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Green CD, Brown RDR, Uranbileg B, Weigel C, Saha S, Kurano M, Yatomi Y, Spiegel S. Sphingosine kinase 2 and p62 regulation are determinants of sexual dimorphism in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Metab 2024; 86:101971. [PMID: 38925249 PMCID: PMC11261290 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality, and its incidence is increasing due to endemic obesity. HCC is sexually dimorphic in both humans and rodents with higher incidence in males, although the mechanisms contributing to these correlations remain unclear. Here, we examined the role of sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2), the enzyme that regulates the balance of bioactive sphingolipid metabolites, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide, in gender specific MASH-driven HCC. METHODS Male and female mice were fed a high fat diet with sugar water, a clinically relevant model that recapitulates MASH-driven HCC in humans followed by physiological, biochemical cellular and molecular analyses. In addition, correlations with increased risk of HCC recurrence were determined in patients. RESULTS Here, we report that deletion of SphK2 protects both male and female mice from Western diet-induced weight gain and metabolic dysfunction without affecting hepatic lipid accumulation or fibrosis. However, SphK2 deficiency decreases chronic diet-induced hepatocyte proliferation in males but increases it in females. Remarkably, SphK2 deficiency reverses the sexual dimorphism of HCC, as SphK2-/- male mice are protected whereas the females develop liver cancer. Only in male mice, chronic western diet induced accumulation of the autophagy receptor p62 and its downstream mediators, the antioxidant response target NQO1, and the oncogene c-Myc. SphK2 deletion repressed these known drivers of HCC development. Moreover, high p62 expression correlates with poor survival in male HCC patients but not in females. In hepatocytes, lipotoxicity-induced p62 accumulation is regulated by sex hormones and prevented by SphK2 deletion. Importantly, high SphK2 expression in male but not female HCC patients is associated with a more aggressive HCC differentiation status and increased risk of cancer recurrence. CONCLUSIONS This work identifies SphK2 as a potential regulator of HCC sexual dimorphism and suggests SphK2 inhibitors now in clinical trials could have opposing, gender-specific effects in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Green
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Ryan D R Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Baasanjav Uranbileg
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Cynthia Weigel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sumit Saha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Makoto Kurano
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; CREST, JST, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yatomi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; CREST, JST, Japan
| | - Sarah Spiegel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
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2
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Su L, Luo H, Yan Y, Yang Z, Lu J, Xu D, Du L, Liu J, Yang G, Chi H. Exploiting gender-based biomarkers and drug targets: advancing personalized therapeutic strategies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1433540. [PMID: 38966543 PMCID: PMC11222576 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1433540] [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: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This review systematically examines gender differences in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), identifying the influence of sex hormones, genetic variance, and environmental factors on the disease's epidemiology and treatment outcomes. Recognizing the liver as a sexually dimorphic organ, we highlight how gender-specific risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and obesity, contribute differently to hepatocarcinogenesis in men and women. We explore molecular mechanisms, including the differential expression of androgen and estrogen receptors, which mediate diverse pathways in tumor biology such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA repair. Our analysis underscores the critical need for gender-specific research in liver cancer, from molecular studies to clinical trials, to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic effectiveness. By incorporating a gender perspective into all facets of liver cancer research, we advocate for a more precise and personalized approach to cancer treatment that acknowledges gender as a significant factor in both the progression of HCC and its response to treatment. This review aims to foster a deeper understanding of the biological and molecular bases of gender differences in HCC and to promote the development of tailored interventions that enhance outcomes for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanqian Su
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Huanyu Luo
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yalan Yan
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhongqiu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Jiaan Lu
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Danqi Xu
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Linjuan Du
- Department of Oncology, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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3
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Yin X, Gu HW, Ning D, Li YS, Tang HB. Testosterone Exacerbates the Formation of Liver Cancer Induced by Environmental N-Nitrosamines Exposure: Potential Mechanisms and Implications for Human Health. Onco Targets Ther 2024; 17:395-409. [PMID: 38774818 PMCID: PMC11107913 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s456746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Humans are frequently exposed to N-nitrosamines through various sources, including diet, cigarette smoking, contaminated water, the atmosphere, and endogenous nitrosation. Exposure to these carcinogens may also contribute to the gender-specific incidence of liver cancer, which is significantly higher in males than in females, possibly due to the influence of endogenous hormones such as testosterone. However, the effect of testosterone on N-nitrosamine-induced liver cancer and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Purpose To investigate the effect of testosterone on the development of liver cancer induced by N-nitrosamines exposure. Patients and Methods Histopathological and immunohistochemical staining techniques were employed to analyze the expression levels and nuclear localizations of key signaling molecules, including androgen receptor (AR), β-catenin, and HMGB1, in both tumor and non-tumor regions of liver samples obtained from human patients and mice. Results The findings demonstrated a strong correlation between AR and β-catenin in the nuclear region of tumor areas. AR also showed a significant correlation with HMGB1 in the cytoplasmic region of non-tumor areas in both human and mice samples. The study further analyzed the expression levels and patterns of these three proteins during the progression of liver tumors. Conclusion This study confirms that AR has the ability to modulate the expression levels and patterns of β-catenin and HMGB1 in vivo, thereby exacerbating the progression of liver cancer induced by environmental N-nitrosamines exposure. Importantly, the effect of testosterone on the formation of liver cancer induced by environmental N-nitrosamine exposure intensifies this progression. These findings have important implications for drug safety in clinical practice and emphasize the significance of reducing N-nitrosamines exposure through conscious choices regarding diet and lifestyle to ensure environmental safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yin
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Wei Gu
- Pharmacy Department, Mental Health Center of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Ning
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Sang Li
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - He-Bin Tang
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Zhao T, Fan J, Abu-Zaid A, Burley SK, Zheng XS. Nuclear mTOR Signaling Orchestrates Transcriptional Programs Underlying Cellular Growth and Metabolism. Cells 2024; 13:781. [PMID: 38727317 PMCID: PMC11083943 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
mTOR is a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism in response to mitogenic and nutrient signals. Notably, mTOR is not only found in the cytoplasm but also in the nucleus. This review highlights direct involvement of nuclear mTOR in regulating transcription factors, orchestrating epigenetic modifications, and facilitating chromatin remodeling. These effects intricately modulate gene expression programs associated with growth and metabolic processes. Furthermore, the review underscores the importance of nuclear mTOR in mediating the interplay between metabolism and epigenetic modifications. By integrating its functions in nutrient signaling and gene expression related to growth and metabolism, nuclear mTOR emerges as a central hub governing cellular homeostasis, malignant transformation, and cancer progression. Better understanding of nuclear mTOR signaling has the potential to lead to novel therapies against cancer and other growth-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinghan Zhao
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Jialin Fan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Ahmed Abu-Zaid
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Stephen K. Burley
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- RCSB Protein Data Bank and Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - X.F. Steven Zheng
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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5
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Toniutto P, Shalaby S, Mameli L, Morisco F, Gambato M, Cossiga V, Guarino M, Marra F, Brunetto MR, Burra P, Villa E. Role of sex in liver tumor occurrence and clinical outcomes: A comprehensive review. Hepatology 2024; 79:1141-1157. [PMID: 37013373 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000277] [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: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Clinical research on sex-based differences in the manifestations, pathophysiology, and prevalence of several diseases, including those affecting the liver, has expanded considerably in recent years. Increasing evidence suggests that liver diseases develop, progress, and respond to treatment differently depending on the sex. These observations support the concept that the liver is a sexually dimorphic organ in which estrogen and androgen receptors are present, which results in disparities between men and women in liver gene expression patterns, immune responses, and the progression of liver damage, including the propensity to develop liver malignancies. Sex hormones play protective or deleterious roles depending on the patient's sex, the severity of the underlying disease, and the nature of precipitating factors. Moreover, obesity, alcohol consumption, and active smoking, as well as social determinants of liver diseases leading to sex-related inequalities, may interact strongly with hormone-related mechanisms of liver damage. Drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, and metabolic liver diseases are influenced by the status of sex hormones. Available data on the roles of sex hormones and gender differences in liver tumor occurrence and clinical outcomes are conflicting. Here, we critically review the main gender-based differences in the molecular mechanisms associated with liver carcinogenesis and the prevalence, prognosis, and treatment of primary and metastatic liver tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Toniutto
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata, Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Sarah Shalaby
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Mameli
- Liver and Pancreas Transplant Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu Piazzale Ricchi 1, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Filomena Morisco
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Departmental Program "Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System," University of Naples "Federico II," Napoli, Italy
| | - Martina Gambato
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Valentina Cossiga
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Departmental Program "Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System," University of Naples "Federico II," Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Guarino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Departmental Program "Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System," University of Naples "Federico II," Napoli, Italy
| | - Fabio Marra
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Burra
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Erica Villa
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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6
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Ren QN, Huang DH, Zhang XN, Wang YN, Zhou YF, Zhang MY, Wang SC, Mai SJ, Wu DH, Wang HY. Two somatic mutations in the androgen receptor N-terminal domain are oncogenic drivers in hepatocellular carcinoma. Commun Biol 2024; 7:22. [PMID: 38182647 PMCID: PMC10770045 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05704-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) plays an important role in male-dominant hepatocellular carcinoma, and specific acquired somatic mutations of AR have been observed in HCC patients. Our previous research have established the role of AR wild type as one of the key oncogenes in hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the role of hepatic acquired somatic mutations of AR remains unknown. In this study, we identify two crucial acquired somatic mutations, Q62L and E81Q, situated close to the N-terminal activation function domain-1 of AR. These mutations lead to constitutive activation of AR, both independently and synergistically with androgens, making them potent driver oncogene mutations. Mechanistically, these N-terminal AR somatic mutations enhance de novo lipogenesis by activating sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 and promote glycogen accumulation through glycogen phosphorylase, brain form, thereby disrupting the AMPK pathway and contributing to tumorigenesis. Moreover, the AR mutations show sensitivity to the AMPK activator A769662. Overall, this study establishes the role of these N- terminal hepatic mutations of AR as highly malignant oncogenic drivers in hepatocarcinogenesis and highlights their potential as therapeutic targets for patients harboring these somatic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Nan Ren
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China.
| | - Dan-Hui Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Nan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yue-Ning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China
| | - Yu-Feng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China
| | - Mei-Yin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China
| | - Shuo-Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China
| | - Shi-Juan Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China
| | - De-Hua Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Hui-Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China.
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7
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Nuermaimaiti A, Chang L, Yan Y, Sun H, Xiao Y, Song S, Feng K, Lu Z, Ji H, Wang L. The role of sex hormones and receptors in HBV infection and development of HBV-related HCC. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29298. [PMID: 38087447 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29298] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Gender disparity in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related diseases has been extensively documented. Epidemiological studies consistently reported that males have a higher prevalence of HBV infection and incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Further investigations have revealed that sex hormone-related signal transductions play a significant role in gender disparity. Sex hormone axes showed significantly different responses to virus entry and replication. The sex hormones axes change the HBV-specific immune responses and antitumor immunity. Additionally, Sex hormone axes showed different effects on the development of HBV-related disease. But the role of sex hormones remains controversial, and researchers have not reached a consensus on the role of sex hormones and the use of hormone therapies in HCC treatment. In this review, we aim to summarize the experimental findings on sex hormones and provide a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the development of HCC and their implications for hormone-related HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abudulimutailipu Nuermaimaiti
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Le Chang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huizhen Sun
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yingzi Xiao
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Song
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kaihao Feng
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuoqun Lu
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Ji
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lunan Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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8
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Qiu Z, Wang C, Huang P, Yuan Y, Shi Y, Lin Z, Huang Z, Zuo D, Qiu J, He W, Shen J, Niu Y, Yuan Y, Li B. RFX6 facilitates aerobic glycolysis-mediated growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through targeting PGAM1. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1511. [PMID: 38093528 PMCID: PMC10719540 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells undergo reprogramming of glucose metabolism to support uncontrolled proliferation, of which the intrinsic mechanism still merits further investigation. Although regulatory factor X6 (RFX6) is aberrantly expressed in different cancers, its precise role in cancer development remains ambiguous. METHODS Microarrays of HCC tissues were employed to investigate the expression of RFX6 in tumour and adjacent non-neoplastic tissues. Functional assays were employed to explore the role of RFX6 in HCC development. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, untargeted metabolome profiling and sequencing were performed to identify potential downstream genes and pathways regulated by RFX6. Metabolic assays were employed to investigate the effect of RFX6 on glycolysis in HCC cells. Bioinformatics databases were used to validate the above findings. RESULTS HCC tissues exhibited elevated expression of RFX6. High RFX6 expression represented as an independent hazard factor correlated to poor prognosis in patients with HCC. RFX6 deficiency inhibited HCC development in vitro and in vivo, while its overexpression exerted opposite functions. Mechanistically, RFX6 bound to the promoter area of phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) and upregulated its expression. The increased PGAM1 protein levels enhanced glycolysis and further promoted the development of HCC. CONCLUSIONS RFX6 acted as a novel driver for HCC development by promoting aerobic glycolysis, disclosing the potential of the RFX6-PGAM1 axis for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of Liver SurgerySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Chenwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of Liver SurgerySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Pinzhu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease and Department of Colon and Rectum SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Yichuan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of Liver SurgerySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Yunxing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of Liver SurgerySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Zhu Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of Liver SurgerySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Zhenkun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of Liver SurgerySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Dinglan Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Jiliang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of Liver SurgerySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Wei He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of Liver SurgerySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Jingxian Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of RadiologySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Yi Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Yunfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of Liver SurgerySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Binkui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of Liver SurgerySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
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9
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Katleba KD, Ghosh PM, Mudryj M. Beyond Prostate Cancer: An Androgen Receptor Splice Variant Expression in Multiple Malignancies, Non-Cancer Pathologies, and Development. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2215. [PMID: 37626712 PMCID: PMC10452427 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies have demonstrated the importance of androgen receptor (AR) splice variants (SVs) in the progression of prostate cancer to the castration-resistant phenotype and their utility as a diagnostic. However, studies on AR expression in non-prostatic malignancies uncovered that AR-SVs are expressed in glioblastoma, breast, salivary, bladder, kidney, and liver cancers, where they have diverse roles in tumorigenesis. AR-SVs also have roles in non-cancer pathologies. In granulosa cells from women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, unique AR-SVs lead to an increase in androgen production. In patients with nonobstructive azoospermia, testicular Sertoli cells exhibit differential expression of AR-SVs, which is associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Moreover, AR-SVs have been identified in normal cells, including blood mononuclear cells, neuronal lipid rafts, and the placenta. The detection and characterization of AR-SVs in mammalian and non-mammalian species argue that AR-SV expression is evolutionarily conserved and that AR-SV-dependent signaling is a fundamental regulatory feature in multiple cellular contexts. These discoveries argue that alternative splicing of the AR transcript is a commonly used mechanism that leads to an expansion in the repertoire of signaling molecules needed in certain tissues. Various malignancies appropriate this mechanism of alternative AR splicing to acquire a proliferative and survival advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley D. Katleba
- Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA; (K.D.K.); (P.M.G.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 1 Shields Avenue, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Paramita M. Ghosh
- Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA; (K.D.K.); (P.M.G.)
- Department of Urologic Surgery, 4860 Y Street, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95718, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 1 Shields Avenue, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Maria Mudryj
- Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA; (K.D.K.); (P.M.G.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 1 Shields Avenue, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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10
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Mir SA, Dar A, Alshehri SA, Wahab S, Hamid L, Almoyad MAA, Ali T, Bader GN. Exploring the mTOR Signalling Pathway and Its Inhibitory Scope in Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1004. [PMID: 37513916 PMCID: PMC10384750 DOI: 10.3390/ph16071004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that regulates cellular growth, development, survival, and metabolism through integration of diverse extracellular and intracellular stimuli. Additionally, mTOR is involved in interplay of signalling pathways that regulate apoptosis and autophagy. In cells, mTOR is assembled into two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. While mTORC1 is regulated by energy consumption, protein intake, mechanical stimuli, and growth factors, mTORC2 is regulated by insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). mTOR signalling pathways are considered the hallmark in cancer due to their dysregulation in approximately 70% of cancers. Through downstream regulators, ribosomal protein S6 kinase β-1 (S6K1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), mTORC1 influences various anabolic and catabolic processes in the cell. In recent years, several mTOR inhibitors have been developed with the aim of treating different cancers. In this review, we will explore the current developments in the mTOR signalling pathway and its importance for being targeted by various inhibitors in anti-cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Ahmad Mir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ashraf Dar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Saad Ali Alshehri
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadma Wahab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laraibah Hamid
- Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Mohammad Ali Abdullah Almoyad
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Khamis Mushyt, King Khalid University, Abha 61412, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tabasum Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ghulam Nabi Bader
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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11
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Nevola R, Tortorella G, Rosato V, Rinaldi L, Imbriani S, Perillo P, Mastrocinque D, La Montagna M, Russo A, Di Lorenzo G, Alfano M, Rocco M, Ricozzi C, Gjeloshi K, Sasso FC, Marfella R, Marrone A, Kondili LA, Esposito N, Claar E, Cozzolino D. Gender Differences in the Pathogenesis and Risk Factors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:984. [PMID: 37508414 PMCID: PMC10376683 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Several chronic liver diseases are characterized by a clear gender disparity. Among them, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) shows significantly higher incidence rates in men than in women. The different epidemiological distribution of risk factors for liver disease and HCC only partially accounts for these gender differences. In fact, the liver is an organ with recognized sexual dysmorphism and is extremely sensitive to the action of androgens and estrogens. Sex hormones act by modulating the risk of developing HCC and influencing its aggressiveness, response to treatments, and prognosis. Furthermore, androgens and estrogens are able to modulate the action of other factors and cofactors of liver damage (e.g., chronic HBV infection, obesity), significantly influencing their carcinogenic power. The purpose of this review is to examine the factors related to the different gender distribution in the incidence of HCC as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms involved, with particular reference to the central role played by sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Nevola
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tortorella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Valerio Rosato
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Imbriani
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco La Montagna
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Russo
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Lorenzo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rocco
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Ricozzi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Klodian Gjeloshi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Marfella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Marrone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Ernesto Claar
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Cozzolino
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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12
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Wang D, Cheng C, Chen X, Wang J, Liu K, Jing N, Xu P, Xi X, Sun Y, Ji Z, Zhao H, He Y, Zhang K, Du X, Dong B, Fang Y, Zhang P, Qian X, Xue W, Gao WQ, Zhu HH. IL-1β Is an Androgen-Responsive Target in Macrophages for Immunotherapy of Prostate Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2206889. [PMID: 37092583 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Great attention is paid to the role of androgen receptor (AR) as a central transcriptional factor in driving the growth of prostate cancer (PCa) epithelial cells. However, the understanding of the role of androgen in PCa-infiltrated immune cells and the impact of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), the first-line treatment for advanced PCa, on the PCa immune microenvironment remains limited. On the other hand, immune checkpoint blockade has revolutionized the treatment of certain cancer types, but fails to achieve any benefit in advanced PCa, due to an immune suppressive environment. In this study, it is reported that AR signaling pathway is evidently activated in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) of PCa both in mice and humans. AR acts as a transcriptional repressor for IL1B in TAMs. ADT releases the restraint of AR on IL1B and therefore leads to an excessive expression and secretion of IL-1β in TAMs. IL-1β induces myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accumulation that inhibits the activation of cytotoxic T cells, leading to the immune suppressive microenvironment. Critically, anti-IL-1β antibody coupled with ADT and the immune checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD-1 antibody exerts a stronger anticancer effect on PCa following castration. Together, IL-1β is an important androgen-responsive immunotherapeutic target for advanced PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, P. R. China
| | - Chaping Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Jinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Kaiyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Na Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, P. R. China
| | - Penghui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, P. R. China
| | - Xialian Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Yujiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Zhongzhong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Huifang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Yuman He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Xinxing Du
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Baijun Dong
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Yuxiang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Xueming Qian
- Mabspace Biosciences (Suzhou) Co. Limited, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, P. R. China
| | - Helen He Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center, Shanghai Cancer Institute & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
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13
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Leo J, Dondossola E, Basham KJ, Wilson NR, Alhalabi O, Gao J, Kurnit KC, White MG, McQuade JL, Westin SN, Wellberg EA, Frigo DE. Stranger Things: New Roles and Opportunities for Androgen Receptor in Oncology Beyond Prostate Cancer. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad071. [PMID: 37154098 PMCID: PMC10413436 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is one of the oldest therapeutic targets in oncology and continues to dominate the treatment landscape for advanced prostate cancer, where nearly all treatment regimens include some form of AR modulation. In this regard, AR remains the central driver of prostate cancer cell biology. Emerging preclinical and clinical data implicate key roles for AR in additional cancer types, thereby expanding the importance of this drug target beyond prostate cancer. In this mini-review, new roles for AR in other cancer types are discussed as well as their potential for treatment with AR-targeted agents. Our understanding of these additional functions for AR in oncology expand this receptor's potential as a therapeutic target and will help guide the development of new treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Leo
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eleonora Dondossola
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kaitlin J Basham
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Nathaniel R Wilson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Omar Alhalabi
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianjun Gao
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katherine C Kurnit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Michael G White
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer L McQuade
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shannon N Westin
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Wellberg
- Department of Pathology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, and Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Daniel E Frigo
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
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14
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Ge Y, Zhan Z, Ye M, Jin X. The crosstalk between ubiquitination and endocrine therapy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:461-486. [PMID: 36961537 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02300-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine therapy (ET), also known as hormone therapy, refers to the treatment of tumors by regulating and changing the endocrine environment and hormone levels. Its related mechanism is mainly through reducing hormone levels and blocking the binding of hormones to corresponding receptors, thus blocking the signal transduction pathway to stimulate tumor growth. However, with the application of ET, some patients show resistance to ET, which is attributed to abnormal accumulation of hormone receptors (HRs) and the production of multiple mutants of HRs. The targeted degradation of abnormal accumulation protein mediated by ubiquitination is an important approach that regulates the protein level and function of intracellular proteins in eukaryotes. Here, we provide a brief description of the traditional and novel drugs available for ET in this review. Then, we introduce the link between ubiquitination and ET. In the end, we elaborate the clinical application of ET combined with ubiquitination-related molecules. KEY MESSAGES: • A brief description of the traditional and novel drugs available for endocrine therapy (ET). • The link between ubiquitination and ET. • The clinical application of ET combined with ubiquitination-related molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Ge
- The Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
| | - Ziqing Zhan
- The Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
| | - Meng Ye
- The Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- The Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China.
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15
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Tang YL, Zhu L, Tao Y, Lu W, Cheng H. Role of targeting TLR4 signaling axis in liver-related diseases. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 244:154410. [PMID: 36917917 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays an important role as a key signal-receiving transmembrane protein molecule in the liver, and substances that target the liver exert therapeutic effects via TLR4-related signaling pathways. This article provides a comprehensive review of targeting the TLR4 signaling axis to play an important role in the liver based on endogenous substances. Articles were divided into 5 major types of liver disease, acute liver injury, viral hepatitis, alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, to elucidate how various endogenous substances affect the liver via the TLR4 pathway and the important role of the pathway itself in liver-related diseases to discover the potential therapeutic implications of the TLR4-related pathway in the liver. The results indicate that activation of the TLR4-related signaling axis primarily plays a role in promoting disease progression in liver-related diseases, and the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB axis plays the most dominant role. Therefore, exploring the full effects of drugs targeting the TLR4-related signaling axis in the liver and the new use of old drugs may be a new research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Le Tang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan Tao
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wen Lu
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China.
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16
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Yavuz M, Sabour Takanlou L, Biray Avcı Ç, Demircan T. A Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator, S4, Displays Robust Anti-cancer Activity on Hepatocellular Cancer Cells by Negatively Regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway. Gene 2023; 869:147390. [PMID: 36990257 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health problem that often correlates with poor prognosis. Due to the insufficient therapy options with limited benefits, it is crucial to identify new therapeutic approaches to overcome HCC. One of the vital signaling pathways in organ homeostasis and male sexual development is Androgen Receptor (AR) signaling. Its activity affects several genes that contribute to cancer characteristics and have essential roles in cell cycle progression, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. AR signaling has been shown to be misregulated in many cancers, including HCC, suggesting that it might contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis. Targeting AR signaling using anti-androgens, AR inhibitors, or AR-degrading molecules is a powerful and promising strategy to defeat HCC. In this study, AR signaling was targeted by a novel Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM), S4, in HCC cells to evaluate its potential anti-cancer effect. To date, S4 activity in cancer has not been demonstrated, and our data unrevealed that S4 significantly impaired HCC growth, migration, proliferation, and induced apoptosis through inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Since PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling is frequently activated in HCC and contributes to its aggressiveness and poor prognosis, its negative regulation by the downregulation of critical components via S4 was a prominent finding. Further studies are necessary to investigate the S4 action mechanism and anti-tumorigenic capacity in in-vivo.
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17
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Androgen receptor variant 7 exacerbates hepatocarcinogenesis in a c-MYC-driven mouse HCC model. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:4. [PMID: 36746917 PMCID: PMC9902460 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00449-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor variant 7 (AR-V7), an AR isoform with a truncated ligand-binding domain, functions as a transcription factor in an androgen-independent manner. AR-V7 is expressed in a subpopulation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, its role(s) in this cancer is undefined. In this study, we investigated the potential roles of AR-V7 in hepatocarcinogenesis in vivo in a c-MYC-driven mouse HCC model generated by the hydrodynamic tail-vein injection system. The impacts of AR-V7 on gene expression in mouse HCC were elucidated by RNA-seq transcriptome and ontology analyses. The results showed that AR-V7 significantly exacerbated the c-MYC-mediated oncogenesis in the livers of both sexes. The transcriptome and bioinformatics analyses revealed that AR-V7 and c-MYC synergistically altered the gene sets involved in various cancer-related biological processes, particularly in lipid and steroid/sterol metabolisms. Importantly, AR-V7 suppressed a tumor suppressor Claudin 7 expression, upregulated by c-MYC overexpression via the p53 signaling pathway. Claudin 7 overexpression significantly suppressed the c-MYC-driven HCC development under p53-deficient conditions. Our results suggest that the AR-V7 exacerbates the c-MYC-driven hepatocarcinogenesis by potentiating the oncogenic roles and minimizing the anti-oncogenic functions of c-MYC. Since AR-V7 is expressed in a subpopulation of HCC cases, it could contribute to the inter- and intra-heterogeneity of HCC.
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Khalid S, Laput G, Khorfan K, Roytman M. Development of Liver Cancers as an Unexpected Consequence of Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Use. Cureus 2023; 15:e34357. [PMID: 36874750 PMCID: PMC9975287 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the relationship between androgens and hepatocellular tumor development has been noted since 1975, cases involving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or cholangiocarcinoma development in patients on chronic androgen therapy or anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use are few, and far between. We present three cases of patients who developed hepatic and bile duct malignancies in the setting of AAS use and testosterone supplementation, arising from a single tertiary referral center. Additionally, we review the literature for the mechanisms behind the possible androgen-mediated malignant transformation of these liver and bile duct tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameeha Khalid
- Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco Fresno, Fresno, USA
| | - Gieric Laput
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California San Francisco Fresno, Fresno, USA
| | - Kamal Khorfan
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California San Francisco Fresno, Fresno, USA
| | - Marina Roytman
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California San Francisco Fresno, Fresno, USA
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Bialek J, Yankulov S, Kawan F, Fornara P, Theil G. Role of Nivolumab in the Modulation of PD-1 and PD-L1 Expression in Papillary and Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma (RCC). Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123244. [PMID: 36552000 PMCID: PMC9776360 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123244] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression and cellular mechanisms of programmed cell death-1 protein (PD-1) and its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2) in renal cancer cells are not well known. Here, we aimed to investigate the response of renal carcinoma subtypes to the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab and its impact on related signaling pathways. All cell lines analyzed (clear cell (cc)RCC (Caki-1, RCC31) and papillary (p)RCC (ACHN, RCC30)) expressed PD-1 and both ccRCC cell lines, and RCC30 expressed PD-L1. Nivolumab treatment at increasing doses led to increased PD-1 levels in analyzed cells and resulted in aggressive behavior of pRCC but diminished this behavior in ccRCC. The analysis of PD-1/PD-L1-associated signaling pathways demonstrated increased AKT activity in Caki-1 and RCC30 cells but decreased activity in ACHN and RCC31 cells, while ribosomal protein S6 remained largely unchanged. Androgen receptors are related to RCC and were predominantly increased in RCC30 cells, which were the only cells that formed nivolumab-dependent spheroids. Finally, all cell lines exhibited a complex response to nivolumab treatment. Since the pRCC cells responded with increased tumorigenicity and PD-1/PD-L1 levels while ccRCC tumorigenicity was diminished, further studies are needed to improve nivolumab-based therapy for renal carcinoma subtypes, especially the identification of response-involved molecular pathways.
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Li Y, Mo H, Jia S, Wang J, Ma Y, Liu X, Tu K. Comprehensive analysis of the amino acid metabolism-related gene signature for prognosis, tumor immune microenvironment, and candidate drugs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1066773. [PMID: 36582227 PMCID: PMC9792509 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1066773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Metabolic rewiring satisfies increased nutritional demands and modulates many oncogenic processes in tumors. Amino acid metabolism is abnormal in many malignancies. Metabolic reprogramming of amino acids not only plays a crucial role in sustaining tumor cell proliferation but also influences the tumor immune microenvironment. Herein, the aim of our study was to elucidate the metabolic signature of amino acids in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Transcriptome profiles of HCC were obtained from the TCGA and ICGC databases. Based on the expression of amino acid metabolism-related genes (AAMRGs), we clustered the HCC samples into two molecular subtypes using the non-negative matrix factorization algorithm. Then, we constructed the amino acid metabolism-related gene signature (AAMRGS) by Cox regression and LASSO regression. Afterward, the clinical significance of the AAMRGS was evaluated. Additionally, we comprehensively analyzed the differences in mutational profiles, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, and drug sensitivity between different risk subgroups. Furthermore, we examined three key gene expressions in liver cancer cells by quantitative real-time PCR and conducted the CCK8 assay to evaluate the influence of two chemotherapy drugs on different liver cancer cells. Results A total of 81 differentially expressed AAMRGs were screened between the two molecular subtypes, and these AAMRGs were involved in regulating amino acid metabolism. The AAMRGS containing GLS, IYD, and NQO1 had a high value for prognosis prediction in HCC patients. Besides this, the two AAMRGS subgroups had different genetic mutation probabilities. More importantly, the immunosuppressive cells were more enriched in the AAMRGS-high group. The expression level of inhibitory immune checkpoints was also higher in patients with high AAMRGS scores. Additionally, the two AAMRGS subgroups showed different susceptibility to chemotherapeutic and targeted drugs. In vitro experiments showed that gemcitabine significantly reduced the proliferative capacity of SNU449 cells, and rapamycin remarkedly inhibited Huh7 proliferation. The five HCC cells displayed different mRNA expression levels of GLS, IYD, and NQO1. Conclusions Our study explored the features of amino acid metabolism in HCC and identified the novel AAMRGS to predict the prognosis, immune microenvironment, and drug sensitivity of HCC patients. These findings might help to guide personalized treatment and improve the clinical outcomes of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Huanye Mo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Siying Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Xi’an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xin Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Xin Liu, ; Kangsheng Tu,
| | - Kangsheng Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Xin Liu, ; Kangsheng Tu,
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Mo H, Wang X, Ji G, Liang X, Yang Y, Sun W, Jia X, Xu L, Qiao Y, Zhou H, Zhao W, Fu S, Zhang X. The effect of SNPs in lncRNA as ceRNA on the risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:769. [DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-09010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Most susceptible loci of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are located in non-coding regions, and the mechanism of action remains unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that affect competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) regulation mechanism with the risk and prognosis of HCC.
Methods
Based on a set of bioinformatics strategies, eight lncRNA genes that affect HCC through the mechanism of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA were systematically screened, and 15 SNPs that affect microRNA (miRNA) binding in these lncRNA genes were annotated. Genotyping was performed in 800 HCC cases and 801 healthy controls to examine associations of these SNPs with HCC in a northeastern Chinese Han population.
Results
The GG, GC and GG + GC genotypes of HOTAIR rs7958904 were associated with a 0.65, 0.59 and 0.63-fold decreased HCC risk, respectively. In addition, HCC patients with PVT1 rs3931282 AA + GA genotypes were less prone to develop late-stage cancers in a stratified analysis of clinical characteristics. When stratified by clinical biochemical indexes, rs1134492 and rs10589312 in PVT1 and rs84557 in EGFR-AS1 showed significant associations with aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or AST/ALT ratio in HCC patients. Furthermore, we constructed potential ceRNA regulatory axes that might be affected by five positive SNPs to explain the causes of these genetic associations.
Conclusions
HOTAIR rs7958904, PVT1 rs3931282, rs1134492 and rs10589312, and EGFR-AS1 rs84557 might be predictors for HCC risk or prognosis. Our results provide new insights into how SNPs on lncRNA-mediated ceRNAs confer interindividual differences to occurrence and progression of HCC.
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22
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Constitutively Active Androgen Receptor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213768. [PMID: 36430245 PMCID: PMC9699340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant type of liver cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death globally. It is also a sexually dimorphic disease with a male predominance both in HCC and in its precursors, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The role of the androgen receptor (AR) in HCC has been well documented; however, AR-targeted therapies have failed to demonstrate efficacy in HCC. Building upon understandings of AR in prostate cancer (PCa), this review examines the role of AR in HCC, non-androgen-mediated mechanisms of induced AR expression, the existence of AR splice variants (AR-SV) in HCC and concludes by surveying current AR-targeted therapeutic approaches in PCa that show potential for efficacy in HCC in light of AR-SV expression.
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Systems Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction and Analysis of Potential Targets and Pharmacological Mechanism of Actinidia chinensis Planch. Root Extract for Application in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2116006. [PMID: 36193154 PMCID: PMC9526650 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2116006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sometimes plays a crucial role in advanced cancer treatment. Despite the significant therapeutic efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that Actinidia chinensis Planch root extract (acRoots) has proven, its complex composition and underlying mechanism have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study analyzed the multiple chemical compounds in acRoots and their targets via network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis, with the overarching goal of revealing the potential mechanisms of the anti-HCC effect. Methods The main ingredients contained in acRoots were initially screened from the traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and the candidate bioactive ingredient targets were identified using DrugBank and the UniProt public databases. Second, the biological processes of the targets of active molecules filtered from the ingredients of acRoots were evaluated using gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Third, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify gene coexpression modules associated with HCC. The hub genes of acRoots in HCC were defined via contrasting the above module eigengenes with candidate target genes of acRoots. Furthermore, the target-pathway network was analyzed to explore the mechanism for anti-HCC effect of hub genes. Kaplan–Meier plotter database analysis was performed to validate the hub genes of acRoots correlation with prognostic values in HCC. In order to verify the results of the network pharmacological analysis, we performed a molecular docking approach on the active ingredients and key targets using the Discovery Studio software. The viability of SMMC-7721 and HL-7702 cells was determined by Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) after being treated with different concentrations of (+)-catechin (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 g/ml) for 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. Finally, qRT-PCR and Western blot involving human hepatocarcinoma cells were utilized to verify the impact of (+)-catechin on the hub genes associated with prognosis. Results 6 out of 26 active ingredients extracted from TCMSP were deemed as the core ingredients of acRoots. 175 bioactive-ingredient targets of acRoots were obtained and a bioactive-ingredient targets network was established correspondingly. The biological processes (BP) of target genes mainly involved processes, such as toxic substance and wounding. The results of KEGG pathways indicated that the target genes were mainly enriched in pathways in cancer, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, IL-17 signaling pathway, and other pathways. Also, the two hub genes (i.e., ESR1 and CAT) were closely associated with the prognosis of HCC patients. As a consequence, we predicated a series of signaling pathways, including estrogen signaling pathway and longevity regulation pathway, through which acRoots could facilitate the treatment for HCC. The molecular docking experiment ascertained that ESR1 and CAT had an effective binding force with (+)-catechin, one of the core ingredients of acRoots. Furthermore, (+)-catechin inhibited SMMC-7721 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner and a time-dependent manner. Finally, we suggest that the expression level of ESR1 and CAT is positively related to the (+)-catechin concentrations in in-vitro experiments. Conclusion The bioactive ingredients of acRoots, including quercetin, (+)-catechin, beta-sitosterol, and aloe-emodin, have synergistic interactions in reinforcing the anticancer effect in HCC. Evidently, acRoots took effect by regulating multitargets and multipathways through its active ingredients. Further, (+)-catechin, the possible paramount anti-HCC active ingredient in acRoots, helped improve the prognosis of HCC patients by increasing the expression of ESR1 and CAT. Additionally, the findings yielded provide a conceptual guidance for the clinical treatment of HCC and the methods adopted are potentially applicable in the future comprehensive analysis of the underlying mechanisms of TCMs.
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Sweed D, Sweed E, Moaz I, Mosbeh A, Fayed Y, Elhamed SMA, Sweed E, Macshut M, Abdelsattar S, Kilany S, Saied SA, Badr R, Abdallah MS, Ehsan N. The clinicopathological and prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma: a 10-year tertiary center experience in Egypt. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:298. [PMID: 36117166 PMCID: PMC9484175 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02764-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major health problem despite the emergence of several preventive and therapeutic modalities. HCC has heterogeneous and wide morpho-molecular patterns, resulting in unique clinical and prognostic criteria. Therefore, we aimed to study the clinical and pathological criteria of HCC to update the morpho-molecular classifications and provide a guide to the diagnosis of this disease. METHODS Five hundred thirty pathologically analyzed HCC cases were included in this study. The clinical and survival data of these cases were collected. RESULTS Hepatitis C virus is still the dominant cause of HCC in Egypt. Post-direct-acting antiviral agent HCC showed an aggressive course compared to interferon-related HCC. Old age, male gender, elevated alpha-fetoprotein level, tumor size, and background liver were important prognostic parameters. Special HCC variants have characteristic clinical, laboratory, radiological, prognostic, and survival data. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes rather than neutrophil-rich HCC have an excellent prognosis. CONCLUSIONS HCC is a heterogenous tumor with diverse clinical, pathological, and prognostic parameters. Incorporating the clinicopathological profile per specific subtype is essential in the treatment decision of patients with HCC. TRIAL REGISTRATION This was a retrospective study that included 530 HCC cases eligible for analysis. The cases were obtained from the archives of the Pathology Department, during the period between January 2010 and December 2019. Clinical and survival data were collected from the patients' medical records after approval by the institutional review board (IRB No. 246/2021) of Liver National Institute, Menoufia University. The research followed the guidelines outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05047146).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Sweed
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Enas Sweed
- grid.411660.40000 0004 0621 2741Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Inas Moaz
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Epidemiology, and Preventive Medicine Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Asmaa Mosbeh
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Yahya Fayed
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Sara Mohamed Abd Elhamed
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Eman Sweed
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Macshut
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Shimaa Abdelsattar
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Shimaa Kilany
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Sara A. Saied
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Clinical Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Reda Badr
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Mahmoud S. Abdallah
- grid.449877.10000 0004 4652 351XClinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Nermine Ehsan
- grid.411775.10000 0004 0621 4712Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Egypt
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25
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Chang SS, Hu HY, Chen YC, Yen YF, Huang N. Late hepatitis C virus diagnosis among patients with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma: a case–control study. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:425. [PMID: 36115934 PMCID: PMC9482748 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02504-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
New direct-acting antiviral therapies have revolutionized hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection therapy. Nonetheless, once liver cirrhosis is established, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still exists despite virus eradication. Late HCV diagnosis hinders timely access to HCV treatment. Thus, we determined trends and risk factors associated with late HCV among patients with a diagnosis of HCC in Taiwan.
Methods
We conducted a population-based unmatched case–control study. 2008–2018 Claims data were derived from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Individuals with an initial occurrence of liver cancer between 2012 and 2018 were included. The late HCV group were referred as individuals who were diagnosed with HCC within 3 years after HCV diagnosis. The control group were referred as individuals who were diagnosed more than 3 years after the index date. We used multivariable logistic models to explore individual- and provider-level risk factors associated with a late HCV diagnosis.
Results
A decreasing trend was observed in the prevalence of late HCV-related HCC diagnosis between 2012 and 2018 in Taiwan. On an individual level, male, elderly patients, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), and patients with alcohol-related disease had significantly higher risks of late HCV-related HCC diagnosis. On a provider level, patients who were mainly cared for by male physicians, internists and family medicine physicians had a significantly lower risk of late diagnosis.
Conclusions
Elderly and patients who have DM and alcohol related disease should receive early HCV screening. In addition to comorbidities, physician factors also matter. HCV screening strategies shall take these higher risk patients and physician factors into consideration to avoid missing opportunities for early intervention.
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Wu Y, Cai Y, Ma L, Li F, Zhang M, Wang Y, Zheng F, Pi Z, Yue H. Identification and chemical profiling of anti-alcoholic liver disease biomarkers of ginseng Huang jiu using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS and network pharmacology-based analyses. Front Nutr 2022; 9:978122. [PMID: 36034901 PMCID: PMC9412739 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.978122] [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: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the mechanism of characteristic non-volatile organic compounds (NVOCs) from ginseng Huang jiu (GH) in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease through UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS and network pharmacological analyses. Changes in NVOC contents in ginseng Huang jiu and ginseng-soaked wine fermented by different processing technologies were analyzed through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). A total of 96 ginsenosides were identified in ginseng Huang jiu throughout the fermentation process, which included 37 protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides, 47 protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides, and 4 oleanolic acid-type ginsenosides. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) revealed that 20(R)-Rg2, Gypenoside XVII, 20(S)-Rf3, CK, Rg5, Rh2, and other rare ginsenosides in ginseng Huang jiu could be the potential index for determining ginseng Huang jiu. In addition, ginseng Huang jiu could improve alcoholic liver disease by regulating the GSTP1, HRAS, AKR1B1, GSTA1, Androgen receptor (AR), GSR, and LDHB genes through bioinformatics analysis. This study provides new insights into improving the industrial production of ginseng Huang jiu and treating alcoholic liver disease with medicinal and food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxi Wu
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yongyu Cai
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Liting Ma
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Fangtong Li
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Meiyu Zhang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yizhu Wang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Fei Zheng
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zifeng Pi
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Hao Yue
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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Xu Y, Qi W, Wang X, Zhang Y, Han L, Shi J, Wang G, Liu J, Duan H, Cong X, Zhao P, Zhou C, Wang J. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 cooperates with androgen receptor/cell cycle-related kinase signalling pathway in the progression of hepatitis B virus infection and gender differences. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:569-578. [PMID: 35567395 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the role of androgen receptor (AR)/cell cycle-related kinase (CCRK) signalling pathway in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and gender differences, and the contribution of AR regulatory factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in it. AR, CCRK, and phosphorylated STAT3 expressions in liver tissues of chronic HBV-infected patients and non-HBV controls were determined by western blot and compared between genders. The relationships of expression levels with serum HBV DNA levels, liver inflammation activity, and fibrosis score were analysed in chronic HBV-infected patients. The relationships between expression levels of three proteins were also analysed. HBV-infected patients had significantly higher expression levels of AR, CCRK, and p-STAT3Tyr705 compared with controls (p < .01). The expression levels of AR, CCRK, and p-STAT3Tyr705 in chronic HBV-infected patients with severe inflammation were significantly higher than those with mild inflammation (p < .05). Expression levels in patients with heavier fibrosis (stage F4) were higher than in those with less fibrosis (stages F0-3) (p < .01). No gender differences were observed in AR, CCRK, and p-STAT3Tyr705 levels in non-HBV controls; higher levels were observed in HBV-infected males than in HBV-infected females (p < .05). AR, CCRK, and p-STAT3Tyr705 levels in liver tissues positively correlated with each other (p < .0001) and with serum HBV DNA levels (p < .0001). In conclusion, in this study, we first found concordant over-expression of AR, CCRK, and STAT3 in liver tissues of chronic HBV-infected patients who have not yet developed HCC, significantly correlated with the severity of the disease and showed gender differences. STAT3 may be a potential therapeutic co-target for chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Xu
- Department of Digestive, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenqian Qi
- Department of Digestive, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Digestive, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yonggui Zhang
- Department of Digestive, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liang Han
- Department of Pathology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyi Shi
- Department of Digestive, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guohua Wang
- Department of Digestive, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Digestive, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Honglei Duan
- Department of Digestive, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianling Cong
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Digestive, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Changyu Zhou
- Department of Digestive, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiangbin Wang
- Department of Digestive, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Tang JJ, Pan YF, Chen C, Cui XL, Yan ZJ, Zhou DX, Guo LN, Cao D, Yu LX, Wang HY. Androgens drive sexual dimorphism in liver metastasis by promoting hepatic accumulation of neutrophils. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110987. [PMID: 35732131 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110987] [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: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is one of the most-favored distant metastatic sites for solid tumors, and interactions between cancer cells and components of the hepatic microenvironment are essential for liver metastasis (LM). Although sex is one of the determinants for primary liver cancer, sexual dimorphism in LM (SDLM) and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We herein demonstrate a significant male-biased SDLM, which is attributed to host androgen/androgen receptor (Ar) signaling that promotes hepatic seeding of tumor cells and subsequent outgrowth in a neutrophil-dependent manner. Mechanistically, androgen/Ar signaling promotes hepatic accumulation of neutrophils by promoting proliferation and development of neutrophil precursors in the bone marrow, as well as modulating hepatic recruitment of neutrophils and their functions. Antagonizing the androgen/Ar/neutrophil axis significantly mitigates LM in males. Our data thus reveal an important role of androgen in LM and suggest that androgen/Ar modulation represents a promising target for LM therapy in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao-Jiao Tang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China; Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Cancer Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Yu-Fei Pan
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Can Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, China; Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, China
| | - Xiu-Liang Cui
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Zi-Jun Yan
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Dong-Xun Zhou
- Department of Endoscopy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Lin-Na Guo
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Dan Cao
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
| | - Le-Xing Yu
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China.
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China; Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Cancer Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China.
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Ren QN, Zhang H, Sun CY, Zhou YF, Yang XF, Long JW, Li XX, Mai SJ, Zhang MY, Zhang HZ, Mai HQ, Chen MS, Zheng XFS, Wang HY. Phosphorylation of androgen receptor by mTORC1 promotes liver steatosis and tumorigenesis. Hepatology 2022; 75:1123-1138. [PMID: 34435708 PMCID: PMC9300126 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Androgen receptor (AR) has been reported to play an important role in the development and progression of man's prostate cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is also male-dominant, but the role of AR in HCC remains poorly understood. Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) also has been reported to be highly activated in HCC. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of AR phosphorylation and its relationship with mTORC1 in hepatocarcinogenesis. APPROACH AND RESULTS In vitro experiment, we observed that mTORC1 interacts with hepatic AR and phosphorylates it at S96 in response to nutrient and mitogenic stimuli in HCC cells. S96 phosphorylation promotes the stability, nuclear localization, and transcriptional activity of AR, which enhances de novo lipogenesis and proliferation in hepatocytes and induces liver steatosis and hepatocarcinogenesis in mice independently and cooperatively with androgen. Furthermore, high ARS96 phosphorylation is observed in human liver steatotic and HCC tissues and is associated with overall survival and disease-free survival, which has been proven as an independent survival predictor for patients with HCC. CONCLUSIONS AR S96 phosphorylation by mTORC1 drives liver steatosis and HCC development and progression independently and cooperatively with androgen, which not only explains why HCC is man-biased but also provides a target molecule for prevention and treatment of HCC and a potential survival predictor in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Nan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat-Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina.,Department of Nasopharyngeal CarcinomaSun Yat-Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Hong Zhang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Department of PharmacologyRobert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
| | - Chao-Yue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat-Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Yu-Feng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat-Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Xue-Feng Yang
- Department of GastroenterologyAffiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South ChinaHengyangChina
| | - Jian-Wu Long
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryAffiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South ChinaHengyangChina
| | - Xiao-Xing Li
- Precision Medicine InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shi-Juan Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat-Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Mei-Yin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat-Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Hui-Zhong Zhang
- Department of PathologySun Yat-Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Hai-Qiang Mai
- Department of Nasopharyngeal CarcinomaSun Yat-Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Min-Shan Chen
- Department of Liver SurgerySun Yat-Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - X F Steven Zheng
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Department of PharmacologyRobert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
| | - Hui-Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat-Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
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30
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Impact of Androgen Receptor Gene Expression in Gastric Cancer: a Meta-Analysis Based on the GEO Database, TCGA Database, and Literature. Indian J Surg 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12262-020-02168-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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31
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The Role of Androgen Receptor and microRNA Interactions in Androgen-Dependent Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031553. [PMID: 35163477 PMCID: PMC8835816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the steroid hormone receptor family of nuclear transcription factors. It is present in the primary/secondary sexual organs, kidneys, skeletal muscles, adrenal glands, skin, nervous system, and breast. Abnormal AR functioning has been identified in numerous diseases, specifically in prostate cancer (PCa). Interestingly, recent studies have indicated a relationship between the AR and microRNA (miRNA) crosstalk and cancer progression. MiRNAs are small, endogenous, non-coding molecules that are involved in crucial cellular processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, or differentiation. On the one hand, AR may be responsible for the downregulation or upregulation of specific miRNA, while on the other hand, AR is often a target of miRNAs due to their regulatory function on AR gene expression. A deeper understanding of the AR–miRNA interactions may contribute to the development of better diagnostic tools as well as to providing new therapeutic approaches. While most studies usually focus on the role of miRNAs and AR in PCa, in this review, we go beyond PCa and provide insight into the most recent discoveries about the interplay between AR and miRNAs, as well as about other AR-associated and AR-independent diseases.
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32
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Zhang H, Su X, Burley SK, Zheng XFS. mTOR regulates aerobic glycolysis through NEAT1 and nuclear paraspeckle-mediated mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma. Theranostics 2022; 12:3518-3533. [PMID: 35547764 PMCID: PMC9065186 DOI: 10.7150/thno.72581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a major form of liver cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. New insights into HCC pathobiology and mechanism of drug actions are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes. HCC undergoes metabolic reprogramming of glucose metabolism from respiration to aerobic glycolysis, a phenomenon known as the 'Warburg Effect' that supports rapid cancer cell growth, survival, and invasion. mTOR is known to promote Warburg Effect, but the underlying mechanism(s) remains poorly defined. The aim of this study is to understand the mechanism(s) and significance of mTOR regulation of aerobic glycolysis in HCC. Methods: We profiled mTORC1-dependent long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) by RNA-seq of HCC cells treated with rapamycin. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays were used to explore the transcriptional regulation of NEAT1 by mTORC1. [U-13C]-glucose labeling and metabolomic analysis, extracellular acidification Rate (ECAR) by Seahorse XF Analyzer, and glucose uptake assay were used to investigate the role of mTOR-NEAT1-NONO signaling in the regulation of aerobic glycolysis. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and NONO-binding motif scanning were performed to identify the regulatory mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing by mTOR-NEAT1. Myristoylated AKT1 (mAKT1)/NRASV12-driven HCC model developed by hydrodynamic transfection (HDT) was employed to explore the significance of mTOR-NEAT1 signaling in HCC tumorigenesis and mTOR-targeted therapy. Results: mTOR regulates lncRNA transcriptome in HCC and that NEAT1 is a major mTOR transcriptional target. Interestingly, although both NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2 are down-regulated in HCC, only NEAT1_2 is significantly correlated with poor overall survival of HCC patients. NEAT1_2 is the organizer of nuclear paraspeckles that sequester the RNA-binding proteins NONO and SFPQ. We show that upon oncogenic activation, mTORC1 suppresses NEAT1_2 expression and paraspeckle biogenesis, liberating NONO/SFPQ, which in turn, binds to U5 within the spliceosome, stimulating mRNA splicing and expression of key glycolytic enzymes. This series of actions lead to enhanced glucose transport, aerobic glycolytic flux, lactate production, and HCC growth both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the paraspeckle-mediated mechanism is important for the anticancer action of US FDA-approved drugs rapamycin/temsirolimus. Conclusions: These findings reveal a molecular mechanism by which mTOR promotes the 'Warburg Effect', which is important for the metabolism and development of HCC, and anticancer response of mTOR-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Su
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.,Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 125 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Stephen K Burley
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.,RCSB Protein Data Bank and Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, NJ 08854 USA.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA.,RCSB Protein Data Bank, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and San Diego Supercomputing Center, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - X F Steven Zheng
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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33
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Lee SR, Jeong SH, Heo JH, Jo SL, Ko JW, Kwun HJ, Hong EJ. Dietary Intake of 17α-Ethinylestradiol Promotes HCC Progression in Humanized Male Mice Expressing Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12557. [PMID: 34830439 PMCID: PMC8620028 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a male-oriented malignancy; its progression is affected by sex hormones. 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) is a synthetic estrogen widely used as an oral contraceptive; however, it is unknown whether EE2 regulates sex hormone action in HCC. We investigated whether EE2 influences HCC risk in male androgenic environments, using mice expressing human sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Two-week-old male mice were injected with diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN, 25 mg/kg) and fed an EE2 diet for 10 weeks from 30 weeks of age. Development and characteristics of liver cancer were evaluated in 40-week-old mice via molecular and histological analyses. Although EE2 did not increase HCC progression in wild-type mice, SHBG mice exhibited remarkably higher HCC risk when fed EE2. The livers of EE2-treated SHBG mice exhibited substantially increased pro-inflammatory necrosis with high plasma levels of ALT and HMGB1, and intrahepatic injury and fibers. Additionally, increased androgen response and androgen-mediated proliferation in the livers of EE2-treated SHBG mice and EE2-exposed hepatocytes under SHBG conditions were observed. As a competitor of SHBG-androgen binding, EE2 could bind with SHBG and increase the bioavailability of androgen. Our results revealed that EE2 is a novel risk factor in androgen-dominant men, predisposing them to HCC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Eui-Ju Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (S.R.L.); (S.H.J.); (J.H.H.); (S.L.J.); (J.-W.K.); (H.-J.K.)
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34
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Liu YX, Li QZ, Cao YN. The effect of key DNA methylation in different regions on gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Omics 2021; 18:57-70. [PMID: 34782907 DOI: 10.1039/d1mo00282a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer with high morbidity and mortality. As we all know, the alteration of DNA methylation has a crucial impact on the occurrence of HCC. However, the mechanism of the effect of DNA methylation in different regions on gene expression is still unclear. Here, by computing and analyzing the distribution of differential methylation in 12 different regions in HCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, not only the hypermethylation of CpG islands and global hypomethylation were found, but also a stable distribution pattern of differential methylation in HCC was found. Then the correlations between DNA methylations in different regions and gene expressions were calculated, and the diversity of correlations in different regions was determined. The key genes of differential methylation and differential expression related to the survival of HCC patients were obtained by using Cox regression analysis, a four-gene prognostic risk scoring model was constructed, and the prognostic performance was well verified. The regions of the differentially methylated CpG sites corresponding to the four key genes were located and their influences on the expression were analyzed. The results indicate that the promoter, first exon, 5'UTR, sixth exon, N_Shore, and S_Shore hypomethylation promotes the expression of key oncogenes, which together lead to the occurrence of HCC. These results might help to study the role of DNA methylation in HCC and provide potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xian Liu
- Laboratory of Theoretical Biophysics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China.
| | - Qian-Zhong Li
- Laboratory of Theoretical Biophysics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China. .,The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yan-Ni Cao
- Laboratory of Theoretical Biophysics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China.
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35
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Romualdo GR, Leroy K, Costa CJS, Prata GB, Vanderborght B, da Silva TC, Barbisan LF, Andraus W, Devisscher L, Câmara NOS, Vinken M, Cogliati B. In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Strategies for Translational Modeling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5583. [PMID: 34771745 PMCID: PMC8582701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC is a complex multistep disease and usually emerges in the setting of chronic liver diseases. The molecular pathogenesis of HCC varies according to the etiology, mainly caused by chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections, chronic alcohol consumption, aflatoxin-contaminated food, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. The establishment of HCC models has become essential for both basic and translational research to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology and unravel new molecular drivers of this disease. The ideal model should recapitulate key events observed during hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to be translated into clinical practice. Despite considerable efforts currently devoted to liver cancer research, only a few anti-HCC drugs are available, and patient prognosis and survival are still poor. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used for translational modeling of HCC with a specific focus on their key molecular hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Gabriel Bacil Prata
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Wellington Andraus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences IV, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
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36
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Le JQ, Yang F, Yin MD, Zhao RR, Zhang BC, Li C, Lin JF, Fang YF, Lin YT, Shao JW. Biomimetic polyphenol-coated nanoparticles by Co-assembly of mTOR inhibitor and photosensitizer for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 209:112177. [PMID: 34749194 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.112177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Rapamycin (RAPA) functions as effectively clinical immunosuppressive agent, its significant tumor growth suppression effect via various pathways in diverse cancers, especially combined with photothermal therapy, is gaining a burgeoning attention. However, its critical defects, low solubility and poor stability, have severely hampered its further application. Herein, RAPA, indocyanine green (ICG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) serving as chemotherapeutic drug, photosensitizer and biomimetic coatings, respectively, were co-assembled into carrier-free, high biocompatible ICG-RAPA-EGCG nanoparticles (IRE NPs) for synergistic cancer therapy. Particularly, the bioinspired EGCG coatings not only improved the stability of IRE NPs under physiological conditions to avert NPs disassembly and drug release, but also maintained the photostability of ICG to achieve excellent photothermal response. The results indicated that the as-prepared IRE NPs displayed good monodispersity and enhanced stability at various stored media after introducing of EGCG. Compared with monotherapy of RAPA or ICG, IRE NPs showed higher dose-dependent toxicity in MCF-7 cells, HepG2 cells and HeLa cells, especially plus near-infrared laser irradiation. Furthermore, IRE NPs exhibited quicker uptake in cells, higher accumulation in tumor region (even in 48 h) than free ICG and effectively inhibited tumor growth without side effect in H22 tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, the carrier-free IRE NPs provided a simply alternative approach to fabricate RAPA/photosensitizer co-loaded nanoparticles for combinatorial tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Qing Le
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Meng-Die Yin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Rui-Rui Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Bing-Chen Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Chao Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Juan-Fang Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Yi-Fan Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Yu-Ting Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Jing-Wei Shao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China.
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37
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Wang J, Zhang Q, Shi F, Yadav DK, Hong Z, Wang J, Liang T, Bai X. A Seven-Gene Signature to Predict Prognosis of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:728476. [PMID: 34603388 PMCID: PMC8481951 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.728476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant diseases worldwide and has a poor prognosis. Gene-based prognostic models have been reported to predict the overall survival of patients with HCC. Unfortunately, most of the genes used in earlier prognostic models lack prospective validation and, thus, cannot be used in clinical practice. Methods: Candidate genes were selected from GEPIA (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis), and their associations with patients’ survival were confirmed by RT-PCR using cDNA tissue microarrays established from patients with HCC after radical resection. A multivariate Cox proportion model was used to calculate the coefficient of corresponding gene. The expression of seven genes of interest (MKI67, AR, PLG, DNASE1L3, PTTG1, PPP1R1A, and TTR) with two reference genes was defined to calculate a risk score which determined groups of different risks. Results: Our risk scoring efficiently classified patients (n = 129) with HCC into a low-, intermediate-, and high-risk group. The three groups showed meaningful distinction of 3-year overall survival rate, i.e., 88.9, 74.5, and 20.6% for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk group, respectively. The prognostic prediction model of risk scores was subsequently verified using an independent prospective cohort (n = 77) and showed high accuracy. Conclusion: Our seven-gene signature model performed excellent long-term prediction power and provided crucially guiding therapy for patients who are not a candidate for surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junli Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fukang Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dipesh Kumar Yadav
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengtao Hong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianing Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
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Zhou HC, Liu CX, Pan WD, Shang LR, Zheng JL, Huang BY, Chen JY, Zheng L, Fang JH, Zhuang SM. Dual and opposing roles of the androgen receptor in VETC-dependent and invasion-dependent metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2021; 75:900-911. [PMID: 34004215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Contradictory roles of the androgen receptor (AR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis have been reported. We have shown that VETC (vessels encapsulating tumor clusters) mediates invasion-independent metastasis, whereas VETC- HCCs metastasize in an invasion-dependent manner. Herein, we aimed to reveal the roles of AR in HCC metastasis. METHODS Mouse xenograft models, clinical samples, and cell models were used. RESULTS AR expression was significantly lower in HCCs with a VETC pattern, portal vein tumor thrombus, endothelium-coated microemboli or high recurrence rates. Overexpressing AR in VETC+ hepatoma cells suppressed VETC formation and intrahepatic metastasis but promoted pulmonary metastasis of mouse xenografts. AR decreased the transcription of Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt2), a factor essential for VETC formation, by binding to the Angpt2 promoter. The roles of AR in inhibiting VETC formation and intrahepatic metastasis were attenuated by restoring Angpt2 expression, suggesting that AR may repress VETC-dependent intrahepatic metastasis by inhibiting Angpt2 expression and VETC formation. On the other hand, AR upregulated Rac1 expression, promoted lamellipodia formation and increased cell migration/invasion. A Rac1 inhibitor abrogated the AR-mediated promotion of migration/invasion and pulmonary metastasis of VETC+ hepatoma cells, but did not affect the AR-mediated inhibition of intrahepatic metastasis. Furthermore, an AR inhibitor decreased Rac1 expression and attenuated both intrahepatic and pulmonary metastasis of VETC- xenografts, an effect which was abrogated by restoring Rac1 expression. These data indicate that AR may facilitate the lung metastasis of VETC+ HCCs and both the liver/lung metastases of VETC- HCCs by upregulating Rac1 expression and then promoting migration/invasion. CONCLUSION AR plays dual and opposing roles in VETC-dependent and invasion-dependent metastasis, which highlights the complex functions of AR and the importance of individualized cancer therapy. LAY SUMMARY In this study, we uncovered the dual and opposing roles of the androgen receptor in VETC (vessels encapsulating tumor clusters)-dependent and invasion-dependent metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We elucidated the underlying mechanisms of these processes, which provided novel insights into the complex regulatory network of the androgen receptor in HCC metastasis and may have important implications for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Liver Disease of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Chu-Xing Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Wei-Dong Pan
- Key Laboratory of Liver Disease of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Li-Ru Shang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jia-Lin Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Bi-Yu Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jie-Ying Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Limin Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jian-Hong Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Shi-Mei Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Liver Disease of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
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Shen H, Liu B, Xu J, Zhang B, Wang Y, Shi L, Cai X. Circular RNAs: characteristics, biogenesis, mechanisms and functions in liver cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:134. [PMID: 34461958 PMCID: PMC8407006 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01145-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies globally. Despite aggressive and multimodal treatment regimens, the overall survival of HCC patients remains poor. MAIN: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) with covalently closed structures and tissue- or organ-specific expression patterns in eukaryotes. They are highly stable and have important biological functions, including acting as microRNA sponges, protein scaffolds, transcription regulators, translation templates and interacting with RNA-binding protein. Recent advances have indicated that circRNAs present abnormal expression in HCC tissues and that their dysregulation contributes to HCC initiation and progression. Furthermore, researchers have revealed that some circRNAs might serve as diagnostic biomarkers or drug targets in clinical settings. In this review, we systematically evaluate the characteristics, biogenesis, mechanisms and functions of circRNAs in HCC and further discuss the current shortcomings and potential directions of prospective studies on liver cancer-related circRNAs. CONCLUSION CircRNAs are a novel class of ncRNAs that play a significant role in HCC initiation and progression, but their internal mechanisms and clinical applications need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Boqiang Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Liang Shi
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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Differential Expression of the Androgen Receptor, Splice Variants and Relaxin 2 in Renal Cancer. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11080731. [PMID: 34440475 PMCID: PMC8402134 DOI: 10.3390/life11080731] [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: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The role of the androgen receptor (AR) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is unclear. We aimed to analyze the expression of AR and its splice variants (SVs) and their correlation with relaxin 2 (RLN2) and cytokines in RCC. Methods: We investigated the expression of RLN2 and AR variants in 25 clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and 9 papillary (pRCC) tumor tissues and the corresponding controls using quantitative PCR and serum RLN2, testosterone and cytokine levels in matched samples using ELISA and chemiluminescent immunometric assay, respectively. Results: ccRCC tissues but not pRCC tissues more frequently expressed AR and the SVs than did normal tissues. All pRCC samples expressed more AR than did ccRCC samples. The highest expression of all AR variants except AR-V12 was found in low-stage tumors, with dominant expression of AR-V7. In males in the ccRCC cohort, the expression of AR-FL, AR-V1 and AR-V3 was significantly correlated with that of RLN2. The secretion pattern of proinflammatory IL-6 was higher in ccRCC than in pRCC. Conclusions: The results highlight additional molecular differences between ccRCC and pRCC, suggesting the influence of external factors on the whole kidney or genetic predispositions to developing certain types of renal cancer, and may support further pathological analysis and studies of targeted hormone therapy.
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Liu J, Sui J, Sun D, Guo K, Gao Z, Bian J, Yan J, Wang L. Case Report: An Undefined Liver Lesion in a Young Man With Severe Aplastic Anemia: A Teachable Moment. Front Surg 2021; 8:665367. [PMID: 34336914 PMCID: PMC8317259 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.665367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, we reported a young man complaining of asthenia and intermittent fever for 10 days, and an ultrasound showed an undefined lesion on his liver. Facing the patient's situation with severe agranulocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, we passed through a tough diagnostic process for choosing an appropriate treatment for him with an ambiguous result of pathological biopsy. The undefined liver lesion was successfully solved by withdrawing the androgen for observation, without lobectomy. The lesion gradually diminished over 2 years of follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jidong Sui
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Deguang Sun
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Kun Guo
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhenming Gao
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jie Bian
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jinsong Yan
- Department of Hematopathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Wang X, Zhang H, Sapio R, Yang J, Wong J, Zhang X, Guo JY, Pine S, Van Remmen H, Li H, White E, Liu C, Kiledjian M, Pestov DG, Steven Zheng XF. SOD1 regulates ribosome biogenesis in KRAS mutant non-small cell lung cancer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2259. [PMID: 33859191 PMCID: PMC8050259 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
SOD1 is known as the major cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase and an anticancer target. However, the role of SOD1 in cancer is not fully understood. Herein we describe the generation of an inducible Sod1 knockout in KRAS-driven NSCLC mouse model. Sod1 knockout markedly reduces tumor burden in vivo and blocks growth of KRAS mutant NSCLC cells in vitro. Intriguingly, SOD1 is enriched in the nucleus and notably in the nucleolus of NSCLC cells. The nuclear and nucleolar, not cytoplasmic, form of SOD1 is essential for lung cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, SOD1 interacts with PeBoW complex and controls its assembly necessary for pre-60S ribosomal subunit maturation. Mechanistically, SOD1 regulates co-localization of PeBoW with and processing of pre-rRNA, and maturation of cytoplasmic 60S ribosomal subunits in KRAS mutant lung cancer cells. Collectively, our study unravels a nuclear SOD1 function essential for ribosome biogenesis and proliferation in KRAS-driven lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Wang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Russell Sapio
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Justin Wong
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Xin Zhang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jessie Y Guo
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Sharon Pine
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Holly Van Remmen
- Aging and Metabolism Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Hong Li
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Center for Advanced Proteomics Research and Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Eileen White
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Chen Liu
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Pathology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Megerditch Kiledjian
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Dimitri G Pestov
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, USA.
| | - X F Steven Zheng
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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Wang J, Li J, Tang G, Tian Y, Su S, Li Y. Clinical outcomes and influencing factors of PD-1/PD-L1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:279. [PMID: 33732355 PMCID: PMC7905537 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has an increasing incidence worldwide, and the global 5-year survival rate ranges from 5-30%. In China, HCC seriously threatens the nation's health; the incidence of HCC ranks fourth among all theriomas, and the mortality rate is the third highest worldwide. The main therapies for HCC are surgical treatment or liver transplantation; however, most patients with HCC will experience postoperative recurrence or metastasis, eventually resulting in mortality. As for advanced or unresectable HCC, the current appropriate treatment strategy is transarterial chemoembolization; however, limited therapeutic effect and natural or acquired drug resistance affect the efficacy of this approach. Previous studies have demonstrated that PD-L1 expression on host cells and myeloid cells plays an important role in PD-L1 blocked-mediated tumor regression. Thus, further research on programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is required. Countries including the United States, France, Britain and China have developed PD-1/PD-L1 blockers, including nivolumab, pembrolizumab, cemiplimab, atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab, toripalimab, sintilimab and camrelizumab. Notably, all of these blockers have therapeutic effect and influencing factors in HCC. Factors that influence the clinical outcome of PD-1 have also been discovered, such as inflammatory genes, specific receptors and signaling pathways. The discovery of these factors will help to identify novel methods, such as combination treatment, to decrease the influence of other factors on the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1. Sorafenib and lenvatinib have been approved for first-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC. When first-line treatment frequently fails, pembrolizumab and ipilimumab plus nivolumab are used following sorafenib (but not lenvatinib) treatment in advanced HCC. Thus, tumor immunotherapy using PD-1/PD-L1 blockers exhibits promising outcomes for the treatment of HCC, and more novel PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are being developed to fight against this disease. The present review discusses the clinical results and influencing factors of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in HCC to provide insight into the development and optimization of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiting Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Guiju Tang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Song Su
- Department of Liver and Gallbladder, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Yaling Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
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Zhang X, Wang X, Yuan Z, Radford SJ, Liu C, Libutti SK, Zheng XFS. Amino acids-Rab1A-mTORC1 signaling controls whole-body glucose homeostasis. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108830. [PMID: 33730578 PMCID: PMC8062038 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rab1A is a small GTPase known for its role in vesicular trafficking. Recent evidence indicates that Rab1A is essential for amino acids (aas) sensing and signaling to regulate mTORC1 in normal and cancer cells. However, Rab1A's in vivo function in mammals is not known. Here, we report the generation of tamoxifen (TAM)-induced whole body Rab1A knockout (Rab1A-/-) in adult mice. Rab1A-/- mice are viable but become hyperglycemic and glucose intolerant due to impaired insulin transcription and β-cell proliferation and maintenance. Mechanistically, Rab1A mediates AA-mTORC1 signaling, particularly branched chain amino acids (BCAA), to regulate the stability and localization of the insulin transcription factor Pdx1. Collectively, these results reveal a physiological role of aa-Rab1A-mTORC1 signaling in the control of whole-body glucose homeostasis in mammals. Intriguingly, Rab1A expression is reduced in β-cells of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, which is correlated with loss of insulin expression, suggesting that Rab1A downregulation contributes to T2D progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ziqiang Yuan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Department of Surgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Sarah J Radford
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Steven K Libutti
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Department of Surgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - X F Steven Zheng
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Zhang T, Xu J, Ye L, Lin X, Xu Y, Pan X, Weng X, Ye C, Fan L, Ren Y, Shan PF. Age, Gender and Geographic Differences in Global Health Burden of Cirrhosis and Liver Cancer due to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. J Cancer 2021; 12:2855-2865. [PMID: 33854586 PMCID: PMC8040882 DOI: 10.7150/jca.52282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Recently, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) has become a major contributor to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Therefore, the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 was used to comprehensively analyze the global, regional, and national burden of cirrhosis and liver cancer due to NASH between 1990 and 2017. Methods: Data for cirrhosis and liver cancer due to NASH were extracted from the GBD study 2017. Socio-demographic Index (SDI) in 2017 was cited as indicators of socioeconomic status. ARIMA model was established to forecast the future health burden. Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson linear correlation were adopted to evaluate the gender disparity and association with socioeconomic level. Results: From 1990-2017, the global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) numbers of liver cancer due to NASH increased from 0.71 million to 1.46 million. The age-standardized DALYs rates of liver cancer due to NASH were negatively associated with SDI levels (r=0.-409, p<0.001). Geographically, Australasia experienced the largest increase in the burden of liver cancer due to NASH, with the age-standardized DALYs rate increasing by 143.54%. The global prevalence number of liver cancer due to NASH peaked at 60-64 years in males and at 65-69 years in females. Globally, the burden was heavier in males compared with females. Male-female-ratio of age-standardized DALYs rates in liver cancer due to NASH were positively related to SDI (r=0.303, P=0.011). Conclusion: The global burden of NASH-associated liver cancer has increased significantly since 1990, with age, gender and geographic disparity. Public awareness of liver diseases due to NASH should be emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyue Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Jingya Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Lingxia Ye
- Department of Endocrinology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Xiling Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Yufeng Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Xiaowen Pan
- Department of Endocrinology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Xifang Weng
- Institute of Crop Sciences and Institute of Bioinformatics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Chuyu Ye
- Institute of Crop Sciences and Institute of Bioinformatics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Longjiang Fan
- Institute of Crop Sciences and Institute of Bioinformatics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yuezhong Ren
- Department of Endocrinology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Peng-Fei Shan
- Department of Endocrinology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
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Christenson JL, O'Neill KI, Williams MM, Spoelstra NS, Jones KL, Trahan GD, Reese J, Van Patten ET, Elias A, Eisner JR, Richer JK. Activity of Combined Androgen Receptor Antagonism and Cell Cycle Inhibition in Androgen Receptor Positive Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1062-1071. [PMID: 33722849 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype, with a peak recurrence rate within the first few years after diagnosis. Few targeted therapies are available to treat this breast cancer subtype, defined by the lack of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor and without amplification of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Although cell cycle cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors are approved for treatment of ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer, they have not proven effective as monotherapy in patients with TNBC. The androgen receptor (AR) has emerged as a therapeutic target in a subset of TNBCs and with significant clinical benefit observed in multiple trials. The purpose of this study was to investigate the preclinical activity of the CDK4/6 inhibitor, abemaciclib, in combination with an agent that targets both androgen biosynthesis and AR activity, seviteronel, using TNBC cell lines expressing high AR, cell line xenografts, and an AR-positive (AR+), androgen-responsive TNBC patient-derived xenograft (PDX). Single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated heterogeneity in AR levels, even in a highly AR+ cell line, and identified cell cycle pathway activation in ARHigh- versus ARLow-expressing cells. Combination treatment with the cell cycle CDK4/6 inhibitor, abemaciclib, and seviteronel showed synergy in an AR+ TNBC model compared with each drug alone. Although cell cycle inhibitors are FDA approved for use in ER+ breast cancer, our studies suggest that they may also be effective in AR+ TNBC, perhaps combined with AR-targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Christenson
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kathleen I O'Neill
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Michelle M Williams
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Nicole S Spoelstra
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kenneth L Jones
- Deparment of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - G Devon Trahan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jordan Reese
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Elaina T Van Patten
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Anthony Elias
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Joel R Eisner
- Innocrin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer K Richer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
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Inhibition of androgen/AR signaling inhibits diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced tumour initiation and remodels liver immune cell networks. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3646. [PMID: 33574348 PMCID: PMC7878907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82252-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A promotional role for androgen receptor (AR) signaling in hepatocellular carcinogenesis is emerging. In pre-clinical models, including diethylnitrosamine- (DEN-) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), anti-androgen therapies delay hepatocarcinogenesis. However, pharmacologic anti-androgen therapy in advanced HCC patients fails, suggesting that AR plays a role in HCC onset. This study aims to characterize AR expression and function throughout DEN-induced liver inflammation and carcinogenesis and evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic AR antagonism to prevent hepatocarcinogenesis. We demonstrate that pharmacologic AR antagonism with enzalutamide inhibits hepatocellular carcinogenesis. With enzalutamide treatment, we observe decreased CYP2E1 expression, reducing DEN-induced hepatocyte death and DNA ethyl-adducts. AR protein expression analyses show that DEN causes an initial upregulation of AR in portal fibroblasts and leukocytes, but not hepatocytes, suggesting that hepatocyte-autonomous AR signaling is not essential for DEN-induced carcinogenesis. Ablating androgen signaling by surgical castration reduced pre-carcinogen Kupffer cell populations but did not alter DEN-mediated immune cell recruitment nor AR expression. In this study, we identified that anti-androgen interventions modulate mutagenic DNA adducts, tumour initiation, and immune cell composition. Additionally, we find that AR expression in hepatocytes is not present during nor required for early DEN-mediated carcinogenesis.
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48
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Zhang H, Spencer K, Burley SK, Zheng XFS. Toward improving androgen receptor-targeted therapies in male-dominant hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1539-1546. [PMID: 33561464 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of liver cancer and a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. HCC is a male-dominant cancer with a male:female ratio of up to 7:1. The androgen receptor (AR) is the male hormone receptor known as a major oncogenic driver of prostate cancer. Although AR has been linked to the sexual dimorphism of HCC, clinical trials with AR-targeted agents failed to generate survival benefits. Recent studies provide new insights into the role of AR in liver tumorigenesis and therapeutic responses. Herein, we review current understanding of AR signaling in HCC and feedback mechanisms that limit response to AR blockade. New AR-targeting strategies that might improve outcomes in HCC therapies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kristen Spencer
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 125 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Stephen K Burley
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; RCSB Protein Data Bank and Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; RCSB Protein Data Bank, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and San Diego Supercomputing Center, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - X F Steven Zheng
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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49
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Genetic Bias, Diversity Indices, Physiochemical Properties and CDR3 Motifs Divide Auto-Reactive from Allo-Reactive T-Cell Repertoires. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041625. [PMID: 33562731 PMCID: PMC7915266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The distinct properties of allo-reactive T-cell repertoires are not well understood. To investigate whether auto-reactive and allo-reactive T-cell repertoires encoded distinct properties, we used dextramer enumeration, enrichment, single-cell T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing and multiparameter analysis. We found auto-reactive and allo-reactive T-cells differed in mean ex vivo frequency which was antigen dependent. Allo-reactive T-cells showed clear differences in TCR architecture, with enriched usage of specific T-cell receptor variable (TRBJ) genes and broader use of T-cell receptor variable joining (TRBJ) genes. Auto-reactive T-cell repertoires exhibited complementary determining regions three (CDR3) lengths using a Gaussian distribution whereas allo-reactive T-cell repertoires exhibited distorted patterns in CDR3 length. CDR3 loops from allo-reactive T-cells showed distinct physical-chemical properties, tending to encode loops that were more acidic in charge. Allo-reactive T-cell repertoires differed in diversity metrics, tending to show increased overall diversity and increased homogeneity between repertoires. Motif analysis of CDR3 loops showed allo-reactive T-cell repertoires differed in motif preference which included broader motif use. Collectively, these data conclude that allo-reactive T-cell repertoires are indeed different to auto-reactive repertoires and provide tangible metrics for further investigations and validation. Given that the antigens studied here are overexpressed on multiple cancers and that allo-reactive TCRs often show increased ligand affinity, this new TCR bank also has translational potential for adoptive cell therapy, soluble TCR-based therapy and rational TCR design.
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50
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Wang RQ, Long XR, Zhou NN, Chen DN, Zhang MY, Wen ZS, Zhang LJ, He FZ, Zhou ZL, Mai SJ, Wang HY. Lnc-GAN1 expression is associated with good survival and suppresses tumor progression by sponging mir-26a-5p to activate PTEN signaling in non-small cell lung cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:9. [PMID: 33407724 PMCID: PMC7786923 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01819-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in the development and progression of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the role of most lncRNAs in NSCLC remains unknown. This study explored the clinical significance, biological function and underlying mechanism of lnc-GAN1 in NSCLC. METHODS With a custom lncRNA microarray we found that lnc-GAN1 is markedly downregulated in NSCLC tissues. Then lnc-GAN1 expression level was measured using qRT-PCR in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The biological functions of lnc-GAN1 in lung cancer cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization and subcellular localization assays revealed the subcellular distribution of lnc-GAN1 in cells. Bioinformatic analysis was adopted to predict miRNAs and signaling pathways regulated by lnc-GAN1. RNA immunoprecipitation and Dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to assess the interaction between lnc-GAN1 and miR-26a-5p in lung cancer cells. RESULTS lnc-GAN1 is downregulated in HCC tissues and associated with larger tumor size and poor overall survival and disease-free survival; its ectopic expression suppresses cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis in NSCLC cells; it also inhibits tumor growth in the NSCLC xenograft model. We further proved that lnc-GAN1 is localized in cytoplasm and transcribed independently from its parental gene GAN. Mechanistically, lnc-GAN1 acts as a sponge for miR-26a-5p by two seed sequences, and the two non-coding RNAs have a negative relationship in NSCLC tissues; we further prove that PTEN is a direct target of miR-26a-5p and lnc-GAN1 inhibits cell cycle signaling pathway by activating PTEN, whose expression level correlated negatively with miR-26a-5p level but positively with lnc-GAN1 level in NSCLC samples. CONCLUSIONS Lnc-GAN1 is downregulated and associated with poor survival of NSCLC patients, and mechanistically acts as a tumor suppressor via sponging and inhibiting miR-26a-5p to upregulate PTEN. This study provides a potential prognostic biomarker and treatment target for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Xiao-Ran Long
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renji Hospital, Medical School of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning-Ning Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Dong-Ni Chen
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Mei-Yin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Wen
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Lan-Jun Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Fa-Zhong He
- Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Zhi-Lin Zhou
- Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Shi-Juan Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Hui-Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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