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Song P, Gao Z, Bao Y, Chen L, Huang Y, Liu Y, Dong Q, Wei X. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:46. [PMID: 38886806 PMCID: PMC11184729 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01563-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, encompassing development, tissue homeostasis, and cell proliferation. Under normal physiological conditions, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is meticulously regulated. However, aberrant activation of this pathway and downstream target genes can occur due to mutations in key components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, epigenetic modifications, and crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Consequently, these dysregulations contribute significantly to tumor initiation and progression. Therapies targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling transduction have exhibited promising prospects and potential for tumor treatment. An increasing number of medications targeting this pathway are continuously being developed and validated. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the latest advances in our understanding of the role played by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in carcinogenesis and targeted therapy, providing valuable insights into acknowledging current opportunities and challenges associated with targeting this signaling pathway in cancer research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Song
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Zirui Gao
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yige Bao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Li Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuhe Huang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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2
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Yao M, Fang RF, Xie Q, Xu M, Sai WL, Yao DF. Early monitoring values of oncogenic signalling molecules for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2350-2361. [PMID: 38994143 PMCID: PMC11236219 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevention and early diagnosis of liver cancer remains a global medical challenge. During the malignant transformation of hepatocytes, a variety of oncogenic cellular signalling molecules, such as novel high mobility group-Box 3, angiopoietin-2, Golgi protein 73, glypican-3, Wnt3a (a signalling molecule in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway), and secretory clusterin, can be expressed and secreted into the blood. These signalling molecules are derived from different signalling pathways and may not only participate in the malignant transformation of hepatocytes but also become early diagnostic indicators of hepatocarcinogenesis or specific targeted molecules for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. This article reviews recent progress in the study of several signalling molecules as sensitive biomarkers for monitoring hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rong-Fei Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qun Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haian People’s Hospital, Haian 226600, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Li Sai
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Deng-Fu Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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3
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Yao M, Fang RF, Xie Q, Xu M, Sai WL, Yao DF. Early monitoring values of oncogenic signalling molecules for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2814-2825. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevention and early diagnosis of liver cancer remains a global medical challenge. During the malignant transformation of hepatocytes, a variety of oncogenic cellular signalling molecules, such as novel high mobility group-Box 3, angiopoietin-2, Golgi protein 73, glypican-3, Wnt3a (a signalling molecule in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway), and secretory clusterin, can be expressed and secreted into the blood. These signalling molecules are derived from different signalling pathways and may not only participate in the malignant transformation of hepatocytes but also become early diagnostic indicators of hepatocarcinogenesis or specific targeted molecules for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. This article reviews recent progress in the study of several signalling molecules as sensitive biomarkers for monitoring hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rong-Fei Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qun Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haian People’s Hospital, Haian 226600, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Li Sai
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Deng-Fu Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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4
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Heumann P, Albert A, Gülow K, Tümen D, Müller M, Kandulski A. Insights in Molecular Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1831. [PMID: 38791911 PMCID: PMC11120383 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a comprehensive review of the current literature of published data and clinical trials (MEDLINE), as well as published congress contributions and active recruiting clinical trials on targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Combinations of different agents and medical therapy along with radiological interventions were analyzed for the setting of advanced HCC. Those settings were also analyzed in combination with adjuvant situations after resection or radiological treatments. We summarized the current knowledge for each therapeutic setting and combination that currently is or has been under clinical evaluation. We further discuss the results in the background of current treatment guidelines. In addition, we review the pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways for each of these investigated targets and drugs to further elucidate the molecular background and underlying mechanisms of action. Established and recommended targeted treatment options that already exist for patients are considered for systemic treatment: atezolizumab/bevacizumab, durvalumab/tremelimumab, sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, regorafenib, and ramucirumab. Combination treatment for systemic treatment and local ablative treatment or transarterial chemoembolization and adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment strategies are under clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Heumann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany (K.G.); (D.T.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Arne Kandulski
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany (K.G.); (D.T.)
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Bruguera ES, Mahoney JP, Weis WI. The co-receptor Tspan12 directly captures Norrin to promote ligand-specific β-catenin signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.03.578714. [PMID: 38352533 PMCID: PMC10862866 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.03.578714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling directs animal development and tissue renewal in a tightly controlled, cell- and tissue-specific manner. In the central nervous system, the atypical ligand Norrin controls angiogenesis and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier and blood-retina barrier through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Like Wnt, Norrin activates signaling by binding and heterodimerizing the receptors Frizzled (Fzd) and Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 or 6 (LRP5/6), leading to membrane recruitment of the intracellular transducer Dishevelled (Dvl); this ultimately results in the stabilization of the transcriptional coactivator β-catenin. Unlike Wnt, the cysteine-knot ligand Norrin only signals through Fzd4 and additionally requires the co-receptor Tspan12; however, the mechanism underlying Tspan12-mediated signal enhancement is unclear. It has been proposed that Tspan12 integrates into the Norrin-Fzd4 complex to enhance Norrin-Fzd4 affinity or otherwise allosterically modulate Fzd4 signaling. Here, we measure direct, high-affinity binding between purified Norrin and Tspan12 in a lipid environment and use AlphaFold models to interrogate this interaction interface. We find that Tspan12 and Fzd4 can simultaneously bind Norrin and that a pre-formed Tspan12/Fzd4 heterodimer, as well as cells co-expressing Tspan12 and Fzd4, more efficiently capture low concentrations of Norrin than Fzd4 alone. We also show that Tspan12 competes with both heparan sulfate proteoglycans and LRP6 for Norrin binding and that Tspan12 does not impact Fzd4-Dvl affinity in the presence or absence of Norrin. Our findings suggest that Tspan12 does not allosterically enhance Fzd4 binding to Norrin or Dvl, but instead functions to directly capture Norrin upstream of signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise S Bruguera
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Jacob P Mahoney
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - William I Weis
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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Gou L, Yang G, Ma S, Ding T, Sun L, Liu F, Huang J, Gao W. Galectin-14 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma tumor growth via enhancing heparan sulfate proteoglycan modification. J Biomed Res 2023; 37:418-430. [PMID: 37977559 PMCID: PMC10687530 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.37.20230085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy and lacks effective treatment. Bulk-sequencing of different gene transcripts by comparing HCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues provides some clues for investigating the mechanisms or identifying potential targets for tumor progression. However, genes that are exclusively expressed in a subpopulation of HCC may not be enriched or detected through such a screening. In the current study, we performed a single cell-clone-based screening and identified galectin-14 as an essential molecule in the regulation of tumor growth. The aberrant expression of galectin-14 was significantly associated with a poor overall survival of liver cancer patients with database analysis. Knocking down galectin-14 inhibited the proliferation of tumor growth, whereas overexpressing galectin-14 promoted tumor growth in vivo. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis indicated that knocking down galectin-14 decreased glycometabolism; specifically that glycoside synthesis was significantly changed. Further study found that galectin-14 promoted the expression of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) that functioned as co-receptors, thereby increasing the responsiveness of HCC cells to growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-alpha. In conclusion, the current study identifies a novel HCC-specific molecule galectin-14, which increases the expression of cell surface HSPGs and the uptake of growth factors to promote HCC cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Gou
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Core Laboratory, the Affiliated Sir Run Run Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Sujuan Ma
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Tong Ding
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Luan Sun
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Medical Center of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Medical Center of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
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Liu Q, Song Q, Luo C, Wei J, Xu Y, Zhao L, Wang Y. A novel bispecific antibody as an immunotherapeutic agent in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Immunol 2023; 162:125-132. [PMID: 37677989 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most common and highly fatal malignancies in humans worldwide with increasing prevalence and limited therapeutic options. For many decades, many researchers have attempted to find effective curative methods for HCC and great strides have been made. GPC3 is overexpressed in HCC, but not in normal liver, making it a rational immunotherapeutic target for HCC. GC33, a humanized mAb directed against GPC3, is a safe and well-tolerated therapy choice for patients with HCC, which tested in a phase I trial in advanced HCC patients. Phase II trials of GC33 to evaluate its efficacy and safety in advanced or metastatic HCC, showed no significant differences in overall survival and progression-free survival compared with the placebo. Retrospective analysis indicates that high drug exposure and high CD16 expression may contribute to the clinical efficacy of GC33. Chugai Pharmaceutical has restarted its Phase I trial of GC33, continuing to explore its clinical value targeting GPC3 in solid tumors. To enhance the antitumor potency of GC33, we designed a GPC3/CD16A bispecific antibody (QDEB). In this study, we obtained QDEB at high purity and assessed its effectiveness in the therapy of HCC compared with GC33. In vitro cytotoxicity assays and in vivo experiments demonstrated that QDEB could enhance anti-tumor efficacy compared with GC33. CD16A activation and increased cytokines release were associated with higher anti-tumor activity. In conclusion, this bispecific antibody may possibly help develop new therapeutic strategies for HCC and develop new treatment options in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxia Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China; Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China
| | - Qifeng Song
- Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China
| | - Cheng Luo
- Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China
| | - Jian Wei
- Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China
| | - Yao Xu
- Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China
| | - Liwen Zhao
- Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China; Sanhome R&D Centre, Nanjing Sanhome Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 221116, PR China.
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Zhang L, Adu IK, Zhang H, Wang J. The WNT/β-catenin system in chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder syndrome. Int Urol Nephrol 2023; 55:2527-2538. [PMID: 36964322 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03569-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The WNT/β-catenin system is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in morphogenesis and cell tissue formation during embryogenesis. Although usually suppressed in adulthood, it can be reactivated during organ damage and regeneration. Transient activation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway stimulates tissue regeneration after acute kidney injury, while persistent (uncontrolled) activation can promote the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD-MBD is a clinical syndrome that develops with systemic mineral and bone metabolism disorders caused by CKD, characterized by abnormal bone mineral metabolism and/or extraosseous calcification, as well as cardiovascular disease associated with CKD, including vascular stiffness and calcification. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to comprehensively review the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in relation to CKD-MBD, focusing on its components, regulatory molecules, and regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities for using small molecular compounds to target the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in CKD-MBD therapy. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature review using various scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify relevant articles. We searched for articles that discussed the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, CKD-MBD, and their relationship. We also reviewed articles that discussed the components of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, its regulatory molecules, and regulatory mechanisms. RESULTS The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in CKD-MBD by promoting vascular calcification and bone mineral metabolism disorders. The pathway's components include WNT ligands, Frizzled receptors, and LRP5/6 co-receptors, which initiate downstream signaling cascades leading to the activation of β-catenin. Several regulatory molecules, including GSK-3β, APC, and Axin, modulate β-catenin activation. The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway also interacts with other signaling pathways, such as the BMP pathway, to regulate CKD-MBD. CONCLUSIONS The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic target for CKD-MBD. Small molecular compounds that target the components or regulatory molecules of the pathway may provide a promising approach to treat CKD-MBD. However, more research is needed to identify safe and effective compounds and to determine the optimal dosages and treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingbo Zhang
- The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Isaac Kumi Adu
- The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jingzhou and the Affiliated Hospital of Hubei College of Chinese Medicine, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kings and Queens University College and Teaching Hospital, Akosombo, Ghana
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jingzhou and the Affiliated Hospital of Hubei College of Chinese Medicine, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiancheng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jingzhou and the Affiliated Hospital of Hubei College of Chinese Medicine, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Dong SY, Sun W, Xu B, Wang WT, Yang YT, Chen XS, Zeng MS, Rao SX. Quantitative image features of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for predicting glypican-3 expression of small hepatocellular carcinoma ≤3 cm. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:e764-e772. [PMID: 37500336 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM To explore the value of quantitative image features of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting Gglypican-3 (GPC3) expression of single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤3 cm. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and forty-nine patients with histopathologically confirmed HCC were included retrospectively. Quantitative image features and clinicopathological parameters were analysed. The significant predictors for GPC3 expression were identified using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Nomograms were constructed from the prediction model and the progression-free survival (PFS) rate was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS The tumour-to-liver signal intensity (SI) ratio on the hepatobiliary phase (HBP; odds ratio [OR] = 0.004; p=0.001), serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 20 ng/ml (OR=6.175; p<0.001), and non-smooth tumour margin (OR=4.866; p=0.002) were independent significant factors for GPC3 expression. When the three factors were combined, the diagnostic specificity was 97.7% (42/43). The nomogram based on the predictive model performed satisfactorily (C-index: 0.852). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with GPC3-positive HCCs have lower PFS rates than patients with GPC3-negative HCCs (Log-rank test, p=0.006). CONCLUSION The tumour-to-liver SI ratio on the HBP combined with serum AFP >20 ng/ml and non-smooth tumour margin are potential predictive factors for GPC3 expression of small HCC ≤3cm. GPC3 expression is correlated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-Y Dong
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - W Sun
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - B Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - W-T Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Y-T Yang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - X-S Chen
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - M-S Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - S-X Rao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China.
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10
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Dou WT, Qiu P, Shi Y, Zhu L, Guo C, Li N, Zang Y, Liu T, Zhao S, Pan Y, Dong L, Sessler JL, Tan Y, Li J, Wang H, Tian H, He XP. Orthogonally Engineered Albumin with Attenuated Macrophage Phagocytosis for the Targeted Visualization and Phototherapy of Liver Cancer. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:17377-17388. [PMID: 37497917 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The five-year survival rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unsatisfactory. This reflects, in part, the paucity of effective methods that allow the target-specific diagnosis and therapy of HCC. Here, we report a strategy based on engineered human serum albumin (HSA) that permits the HCC-targeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Covalent cysteine conjugation combined with the exploitation of host-guest chemistry was used to effect the orthogonal functionalization of HSA with two functionally independent peptides. One of these peptides targets glypican-3 (GPC-3), an HCC-specific biomarker, while the second reduces macrophage phagocytosis through immune-checkpoint stimulation. This orthogonally engineered HSA proved effective for the GPC-3-targeted delivery of near-infrared fluorescent and phototherapeutic agents, thus permitting target-specific optical visualization and photodynamic ablation of HCC in vivo. This study thus offers new insights into specificity-enhanced fluorescence-guided surgery and phototherapy of HCC through the orthogonal engineering of biocompatible proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Tao Dou
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Peng Qiu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- National Center for Liver Cancer, The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Chen Guo
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Na Li
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 333 Haike Rd, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201210, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zang
- National Centre for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 189 Guo Shoujing Rd, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- Lingang laboratory, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Rd, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201210, P. R. China
| | - Suwen Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Rd, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201210, P. R. China
| | - Yufei Pan
- National Center for Liver Cancer, The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Liwei Dong
- National Center for Liver Cancer, The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Jonathan L Sessler
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 East 24th Street-A5300, Austin, Texas 78712-1224, United States of America
| | - Yexiong Tan
- National Center for Liver Cancer, The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Jia Li
- National Centre for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 189 Guo Shoujing Rd, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - He Tian
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Peng He
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
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11
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Egbuna C, Patrick‐Iwuanyanwu KC, Onyeike EN, Uche CZ, Ogoke UP, Riaz M, Ibezim EN, Khan J, Adedokun KA, Imodoye SO, Bello IO, Awuchi CG. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitors, glycyrrhizic acid, solanine, polyphyllin I, crocin, hypericin, tubeimoside-1, diosmin, and rutin in medicinal plants have better binding affinities and anticancer properties: Molecular docking and ADMET study. Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:4155-4169. [PMID: 37457177 PMCID: PMC10345731 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3405] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a role in cancer development, organogenesis, and embryogenesis. The abnormal activation promotes cancer stem cell renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. In the present study, molecular docking simulation and ADMET studies were carried out on selected bioactive compounds in search of β-catenin protein inhibitors for drug discovery against cancer. Blind docking simulation was performed using PyRx software on Autodock Vina. β-catenin protein (PDB ID: 1jdh) and 313 bioactive compounds (from PubChem database) with selected standard anticancer drugs were used for molecular docking. The ADMET properties of the best-performing compounds were calculated using SwissADME and pkCMS web servers. The results obtained from the molecular docking study showed that glycyrrhizic acid, solanine, polyphyllin I, crocin, hypericin, tubeimoside-1, diosmin, and rutin had the best binding interactions with β-catenin protein based on their binding affinities. Glycyrrhizic acid and solanine had the same and lowest binding energy of -8.5 kcal/mol. This was followed by polyphyllin I with -8.4 kcal/mol, and crocin, hypericin, and tubeimoside-1 which all had a binding energy of 8.1 kcal/mol. Other top-performing compounds include diosmin and rutin with binding energy of -8.0 kcal/mol. The ADMET study revealed that the following compounds glycyrrhizic acid, solanine, polyphyllin I, crocin, hypericin, tubeimoside-1, diosmin, rutin, and baicalin all violated Lipinski's rule of 5 which implies poor oral bioavailability. However, based on the binding energy score, it was suggested that these pharmacologically active compounds are potential molecules to be tested against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuebuka Egbuna
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE‐PUTOR)University of Port‐HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural SciencesChukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu UniversityUliNigeria
| | - Kingsley C. Patrick‐Iwuanyanwu
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE‐PUTOR)University of Port‐HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
| | - Eugene N. Onyeike
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE‐PUTOR)University of Port‐HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
| | - Chukwuemelie Zedech Uche
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Basic Medical SciencesUniversity of NigeriaNsukkaNigeria
| | - Uchenna Petronilla Ogoke
- Biostatistics and Computation Unit, Department of Mathematics and StatisticsUniversity of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
| | - Muhammad Riaz
- Department of Allied Health SciencesUniversity of SargodhaSargodhaPakistan
| | - Ebube Nnamdi Ibezim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural SciencesChukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu UniversityUliNigeria
| | - Johra Khan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical SciencesMajmaah UniversityAl MajmaahSaudi Arabia
- Health and Basic Sciences Research CenterMajmaah UniversityAl MajmaahSaudi Arabia
| | - Kamoru A. Adedokun
- Department of ImmunologyRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffaloNew YorkUSA
| | - Sikiru O. Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Ibrahim O. Bello
- Department of Biological SciencesSouthern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsvilleIllinoisUSA
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12
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Wang Z, Cao L, Wang J, Wang H, Ma T, Yin Z, Cai W, Liu L, Liu T, Ma H, Zhang Y, Shen Z, Zheng H. A novel predictive model of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma based on differential protein expression. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:89. [PMID: 36973651 PMCID: PMC10041792 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02729-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to construct and verify a nomogram model for microvascular invasion (MVI) based on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor characteristics and differential protein expressions, and explore the clinical application value of the prediction model. METHODS The clinicopathological data of 200 HCC patients were collected and randomly divided into training set and validation set according to the ratio of 7:3. The correlation between MVI occurrence and primary disease, age, gender, tumor size, tumor stage, and immunohistochemical characteristics of 13 proteins, including GPC3, CK19 and vimentin, were statistically analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyzes identified risk factors and independent risk factors, respectively. A nomogram model that can be used to predict the presence of MVI was subsequently constructed. Then, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were conducted to assess the performance of the model. RESULTS Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that tumor size, GPC3, P53, RRM1, BRCA1, and ARG were independent risk factors for MVI. A nomogram was constructed based on the above six predictors. ROC curve, calibration, and DCA analysis demonstrated the good performance and the clinical application potential of the nomogram model. CONCLUSIONS The predictive model constructed based on the clinical characteristics of HCC tumors and differential protein expression patterns could be helpful to improve the accuracy of MVI diagnosis in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglu Wang
- Biological Sample Resource Sharing Center, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Biological Sample Resource Sharing Center, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianxi Wang
- Biological Sample Resource Sharing Center, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hanlin Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tingting Ma
- Biological Sample Resource Sharing Center, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiqi Yin
- Pathology Department, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjuan Cai
- Pathology Department, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 24 Fukang Road, Nankai, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Hengde Ma
- HPS Gene Technology Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
| | - Yamin Zhang
- Organ Transplant Department, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongyang Shen
- Research Institute of Transplant Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 24 Fukang Road, Nankai, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 24 Fukang Road, Nankai, Tianjin, 300192, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
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13
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Arulanandam A, Lin L, Chang HM, Cerutti M, Choblet S, Gao P, Rath A, Bensussan A, Kadouche J, Teper D, Mandelboim O, Li W. Derivation and Preclinical Characterization of CYT-303, a Novel NKp46-NK Cell Engager Targeting GPC3. Cells 2023; 12:cells12070996. [PMID: 37048069 PMCID: PMC10093649 DOI: 10.3390/cells12070996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is an oncofetal antigen that is highly expressed in multiple solid tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma, and is barely expressed in adult normal tissues except the placenta. NKp46 activation receptor is expressed in all-natural killer (NK) cells, including tumor-infiltrating NK cells. FLEX-NKTM is a platform for the production of tetravalent multifunctional antibody NK cell engagers (NKE). CYT-303 was designed using the FLEX-NK scaffold, incorporating a novel humanized NKp46 binder that does not induce NKp46 internalization and a humanized GPC3 binder that targets the membrane-proximal lobe to mediate NK cell-redirected killing of HCC tumors. CYT-303 shows sub-nanomolar binding affinities to both GPC3 and NKp46. CYT-303 was highly potent and effective in mediating NK cell-redirected cytotoxicity against multiple HCC tumor cell lines and tumor spheroids. More interestingly, it can reverse the dysfunction induced in NK cells following repeated rounds of serial killing of tumors. It also mediated antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity against GPC3-expressing HCC tumors. In vivo, CYT-303 showed no toxicity or cytokine release in cynomolgus monkeys up to the highest dose (60 mg/kg), administered weekly by intravenous infusion for 28 days. These results demonstrate the potential of CYT-303 to be a safe and effective therapy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liang Lin
- Cytovia Therapeutics, Inc., Natick, MA 01760, USA
| | | | - Martine Cerutti
- Baculovirus and Therapy, UAR3426 Biocampus, Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 34293 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France
| | - Sylvie Choblet
- Baculovirus and Therapy, UAR3426 Biocampus, Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 34293 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France
| | - Peng Gao
- Cytovia Therapeutics, Inc., Natick, MA 01760, USA
| | - Armin Rath
- Cytovia Therapeutics, Inc., Natick, MA 01760, USA
| | - Armand Bensussan
- CLCC de Reims, U976 and Institut Godinot, The Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), 1 Rue Du General Koenig, 51726 Reims CEDEX, France
| | | | - Daniel Teper
- Cytovia Therapeutics, Inc., Natick, MA 01760, USA
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12272, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Wei Li
- Cytovia Therapeutics, Inc., Natick, MA 01760, USA
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Wishart TFL, Lovicu FJ. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) of the ocular lens. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 93:101118. [PMID: 36068128 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) reside in most cells; on their surface, in the pericellular milieu and/or extracellular matrix. In the eye, HSPGs can orchestrate the activity of key signalling molecules found in the ocular environment that promote its development and homeostasis. To date, our understanding of the specific roles played by individual HSPG family members, and the heterogeneity of their associated sulfated HS chains, is in its infancy. The crystalline lens is a relatively simple and well characterised ocular tissue that provides an ideal stage to showcase and model the expression and unique roles of individual HSPGs. Individual HSPG core proteins are differentially localised to eye tissues in a temporal and spatial developmental- and cell-type specific manner, and their loss or functional disruption results in unique phenotypic outcomes for the lens, and other ocular tissues. More recent work has found that different HS sulfation enzymes are also presented in a cell- and tissue-specific manner, and that disruption of these different sulfation patterns affects specific HS-protein interactions. Not surprisingly, these sulfated HS chains have also been reported to be required for lens and eye development, with dysregulation of HS chain structure and function leading to pathogenesis and eye-related phenotypes. In the lens, HSPGs undergo significant and specific changes in expression and function that can drive pathology, or in some cases, promote tissue repair. As master signalling regulators, HSPGs may one day serve as valuable biomarkers, and even as putative targets for the development of novel therapeutics, not only for the eye but for many other systemic pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayler F L Wishart
- Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Frank J Lovicu
- Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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15
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Kolluri A, Li D, Li N, Duan Z, Roberts LR, Ho M. Human VH-based chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting glypican 3 eliminate tumors in preclinical models of HCC. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0022. [PMID: 36691969 PMCID: PMC9851680 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for treating solid tumors, including HCC, remains a challenge. Nanobodies are emerging building blocks of CAR T cells due to their small size and high expression. Membrane proximal sites have been shown as attractive epitopes of CAR T cells. However, current CAR formats are not tailored toward nanobodies or targeting membrane distal epitopes. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using hYP7 Fv (membrane proximal) and HN3 VH nanobody (membrane distal) as GPC3 targeting elements, we sought to determine how hinges and transmembrane portions of varying structures and sizes affect CAR T-cell function. We generated multiple permutations of CAR T cells containing CD8, CD28, IgG4, and Fc domains. We show that engineered HN3 CAR T cells can be improved by 2 independent, synergistic changes in the hinge and transmembrane domains. The T cells expressing the HN3 CAR which contains the hinge region of IgG4 and the CD28 transmembrane domain (HN3-IgG4H-CD28TM) exhibited high cytotoxic activity and caused complete HCC tumor eradication in immunodeficient mice. HN3-IgG4H-CD28TM CAR T cells were enriched for cytotoxic-memory CD8+ T cells and NFAT signals, and reduced β catenin levels in HCC cells. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that altering the hinge and transmembrane domains of a nanobody-based CAR targeting a distal GPC3 epitope, in contrast to a membrane proximal epitope, lead to robust T-cell signaling and induce swift and durable eradication of HCC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Kolluri
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nan Li
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhijian Duan
- Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lewis R. Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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16
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Schepers EJ, Lake C, Glaser K, Bondoc AJ. Inhibition of Glypican-3 Cleavage Results in Reduced Cell Proliferation in a Liver Cancer Cell Line. J Surg Res 2023; 282:118-128. [PMID: 36272230 PMCID: PMC10893758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a surface-bound proteoglycan overexpressed in pediatric liver cancer and utilized clinically as an immunohistochemical tumor marker. Furin is a proprotein convertase that is ubiquitously expressed and shown to modify GPC3 post-translationally. In experimental models of epithelial-based cancers, furin inhibition decreased tumor cell migration and proliferation representing a potential therapeutic target. METHODS Using a synthetic furin inhibitor, we evaluated proliferation, migration, protein, and RNA expression in two liver cancer cell lines, HepG2 (GPC3-positive) and SKHep1 cells (GPC3-negative). Total furin protein and GPC3 protein expression were assessed to evaluate functional levels of furin. RESULTS There was a reduction in HepG2 proliferation with addition of furin inhibitor at the 48-h timepoint, however there was an increase in HepG2 migration. CONCLUSIONS GPC3 cleavage in hepatoblastoma (HB) has a role in cell proliferation with therapeutic potential, however furin inhibition is not an appropriate target for GPC3-expressing HB due to increased migration which may enhance metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Schepers
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | - Charissa Lake
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kathryn Glaser
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Alexander J Bondoc
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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17
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Chong H, Gong Y, Zhang Y, Dai Y, Sheng R, Zeng M. Radiomics on Gadoxetate Disodium-enhanced MRI: Non-invasively Identifying Glypican 3-Positive Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Postoperative Recurrence. Acad Radiol 2023; 30:49-63. [PMID: 35562264 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2022.04.006] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the impact of preoperative gadoxetate disodium (EOB) MRI-based radiomics on predicting glypican 3 (GPC3)-positive expression and the relevant recurrence-free survival (RFS) of HCC ≤ 5 cm. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between January 2014 and October 2018, 259 patients with solitary HCC ≤ 5 cm who underwent hepatectomy and preoperative EOB-MRI were retrieved. Multivariate logistic regression was implemented to identify independent predictors for GPC3. By combining five feature selection strategies and three classifiers, 15 GPC3-oriented radiomics models could be constructed, the best of which with independent clinicoradiologic predictors was integrated into the comprehensive nomogram. RESULTS GPC3 was an independent risk factor of postoperative recrudescence for HCC. Alpha-fetoprotein >20 ng/mL, homogenous T2 signal and hypointensity on hepatobiliary phase were independently related to GPC3-positive expression in the clinicoradiologic model. With 10 features selected by support vector machines-recursive feature elimination, logistic regression-based classifier achieved the best performance among 15 radiomics models. After five-fold cross-validation, our comprehensive nomogram acquired better average area under receiver operating characteristic curves (training and validation cohorts: 0.931 vs. 0.943) than the clinicoradiologic algorithm (0.738 vs. 0.739) and the optimal radiomics model (0.943 vs. 0.931). Net reclassification indexes further demonstrated the superiority of GPC3 nomogram over clinicoradiologic and radiomics algorithms (46.54%, p < 0.001; 7.84%, p = 0.207). Meanwhile, higher radiomics score significantly shortened the median RFS (from >77.9 to 48.2 months, p = 0.044), which was analogue to that of the histological GPC3-positive phenotype (from >73.9 to 43.2 months, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Preoperative EOB-MRI radiomics-based nomogram satisfactorily distinguished GPC3 status and outcomes of solitary HCC ≤ 5 cm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Chong
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuda Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunfei Zhang
- Central Research Institute, United Imaging Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongming Dai
- Central Research Institute, United Imaging Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruofan Sheng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengsu Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Imaging, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Shi W, Filmus J. Glypican-6 and Glypican-4 stimulate embryonic stomach growth by regulating Hedgehog and noncanonical Wnt signaling. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:2015-2028. [PMID: 36057966 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glypicans are a family of proteoglycans that play important roles in embryonic morphogenesis. The mammalian genome contains six glypicans (GPC1 to GPC6). GPC6 and GPC4 are the pair of glypicans that show the highest degree of homology within the family. GPC6-null embryos display bone abnormalities and severely shortened intestines. RESULTS We show that GPC6-null embryos display significantly smaller stomachs, and that Hedgehog and noncanonical Wnt signaling are dysregulated in GPC6-null stomachs. Like GPC6, GPC4 is expressed by the developing stomach. However, GPC4-null embryos have normal stomachs. To investigate whether GPC6 and GPC4 display functional overlap in the developing stomach, we crossed GPC4-null mice with GPC6 conditional mutants in which the expression of this glypican is severely reduced in the stomach. Notably, we found that the compound mutants display stomachs that are smaller than those of the GPC6 conditional mutants. We also found that this functional overlap between GPC6 and GPC4 is mediated by the noncanonical Wnt pathway. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that GPC6 stimulates the growth of the embryonic stomach via Wnt and Hh signaling. In addition, we uncovered a Wnt-mediated functional overlap between GPC6 and GPC4 in the developing stomach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Shi
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jorge Filmus
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Wang Y, Dong Z, Yang R, Zong S, Wei X, Wang C, Guo L, Sun J, Li H, Li P. Inactivation of Ihh in Sp7-Expressing Cells Inhibits Osteoblast Proliferation, Differentiation, and Bone Formation, Resulting in a Dwarfism Phenotype with Severe Skeletal Dysplasia in Mice. Calcif Tissue Int 2022; 111:519-534. [PMID: 35731246 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-022-00999-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Indian hedgehog (Ihh) is an indispensable paracrine factor for proper tissue patterning, skeletogenesis, and cellular proliferation. Recent genetic studies have revealed critical roles of chondrocyte-derived Ihh in regulating chondrocyte proliferation, hypertrophy and cartilage ossification. However, the functions of Sp7-expressing cell-derived Ihh in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation remain unclear. Sp7 is an essential transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation. In the current study, we generated Sp7-iCre; Ihhfl/fl mice, in which the Ihh gene was specifically deleted in Sp7-expressing cells to investigate the roles of Ihh. Ihh ablation in Sp7-expressing cells resulted in a dwarfism phenotype with severe skeletal dysplasia and lethality at birth, but with normal joint segmentation. Sp7-iCre; Ihhfl/fl mice had fewer osteoblasts, almost no cortical and trabecular bones, smaller skulls, and wider cranial sutures. Additionally, the levels of osteogenesis- and angiogenesis-related genes, and of major bone matrix protein genes were significantly reduced. These results demonstrated that Ihh regulates bone formation in Sp7-expressing cells. Ihh deficiency in primary osteoblasts cultured in vitro inhibited their proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization ability, and reduced the expression of osteogenesis-related genes. Moreover, the deletion of Ihh also attenuated the Bmp2/Smad/Runx2 pathway in E18.5 tibial and primary osteoblasts. The activity of primary osteoblasts in mutant mice was rescued after treatment with rhBMP2. In summary, our data revealed that Ihh in Sp7-expressing cells plays an indispensable role in osteoblast differentiation, mineralization, and embryonic osteogenesis, further implicated that its pro-osteogenic role may be mediated through the canonical Bmp2/Smad/Runx2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- YunFei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhengquan Dong
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ruijia Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Sujing Zong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaochun Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Chunfang Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Li Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Haoqian Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Pengcui Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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20
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Altered Extracellular Matrix as an Alternative Risk Factor for Epileptogenicity in Brain Tumors. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102475. [PMID: 36289737 PMCID: PMC9599244 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102475] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizures are one of the most common symptoms of brain tumors. The incidence of seizures differs among brain tumor type, grade, location and size, but paediatric-type diffuse low-grade gliomas/glioneuronal tumors are often highly epileptogenic. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to play a role in epileptogenesis and tumorigenesis because it is involved in the (re)modelling of neuronal connections and cell-cell signaling. In this review, we discuss the epileptogenicity of brain tumors with a focus on tumor type, location, genetics and the role of the extracellular matrix. In addition to functional problems, epileptogenic tumors can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, stigmatization and life-long care. The health advantages can be major if the epileptogenic properties of brain tumors are better understood. Surgical resection is the most common treatment of epilepsy-associated tumors, but post-surgery seizure-freedom is not always achieved. Therefore, we also discuss potential novel therapies aiming to restore ECM function.
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21
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Chen Y, Qin Y, Wu Y, Wei H, Wei Y, Zhang Z, Duan T, Jiang H, Song B. Preoperative prediction of glypican-3 positive expression in solitary hepatocellular carcinoma on gadoxetate-disodium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Front Immunol 2022; 13:973153. [PMID: 36091074 PMCID: PMC9453305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.973153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose As a coreceptor in Wnt and HGF signaling, glypican-3 (GPC-3) promotes the progression of tumor and is associated with a poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). GPC-3 has evolved as a target molecule in various immunotherapies, including chimeric antigen receptor T cell. However, its evaluation still relies on invasive histopathologic examination. Therefore, we aimed to develop an easy-to-use and noninvasive risk score integrating preoperative gadoxetic acid–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) and clinical indicators to predict positive GPC-3 expression in HCC. Methods and materials Consecutive patients with surgically-confirmed solitary HCC who underwent preoperative EOB-MRI between January 2016 and November 2021 were retrospectively included. EOB-MRI features were independently evaluated by two masked abdominal radiologists and the expression of GPC-3 was determined by two liver pathologists. On the training dataset, a predictive scoring system for GPC-3 was developed against pathology via logistical regression analysis. Model performances were characterized by computing areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs). Results A total of 278 patients (training set, n=156; internal validation set, n=39; external validation set, n=83) with solitary HCC (208 [75%] with positive GPC-3 expression) were included. Serum alpha-fetoprotein >10 ng/ml (AFP, odds ratio [OR]=2.3, four points) and five EOB-MR imaging features, including tumor size >3.0cm (OR=0.5, -3 points), nonperipheral “washout” (OR=3.0, five points), infiltrative appearance (OR=9.3, 10 points), marked diffusion restriction (OR=3.3, five points), and iron sparing in solid mass (OR=0.2, -7 points) were significantly associated with positive GPC-3 expression. The optimal threshold of scoring system for predicting GPC-3 positive expression was 5.5 points, with AUC 0.726 and 0.681 on the internal and external validation sets, respectively. Conclusion Based on serum AFP and five EOB-MRI features, we developed an easy-to-use and noninvasive risk score which could accurately predict positive GPC-3 HCC, which may help identify potential responders for GPC-3-targeted immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidi Chen
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Qin
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanan Wu
- Big Data Research Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Wei
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Duan
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanyu Jiang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Hanyu Jiang, ; Bin Song,
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiology, Sanya People’s Hospital, Sanya, China
- *Correspondence: Hanyu Jiang, ; Bin Song,
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22
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Critcher M, Huang ML. Excavating proteoglycan structure-function relationships: Modern approaches to capture the interactions of ancient biomolecules. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C415-C422. [PMID: 35759439 PMCID: PMC9359657 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00222.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Proteoglycans are now well regarded as key facilitators of cell biology. While a majority of their interactions and functions are attributed to the decorating glycosaminoglycan chains, there is a growing appreciation for the roles of the proteoglycan core protein and for considering proteoglycans as replete protein-glycan conjugates. This appreciation, seeded by early work in proteoglycan biology, is now being advanced and exalted by modern approaches in chemical glycobiology. In this review, we discuss up-and-coming methods to unearth the fine-scale architecture of proteoglycans that modulate their functions and interactions. Crucial to these efforts is the production of chemically defined materials, including semi-synthetic proteoglycans and the in situ capture of interacting proteins. Together, the integration of chemical biology approaches promises to expedite the dissection of the structural heterogeneity of proteoglycans and deliver refined insight into their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg Critcher
- Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA
| | - Mia L Huang
- Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA.,Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA
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23
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Pan J, Li N, Renn A, Zhu H, Chen L, Shen M, Hall MD, Qian M, Pastan I, Ho M. GPC1-Targeted Immunotoxins Inhibit Pancreatic Tumor Growth in Mice via Depletion of Short-lived GPC1 and Downregulation of Wnt Signaling. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:960-973. [PMID: 35312769 PMCID: PMC9167738 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glypican-1 (GPC1) is a cell surface proteoglycan that is upregulated in multiple types of human cancers including pancreatic cancer. Here, we investigated whether GPC1 could be a target of antibody-toxin fusion proteins (i.e., immunotoxins) for treating pancreatic cancer. We constructed a panel of GPC1-targeted immunotoxins derived from a functional domain of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. An albumin-binding domain was also introduced into the anti-GPC1 immunotoxin to improve serum half-life. Small-molecule screening was performed to identify irinotecan that shows synergistic efficacy with the immunotoxin. We showed that GPC1 was internalized upon antibody binding. Anti-GPC1 immunotoxins alone inhibited tumor growth in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model. The immunotoxin treatment reduced active β-catenin expression in tumor cells. Furthermore, immunotoxins containing an albumin-binding domain in combination with irinotecan caused pancreatic tumor regression. GPC1 expression was reduced by the immunotoxin treatment due to the degradation of the internalized GPC1 and its short cellular turnover rate. Our data indicate that the GPC1-targeted immunotoxin inhibits pancreatic tumor growth via degradation of internalized GPC1, downregulation of Wnt signaling, and inhibition of protein synthesis. The anti-GPC1 immunotoxin in combination with irinotecan thus provides a potential new treatment strategy for patients with pancreatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Pan
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NCI Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alex Renn
- NCATS Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Hu Zhu
- NCATS Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Lu Chen
- NCATS Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Min Shen
- NCATS Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Matthew D. Hall
- NCATS Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Min Qian
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NCI Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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24
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Shin WR, Park DY, Kim JH, Lee JP, Thai NQ, Oh IH, Sekhon SS, Choi W, Kim SY, Cho BK, Kim SC, Min J, Ahn JY, Kim YH. Structure based innovative approach to analyze aptaprobe-GPC3 complexes in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:204. [PMID: 35477501 PMCID: PMC9044640 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01391-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glypican-3 (GPC3), a membrane-bound heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is a biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Aptamers specifically binding to target biomolecules have recently emerged as clinical disease diagnosis targets. Here, we describe 3D structure-based aptaprobe platforms for detecting GPC3, such as aptablotting, aptaprobe-based sandwich assay (ALISA), and aptaprobe-based imaging analysis. Results For preparing the aptaprobe–GPC3 platforms, we obtained 12 high affinity aptamer candidates (GPC3_1 to GPC3_12) that specifically bind to target GPC3 molecules. Structure-based molecular interactions identified distinct aptatopic residues responsible for binding to the paratopic nucleotide sequences (nt-paratope) of GPC3 aptaprobes. Sandwichable and overlapped aptaprobes were selected through structural analysis. The aptaprobe specificity for using in HCC diagnostics were verified through Aptablotting and ALISA. Moreover, aptaprobe-based imaging showed that the binding property of GPC3_3 and their GPC3 specificity were maintained in HCC xenograft models, which may indicate a new HCC imaging diagnosis. Conclusion Aptaprobe has the potential to be used as an affinity reagent to detect the target in vivo and in vitro diagnosing system. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01391-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Ri Shin
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Young Park
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Pyo Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Nguyen Quang Thai
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Hwan Oh
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Simranjeet Singh Sekhon
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooil Choi
- Graduate School of Semiconductor and Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yeon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Shinyoung-dong 344-2, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 570-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Kwan Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Chang Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiho Min
- Graduate School of Semiconductor and Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji-Young Ahn
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yang-Hoon Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Yao M, Yang JL, Wang DF, Wang L, Chen Y, Yao DF. Encouraging specific biomarkers-based therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:3321-3333. [PMID: 35611205 PMCID: PMC9048543 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i11.3321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevention, early discovery and effective treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain a global medical challenge. At present, HCC is still mainly treated by surgery, supplemented by vascular embolization, radio frequency, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and biotherapy. The application of multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, or PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors can prolong the median survival of HCC patients. However, the treatment efficacy is still unsatisfactory due to HCC metastasis and postoperative recurrence. During the process of hepatocyte malignant transformation, HCC tissues can express and secrete many types of specific biomarkers, or oncogenic antigen molecules into blood, for example, alpha-fetoprotein, glypican-3, Wnt3a (one of the key signaling molecules in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II or IGF-I receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor, secretory clusterin and so on. In addition, combining immunotherapy with non-coding RNAs might improve anti-cancer efficacy. These biomarkers not only contribute to HCC diagnosis or prognosis, but may also become molecular targets for HCC therapy under developing or clinical trials. This article reviews the progress in emerging biomarkers in basic research or clinical trials for HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine & Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun-Ling Yang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - De-Feng Wang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Medical Informatics, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Second Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Deng-Fu Yao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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26
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Zheng X, Liu X, Lei Y, Wang G, Liu M. Glypican-3: A Novel and Promising Target for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:824208. [PMID: 35251989 PMCID: PMC8889910 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.824208] [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: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a membrane-associated proteoglycan that is specifically up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) although rarely or not expressed in normal liver tissues, making it a perfect diagnostic and treatment target for HCC. Several GPC3-based clinical trials are ongoing and recently several innovative GPC3-targeted therapeutic methods have emerged with exciting results, including GPC3 vaccine, anti-GPC3 immunotoxin, combined therapy with immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T or NK cells. Here, we review the value of GPC3 in the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC, together with its signaling pathways, with a specific focus on GPC3-targeted treatments of HCC and some prospects for the future GPC3-based therapeutic strategies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Zheng
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xun Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanna Lei
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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27
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Yang S, Cai C, Wang H, Ma X, Shao A, Sheng J, Yu C. Drug delivery strategy in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:26. [PMID: 35248060 PMCID: PMC8898478 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with high rates of recurrence and death. Surgical resection and ablation therapy have limited efficacy for patients with advanced HCC and poor liver function, so pharmacotherapy is the first-line option for those patients. Traditional antitumor drugs have the disadvantages of poor biological distribution and pharmacokinetics, poor target selectivity, high resistance, and high toxicity to nontargeted tissues. Recently, the development of nanotechnology has significantly improved drug delivery to tumor sites by changing the physical and biological characteristics of drugs and nanocarriers to improve their pharmacokinetics and biological distribution and to selectively accumulate cytotoxic agents at tumor sites. Here, we systematically review the tumor microenvironment of HCC and the recent application of nanotechnology in HCC.
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Abstract
Glypicans are proteoglycans that are bound to the outer surface of the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. The mammalian genome contains six members of the glypican family (GPC1 to GPC6). Although the degree of sequence homology within the family is rather low, the three-dimensional structure of these proteoglycans is highly conserved. Glypicans are predominantly expressed during embryonic development. Genetic and biochemical studies have shown that glypicans can stimulate or inhibit the signaling pathways triggered by Wnts, Hedgehogs, Fibroblast Growth Factors, and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins. The study of mutant mouse strains demonstrated that glypicans have important functions in the developmental morphogenesis of various organs. In addition, a role of glypicans in synapsis formation has been established. Notably, glypican loss-of-function mutations are the cause of three human inherited syndromes. Recent analysis of glypican compound mutant mice have demonstrated that members of this protein family display redundant functions during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Filmus
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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29
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Abstract
The Wnt pathway is central to a host of developmental and disease-related processes. The remarkable conservation of this intercellular signaling cascade throughout metazoan lineages indicates that it coevolved with multicellularity to regulate the generation and spatial arrangement of distinct cell types. By regulating cell fate specification, mitotic activity, and cell polarity, Wnt signaling orchestrates development and tissue homeostasis, and its dysregulation is implicated in developmental defects, cancer, and degenerative disorders. We review advances in our understanding of this key pathway, from Wnt protein production and secretion to relay of the signal in the cytoplasm of the receiving cell. We discuss the evolutionary history of this pathway as well as endogenous and synthetic modulators of its activity. Finally, we highlight remaining gaps in our knowledge of Wnt signal transduction and avenues for future research. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biochemistry, Volume 91 is June 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Youngsoo Rim
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Developmental Biology, and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute and Oncode Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Nusse
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Developmental Biology, and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
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An S, Zhang D, Zhang Y, Wang C, Shi L, Wei W, Huang G, Liu J. GPC3-targeted immunoPET imaging of hepatocellular carcinomas. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:2682-2692. [PMID: 35147737 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05723-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a clinical challenge. Glypican 3 (GPC3) is a proteoglycan highly specific for HCC and is a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for HCC. This work aims to develop GPC3-targeted immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) imaging strategies and to assess the diagnostic values in preclinical HCC models. METHODS Flow cytometry was used to screen GPC3-positive HCC cell lines. The expression of GPC3 in HCCs was detected by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray. A novel GPC3-specific single domain antibody (sdAb) was produced and labeled with gallium-68 (68Ga, T1/2 = 1.1 h) and fluorine-18 (18F, T1/2 = 1.8 h) to develop radiotracers with different half-lives. The diagnostic efficacies of the developed probes (i.e., [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-G2, [18F]F-G2, and [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-ABDG2) were interrogated in preclinical HCC models bearing varying GPC3 levels. RESULTS GPC3 was strongly expressed on HCC cell lines and patients with poorly differentiated HCC. [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-G2 immunoPET imaging specifically delineated the subcutaneous HCC lesions, outperforming the traditional 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET and the nonspecific [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-NbGFP immunoPET. ImmunoPET imaging with [18F]F-G2 also efficiently diagnosed the tumors with clarity. Moreover, the fusion of G2 to an albumin-binding domain (ABD) significantly increased the tumor uptake and decreased kidney accumulation of the radiotracer when compared to [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-G2. CONCLUSIONS In the work, we successfully developed sdAb-derived GPC3-targeted immunoPET imaging strategies and characterized the superior diagnostic accuracies in preclinical HCC models. Furthermore, we synthesized a fusion protein ABDG2 with improved targeting and pharmacokinetic properties, serving as a promising candidate for developing radioimmunotherapy agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxian An
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - You Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Rd, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Weijun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Wnt/β-catenin signalling: function, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:3. [PMID: 34980884 PMCID: PMC8724284 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00762-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 517] [Impact Index Per Article: 258.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway comprises a family of proteins that play critical roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. The deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling often leads to various serious diseases, including cancer and non-cancer diseases. Although many articles have reviewed Wnt/β-catenin from various aspects, a systematic review encompassing the origin, composition, function, and clinical trials of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in tumour and diseases is lacking. In this article, we comprehensively review the Wnt/β-catenin pathway from the above five aspects in combination with the latest research. Finally, we propose challenges and opportunities for the development of small-molecular compounds targeting the Wnt signalling pathway in disease treatment.
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Shao L, Yu X, Han Q, Zhang X, Lu N, Zhang C. Enhancing anti-tumor efficacy and immune memory by combining 3p-GPC-3 siRNA treatment with PD-1 blockade in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2010894. [PMID: 36524206 PMCID: PMC9746623 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.2010894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a high mortality rate and presents a major challenge for human health. Activation of multiple oncogenes has been reported to be strongly associated with the progression of HCC. Moreover, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and the host immune system are also implicated in the development of malignant HCC tumors. Glypican-3 (GPC-3), a proteoglycan involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, is aberrantly expressed in HCC. We synthesized a short 5'-triphosphate (3p) RNA targeting GPC-3, 3p-GPC-3 siRNA, and found that it effectively inhibited subcutaneous HCC growth by raising type I IFN levels in tumor cells and serum and promoting tumor cell apoptosis. Moreover, 3p-GPC-3 siRNA was able to enhance the activation of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells while reducing the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the TME. Most intriguingly, a blocking anti-PD-1 antibody improved the anti-tumor effect of 3p-GPC-3 siRNA, predominantly by activating the immune response, reversing immune exhaustion, and improving immune memory. Our study suggests that the combination of 3p-GPC-3 siRNA administration and PD-1 blockade may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Shao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,College of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinke Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Nan Lu
- Institute of Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,CONTACT Cai Zhang , Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012Shandong, China
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Li D, Lin S, Hong J, Ho M. Immunotherapy for hepatobiliary cancers: Emerging targets and translational advances. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:415-449. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ye W, Liu X, He R, Gou L, Lu M, Yang G, Wen J, Wang X, Liu F, Ma S, Qian W, Jia S, Ding T, Sun L, Gao W. Improving antibody affinity through <i>in vitro</i> mutagenesis in complementarity determining regions. J Biomed Res 2022; 36:155-166. [PMID: 35545451 PMCID: PMC9179109 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.36.20220003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
High-affinity antibodies are widely used in diagnostics and for the treatment of human diseases. However, most antibodies are isolated from semi-synthetic libraries by phage display and do not possess in vivo affinity maturation, which is triggered by antigen immunization. It is therefore necessary to engineer the affinity of these antibodies by way of in vitro assaying. In this study, we optimized the affinity of two human monoclonal antibodies which were isolated by phage display in a previous related study. For the 42A1 antibody, which targets the liver cancer antigen glypican-3, the variant T57H in the second complementarity-determining region of the heavy chain (CDR-H2) exhibited a 2.6-fold improvement in affinity, as well as enhanced cell-binding activity. For the I4A3 antibody to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, beneficial single mutations in CDR-H2 and CDR-H3 were randomly combined to select the best synergistic mutations. Among these, the mutation S53P-S98T improved binding affinity (about 3.7 fold) and the neutralizing activity (about 12 fold) compared to the parent antibody. Taken together, single mutations of key residues in antibody CDRs were enough to increase binding affinity with improved antibody functions. The mutagenic combination of key residues in different CDRs creates additive enhancements. Therefore, this study provides a safe and effective in vitro strategy for optimizing antibody affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ye
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Ruiting He
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Liming Gou
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Jiaqi Wen
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Xufei Wang
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Sujuan Ma
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Weifeng Qian
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, China
| | - Shaochang Jia
- Department of Biotherapy, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Tong Ding
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Luan Sun
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Wei Gao and Luan Sun, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China. Tel/Fax: +86-25-86869471/+86-25-86869471, E-mails:
and
| | - Wei Gao
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Wei Gao and Luan Sun, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China. Tel/Fax: +86-25-86869471/+86-25-86869471, E-mails:
and
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Abstract
The discovery of single-domain antibodies has opened new avenues for drug development. Single-domain antibodies, also known as nanobodies, can access buried epitopes that are inaccessible to conventional antibodies. These antigen-binding domains have a high level of solubility and stability, which makes them well suited for therapeutic development. This chapter will discuss the design, production, and testing of single-domain antibody-based recombinant immunotoxins. Recombinant immunotoxins are chimeric proteins that combine the specificity of an antibody with the ribosomal-inhibitory domain of a bacterial toxin. Immunotoxins using the Pseudomonas exotoxin domain have been well studied in clinical trials. Recently, an anti-CD22 immunotoxin was granted marketing approval for use in patients with relapsed or refractory hairy cell leukemia. This supports the idea that treatment with recombinant immunotoxins can be explored for cancers that have not responded to standard therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D Fleming
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Tang W, Xue J, Luo L, Wang Y, Cai X, Liu Y, Huang D, Wang X, He T, Lu D, Yang F. Kangxianruangan granule‑containing serum mediated inhibition of hepatic oval cell differentiation into hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the Wnt‑1/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 25:55. [PMID: 34913065 PMCID: PMC8711029 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignancy with poor clinical prognosis. Hepatic oval cells (HOCs) tend to differentiate into cancerous hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCCs) in the tumor microenvironment. The purpose of the present study was to explore the role of kangxianruangan granule (KXRG)-containing serum in inhibiting the differentiation of HOCs into HCCs via the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway. N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was applied to induce the transformation of the rat HOC cell line WB-F344 into HCCs. The overexpression plasmid, Wnt-1-up, was utilized to increase Wnt-1 expression. Subsequently, high, medium and low concentrations of KXRG were applied to MNNG-treated WB-F344 cells to assess the inhibitory effect of KXRG on cell differentiation. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect the cell cycle distribution, apoptotic rate and expression of cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) protein in cells. An immunofluorescence double staining protocol was used to detect the expression of Wnt-1 and β-catenin. ELISAs were performed to detect α fetoprotein in the cell supernatants. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were conducted to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt-1, β-catenin, Cyclin D1, C-myc, matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), Axin2 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in cells. Compared with the normal group, the apoptotic rate, proportion of S phase cells, concentration of AFP in the cell supernatant, level of CK-19 protein, and mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt-1, β-catenin, Cyclin D1, C-myc, MMP-7, Axin2 and EpCAM were all significantly increased in the model group. Addition of KXRG significantly reduced the aforementioned indicators compared with the model group. Moreover, Wnt-1 overexpression further increased the aforementioned indicators compared with the model group, whereas KXRG significantly inhibited these effects. The results indicated that KXRG inhibited the differentiation of HOCs into HCCs via the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway, which suggested the potential clinical application of KXRG for the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Tang
- Health Management Centre, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Juan Xue
- Clinical College of Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Lei Luo
- Health Management Centre, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Xin Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The People's Hospital of Jiangshan, Jiangshan, Zhejiang 324100, P.R. China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Yancheng TCM Hospital Affiliated Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 224001, P.R. China
| | - Dawei Huang
- Department of Hepatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Tangqing He
- Department of Hepatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Dingbo Lu
- Department of Hepatology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
| | - Fan Yang
- Health Management Centre, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P.R. China
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Kreitman RJ, Pastan I. Immunotoxins: From Design to Clinical Application. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11111696. [PMID: 34827694 PMCID: PMC8615697 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Wishart TFL, Lovicu FJ. An Atlas of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in the Postnatal Rat Lens. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:5. [PMID: 34730792 PMCID: PMC8572486 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.14.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The arrangement of lens cells is regulated by ocular growth factors. Although the effects of these inductive molecules on lens cell behavior (proliferation, survival, and fiber differentiation) are well-characterized, the precise mechanisms underlying the regulation of growth factor-mediated signaling in lens remains elusive. Increasing evidence highlights the importance of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) for the signaling regulation of growth factors; however, the identity of the different lens HSPGs and the specific roles they play in lens biology are still unknown. Methods Semiquantitative real-time (RT)‐PCR and immunolabeling were used to characterize the spatial distribution of all known HSPG core proteins and their associated glycosaminoglycans (heparan and chondroitin sulfate) in the postnatal rat lens. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2-treated lens epithelial explants, cultured in the presence of Surfen (an inhibitor of heparan sulfate [HS]-growth factor binding interactions) were used to investigate the requirement for HS in FGF-2-induced proliferation, fiber differentiation, and ERK1/2-signaling. Results The lens expresses all HSPGs. These HSPGs are differentially localized to distinct functional regions of the lens. In vitro, inhibition of HS-sulfation with Surfen blocked FGF-2-mediated ERK1/2-signaling associated with lens epithelial cell proliferation and fiber differentiation, highlighting that these cellular processes are dependent on HS. Conclusions These findings support a requirement for HSPGs in FGF-2 driven lens cell proliferation and fiber differentiation. The identification of specific HSPG core proteins in key functional lens regions, and the divergent expression patterns of closely related HSPGs, suggests that different HSPGs may differentially regulate growth factor signaling networks leading to specific biological events involved in lens growth and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayler F L Wishart
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frank J Lovicu
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Pan J, Ho M. Role of glypican-1 in regulating multiple cellular signaling pathways. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C846-C858. [PMID: 34550795 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00290.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glypican-1 (GPC1) is one of the six glypican family members in humans. It is composed of a core protein with three heparan sulfate chains and attached to the cell membrane by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor. GPC1 modulates various signaling pathways including fibroblast growth factors (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Wnt, Hedgehog (Hh), and bone morphogenic protein (BMP) through specific interactions with pathway ligands and receptors. The impact of these interactions on signaling pathways, activating or inhibitory, is dependent upon specific GPC1 domain interaction with pathway components, as well as cell surface context. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the structure of GPC1, as well as its role in regulating multiple signaling pathways. We focus on the functions of GPC1 in cancer cells and how new insights into these signaling processes can inform its translational potential as a therapeutic target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Pan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Chen X, Chen Y, Liang R, Xiang L, Li J, Zhu Y, He H, Huang L, Zuo D, Li W, Liang X, Dong S, Hu S, Ho M, Feng M. Combination Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by GPC3-Targeted Bispecific Antibody and Irinotecan is Potent in Suppressing Tumor Growth in Mice. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 21:149-158. [PMID: 34725191 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-1025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a world leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and currently no curative treatment for advanced HCC is available. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is an attractive target for HCC immunotherapy. This study explored the efficacy of six GPC3-targeted bispecific antibodies, alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drug Irinotecan, for the treatment of HCC. The bispecific antibodies were constructed using three different structures, knob-into-hole (KH), scFv-scFv-hFc, and scFv-hFc-scFv, where CD3-targeting mAb OKT3 (scFv) was paired with two representative GPC3 mAbs hYP7 (scFv) and HN3 (VH only) that target different epitopes. The In vitro cell killing assay revealed that all bispecific antibodies efficiently killed GPC3 positive cancer cells, with hYP7-KH, hYP7-OKT3-hFc, and HN3-KH being most potent. In vivo xenograft mouse studies demonstrated that all bispecific antibodies suppressed tumor growth similarly, with hYP7-OKT3-hFc performing slightly better. Combination of hYP7-OKT3-hFc with Irinotecan dramatically improved the efficacy and arrested tumor growth of HepG2, Hep3B, and G1 in xenograft mice. Our results demonstrated that the cell surface proximal bispecific antibody hYP7-OKT3-hFc was superior in terms of potency and the GPC3-targeted bispecific antibody combined with Irinotecan was much potent to control HCC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanmin Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rong Liang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lanxin Xiang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jingwen Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuankui Zhu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huixia He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Le Huang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dianbao Zuo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Weihang Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Xinjun Liang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuang Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Mingqian Feng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China. .,College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Moldogazieva NT, Zavadskiy SP, Sologova SS, Mokhosoev IM, Terentiev AA. Predictive biomarkers for systemic therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:1147-1164. [PMID: 34582293 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1987217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the third cancer-related cause of death worldwide. In recent years, several systemic therapy drugs including sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, cabozantinib, ramucicurab, nivilumab, and pembrolizumab have been approved by FDA for advanced HCC. However, their insufficient efficacy, toxicity, and drug resistance require clinically applicable and validated predictive biomarkers.Areas covered: Our review covers the recent advancements in the identification of proteomic/genomic/epigenomic/transcriptomic biomarkers for predicting HCC treatment efficacy with the use of multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs), CDK4/6 inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Alpha-fetoprotein, des-carboxyprothrombin, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-2, and dysregulated MTOR, VEGFR2, c-KIT, RAF1, PDGFRβ have the potential of proteomic/genomic biomarkers for sorafenib treatment. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and albumin-bilirubin grade can predict the efficacy of other MKIs. Rb, p16, and Ki-67, and genes involved in cell cycle regulation, CDK1-4, CCND1, CDKN1A, and CDKN2A have been proposed for CD4/6 inhibitors, while dysregulated TERT, CTNNB1, TP53 FGF19, and TP53 are found to be predictors for ICI efficacy.Expert opinion: There are still limited clinically applicable and validated predictive biomarkers to identify HCC patients who benefit from systemic therapy. Further prospective biomarker validation studies for HCC personalized systemic therapy are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurbubu T Moldogazieva
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, I.m. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University);, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey P Zavadskiy
- Department of Pharmacology, Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy, I.m. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Russia, Russia
| | - Susanna S Sologova
- Department of Pharmacology, Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy, I.m. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Russia, Russia
| | - Innokenty M Mokhosoev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, N.i. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander A Terentiev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, N.i. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Ma K, Xing S, Luan Y, Zhang C, Liu Y, Fei Y, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Chen X. Glypican 4 Regulates Aβ Internalization in Neural Stem Cells Partly via Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 1. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:732429. [PMID: 34552470 PMCID: PMC8450433 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.732429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cell (NSC) damage has been reported in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Intracellular Aβ plays a vital role in NSC damage. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are potent mediators of Aβ enrichment in the brain. We hypothesized the heparan sulfate proteoglycan glypican 4 (Gpc4) regulates Aβ internalization by NSCs. We evaluated Gpc4 expression in NSCs from P0–P2 generations using immunofluorescence. Adenovirus and lentivirus were used to regulate Gpc4 expression in NSCs and APP/PS1 mice, respectively. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to determine the relationship between Gpc4, Aβ, and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). Intracellular Aβ concentrations were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence. The role of Gpc4/LRP1 on toxic/physical Aβ-induced effects was evaluated using the JC-1 kit, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUPT nick end labeling, and western blotting. Gpc4 was stably expressed in NSCs, neurons, and astrocytes. Gpc4 was upregulated by Aβ in NSCs and regulated Aβ internalization. Gpc4 attenuation reduced Aβ uptake; Gpc4 overexpression increased Aβ uptake. Gpc4 regulated Aβ internalization through LRP1 and contributed to Aβ internalization and toxic/physical concentrations of Aβ-induced mitochondrial membrane potential and cell apoptosis, partly via LRP1. Therefore, Gpc4 is a key regulator of Aβ enrichment in NSCs. Inhibiting Gpc4 rescued the Aβ-induced toxic effect and attenuated the nontoxic Aβ enrichment into intracellular toxic concentrations. Gpc4 contributed to Aβ internalization and toxic/physical concentrations of Aβ-induced mitochondrial membrane potential damage and cell apoptosis, partly via LRP1. These findings suggest a potential role of Gpc4 in treating Alzheimer’s disease at an early stage, by targeting NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaige Ma
- Institute of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Shan Xing
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Luan
- Institute of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenglin Zhang
- 2018 Grade, Zonglian College, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yingfei Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yulang Fei
- Medical College, Xijing University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhichao Zhang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinlin Chen
- Institute of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
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Zhang M, Wang D, Su L, Ma J, Wang S, Cui M, Hong S, Guan B, Ma X. Activity of Wnt/PCP Regulation Pathway Classifies Patients of Low-Grade Glioma Into Molecularly Distinct Subgroups With Prognostic Difference. Front Oncol 2021; 11:726034. [PMID: 34540693 PMCID: PMC8440981 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.726034] [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: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wingless/Int-1 (Wnt) signaling is one of the most well-known oncogenic pathways. Numerous studies have uncovered an aberrant expression of Wnt in cancer and its association with multiple oncogenic processes, such as cell proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasiveness. Most previous studies mainly focused on the canonical branch of Wnt signaling pathway, i.e., Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway, as the most recently described branch of Wnt signaling, was much less investigated in oncology research. In this study, we thoroughly characterized the activity of the Wnt/PCP regulation pathway in low-grade glioma (LGG) patients. Subtyping based on the expression pattern of the Wnt/PCP regulation pathway revealed three (C1–C3) subgroups with significant survival differences. Each group displayed distinct genomic characteristics. For instance, C1 was enriched with capicua transcriptional repressor (CIC) truncating mutations and 1p19q codel. C2 was characterized with tumor protein p53 (TP53) and ATRX chromatin remodeler (ATRX) inactivating mutations but depletion of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations. C3 showed elevated malignancy reflected from several oncogenic characteristics, such as tumor heterogeneity and cell stemness, and demonstrated the worst survival outcome. In addition, C3 showed elevated macrophage segregation via induction of cytokines that are able to enhance the permeability of the brain–blood barrier (BBB). Lastly, we developed a prognostic model based on the risk score system. Validation indicated that our model can independently predict the prognosis of LGG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Southern District of Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, Sanya, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Lan Su
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jingjiao Ma
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Sizhen Wang
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Meng Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shunming Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Medical Centre, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Guan
- Health Economics Department, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Guo Y, Zhao YR, Liu H, Xin Y, Yu JZ, Zang YJ, Xu QG. EHMT2 promotes the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma by epigenetically silencing APC expression. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:152. [PMID: 34344448 PMCID: PMC8335875 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00663-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, alone accounts for over half (466,100) of new cancer cases and 422,100 deaths based on the average year incidence rates of 2009 to 2011 in China. Due to unclear and complex underlying mechanisms for HCC development, effective therapy for HCC is still unavailable. The Wnt-β-catenin pathway is a critical contributor of HCC pathogenesis: 40-70% of HCCs from patients harbor the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin protein. However, the mechanisms for β-catenin activation are not fully understood. METHODS The deletion of EHMT2 in Hep3B and Huh1 cells was achieved by transiently transfecting cells with pX459 plasmids, which carry EHMT2 specific small guide RNA (sgRNA) sequences for Cas9 protein. All experiments were performed in triplicate and repeated more than three times. RESULTS In the present study, we observed that EHMT2 (but not EHMT1) mRNA and protein levels were significantly elevated in HCC compared with normal controls. Next, the results of Ki67 staining, as well as MTT, soft-agar and xenograft assays, in wild-type and EHMT2-/- Hep3B and Huh1 cancer stem cells collectively revealed that the elevation of EHMT2 expression is required for the tumorigenesis of HCC. Meanwhile, we found that elevated EHMT2 expression contributes to the activation of Wnt-β-catenin signaling: deletion of EHMT2 in Hep3B or Huh1 cells promoted the cytoplasmic localization of β-catenin and restrained the expression of Wnt-β-catenin signaling targets such as Myc, CCND1, MMP-7, etc. We demonstrated that EMHT2 directly mediates the H3K9me2 methylation of the APC promoter to epigenetically silence its expression. More intriguingly, our findings also showed that UNC0642, a specific inhibitor of EHMT2, exhibits anti-tumorigenesis effects in HCC both in vitro and in vivo, which were largely abolished by deletion of EHMT2 or overexpression of APC in Hep3B and Huh1 cells. CONCLUSION Altogether, our observations emphasize that the EHMT2-APC axis is a critical contributor to Wnt-β-catenin pathway activation in HCC, and UNC0642 may be a potential candidate for target drug treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Guo
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Yan-Rong Zhao
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Xin
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Jian-Zhi Yu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Yun-Jin Zang
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China.
| | - Qing-Guo Xu
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China. .,Lead Contact, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Blvd, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China.
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Huang SL, Wang YM, Wang QY, Feng GG, Wu FQ, Yang LM, Zhang XH, Xin HW. Mechanisms and Clinical Trials of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy. Front Genet 2021; 12:691391. [PMID: 34306031 PMCID: PMC8296838 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.691391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common and lethal tumors worldwide, is usually not diagnosed until the disease is advanced, which results in ineffective intervention and unfavorable prognosis. Small molecule targeted drugs of HCC, such as sorafenib, provided only about 2.8 months of survival benefit, partially due to cancer stem cell resistance. There is an urgent need for the development of new treatment strategies for HCC. Tumor immunotherapies, including immune check point inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) and bispecific antibodies (BsAb), have shown significant potential. It is known that the expression level of glypican-3 (GPC3) was significantly increased in HCC compared with normal liver tissues. A bispecific antibody (GPC3-S-Fabs) was reported to recruit NK cells to target GPC3 positive cancer cells. Besides, bispecific T-cell Engagers (BiTE), including GPC3/CD3, an aptamer TLS11a/CD3 and EpCAM/CD3, were recently reported to efficiently eliminate HCC cells. It is known that immune checkpoint proteins programmed death-1 (PD-1) binding by programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) activates immune checkpoints of T cells. Anti-PD-1 antibody was reported to suppress HCC progression. Furthermore, GPC3-based HCC immunotherapy has been shown to be a curative approach to prolong the survival time of patients with HCC in clinically trials. Besides, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor may inhibit the migration, invasion and angiogenesis of HCC. Here we review the cutting-edge progresses on mechanisms and clinical trials of HCC immunotherapy, which may have significant implication in our understanding of HCC and its immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Li Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Doctoral Scientific Research Center, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yu-Ming Wang
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China.,School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Guang-Gui Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Fu-Qing Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Liu-Ming Yang
- Doctoral Scientific Research Center, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xi-He Zhang
- Doctoral Scientific Research Center, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Lianjiang People's Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Hong-Wu Xin
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
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46
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Advances in immunotherapeutic targets for childhood cancers: A focus on glypican-2 and B7-H3. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 223:107892. [PMID: 33992682 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies have revolutionized how we can treat adult malignancies and are being translated to pediatric oncology. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies targeting CD19 have shown success for the treatment of pediatric patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody has demonstrated efficacy in neuroblastoma. In this review, we summarize the immunotherapeutic agents that have been approved for treating childhood cancers and provide an updated review of molecules expressed by pediatric cancers that are under study or are emerging candidates for future immunotherapies. Advances in our knowledge of tumor immunology and in genome profiling of cancers has led to the identification of new tumor-specific/associated antigens. While cell surface antigens are normally targeted in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent manner using antibody-based therapies, intracellular antigens are normally targeted with MHC-dependent T cell therapies. Glypican 2 (GPC2) and B7-H3 (CD276) are two cell surface antigens that are expressed by a variety of pediatric tumors such as neuroblastoma and potentially can have a positive impact on the treatment of pediatric cancers in the clinic.
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de Moraes GFA, Listik E, Justo GZ, Vicente CM, Toma L. The Glypican proteoglycans show intrinsic interactions with Wnt-3a in human prostate cancer cells that are not always associated with cascade activation. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:26. [PMID: 33947326 PMCID: PMC8097805 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-021-00361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prostate cancer occurs through multiple steps until advanced metastasis. Signaling pathways studies can result in the identification of targets to interrupt cancer progression. Glypicans are cell surface proteoglycans linked to the membrane through glycosylphosphatidylinositol. Their interaction with specific ligands has been reported to trigger diverse signaling, including Wnt. In this study, prostate cancer cell lines PC-3, DU-145, and LNCaP were compared to normal prostate RWPE-1 cell line to investigate glypican family members and the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Results Glypican-1 (GPC1) was highly expressed in all the examined cell lines, except for LNCaP, which expressed glypican-5 (GPC5). The subcellular localization of GPC1 was detected on the cell surface of RWPE-1, PC-3, and DU-145 cell lines, while GPC5 suggested cytoplasm localization in LNCaP cells. Besides glypican, flow cytometry analysis in these prostate cell lines confirmed the expression of Wnt-3a and unphosphorylated β-catenin. The co-immunoprecipitation assay revealed increased levels of binding between Wnt-3a and glypicans in cancer cells, suggesting a relationship between these proteoglycans in this pathway. A marked increase in nuclear β-catenin was observed in tumor cells. However, only PC-3 cells demonstrated activation of canonical Wnt signaling, according to the TOPFLASH assay. Conclusions GPC1 was the majorly expressed gene in all the studied cell lines, except for LNCaP, which expressed GPC5. We assessed by co-immunoprecipitation that these GPCs could interact with Wnt-3a. However, even though nuclear β-catenin was found increased in the prostate cancer cells (i.e., PC-3, DU-145 and LNCaP), activation of Wnt pathway was only found in PC-3 cells. In these PC-3 cells, GPC1 and Wnt-3a revealed high levels of colocalization, as assessed by confocal microscopy studies. This suggests a localization at the cellular surface, where Frizzled receptor is required for downstream activation. The interaction of Wnt-3a with GPCs in DU-145 and LNCaP cells, which occurs in absence of Wnt signaling activation, requires further studies. Once non-TCF-LEF proteins can also bind β-catenin, another signaling pathway may be involved in these cells with regulatory function. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-021-00361-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Ferrante Alves de Moraes
- Departamento de Bioquímica (Campus São Paulo), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, P.O. Box: 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, 100, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Listik
- Departamento de Bioquímica (Campus São Paulo), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, P.O. Box: 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, 100, Brazil
| | - Giselle Zenker Justo
- Departamento de Bioquímica (Campus São Paulo), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, P.O. Box: 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, 100, Brazil.,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas (Campus Diadema), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, P.O. Box: 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, 100, Brazil
| | - Carolina Meloni Vicente
- Departamento de Bioquímica (Campus São Paulo), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, P.O. Box: 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, 100, Brazil
| | - Leny Toma
- Departamento de Bioquímica (Campus São Paulo), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, P.O. Box: 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, 100, Brazil.
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Sun L, Gao F, Gao Z, Ao L, Li N, Ma S, Jia M, Li N, Lu P, Sun B, Ho M, Jia S, Ding T, Gao W. Shed antigen-induced blocking effect on CAR-T cells targeting Glypican-3 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e001875. [PMID: 33833049 PMCID: PMC8039282 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glypican-3 (GPC3), a cell surface glycoprotein that is pathologically highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is an attractive target for immunotherapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. The serum GPC3 is frequently elevated in HCC patients due to the shedding effect of cell surface GPC3. The shed GPC3 (sGPC3) is reported to block the function of cell-surface GPC3 as a negative regulator. Therefore, it would be worth investigating the potential influence of antigen shedding in anti-GPC3 CAR-T therapy for HCC. METHODS In this study, we constructed two types of CAR-T cells targeting distinct epitopes of GPC3 to examine how sGPC3 influences the activation and cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells in vitro and in vivo by introducing sGPC3 positive patient serum or recombinant sGPC3 proteins into HCC cells or by using sGPC3-overexpressing HCC cell lines. RESULTS Both humanized YP7 CAR-T cells and 32A9 CAR-T cells showed GPC3-specific antitumor functions in vitro and in vivo. The existence of sGPC3 significantly inhibited the release of cytokines and the cytotoxicity of anti-GPC3 CAR-T cells in vitro. In animal models, mice carrying Hep3B xenograft tumors expressing sGPC3 exhibited a worse response to the treatment with CAR-T cells under both a low and high tumor burden. sGPC3 bound to CAR-T cells but failed to induce the effective activation of CAR-T cells. Therefore, sGPC3 acted as dominant negative regulators when competed with cell surface GPC3 to bind anti-GPC3 CAR-T cells, leading to an inhibitory effect on CAR-T cells in HCC. CONCLUSIONS We provide a proof-of-concept study demonstrating that GPC3 shedding might cause worse response to CAR-T cell treatment by competing with cell surface GPC3 for CAR-T cell binding, which revealed a new mechanism of tumor immune escape in HCC, providing a novel biomarker for patient enrolment in future clinical trials and/or treatments with GPC3-targeted CAR-T cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Binding, Competitive
- Biomarkers, Tumor/antagonists & inhibitors
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Biomarkers, Tumor/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Female
- Glypicans/antagonists & inhibitors
- Glypicans/blood
- Glypicans/immunology
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Liver Neoplasms/blood
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Nude
- Proof of Concept Study
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Tumor Burden
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhanhui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Ao
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Na Li
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sujuan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meng Jia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland - Saint Lucia Campus, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Biotherapy, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peihua Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shaochang Jia
- Department of Biotherapy, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Gopal S, Arokiasamy S, Pataki C, Whiteford JR, Couchman JR. Syndecan receptors: pericellular regulators in development and inflammatory disease. Open Biol 2021; 11:200377. [PMID: 33561383 PMCID: PMC8061687 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The syndecans are the major family of transmembrane proteoglycans, usually bearing multiple heparan sulfate chains. They are present on virtually all nucleated cells of vertebrates and are also present in invertebrates, indicative of a long evolutionary history. Genetic models in both vertebrates and invertebrates have shown that syndecans link to the actin cytoskeleton and can fine-tune cell adhesion, migration, junction formation, polarity and differentiation. Although often associated as co-receptors with other classes of receptors (e.g. integrins, growth factor and morphogen receptors), syndecans can nonetheless signal to the cytoplasm in discrete ways. Syndecan expression levels are upregulated in development, tissue repair and an array of human diseases, which has led to the increased appreciation that they may be important in pathogenesis not only as diagnostic or prognostic agents, but also as potential targets. Here, their functions in development and inflammatory diseases are summarized, including their potential roles as conduits for viral pathogen entry into cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Gopal
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Samantha Arokiasamy
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Csilla Pataki
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Biocentre 1.3.16, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - James R. Whiteford
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - John R. Couchman
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Biocentre 1.3.16, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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50
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Chen C, Gu Y, Wang R, Chai X, Jiang S, Wang S, Zhu Z, Chen X, Yuan Y. Comparative two-dimensional GPC3 overexpressing SK-Hep1 cell membrane chromatography /C18/ time-of-flight mass spectrometry for screening selective GPC3 inhibitor components from Scutellariae Radix. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1163:122492. [PMID: 33418242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Screening active components targeting membrane proteins is important for drug discovery from traditional Chinese medicine. Cell membrane chromatography (CMC) has achieved a wide application in screening active components on pathological cells due to its high sensitivity and effectiveness. However, it is hard to clarify the specific target protein through simply using pathological and normal cells. In this study, a novel comparative two-dimensional (2D) cell membrane chromatography system was established. Based on the construction of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SK-Hep1-GPC3 with high expression of protein Glypican-3 (GPC3), SK-Hep1-GPC3/CMC column was loaded to screen selective antitumor components from Scutellariae Radix according to the retention behaviors on column. Viscidulin I was retained on SK-Hep1-GPC3/CMC column, and showed 4.33 μM affinity to GPC3 according to surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The IC50 of viscidulin I on SK-Hep1-GPC3 cells was 18.01 μM in cell proliferation assay. Thus, this method can be applied to screen complex herbal medicines for ligands bound to specific target protein receptor related to hepatic carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Yanqiu Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Xinyi Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shuya Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shaozhan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaofei Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yongfang Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China.
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