findings suggested that c-Met overexpression and activation drive HCC tumor progression and sorafenib resistance by promoting cell proliferation, migration, and stopping apoptosis. Molecular mechanism findings demonstrated that the MEK/ERK signaling pathway activated the expression and activity of ETS-1 mediated by p-ERK, which led to its binding to the c-Met gene promoter and upregulation of c-Met transcriptional expression. The activation of the HGF/c-Met pathway drives sorafenib resistance in HCC cells by activating the Ras/Raf/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, which regulate biologic processes, including cell proliferation, migration and anti-apoptosis. CONCLUSION c-Met overexpression and activation is an essential mechanism of sorafenib resistance in HCC. Combination therapy of sorafenib plus c-Met inhibitor overcame the resistance of sorafenib-targeted therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfang Ma
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology Huainan 232001, Anhui, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Yiwu 322000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueke Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Yiwu 322000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology Huainan 232001, Anhui, China
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Sachkova AA, Andreeva DV, Tikhomirov AS, Scherbakov AM, Salnikova DI, Sorokin DV, Bogdanov FB, Rysina YD, Shchekotikhin AE, Shchegravina ES, Fedorov AY. Design, Synthesis and In Vitro Investigation of Cabozantinib-Based PROTACs to Target c-Met Kinase. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122829. [PMID: 36559322 PMCID: PMC9781691 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: This investigation aimed at developing a series of c-Met-targeting cabozantinib-based PROTACs. (2) Methods: Purification of intermediate and target compounds was performed using column chromatography, in vitro antiproliferation activity was measured using a standard MTT assay and a c-Met degradation assay was performed via the immunoblotting technique. (3) Results: Several compounds exhibited antiproliferative activity towards different cell lines of breast cancer (T47D, MDA-MB-231, SKBR3, HCC1954 and MCF7) at the same level as parent cabozantinib and 7-demethyl cabozantinib. Two target conjugates, bearing a VHL-ligand as an E3-ligase binding moiety and glycol-based linkers, exhibited the effective inhibition of c-Met phosphorylation and an ability to decrease the level of c-Met in HCC1954 cells at micromolar concentrations. (4) Conclusions: Two compounds exhibit c-Met inhibition activity in the nanomolar range and can be considered as PROTAC molecules due to their ability to decrease the total level of c-Met in HCC1954 cells. The structures of the offered compounds can be used as starting points for further evaluation of cabozantinib-based PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia A. Sachkova
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Nizhny Novgorod State University, Gagarina Av. 23, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Daria V. Andreeva
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya Street, 119021 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Alexander M. Scherbakov
- Department of Experimental Tumor Biology, Blokhin N.N. National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Diana I. Salnikova
- Department of Experimental Tumor Biology, Blokhin N.N. National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Danila V. Sorokin
- Department of Experimental Tumor Biology, Blokhin N.N. National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Fedor B. Bogdanov
- Department of Experimental Tumor Biology, Blokhin N.N. National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115522 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia D. Rysina
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Nizhny Novgorod State University, Gagarina Av. 23, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | | | - Ekaterina S. Shchegravina
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Nizhny Novgorod State University, Gagarina Av. 23, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Correspondence: (E.S.S.); (A.Y.F.); Tel.: +7-906-359-74-49 (E.S.S.)
| | - Alexey Yu. Fedorov
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Nizhny Novgorod State University, Gagarina Av. 23, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Correspondence: (E.S.S.); (A.Y.F.); Tel.: +7-906-359-74-49 (E.S.S.)
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Dong X, Li X, Chen J, Ma S, Mu D, Hu J, Lu S. Phase 1 Study of the Selective c-MET Inhibitor, HS-10241, in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors. JTO Clin Res Rep 2022; 4:100449. [PMID: 36846572 PMCID: PMC9943892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtocrr.2022.100449] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction c-MET is an important therapeutic target for various cancers; however, the People's Republic of China currently retails only one specific c-MET inhibitor. Our preclinical study has revealed the high selectivity of HS-10241 to suppress c-MET. This phase 1 study aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of the selective c-MET inhibitor (HS-10241) in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods Patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors orally received a single or multiple dose of HS-10241 once daily or twice daily for 21 consecutive days, which included the following six regimens: 100 mg once daily, 200 mg once daily, 400 mg once daily, 600 mg once daily, 200 mg twice daily, and 300 mg twice daily. The treatment continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or treatment termination. The primary end point was the incidence of dose-limiting toxicity and maximal tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary end points included safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Results A total of 27 patients with advanced NSCLC received HS-10241, and dose-limiting toxicity was observed in three patients after 600 mg once-daily HS-10241 treatment. For once-daily dosing, MTD was 400 mg, and for twice-daily dosing, the maximal safe escalated dose was 300 mg, and MTD was not reached. Nausea (48.1%, 13 of 27), fatigue (37.0%, 10 of 27), and anemia (33.3%, 9 of 27) are the three most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events. At 400 mg once daily, Css,max was 5076 ng/mL and steady state area under the curve was 39,998 h × ng/mL. Patients (n = 5) with positive MET (MET exon 14-skipping, MET amplified, and MET immunohistochemistry 3+) had confirmed partial responses (n = 1) or stable disease (n = 3), with a disease control rate of 80.0%. Conclusions The selective c-MET inhibitor HS-10241 was well tolerated and had clinical activity in advanced NSCLC, especially in patients with positive MET. Furthermore, this study expounds on the therapeutic potential of HS-10241 in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Dong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China,Corresponding author. Address for correspondence: Xiaorong Dong, MD, PhD, Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Number 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, People’s Republic of China.
| | - Xingya Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shenglin Ma
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Deguang Mu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Hu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shun Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Guo Y, Hu H, Xu S, Xia W, Li H. Useful genes for predicting the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Ther 2022; 18:1860-1866. [PMID: 36647943 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1479_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is generally used to treat patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common and deadly cancer; however, its efficacy varies according to factors such as tumor volume, stage, serum alpha-fetoprotein level, and chosen feeding artery. In addition, gene-related factors have been recently suggested to be involved in the regulation and prediction of TACE outcomes. Accordingly, genes could serve as effective biomarkers to select patients who can benefit from TACE. These gene-related factors can activate signaling pathways affecting cancer cell survival while regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and the tumor microenvironment, all directly associated with tumor progression, thereby affecting TACE efficacy. Moreover, this disordered gene expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC, including TACE resistance, postoperative recurrence, and metastasis. To identify the exact relationship between various genes and TACE efficacy, this review summarizes the involvement of protein-coding and non-coding genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms in TACE efficacy for predicting the efficacy of TACE; the present findings may help improve the efficacy of TACE in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Guo
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongtao Hu
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shijun Xu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weili Xia
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hailiang Li
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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Jung YY, Um JY, Sethi G, Ahn KS. Fangchinoline abrogates growth and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma by negative regulation of c-met/HGF and its associated downstream signaling pathways. Phytother Res 2022; 36:4542-4557. [PMID: 35867025 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7573] [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: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Among all cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a lethal disease with limited treatment options. In this study, we have analyzed the possible inhibitory effects of Fangchinoline (FCN) on c-Met, a protein known to regulate the rapid phosphorylation of downstream signals, as well as mediate aberrant growth, metastasis, survival, and motility in cancer. FCN inhibited the activation of c-Met and its downstream signals PI3K, AKT, mTOR, MEK, and ERK under in vitro settings. Moreover, c-Met gene silencing lead to suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MEK/ERK signaling pathways, and induced apoptotic cell death upon exposure to FCN. In addition, FCN markedly inhibited the expression of the various oncogenic proteins such as Bcl-2/xl, survivin, IAP-1/2, cyclin D1, and COX-2. In vivo studies in HepG2 cells xenograft mouse model showed that FCN could significantly attenuate the tumor volume and weight, without affecting significant loss in the body weight. Similar to in vitro studies, expression level of c-Met and PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MEK/ERK signals was also suppressed by FCN in the tissues obtained from mice. Therefore, the novel findings of this study suggest that FCN can potentially function as a potent anticancer agent against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Yun Jung
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Young Um
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
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Yi X, Hu W. Advances in adoptive cellular therapy for colorectal cancer: a narrative review. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1404. [PMID: 36660664 PMCID: PMC9843349 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-6196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective In recent years, adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has shown great potential in antitumor treatment. To significantly improve the clinical efficacy of ACT against solid tumors, we may need to carefully study the latest developments in ACT. As one of the most common malignancies, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major risk to human health and has become a significant burden on global healthcare systems. This article reviews the recent advances in the treatment of CRC with ACT. Methods We searched PubMed for articles related to ACT for CRC published as of August 31, 2022, and retrieved relevant clinical trial information on the National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov website. Based on search results, comprehensive and systematic review is made. Key Content and Findings This article provides an overview of the research progress of ACT for CRC, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T-cell therapy, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Common tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) in clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapy for CRC are described. Conclusions Despite many obstacles, ACT shows great promise in treating CRC. Therefore, more basic experimental studies and clinical trials are warranted to further clarify the effectiveness and safety of ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Yi
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Wenwei Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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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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Yang C, Zhang H, Zhang L, Zhu AX, Bernards R, Qin W, Wang C. Evolving therapeutic landscape of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:203-222. [PMID: 36369487 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00704-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common solid malignancies worldwide. A large proportion of patients with HCC are diagnosed at advanced stages and are only amenable to systemic therapies. We have witnessed the evolution of systemic therapies from single-agent targeted therapy (sorafenib and lenvatinib) to the combination of a checkpoint inhibitor plus targeted therapy (atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy). Despite remarkable advances, only a small subset of patients can obtain durable clinical benefit, and therefore substantial therapeutic challenges remain. In the past few years, emerging systemic therapies, including new molecular-targeted monotherapies (for example, donafenib), new immuno-oncology monotherapies (for example, durvalumab) and new combination therapies (for example, durvalumab plus tremelimumab), have shown encouraging results in clinical trials. In addition, many novel therapeutic approaches with the potential to offer improved treatment effects in patients with advanced HCC, such as sequential combination targeted therapy and next-generation adoptive cell therapy, have also been proposed and developed. In this Review, we summarize the latest clinical advances in the treatment of advanced HCC and discuss future perspectives that might inform the development of more effective therapeutics for advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linmeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Andrew X Zhu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA. .,Jiahui International Cancer Center, Jiahui Health, Shanghai, China.
| | - René Bernards
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Wenxin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Cun Wang
- 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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Procaine Abrogates the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process through Modulating c-Met Phosphorylation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14204978. [PMID: 36291760 PMCID: PMC9599628 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14204978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a vital process that leads to the dissemination of tumor cells to distant organs and promotes cancer progression. Aberrant activation of c-Met has been positively correlated with tumor metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this report, we have demonstrated the suppressive effect of procaine on the EMT process through the blockade of the c-Met signaling pathway. Procaine downregulated mesenchymal markers and upregulated epithelial markers. Functionally, procaine abrogated cellular migration and invasion. Moreover, procaine suppressed c-Met and its downstream signaling events in HCC models. We report that procaine can function as a novel inhibitor of the EMT process and c-Met-dependent signaling cascades. These results support the consideration of procaine being tested as a potential anti-metastatic agent. Abstract EMT is a critical cellular phenomenon that promotes tumor invasion and metastasis. Procaine is a local anesthetic agent used in oral surgeries and as an inhibitor of DNA methylation in some types of cancers. In this study, we have investigated whether procaine can inhibit the EMT process in HCC cells and the preclinical model. Procaine suppressed the expression of diverse mesenchymal markers but induced the levels of epithelial markers such as E-cadherin and occludin in HGF-stimulated cells. Procaine also significantly reduced the invasion and migration of HCC cells. Moreover, procaine inhibited HGF-induced c-Met and its downstream oncogenic pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK. Additionally, procaine decreased the tumor burden in the HCC mouse model and abrogated lung metastasis. Overall, our study suggests that procaine may inhibit the EMT process through the modulation of a c-Met signaling pathway.
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Cao M, Shi E, Wang H, Mao L, Wu Q, Li X, Liang Y, Yang X, Wang Y, Li C. Personalized Targeted Therapeutic Strategies against Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. An Evidence-Based Review of Literature. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:4293-4306. [PMID: 36134201 PMCID: PMC9484769 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s377816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck, with a poor prognosis mainly due to recurrence and metastasis. Classical treatment modalities for OSCC like surgery and radiotherapy have difficulties in dealing with metastatic tumors, and together with chemotherapy, they have major problems related to non-specific cell death. Molecular targeted therapies offer solutions to these problems through not only potentially maximizing the anticancer efficacy but also minimizing the treatment-related toxicity. Among them, the receptor-mediated targeted delivery of anticancer therapeutics remains the most promising one. As OSCC exhibits a heterogeneous nature, selecting the appropriate receptors for targeting is the prerequisite. Hence, we reviewed the OSCC-associated receptors previously used in targeted therapy, focused on their biochemical characteristics and expression patterns, and discussed the application potential in personalized targeted therapy of OSCC. We hope that a better comprehension of this subject will help to provide the fundamental information for OSCC personalized therapeutic planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxin Cao
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Enyu Shi
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanping Wang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Lujia Mao
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiqi Wu
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinming Li
- Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Tianjin, 300041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Liang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoying Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinsong Wang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Changyi Li
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
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Zhang T, Wang Y, Xie M, Ji X, Luo X, Chen X, Zhang B, Liu D, Feng Y, Sun M, Huang W, Xia L. HGF-mediated elevation of ETV1 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through upregulating PTK2 and c-MET. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:275. [PMID: 36109787 PMCID: PMC9479266 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02475-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Metastasis is a major determinant of death in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Dissecting key molecular mediators that promote this malignant feature may help yield novel therapeutic insights. Here, we investigated the role of E-twenty-six transformation-specific variant 1 (ETV1), a member of the E-twenty-six transformation-specific (ETS) family, in HCC metastasis. Methods The clinical significance of ETV1 and its target genes in two independent cohorts of HCC patients who underwent curative resection were assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis and Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were used to detect the transcriptional regulation of target gene promoters by ETV1. The effect of ETV1 on invasiveness and metastasis of HCC were detected by transwell assays and the orthotopically metastatic model. Results ETV1 expression was frequently elevated in human HCC specimens. Increased ETV1 expression was associated with the malignant biological characteristics and poor prognosis of HCC patients. ETV1 facilitated invasion and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ETV1 promoted HCC metastasis via upregulating metastasis-related genes, including protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2) and MET. Down-regulated the expression of PTK2 or tyrosine protein kinase Met (c-MET) decreased ETV1-mediated HCC metastasis. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) upregulated ETV1 expression through activating c-MET-ERK1/2-ELK1 pathway. Notably, in two independent cohorts, patients with positive coexpression of ETV1/PTK2 or ETV1/c-MET had worse prognosis. Furthermore, the combination of PTK2 inhibitor defactinib and c-MET inhibitor capmatinib significantly suppressed HCC metastasis induced by ETV1. Conclusion This study uncovers functional and prognostic roles for ETV1 in HCC and exposes a positive feedback loop of HGF-ERK1/2-ETV1-c-MET. Targeting this pathway may provide a potential therapeutic intervention for ETV1-overexpressing HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02475-2.
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Small Molecule Inhibitors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Advances and Challenges. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175537. [PMID: 36080304 PMCID: PMC9457820 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to data provided by World Health Organization, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cause of deaths due to cancer worldwide. Tremendous progress has been achieved over the last 10 years developing novel agents for HCC treatment, including small-molecule kinase inhibitors. Several small molecule inhibitors currently form the core of HCC treatment due to their versatility since they would be more easily absorbed and have higher oral bioavailability, thus easier to formulate and administer to patients. In addition, they can be altered structurally to have greater volumes of distribution, allowing them to block extravascular molecular targets and to accumulate in a high concentration in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, they can be designed to have shortened half-lives to control for immune-related adverse events. Most importantly, they would spare patients, healthcare institutions, and society as a whole from the burden of high drug costs. The present review provides an overview of the pharmaceutical compounds that are licensed for HCC treatment and other emerging compounds that are still investigated in preclinical and clinical trials. These molecules are targeting different molecular targets and pathways that are proven to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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