1
|
Nie Y, Yan J, Huang X, Jiang T, Zhang S, Zhang G. Dihydrotanshinone I targets ESR1 to induce DNA double-strand breaks and proliferation inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155767. [PMID: 38833789 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to its high incidence and elevated mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as a formidable global healthcare challenge. The intricate interplay between gender-specific disparities in both incidence and clinical outcomes has prompted a progressive recognition of the substantial influence exerted by estrogen and its corresponding receptors (ERs) upon HCC pathogenesis. Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) emerged for the treatment of HCC by administering exogenous estrogen. However, the powerful side effects of estrogen, including the promotion of breast cancer and infertility, hinder the further application of ERT. Identifying effective therapeutic targets for estrogen and screening bioactive ingredients without E2-like side effects is of great significance for optimizing HCC ERT. METHODS In this study, we employed an integrative approach, harnessing data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, clinical paraffin sections, adenoviral constructs as well as in vivo studies, to unveil the association between estrogen, estrogen receptor α (ESR1) and HCC. Leveraging methodologies encompassing molecular dynamics simulation and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were used to confirm whether ESR1 is a molecular target of DHT. Multiple in vitro and in vivo experiments were used to identify whether i) ESR1 is a crucial gene that promotes DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and proliferation inhibition in HCC, ii) Dihydrotanshinone I (DHT), a quinonoid monomeric constituent derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan shen) exerts anti-HCC effects by regulating ESR1 and subsequent DSBs, iii) DHT has the potential to replace E2. RESULTS DHT could target ESR1 and upregulate its expression in a concentration-dependent manner. This, in turn, leads to the downregulation of breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1), a pivotal protein involved in the homologous recombination repair (HRR) process. The consequence of this downregulation is manifested through the induction of DSBs in HCC, subsequently precipitating a cascade of downstream events, including apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Of particular significance is the comparative assessment of DHT and isodose estradiol treatments, which underscores DHT's excellent HCC-suppressive efficacy without concomitant perturbation of endogenous sex hormone homeostasis. CONCLUSION Our findings not only confirm ESR1 as a therapeutic target in HCC management but also underscores DHT's role in upregulating ESR1 expression, thereby impeding the proliferation and invasive tendencies of HCC. In addition, we preliminarily identified DHT has the potential to emerge as an agent in optimizing HCC ERT through the substitution of E2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunmeng Nie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Junbin Yan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), No. 318 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Xueru Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), No. 318 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of Intestine-Liver of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Guangji Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-Stasis-Toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine 'Preventing Disease' Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen J, Zhu Y, Wu W, Xu Y, Yang W, Ling L, Lin Q, Jia S, Xia Y, Liu Z, Yang Y, Gong C. Association between Homologous Recombination Repair Defect Status and Long-Term Prognosis of Early HER2-Low Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Oncologist 2024; 29:e864-e876. [PMID: 38366907 PMCID: PMC11224982 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a newly identified subtype of HER2-negative tumors associated with a less favorable prognosis, it remains crucial to evaluate potential prognostic and predictive factors, particularly non-invasive biomarkers, for individuals with human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) low early-stage breast cancer (EBC). Multiple investigations have highlighted that HER2-negative patients with EBC exhibiting high homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) scores display lower rates of pathological complete response (PCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Nevertheless, no study to date has explored the correlation between HRD and the long-term prognosis in HER2-low patients with EBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective observational study focuses on primary EBC sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset (TCGA). It reveals the gene mutation landscape in EBC with low HER2 expression and elucidates the tumor immune landscape across different HRD states. Utilizing bioinformatics analysis and Cox proportional models, along with the Kaplan-Meier method, the study assesses the correlation between HRD status and disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free interval (DFI), and progression-free interval (PFI). Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify potential variations in the association between HRD and prognosis. RESULTS In the patients with HER2-low breast cancer, patients with homologous recombination related genes (HRRGs) defects had an HRD score about twice that of those without related genes mutations, and were at higher risk of acquiring ARID1A, ATM, and BRCA2 mutations. We also found that most immune cell abundances were significantly higher in EBC tumors with high HRD than in EBC tumors with low HRD or HRD-medium, particularly plasma B-cell abundance, CD8 T-cell abundance, and M1 macrophages. In addition, these tumors with HRD-high also appear to have significantly higher tumor immune scores and lower interstitial scores. Then, we analyzed the relationship between different HRD status and prognosis. There was statistical significance (P = .036 and P = .046, respectively) in DSS and PFI between the HRD-low and HRD-high groups, and patients with HRD-high EBC showed relatively poor survival outcomes. A medium HRD score (hazard ratio, HR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.04-4.41, P = .038) was a significant risk factor for PFI. Hormone receptor positivity is an important factor in obtaining medium-high HRD score and poor prognosis. CONCLUSION Higher HRD scores were associated with poorer PFI outcomes, particularly in people with HR+/HER2-low. Varied HRD states exhibited distinctions in HRRGs and the tumor immune landscape. These insights have the potential to assist clinicians in promptly identifying high-risk groups and tailoring personalized treatments for patients with HER2-low EBC, aiming to enhance long-term outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingying Zhu
- Division of Clinical Research Design, Clinical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaqi Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenqian Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Ling
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shijie Jia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Xia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zihao Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaping Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang Gong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Z, Li A, Lu Y, Han M, Ruan M, Wang C, Zhang X, Zhu C, Shen K, Dong L, Chen X. Association of tumor immune infiltration and prognosis with homologous recombination repair genes mutations in early triple-negative breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1407837. [PMID: 39026672 PMCID: PMC11254810 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1407837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the mutation spectrum of homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes and its association with tumor immune infiltration and prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC patients (434 patients from Ruijin cohort) were evaluated with targeted next-generating sequencing for mutations in HRR genes. The frequencies of mutations were compared with public reference cohorts (320 TNBC patients from METABRIC, 105 from TCGA, and 225 from MSKCC 2018). Associations between mutation status and tumor immune infiltration and prognosis were analyzed. HRR genes mutations were seen in 21.89% patients, with BRCA1/2 mutations significantly enriched in tumors with breast/ovarian cancer family history (P = 0.025) and high Ki-67 levels (P = 0.018). HRR genes mutations were not related with recurrence-free survival (RFS) (adjusted P = 0.070) and overall survival (OS) (adjusted P = 0.318) for TNBC patients, regardless of carboplatin treatment (P > 0.05). Moreover, tumor immune infiltration and PD-L1 expression was positively associated with HRR or BRCA1/2 mutation (all P < 0.001). Patients with both HRR mutation and high CD8+ T cell counts had the best RFS and OS, whereas patients with no HRR mutation and low CD8+ T cell counts had the worst outcomes (RFS P < 0.001, OS P = 0.019). High frequency of HRR gene mutations was found in early TNBC, with no prognostic significance. Immune infiltration and PD-L1 expression was positively associated with HRR mutation, and both HRR mutation and high CD8+ T cell infiltration levels were associated with superior disease outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Anqi Li
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyuan Han
- Department of General Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Ruan
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaofu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Department of Translational Oncology, Amoy Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
| | - Changbin Zhu
- Department of Translational Oncology, Amoy Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
| | - Kunwei Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Dong
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaosong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang B, Su L, Lin Y. Efficacy and safety of lenvatinib combined with PD‑1/PD‑L1 inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‑analysis and systematic review. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:312. [PMID: 38803443 PMCID: PMC11129543 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
A meta-analysis of the clinical survival indicators, adverse reactions and safety of lenvatinib combined with programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors in treating liver cancer was conducted, providing objective and effective evidence for clinical use. The present study is anticipated to guide the clinical application of lenvatinib. In the current meta-analysis, the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to September 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs and single-arm trial studies related to the combined treatment of lenvatinib and PD-1/PD-ligand 1 (L1) inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were included, while published and unpublished literature on other study types, literature with incomplete or inadequate information, animal experiments, literature reviews and systematic studies were excluded. Data were processed using STATA 15.1. The pooled results showed that the objective response rate [ORR; odds ratio (OR), 3.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.13-5.30; P<0.001], disease control rate (DCR; OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.03-2.57; P=0.038) and partial response (PR; OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 2.17-6.70; P<0.001) of combined lenvatinib and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy were significantly higher than those of lenvatinib monotherapy. Additionally, subgroup analysis results showed that the DCR of combination therapy using lenvatinib and nivolumab was significantly higher than that of lenvatinib monotherapy (OR, 2.20; 95% CI; 1.07-4.51; P=0.032). The difference between combination therapy using lenvatinib and camrelizumab, and lenvatinib monotherapy was not significant. However, the complete response, stable disease, progression disease and incidence rate of adverse events between combination therapy and lenvatinib monotherapy were not significantly different. Compared with lenvatinib alone, lenvatinib combined with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors significantly improved ORR, mainly PR, and DCR in patients with HCC. At present, lenvatinib is mainly combined with nivolumab to increase the DCR of lenvatinib monotherapy for HCC. In addition, the incidence rate of adverse reactions between combination therapy and lenvatinib monotherapy was not significantly different for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baoyan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Linfeng Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Yonghua Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li XJY, Qu JR, Zhang YH, Liu RP. The dual function of cGAS-STING signaling axis in liver diseases. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1115-1129. [PMID: 38233527 PMCID: PMC11130165 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01220-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, have been increasingly prevalent, posing significant threats to global health. In recent decades, there has been increasing evidence linking the dysregulation of cyclic-GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon gene (STING)-related immune signaling to liver disorders. Both hyperactivation and deletion of STING can disrupt the immune microenvironment dysfunction, exacerbating liver disorders. Consequently, there has been a surge in research investigating medical agents or mediators targeting cGAS-STING signaling. Interestingly, therapeutic manipulation of the cGAS-STING pathway has yielded inconsistent and even contradictory effects on different liver diseases due to the distinct physiological characteristics of intrahepatic cells that express and respond to STING. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent advancements in understanding the dual roles of the STING pathway, highlighting that the benefits of targeting STING signaling depend on the specific types of target cells and stages of liver injury. Additionally, we offer a novel perspective on the suitability of STING agonists and antagonists for clinical assessment. In conclusion, STING signaling remains a highly promising therapeutic target, and the development of STING pathway modulators holds great potential for the treatment of liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jiao-Yang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Jiao-Rong Qu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yin-Hao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Run-Ping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing, 100029, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Meng S, Jiangtao B, Haisong W, Mei L, Long Z, Shanfeng L. RNA m 5C methylation: a potential modulator of innate immune pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1362159. [PMID: 38807595 PMCID: PMC11131105 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) methylation plays a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As reported, aberrant m5C methylation is closely associated with the progression, therapeutic efficacy, and prognosis of HCC. The innate immune system functions as the primary defense mechanism in the body against pathogenic infections and tumors since it can activate innate immune pathways through pattern recognition receptors to exert anti-infection and anti-tumor effects. Recently, m5C methylation has been demonstrated to affect the activation of innate immune pathways including TLR, cGAS-STING, and RIG-I pathways by modulating RNA function, unveiling new mechanisms underlying the regulation of innate immune responses by tumor cells. However, research on m5C methylation and its interplay with innate immune pathways is still in its infancy. Therefore, this review details the biological significance of RNA m5C methylation in HCC and discusses its potential regulatory relationship with TLR, cGAS-STING, and RIG-I pathways, thereby providing fresh insights into the role of RNA methylation in the innate immune mechanisms and treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Li Shanfeng
- Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gong Y, Zhou M, Zhu Y, Pan J, Zhou X, Jiang Y, Zeng H, Zheng H, Geng X, Huang D. PVALB Was Identified as an Independent Prognostic Factor for HCC Closely Related to Immunity, and Its Absence Accelerates Tumor Progression by Regulating NK Cell Infiltration. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:813-838. [PMID: 38737383 PMCID: PMC11088852 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s450479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer, with poor prognosis. Complex immune microenvironment of the liver is linked to the development of HCC. PVALB is a calcium-binding protein which has been described as a cancer suppressor gene in thyroid cancer and glioma. Nevertheless, the role of PVALB in HCC is unknown. Materials and Methods We obtained data from TCGA and GSE54236 datasets. MCP-counter, WGCNA and LASSO model were applied to identify PVALB. With UALCAN, MethSurv, and other websites, we probed the expression, methylation and survival of PVALB. LinkedOmics and GSEA were adopted for functional analysis, while TIMER, TISIDB, Kaplan-Meier plotter, TIDE databases were utilized to evaluate the relevance of PVALB to the tumor immune microenvironment and predict immunotherapy efficacy. TargetScan, DIANA, LncRNASNP2 databases and relevant experiments were employed to construct ceRNA network. Finally, molecular docking and drug sensitivity of PVALB were characterized by GeneMANIA, CTD, and so on. Results PVALB was recognized as a gene associated with HCC and NK cell. Its expression was down-regulated in HCC tissue, which lead to adverse prognosis. Besides, the hypomethylation of PVALB was related to its reduced expression. Notably, PVALB was tightly linked to immune, and its reduced expression attenuated the anticancer effect of NK cells via the Fas/FasL pathway, leading to a adverse outcome. The lnc-YY1AP1-3/hsa-miR-6735-5p/PVALB axis may regulate the PVALB expression. Finally, we found immunotherapy might be a viable treatment option. Conclusion In a word, PVALB is a prognostic indicator, whose low expression facilitates HCC progression by impacting NK cell infiltration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Gong
- Department of Thyroid Surgery; Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minqin Zhou
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanting Zhu
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingying Pan
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuanrui Zhou
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yike Jiang
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xitong Geng
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Da Huang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery; Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu D, He W, Yang LL. Revitalizing antitumor immunity: Leveraging nucleic acid sensors as therapeutic targets. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216729. [PMID: 38387757 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid sensors play a critical role in recognizing and responding to pathogenic nucleic acids as danger signals. Upon activation, these sensors initiate downstream signaling cascades that lead to the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and type I interferons. These immune mediators orchestrate diverse effector responses, including the activation of immune cells and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. However, careful consideration must be given to balancing the activation of nucleic acid sensors to avoid unwanted autoimmune or inflammatory responses. In this review, we provide an overview of nucleic acid sensors and their role in combating cancer through the perception of various aberrant nucleic acids and activation of the immune system. We discuss the connections between different programmed cell death modes and nucleic acid sensors. Finally, we outline the development of nucleic acid sensor agonists, highlighting how their potential as therapeutic targets opens up new avenues for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danfeng Liu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China.
| | - Lei-Lei Yang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tong J, Song J, Zhang W, Zhai J, Guan Q, Wang H, Liu G, Zheng C. When DNA-damage responses meet innate and adaptive immunity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:185. [PMID: 38630271 PMCID: PMC11023972 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05214-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
When cells proliferate, stress on DNA replication or exposure to endogenous or external insults frequently results in DNA damage. DNA-Damage Response (DDR) networks are complex signaling pathways used by multicellular organisms to prevent DNA damage. Depending on the type of broken DNA, the various pathways, Base-Excision Repair (BER), Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER), Mismatch Repair (MMR), Homologous Recombination (HR), Non-Homologous End-Joining (NHEJ), Interstrand Crosslink (ICL) repair, and other direct repair pathways, can be activated separately or in combination to repair DNA damage. To preserve homeostasis, innate and adaptive immune responses are effective defenses against endogenous mutation or invasion by external pathogens. It is interesting to note that new research keeps showing how closely DDR components and the immune system are related. DDR and immunological response are linked by immune effectors such as the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway. These effectors act as sensors of DNA damage-caused immune response. Furthermore, DDR components themselves function in immune responses to trigger the generation of inflammatory cytokines in a cascade or even trigger programmed cell death. Defective DDR components are known to disrupt genomic stability and compromise immunological responses, aggravating immune imbalance and leading to serious diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. This study examines the most recent developments in the interaction between DDR elements and immunological responses. The DDR network's immune modulators' dual roles may offer new perspectives on treating infectious disorders linked to DNA damage, including cancer, and on the development of target immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tong
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
- Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Jiangwei Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Wuchao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071000, China
| | - Jingbo Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Zoonose Prevention and Control at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Medical College, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China
| | - Qingli Guan
- The Affiliated Hospital of Chinese PLA 80th Group Army, Weifang, 261000, China
| | - Huiqing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Gentao Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University & Cancer Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20000, China.
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ma J, Xin Y, Wang Q, Ding L. Roles of cGAS-STING Pathway in Radiotherapy Combined with Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:447-453. [PMID: 38049087 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0373] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Although great strides have been made in the management and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its prognosis is still poor yielding a high mortality. Immunotherapy is recommended for treating advanced HCC, but its efficiency is hampered because of hepatic immunosuppression. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, serving as a critical cytoplasmic DNA-sensing process, is reported to initiate the antitumor immune response, and link the innate immunity to the adaptive immune system. Radiotherapy has been well acknowledged to induce destruction and release of tumor-derived DNA into the cytoplasm, which then activates the cGAS-STING pathway. On this basis, radiotherapy can be used as a sensitizer for immunotherapy, and its combination with immunotherapy may bring in changes to the suboptimal efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy. In this review, we summarized the roles of cGAS-STING pathway in regulation of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy for treating HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yuning Xin
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang L, Yu Z, Zhang J, Guo J. Nanoformulations of chemotherapeutic activators of the cGAS-STING pathway in tumor chemoimmunotherapy. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103892. [PMID: 38272174 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103892] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic drugs to activate the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway have been exploited for tumor chemoimmunotherapy. The clinical translation of chemotherapeutic cGAS-STING activators is hindered by the lack of safe, efficient, and specific delivery strategies. Nanodrug delivery systems (NDDS) designed for reducing toxic effects and improving transport effectiveness potentiate in vivo delivery of chemotherapeutic cGAS-STING activators. cGAS-STING monotherapy often encounters tumor resistance without providing satisfactory therapeutic benefit; therefore combination therapy is desirable. This review describes NDDS strategies for surmounting delivery obstacles of chemotherapeutic cGAS-STING activators and highlights combinatorial regimens, which utilize therapeutics that work by different mechanisms, for optimal therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhuo Yu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jihong Zhang
- Hematology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China.
| | - Jianfeng Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cui JW, Li Y, Yang Y, Yang HK, Dong JM, Xiao ZH, He X, Guo JH, Wang RQ, Dai B, Zhou ZL. Tumor immunotherapy resistance: Revealing the mechanism of PD-1 / PD-L1-mediated tumor immune escape. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116203. [PMID: 38280330 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116203] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy, an innovative anti-cancer therapy, has showcased encouraging outcomes across diverse tumor types. Among these, the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway is a well-known immunological checkpoint, which is significant in the regulation of immune evasion by tumors. Nevertheless, a considerable number of patients develop resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, rendering it ineffective in the long run. This research focuses on exploring the factors of PD-1/PD-L1-mediated resistance in tumor immunotherapy. Initially, the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is characterized by its role in facilitating tumor immune evasion, emphasizing its role in autoimmune homeostasis. Next, the primary mechanisms of resistance to PD-1/PD-L1-based immunotherapy are analyzed, including tumor antigen deletion, T cell dysfunction, increased immunosuppressive cells, and alterations in the expression of PD-L1 within tumor cells. The possible ramifications of altered metabolism, microbiota, and DNA methylation on resistance is also described. Finally, possible resolution strategies for dealing with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy resistance are discussed, placing particular emphasis on personalized therapeutic approaches and the exploration of more potent immunotherapy regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wen Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China; College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China; College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China
| | - Hai-Kui Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Jia-Mei Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China; College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Jia-Hao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China; College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui-Qi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.
| | - Bo Dai
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Foshan City 528200, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Zhi-Ling Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Korneenko TV, Pestov NB, Nevzorov IA, Daks AA, Trachuk KN, Solopova ON, Barlev NA. At the Crossroads of the cGAS-cGAMP-STING Pathway and the DNA Damage Response: Implications for Cancer Progression and Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1675. [PMID: 38139802 PMCID: PMC10747911 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved DNA-sensing cGAS-STING innate immunity pathway represents one of the most important cytosolic DNA-sensing systems that is activated in response to viral invasion and/or damage to the integrity of the nuclear envelope. The key outcome of this pathway is the production of interferon, which subsequently stimulates the transcription of hundreds of genes. In oncology, the situation is complex because this pathway may serve either anti- or pro-oncogenic roles, depending on context. The prevailing understanding is that when the innate immune response is activated by sensing cytosolic DNA, such as DNA released from ruptured micronuclei, it results in the production of interferon, which attracts cytotoxic cells to destroy tumors. However, in tumor cells that have adjusted to significant chromosomal instability, particularly in relapsed, treatment-resistant cancers, the cGAS-STING pathway often supports cancer progression, fostering the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we review this intricate pathway in terms of its association with cancer progression, giving special attention to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and gliomas. As the development of new cGAS-STING-modulating small molecules and immunotherapies such as oncolytic viruses involves serious challenges, we highlight several recent fundamental discoveries, such as the proton-channeling function of STING. These discoveries may serve as guiding lights for potential pharmacological advancements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana V. Korneenko
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Nikolay B. Pestov
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Ivan A. Nevzorov
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Alexandra A. Daks
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Kirill N. Trachuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Olga N. Solopova
- Research Institute of Experimental Diagnostics and Tumor Therapy, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Nickolai A. Barlev
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tamai Y, Fujiwara N, Tanaka T, Mizuno S, Nakagawa H. Combination Therapy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors with Locoregional Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5072. [PMID: 37894439 PMCID: PMC10605879 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is estimated to be the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and its overall prognosis is dismal because most cases are diagnosed at a late stage and are unamenable to curative treatment. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has dramatically improved the therapeutic efficacy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma; however, their response rates remain unsatisfactory, partly because >50% of HCC exhibit an ICI-nonresponsive tumor microenvironment characterized by a paucity of cytotoxic T cells (immune-cold), as well as difficulty in their infiltration into tumor sites (immune excluded). To overcome this limitation, combination therapies with locoregional therapies, including ablation, transarterial embolization, and radiotherapy, which are usually used for early stage HCCs, have been actively explored to enhance ICI efficacy by promoting the release of tumor-associated antigens and cytokines, and eventually accelerating the so-called cancer-immunity cycle. Various combination therapies have been investigated in early- to late-phase clinical trials, and some have shown promising results. This comprehensive article provides an overview of the immune landscape for HCC to understand ICI efficacy and its limitations and, subsequently, reviews the status of combinatorial therapies of ICIs with locoregional therapy for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Tamai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (Y.T.); (T.T.); (H.N.)
| | - Naoto Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (Y.T.); (T.T.); (H.N.)
| | - Takamitsu Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (Y.T.); (T.T.); (H.N.)
| | - Shugo Mizuno
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan;
| | - Hayato Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (Y.T.); (T.T.); (H.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kang Z, Fu P, Ma H, Li T, Lu K, Liu J, Ginjala V, Romanienko P, Feng Z, Guan M, Ganesan S, Xia B. Distinct functions of EHMT1 and EHMT2 in cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.03.560719. [PMID: 37873068 PMCID: PMC10592889 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.560719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
EHTM1 (GLP) and EHMT2 (G9a) are closely related protein lysine methyltransferases often thought to function together as a heterodimer to methylate histone H3 and non-histone substrates in diverse cellular processes including transcriptional regulation, genome methylation, and DNA repair. Here we show that EHMT1/2 inhibitors cause ATM-mediated slowdown of replication fork progression, accumulation of single-stranded replication gaps, emergence of cytosolic DNA, and increased expression of STING. EHMT1/2 inhibition strongly potentiates the efficacy of alkylating chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in mouse models of tripe negative breast cancer. The effects on DNA replication and alkylating agent sensitivity are largely caused by the loss of EHMT1-mediated methylation of LIG1, whereas the elevated STING expression and remarkable response to immunotherapy appear mainly elicited by the loss of EHMT2 activity. Depletion of UHRF1, a protein known to be associated with EHMT1/2 and LIG1, also induces STING expression, and depletion of either EHMT2 or UHRF1 leads to demethylation of specific CpG sites in the STING1 promoter, suggestive of a distinct EHMT2-UHRF1 axis that regulates DNA methylation and gene transcription. These results highlight distinct functions of the two EHMT paralogs and provide enlightening paradigms and corresponding molecular basis for combination therapies involving alkylating agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Kang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Pan Fu
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Li
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Kevin Lu
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Juan Liu
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Vasudeva Ginjala
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Zhaohui Feng
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Ming Guan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shridar Ganesan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Bing Xia
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Lead contact
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen X, Li B, Wang Y, Jin J, Yang Y, Huang L, Yang M, Zhang J, Wang B, Shao Z, Ni T, Huang S, Hu X, Tao Z. Low level of ARID1A contributes to adaptive immune resistance and sensitizes triple-negative breast cancer to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:1003-1026. [PMID: 37434394 PMCID: PMC10508140 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) shed new light on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but only a minority of patients demonstrate response. Therefore, adaptive immune resistance (AIR) needs to be further defined to guide the development of ICI regimens. METHODS Databases, including The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Ontology Resource, University of California Santa Cruz Genome Browser, and Pubmed, were used to screen epigenetic modulators, regulators for CD8+ T cells, and transcriptional regulators of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (Hu-PBMC) reconstruction mice were adopted for xenograft transplantation. Tumor specimens from a TNBC cohort and the clinical trial CTR20191353 were retrospectively analyzed. RNA-sequencing, Western blotting, qPCR and immunohistochemistry were used to assess gene expression. Coculture assays were performed to evaluate the regulation of TNBC cells on T cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing were used to determine chromatin-binding and accessibility. RESULTS The epigenetic modulator AT-rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A) gene demonstrated the highest expression association with AIR relative to other epigenetic modulators in TNBC patients. Low ARID1A expression in TNBC, causing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, promoted AIR and inhibited CD8+ T cell infiltration and activity through upregulating PD-L1. However, ARID1A did not directly regulate PD-L1 expression. We found that ARID1A directly bound the promoter of nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) and that low ARID1A expression increased NPM1 chromatin accessibility as well as gene expression, further activating PD-L1 transcription. In Hu-PBMC mice, atezolizumab demonstrated the potential to reverse ARID1A deficiency-induced AIR in TNBC by reducing tumor malignancy and activating anti-tumor immunity. In CTR20191353, ARID1A-low patients derived more benefit from pucotenlimab compared to ARID1A-high patients. CONCLUSIONS In AIR epigenetics, low ARID1A expression in TNBC contributed to AIR via the ARID1A/NPM1/PD-L1 axis, leading to poor outcome but sensitivity to ICI treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin‐Yu Chen
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Juan Jin
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringCollaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and DevelopmentHuman Phenome InstituteSchool of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Lei‐Huan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringCollaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and DevelopmentHuman Phenome InstituteSchool of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Meng‐Di Yang
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Bi‐Yun Wang
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Zhi‐Ming Shao
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in ShanghaiDepartment of Breast SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Precision Cancer Medicine CenterFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Ting Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringCollaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and DevelopmentHuman Phenome InstituteSchool of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Sheng‐Lin Huang
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInternational Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Xi‐Chun Hu
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Zhong‐Hua Tao
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yuan Y, Wu D, Li J, Huang D, Zhao Y, Gao T, Zhuang Z, Cui Y, Zheng DY, Tang Y. Mechanisms of tumor-associated macrophages affecting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1217400. [PMID: 37663266 PMCID: PMC10470150 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1217400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are essential components of the immune cell stroma of hepatocellular carcinoma. TAMs originate from monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells, peripheral blood monocytes, and kupffer cells. The recruitment of monocytes to the HCC tumor microenvironment is facilitated by various factors, leading to their differentiation into TAMs with unique phenotypes. TAMs can directly activate or inhibit the nuclear factor-κB, interleukin-6/signal transducer and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor-β1/bone morphogenetic protein, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathways in tumor cells and interact with other immune cells via producing cytokines and extracellular vesicles, thus affecting carcinoma cell proliferation, invasive and migratory, angiogenesis, liver fibrosis progression, and other processes to participate in different stages of tumor progression. In recent years, TAMs have received much attention as a prospective treatment target for HCC. This review describes the origin and characteristics of TAMs and their mechanism of action in the occurrence and development of HCC to offer a theoretical foundation for further clinical research of TAMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yuan
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dailin Wu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianqi Gao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenjie Zhuang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Cui
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Da-Yong Zheng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hepatology, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary, Cancer Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Klapp V, Álvarez-Abril B, Leuzzi G, Kroemer G, Ciccia A, Galluzzi L. The DNA Damage Response and Inflammation in Cancer. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:1521-1545. [PMID: 37026695 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-1220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Genomic stability in normal cells is crucial to avoid oncogenesis. Accordingly, multiple components of the DNA damage response (DDR) operate as bona fide tumor suppressor proteins by preserving genomic stability, eliciting the demise of cells with unrepairable DNA lesions, and engaging cell-extrinsic oncosuppression via immunosurveillance. That said, DDR sig-naling can also favor tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Indeed, DDR signaling in cancer cells has been consistently linked to the inhibition of tumor-targeting immune responses. Here, we discuss the complex interactions between the DDR and inflammation in the context of oncogenesis, tumor progression, and response to therapy. SIGNIFICANCE Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that DDR is intimately connected to the emission of immunomodulatory signals by normal and malignant cells, as part of a cell-extrinsic program to preserve organismal homeostasis. DDR-driven inflammation, however, can have diametrically opposed effects on tumor-targeting immunity. Understanding the links between the DDR and inflammation in normal and malignant cells may unlock novel immunotherapeutic paradigms to treat cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Klapp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Beatriz Álvarez-Abril
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Murcia, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Leuzzi
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Department of Biology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Alberto Ciccia
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li T, Jiao J, Ke H, Ouyang W, Wang L, Pan J, Li X. Role of exosomes in the development of the immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200201. [PMID: 37457718 PMCID: PMC10339802 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous improved treatment methods used in recent years, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a disease with a high mortality rate. Many recent studies have shown that immunotherapy has great potential for cancer treatment. Exosomes play a significant role in negatively regulating the immune system in HCC. Understanding how these exosomes play a role in innate and adaptive immunity in HCC can significantly improve the immunotherapeutic effects on HCC. Further, engineered exosomes can deliver different drugs and RNA molecules to regulate the immune microenvironment of HCC by regulating the aforementioned immune pathway, thereby significantly improving the mortality rate of HCC. This study aimed to declare the role of exosomes in the development of the immune microenvironment in HCC and list engineered exosomes that could be used for clinical transformation therapy. These findings might be beneficial for clinical patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanghua Li
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiapeng Jiao
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoteng Ke
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenshan Ouyang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luobin Wang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Pan
- The Department of Electronic Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hongkong, Hongkong SAR, China
| | - Xin Li
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Seok JK, Kim M, Kang HC, Cho YY, Lee HS, Lee JY. Beyond DNA sensing: expanding the role of cGAS/STING in immunity and diseases. Arch Pharm Res 2023:10.1007/s12272-023-01452-3. [PMID: 37354378 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01452-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) is a DNA sensor that elicits a robust type I interferon response by recognizing ubiquitous danger-associated molecules. The cGAS/stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS/STING) is activated by endogenous DNA, including DNA released from mitochondria and extranuclear chromatin, as well as exogenous DNA derived from pathogenic microorganisms. cGAS/STING is positioned as a key axis of autoimmunity, the inflammatory response, and cancer progression, suggesting that the cGAS/STING signaling pathway represents an efficient therapeutic target. Based on the accumulated evidence, we present insights into the prevention and treatment of cGAS/STING-related chronic immune and inflammatory diseases. This review presents the current state of clinical and nonclinical development of modulators targeting cGAS/STING, providing useful information on the design of therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Kyung Seok
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Minhyuk Kim
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Chang Kang
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Yeon Cho
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Suk Lee
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Young Lee
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
cGAS-STING signalling in cancer: striking a balance with chromosomal instability. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:539-555. [PMID: 36876871 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of cancer that drives tumour evolution. It is now recognised that CIN in cancer leads to the constitutive production of misplaced DNA in the form of micronuclei and chromatin bridges. These structures are detected by the nucleic acid sensor cGAS, leading to the production of the second messenger 2'3'-cGAMP and activation of the critical hub of innate immune signalling STING. Activation of this immune pathway should instigate the influx and activation of immune cells, resulting in the eradication of cancer cells. That this does not universally occur in the context of CIN remains an unanswered paradox in cancer. Instead, CIN-high cancers are notably adept at immune evasion and are highly metastatic with typically poor outcomes. In this review, we discuss the diverse facets of the cGAS-STING signalling pathway, including emerging roles in homeostatic processes and their intersection with genome stability regulation, its role as a driver of chronic pro-tumour inflammation, and crosstalk with the tumour microenvironment, which may collectively underlie its apparent maintenance in cancers. A better understanding of the mechanisms whereby this immune surveillance pathway is commandeered by chromosomally unstable cancers is critical to the identification of new vulnerabilities for therapeutic exploitation.
Collapse
|
22
|
Tian Y, Xiao H, Yang Y, Zhang P, Yuan J, Zhang W, Chen L, Fan Y, Zhang J, Cheng H, Deng T, Yang L, Wang W, Chen G, Wang P, Gong P, Niu X, Zhang X. Crosstalk between 5-methylcytosine and N 6-methyladenosine machinery defines disease progression, therapeutic response and pharmacogenomic landscape in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:5. [PMID: 36627693 PMCID: PMC9830866 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01706-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulated evidence highlights the significance of the crosstalk between epigenetic and epitranscriptomic mechanisms, notably 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Herein, we conducted a widespread analysis regarding the crosstalk between 5mC and m6A regulators in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Pan-cancer genomic analysis of the crosstalk between 5mC and m6A regulators was presented at transcriptomic, genomic, epigenetic, and other multi-omics levels. Hub 5mC and m6A regulators were summarized to define an epigenetic and epitranscriptomic module eigengene (EME), which reflected both the pre- and post-transcriptional modifications. RESULTS 5mC and m6A regulators interacted with one another at the multi-omic levels across pan-cancer, including HCC. The EME scoring system enabled to greatly optimize risk stratification and accurately predict HCC patients' clinical outcomes and progression. Additionally, the EME accurately predicted the responses to mainstream therapies (TACE and sorafenib) and immunotherapy as well as hyper-progression. In vitro, 5mC and m6A regulators cooperatively weakened apoptosis and facilitated proliferation, DNA damage repair, G2/M arrest, migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells. The EME scoring system was remarkably linked to potential extrinsic and intrinsic immune escape mechanisms, and the high EME might contribute to a reduced copy number gain/loss frequency. Finally, we determined potential therapeutic compounds and druggable targets (TUBB1 and P2RY4) for HCC patients with high EME. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that HCC may result from a unique synergistic combination of 5mC-epigenetic mechanism mixed with m6A-epitranscriptomic mechanism, and their crosstalk defines therapeutic response and pharmacogenomic landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tian
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Haijuan Xiao
- grid.508012.eDepartment of Oncology, Shaanxi Province, Affiliated Hospital of the Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712046 China
| | - Yanhui Yang
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China ,grid.453074.10000 0000 9797 0900Department of Trauma Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003 Henan China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- grid.411525.60000 0004 0369 1599Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Jiahui Yuan
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Wei Zhang
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Lijie Chen
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122 Liaoning China
| | - Yibao Fan
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Jinze Zhang
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Huan Cheng
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Tingwei Deng
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Lin Yang
- grid.440299.2Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Province, Xianyang Central Hospital, Xianyang, 712099 Shaanxi China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China ,grid.414011.10000 0004 1808 090XHepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan China
| | - Guoyong Chen
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China ,grid.414011.10000 0004 1808 090XHepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan China
| | - Peiqin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003 China
| | - Peng Gong
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| | - Xing Niu
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China ,grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122 Liaoning China
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- grid.263488.30000 0001 0472 9649Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Huang C, Zhou Y, Cheng J, Guo X, Shou D, Quan Y, Chen H, Chen H, Zhou Y. Pattern recognition receptors in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and progression to hepatocellular carcinoma: An emerging therapeutic strategy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1145392. [PMID: 37020586 PMCID: PMC10067914 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1145392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive lipid accumulation and has become the leading chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD is viewed as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, ranging from simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to advanced fibrosis, eventually leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathogenesis of NAFLD progression is still not clear. Pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-mediated innate immune responses play a critical role in the initiation of NAFLD and the progression of NAFLD-related HCC. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) are the two major PRRs in hepatocytes and resident innate immune cells in the liver. Increasing evidence indicates that the overactivation of TLRs and the cGAS signaling pathways may contribute to the development of liver disorders, including NAFLD progression. However, induction of PRRs is critical for the release of type I interferons (IFN-I) and the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), which prime systemic antitumor immunity in HCC therapy. In this review, we will summarize the emerging evidence regarding the molecular mechanisms of TLRs and cGAS in the development of NAFLD and HCC. The dysfunction of PRR-mediated innate immune response is a critical determinant of NAFLD pathology; targeting and selectively inhibiting TLRs and cGAS signaling provides therapeutic potential for treating NALF-associated diseases in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youlian Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiemin Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Diwen Shou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Quan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanqing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yongjian Zhou, ; Huiting Chen, ; Hanqing Chen,
| | - Huiting Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yongjian Zhou, ; Huiting Chen, ; Hanqing Chen,
| | - Yongjian Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yongjian Zhou, ; Huiting Chen, ; Hanqing Chen,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ma H, Xia B. Reply. Hepatology 2023; 77:E12. [PMID: 35900791 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ma
- Liver Cancer Institute , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Bing Xia
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey , New Brunswick , New Jersey , USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology , Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , New Brunswick , New Jersey , USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cao J, Bai DS. Letter to the editor: Disrupted BRCA1-PALB2 interaction induces tumor immunosuppression and T-lymphocyte infiltration in HCC through cGAS-STING pathway. Hepatology 2023; 77:E11. [PMID: 35934944 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , China
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tian Z, Zeng Y, Peng Y, Liu J, Wu F. Cancer immunotherapy strategies that target the cGAS-STING pathway. Front Immunol 2022; 13:996663. [PMID: 36353640 PMCID: PMC9639746 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.996663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the cGAS-STING pathway by cytoplasmic DNA induces the production of Type-1 interferons. Recent advances in research suggest that the cGAS-STING pathway is involved in different parts of the cancer-immunity cycle (CIC) to promote or suppress antitumor immune responses. Combination therapy of STING agonists has made certain progress in preclinical as well as clinical trials, but the selection of combination therapy regimens remains a challenge. In this review, we summarize the role of the cGAS-STING in all aspects of CIC, and focus on the combination immunotherapy strategies of STING agonists and current unsolved challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoying Tian
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yurong Peng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Cancer Mega-Data Intelligent Application and Engineering Research Centre, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lv J, Xing C, Chen Y, Bian H, Lv N, Wang Z, Liu M, Su L. The STING in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases: Potential Therapeutic Targets in Inflammation-Carcinogenesis Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1241. [PMID: 36297353 PMCID: PMC9611148 DOI: 10.3390/ph15101241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an important chronic disease, is one of the major causes of high mortality and creates a substantial financial burden worldwide. The various immune cells in the liver, including macrophages, NK cells, dendritic cells, and the neutrophils involved in the innate immune response, trigger inflammation after recognizing the damage signaled from infection or injured cells and tissues. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a critical molecule that binds to the cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) generated by the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) to initiate the innate immune response against infection. Previous studies have demonstrated that the cGAS-STING pathway plays a critical role in inflammatory, auto-immune, and anti-viral immune responses. Recently, studies have focused on the role of STING in liver diseases, the results implying that alterations in its activity may be involved in the pathogenesis of liver disorders. Here, we summarize the function of STING in the development of NAFLD and present the current inhibitors and agonists targeting STING.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Lv
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chunlei Xing
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yuhong Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Huihui Bian
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Nanning Lv
- Lianyungang Second People’s Hospital, Lianyungang 222002, China
| | - Zhibin Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200020, China
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Mingming Liu
- Lianyungang Second People’s Hospital, Lianyungang 222002, China
| | - Li Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Prognostic Value of an Integrin-Based Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Identification of Immunological Role of LIMS2. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:7356297. [PMID: 36212176 PMCID: PMC9537015 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7356297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective Evidence proves that integrins affect almost every step of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. The current study aimed at constructing an integrin-based signature for prognostic prediction of HCC. Methods TCGA-LIHC and ICGC-LIRI-JP cohorts were retrospectively analyzed. Integrin genes were analyzed via univariate Cox regression, followed by generation of a prognostic signature with LASSO approach. Independent factors were input into the nomogram. WGCNA was adopted to select this signature-specific genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment together with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were conducted to explore the function of the dysregulated genes. The abundance of tumor microenvironment components was estimated with diverse popular computational methods. The relative importance of genes from this signature was estimated through random-forest method. Results Eight integrin genes (ADAM15, CDC42, DAB2, ITGB1BP1, ITGB5, KIF14, LIMS2, and SELP) were adopted to define an integrin-based signature. Each patient was assigned the riskScore. High-riskScore subpopulation exhibited worse overall survival, with satisfying prediction efficacy. Also, the integrin-based signature was independent of routine clinicopathological parameters. The nomogram (comprising integrin-based signature, and stage) accurately inferred prognostic outcome, with the excellent net benefit. Genes with the strongest positive interaction to low-riskScore were primarily linked to biosynthetic, metabolic, and catabolic processes and immune pathways; those with the strongest association with high-riskScore were principally associated with diverse tumorigenic signaling. The integrin-based signature was strongly linked with tumor microenvironment components. Among the genes from this signature, LIMS2 possessed the highest importance, and its expression was proven through immunohistochemical staining. Conclusion Altogether, our study defined a quantitative integrin-based signature that reliably assessed HCC prognosis and tumor microenvironment features, which possessed the potential as a tool for prognostic prediction.
Collapse
|
29
|
Cheng K, Cai N, Zhu J, Yang X, Liang H, Zhang W. Tumor-associated macrophages in liver cancer: From mechanisms to therapy. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 42:1112-1140. [PMID: 36069342 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Multidimensional analyses have demonstrated the presence of a unique tumor microenvironment (TME) in liver cancer. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are among the most abundant immune cells infiltrating the TME and are present at all stages of liver cancer progression, and targeting TAMs has become one of the most favored immunotherapy strategies. In addition, macrophages and liver cancer cells have distinct origins. At the early stage of liver cancer, macrophages can provide a niche for the maintenance of liver cancer stem cells. In contrast, cancer stem cells (CSCs) or poorly differentiated tumor cells are key factors modulating macrophage activation. In the present review, we first propose the origin connection between precursor macrophages and liver cancer cells. Macrophages undergo dynamic phenotypic transition during carcinogenesis. In this course of such transition, it is critical to determine the appropriate timing for therapy and block specific markers to suppress pro-tumoral TAMs. The present review provides a more detailed discussion of transition trends of such surface markers than previous reviews. Complex crosstalk occurs between TAMs and liver cancer cells. TAMs play indispensable roles in tumor progression, angiogenesis, and autophagy due to their heterogeneity and robust plasticity. In addition, macrophages in the TME interact with other immune cells by directing cell-to-cell contact or secreting various effector molecules. Similarly, tumor cells combined with other immune cells can drive macrophage recruitment and polarization. Despite the latest achievements and the advancements in treatment strategies following TAMs studies, comprehensive discussions on the communication between macrophages and cancer cells or immune cells in liver cancer are currently lacking. In this review, we discussed the interactions between TAMs and liver cancer cells (from cell origin to maturation), the latest therapeutic strategies (including chimeric antigen receptor macrophages), and critical clinical trials for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) to provide a rationale for further clinical investigation of TAMs as a potential target for treating patients with liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Cheng
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Ning Cai
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Jinghan Zhu
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Xing Yang
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Wanguang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Radiation-induced non-targeted effect of immunity provoked by mitochondrial DNA damage triggered cGAS/ AIM2 pathways. RADIATION MEDICINE AND PROTECTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmp.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
31
|
Chen J, Li Z, Jia X, Song W, Wu H, Zhu H, Xuan Z, Du Y, Zhu X, Song G, Dong H, Bian S, Wang S, Zhao Y, Xie H, Zheng S, Song P. Targeting anillin inhibits tumorigenesis and tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma via impairing cytokinesis fidelity. Oncogene 2022; 41:3118-3130. [PMID: 35477750 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02274-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Targeting cytokinesis can suppress tumor growth by blocking cell division and promoting apoptosis. We aimed to characterize key cytokinesis regulator in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, providing insights into identifying promising HCC therapeutic targets. The unbiased bioinformatic screening identified Anillin actin binding protein (ANLN) as a critical cytokinesis regulator involved in HCC development. Functional assay demonstrated that knockdown of ANLN inhibited HCC growth by inducing cytokinesis failure and DNA damage, leading to multinucleation and mitotic catastrophe. Mechanistically, ANLN acts as a scaffold to strengthen interaction between RACGAP1 and PLK1. ANLN promotes PLK1-mediated RACGAP1 phosphorylation and RhoA activation to ensure cytokinesis fidelity. To explore the function of ANLN in HCC tumorigenesis, we hydrodynamically transfected c-Myc and NRAS plasmids into Anln+/+, Anln+/-, and Anln-/- mice through tail vein injection. Hepatic Anln ablation significantly impaired c-Myc/NRAS-driven hepatocarcinogenesis. Moreover, enhanced hepatic polyploidization was observed in Anln ablation mice, manifesting as increasing proportion of cellular and nuclear polyploidy. Clinically, ANLN is upregulated in human HCC tissues and high level of ANLN is correlated with poor patients' prognosis. Additionally, the proportion of cellular polyploidy decreases during HCC progression and ANLN level is significantly correlated with cellular polyploidy proportion in human HCC samples. In conclusion, ANLN is identified as a key cytokinesis regulator contributing to HCC initiation and progression. Our findings revealed a novel mechanism of ANLN in the regulation of cytokinesis to promote HCC tumorigenesis and growth, suggesting targeting ANLN to inhibit cytokinesis may be a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zequn Li
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xing Jia
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wenfeng Song
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hai Zhu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zefeng Xuan
- Division of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yehui Du
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingxin Zhu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guangyuan Song
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Haijiang Dong
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Suchen Bian
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongchao Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyang Xie
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Penghong Song
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|