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Zhuo L, Guo M, Zhang S, Wu J, Wang M, Shen Y, Peng X, Wang Z, Jiang W, Huang W. Structure-activity relationship study of 1,6-naphthyridinone derivatives as selective type II AXL inhibitors with potent antitumor efficacy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116090. [PMID: 38169272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116090] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The role of AXL in various oncogenic processes has made it an attractive target for cancer therapy. Currently, kinase selectivity profiles, especially circumventing MET inhibition, remain a scientific issue of great interest in the discovery of selective type II AXL inhibitors. Starting from a dual MET/AXL-targeted lead structure from our previous work, we optimized a 1,6-naphthyridinone series using molecular modeling-assisted compound design to improve AXL potency and selectivity over MET, resulting in the potent and selective type II AXL-targeted compound 25c. This showed excellent AXL inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.1 nM) and 343-fold selectivity over the highly homologous kinase MET in biochemical assays. Moreover, compound 25c significantly inhibited AXL-driven cell proliferation, dose-dependently suppressed 4T1 cell migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis. Compound 25c also showed noticeable antitumor efficacy in a BaF3/TEL-AXL xenograft model at well-tolerated doses. Overall, this study presented a potent and selective type II AXL-targeted lead compound for further drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linsheng Zhuo
- Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Mengqin Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Siyi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Junbo Wu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Hengyang Central Hospital, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Xue Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Weifan Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
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2
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Cuesta ÁM, Palao N, Bragado P, Gutierrez-Uzquiza A, Herrera B, Sánchez A, Porras A. New and Old Key Players in Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17152. [PMID: 38138981 PMCID: PMC10742790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer represents a major health problem worldwide with growing incidence and high mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most frequent. Hepatocytes are likely the cellular origin of most HCCs through the accumulation of genetic alterations, although hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) might also be candidates in specific cases, as discussed here. HCC usually develops in a context of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, although the role of fibrosis is controversial. The interplay between hepatocytes, immune cells and hepatic stellate cells is a key issue. This review summarizes critical aspects of the liver tumor microenvironment paying special attention to platelets as new key players, which exert both pro- and anti-tumor effects, determined by specific contexts and a tight regulation of platelet signaling. Additionally, the relevance of specific signaling pathways, mainly HGF/MET, EGFR and TGF-β is discussed. HGF and TGF-β are produced by different liver cells and platelets and regulate not only tumor cell fate but also HPCs, inflammation and fibrosis, these being key players in these processes. The role of C3G/RAPGEF1, required for the proper function of HGF/MET signaling in HCC and HPCs, is highlighted, due to its ability to promote HCC growth and, regulate HPC fate and platelet-mediated actions on liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel M. Cuesta
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Palao
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Bragado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Gutierrez-Uzquiza
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Porras
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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3
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Liu JJ, Xin B, Du L, Chen L, Long Y, Feng GS. Pharmaceutical SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 inhibition suppresses primary and metastasized liver tumors by provoking hepatic innate immunity. Hepatology 2023; 77:1512-1526. [PMID: 35503714 PMCID: PMC9948275 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (Shp2) is the first identified pro-oncogenic tyrosine phosphatase that acts downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) to promote Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling. However, this phosphatase was also shown to be antitumorigenic in HCC. This study is aimed at deciphering paradoxical Shp2 functions and mechanisms in hepatocarcinogenesis and at exploring its value as a pharmaceutical target in HCC therapy. APPROACHES AND RESULTS We took both genetic and pharmaceutical approaches to examine the effects of Shp2 inhibition on primary liver cancers driven by various oncogenes and on metastasized liver tumors. We show here that the catalytic activity of Shp2 was essential for relay of oncogenic signals from RTKs in HCC and that chemical inhibition of Shp2 robustly suppressed HCC driven by RTKs. However, in contrast to a tumor-promoting hepatic niche generated by genetically deleting Shp2 in hepatocytes, treatment with a specific Shp2 inhibitor had a tumor-suppressing effect on metastasized liver tumor progression. Mechanistically, the Shp2 inhibitor enhanced antitumor innate immunity by down-regulating inflammatory cytokines, suppressing the chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 signaling axis, but up-regulating interferon-β secretion. CONCLUSIONS These results unveil complex mechanisms for the tumor-suppressing effect of pharmaceutical Shp2 inhibition in the liver immune environment. We provide a proof of principle for clinical trials with specific Shp2 inhibitors in patients with primary and metastasized liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacey J. Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Bing Xin
- Department of Pathology and Moores Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Li Du
- Department of Pathology and Moores Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lydia Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yanyan Long
- Department of Pathology and Moores Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Gen-Sheng Feng
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Pathology and Moores Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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4
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Afaloniati H, Angelopoulou K, Giakoustidis A, Hardas A, Pseftogas A, Makedou K, Gargavanis A, Goulopoulos T, Iliadis S, Papadopoulos V, Papalois A, Mosialos G, Poutahidis T, Giakoustidis D. HDAC1/2 Inhibitor Romidepsin Suppresses DEN-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinogenesis in Mice. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5575-5588. [PMID: 32606772 PMCID: PMC7304783 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s250233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequently diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Its rapid progression, combined with the limited treatment options at late stages, imposes the need for early detection and aggressive intervention. Based on the knowledge that hepatocarcinogenesis is significantly influenced by histone acetylation, we directed our search for novel HCC therapeutics among histone deacetylation inhibitors (HDACi). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of HDAC1/2 inhibitor Romidepsin in the well-established mouse model of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS C56BL/6 mice were treated with Romidepsin at the critical point of 10 months after DEN challenge and their livers were examined 2 months later using histopathology and morphometry. Protein levels were assessed in serum using ELISA and in liver tissues using Western blot and immunohistochemistry (in-situ detection). Gene expression was quantified using real-time PCR. RESULTS Romidepsin suppressed cancer progression. This effect was associated with decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of cancer cells. The cell cycle regulator CK2a, the anti-inflammatory molecule PPAR-γ, and the tumor suppressors PTEN and CYLD were upregulated in treated HCC. By contrast, the expression of PI3K, NF-κB p65 and c-Jun was reduced. In line with this result, the levels of two major apoptosis regulators, ie, BAD and the multifunctional protein c-Met, were lower in the blood serum of treated mice compared to the untreated mice with HCC. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that Romidepsin, a drug currently used in the treatment of lymphoma, could also be considered in the management of early-stage HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hara Afaloniati
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Katerina Angelopoulou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexander Giakoustidis
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital Papageorgiou, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Hardas
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Pseftogas
- School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kali Makedou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Gargavanis
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital Papageorgiou, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Goulopoulos
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital Papageorgiou, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros Iliadis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasileios Papadopoulos
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital Papageorgiou, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Papalois
- Experimental, Educational and Research Center, ELPEN, Pikermi, Attica, Greece
| | - George Mosialos
- School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theofilos Poutahidis
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Giakoustidis
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital Papageorgiou, Thessaloniki, Greece
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5
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Wang H, Rao B, Lou J, Li J, Liu Z, Li A, Cui G, Ren Z, Yu Z. The Function of the HGF/c-Met Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:55. [PMID: 32117981 PMCID: PMC7018668 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, leading to a large global cancer burden. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its high-affinity receptor, mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met), are closely related to the onset, progression, and metastasis of multiple tumors. The HGF/c-Met axis is involved in cell proliferation, movement, differentiation, invasion, angiogenesis, and apoptosis by activating multiple downstream signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on the function of the HGF/c-Met axis in HCC. The HGF/c-Met axis promotes the onset, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Moreover, it can serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a therapeutic target for HCC. In addition, it is closely related to drug resistance during HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Benchen Rao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Lou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guangying Cui
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zujiang Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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6
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Jabbarpour Z, Kiani J, Keshtkar S, Saidijam M, Ghahremani MH, Ahmadbeigi N. Effects of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells with NK4 gene expression on glioblastoma multiforme cell lines. J Cell Biochem 2019; 121:1362-1373. [PMID: 31595570 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Poor prognosis and low survival are commonly seen in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Due to the specific nature of solid tumors such as GBM, delivery of therapeutic agents to the tumor sites is difficult. So, one of the major challenges in the treatment of these tumors is a selection of appropriate method for drug delivery. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a unique characteristic in migration toward the tumor tissue. In this regard, the present study examined the antitumor effects of manipulating human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDMSCs) with NK4 expression (PDMSC-NK4) on GBM cells. After separation and characterization of PDMSCs, these cells were transduced with NK4 which was known as the antagonist of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The results indicated that engineered PDMSCs preferably migrate into GBM cells by transwell coculture system. In addition, the proliferation of the GBM cells significantly reduced after coculture with these cells. In fact, manipulated PDMSCs inhibited growth of tumor cells by induction of apoptosis. Our findings suggested that besides having antitumor effects, PDMSCs can also be applied as an ideal cellular vehicle to target the glioblastoma multiforme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Jabbarpour
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Kiani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Keshtkar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Saidijam
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad H Ghahremani
- Department of Pharmacology-Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naser Ahmadbeigi
- Cell-Based Therapies Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Kuwata K, Inoue K, Ichimura R, Takahashi M, Kodama Y, Shibutani M, Yoshida M. β-catenin Mutations Are Not Involved in Early-stage Hepatocarcinogenesis Induced by Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase Inhibitors in Mice. Toxicol Pathol 2017; 45:493-505. [PMID: 28580885 DOI: 10.1177/0192623317708898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported the contribution of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) in cytotoxicity-related hepatocarcinogenesis induced by oxadiazon (OX) or acifluorfen (ACI), two pesticides categorized as protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PROTOX) inhibitors. The molecular characteristics of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions induced by OX and ACI were immunohistochemically compared to those by phenobarbital (PB), a typical CAR activator, in wild-type (WT) and CAR knockout (CARKO) mice after diethylnitrosamine initiation. We focused on changes in β-catenin and its transcriptional product glutamine synthetase (GS). In PB-promoted foci and adenomas, nuclear accumulation of mutated β-catenin was increased with high frequency. PB treatment also increased the multiplicity and area of GS-positive foci and adenomas in WT mice. No foci and adenomas showed nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and expression of GS in CARKO mice, similar to both genotypes of mice treated with OX and ACI. Interestingly, hepatocellular carcinoma induced in ACI-treated WT mice showed nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and was positive for GS. Our results indicated that β-catenin mutations were not involved in early-stage hepatocarcinogenesis induced by PROTOX inhibitors in mice, although activation of β-catenin and CAR is important in PB-induced tumorigenesis. The significant differences in molecular profiles suggested involvements of multiple mode of actions for hepatocarcinogenesis induced by PROTOX inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunori Kuwata
- 1 Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,2 Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Inoue
- 1 Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,3 Food Safety Commission, Cabinet Office, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryohei Ichimura
- 1 Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miwa Takahashi
- 1 Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Kodama
- 4 Division of Toxicology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Shibutani
- 2 Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Midori Yoshida
- 3 Food Safety Commission, Cabinet Office, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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The novel c-Met inhibitor capmatinib mitigates diethylnitrosamine acute liver injury in mice. Toxicol Lett 2016; 261:13-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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9
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Okuma HS, Kondo S. Trends in the development of MET inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma. Future Oncol 2016; 12:1275-86. [PMID: 26984595 DOI: 10.2217/fon.16.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib has improved survival and is now considered the standard of care; however, the benefits are still disappointing, and thus, new effective treatments are required. In human hepatocellular carcinoma, MET, which is encoded by the HGFR gene, is activated by amplification, overexpression or mutation, and it has recently emerged as a possible therapeutic target in various tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma. In fact, some drugs targeting the HGF/MET axis are currently under investigation in clinical trials. Here, we review the role of MET and trends in the development of MET inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi S Okuma
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kondo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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Firtina Karagonlar Z, Koc D, Iscan E, Erdal E, Atabey N. Elevated hepatocyte growth factor expression as an autocrine c-Met activation mechanism in acquired resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:407-16. [PMID: 26790028 PMCID: PMC4832867 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Limitations in HCC treatment result due to poor prognosis and resistance against traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapies. The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is the only FDA approved drug available for advanced HCC patients, and development of second‐line treatment options for patients who cannot tolerate or develop resistance to sorafenib is an urgent medical need. In this study, we established sorafenib‐resistant cells from Huh7 and Mahlavu cell lines by long‐term sorafenib exposure. Sorafenib‐resistant HCC cells acquired spindle‐shape morphology, upregulated mesenchymal markers, and showed significant increase in both migration and invasion abilities compared to their parental counterparts. Moreover, after long‐term sorafenib treatment, HCC cells showed induction of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) synthesis and secretion along with increased levels of c‐Met kinase and its active phosphorylated form, indicating autocrine activation of HGF/c‐Met signaling. Importantly, the combined treatment of the resistant cells with c‐Met kinase inhibitor SU11274 and HGF neutralizing antibody significantly reversed the increased invasion ability of the cells. The combined treatment also significantly augmented sorafenib‐induced apoptosis, suggesting restoration of sorafenib sensitivity. These results describe, for the first time, compensatory upregulation of HGF synthesis leading to autocrine activation of HGF/c‐Met signaling as a novel cellular strategy in the acquisition of sorafenib resistance. Therefore, we suggest that combinatorial therapeutic strategies with HGF and c‐Met inhibitors comprise promising candidates for overcoming sorafenib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Firtina Karagonlar
- Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, Izmir University of Economics, Izmir.,Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir
| | - Dogukan Koc
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir
| | - Evin Iscan
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir
| | - Esra Erdal
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Neşe Atabey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
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Granito A, Guidetti E, Gramantieri L. c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase as a molecular target in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2015; 2:29-38. [PMID: 27508192 PMCID: PMC4918282 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s77038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
c-MET is the membrane receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), also known as scatter factor or tumor cytotoxic factor, a mitogenic growth factor for hepatocytes. HGF is mainly produced by cells of mesenchymal origin and it mainly acts on neighboring epidermal and endothelial cells, regulating epithelial growth and morphogenesis. HGF/MET signaling has been identified among the drivers of tumorigenesis in human cancers. As such, c-MET is a recognized druggable target, and against it, targeted agents are currently under clinical investigation. c-MET overexpression is a common event in a wide range of human malignancies, including gastric, lung, breast, ovary, colon, kidney, thyroid, and liver carcinomas. Despite c-MET overexpression being reported by a large majority of studies, no evidence for a c-MET oncogenic addiction exists in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In particular, c-MET amplification is a rare event, accounting for 4%–5% of cases while no mutation has been identified in c-MET oncogene in HCC. Thus, the selection of patient subgroups more likely to benefit from c-MET inhibition is challenging. Notwithstanding, c-MET overexpression was reported to be associated with increased metastatic potential and poor prognosis in patients with HCC, providing a rationale for its therapeutic inhibition. Here we summarize the role of activated HGF/MET signaling in HCC, its prognostic relevance, and the implications for therapeutic approaches in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Granito
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Guidetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gramantieri
- Dipartimento dell'Apparato Digerente, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Centro di Ricerca Biomedica Applicata (CRBA), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S Orsola-Malpighi e Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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12
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Zhu Y, Cheng M, Yang Z, Zeng CY, Chen J, Xie Y, Luo SW, Zhang KH, Zhou SF, Lu NH. Mesenchymal stem cell-based NK4 gene therapy in nude mice bearing gastric cancer xenografts. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2014; 8:2449-62. [PMID: 25525335 PMCID: PMC4267519 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s71466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been recognized as promising delivery vehicles for gene therapy of tumors. Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of worldwide cancer mortality, and novel treatment modalities are urgently needed. NK4 is an antagonist of hepatocyte growth factor receptors (Met) which are often aberrantly activated in gastric cancer and thus represent a useful candidate for targeted therapies. This study investigated MSC-delivered NK4 gene therapy in nude mice bearing gastric cancer xenografts. MSCs were transduced with lentiviral vectors carrying NK4 complementary DNA or enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP). Such transduction did not change the phenotype of MSCs. Gastric cancer xenografts were established in BALB/C nude mice, and the mice were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), MSCs-GFP, Lenti-NK4, or MSCs-NK4. The tropism of MSCs toward gastric cancer cells was determined by an in vitro migration assay using MKN45 cells, GES-1 cells and human fibroblasts and their presence in tumor xenografts. Tumor growth, tumor cell apoptosis and intratumoral microvessel density of tumor tissue were measured in nude mice bearing gastric cancer xenografts treated with PBS, MSCs-GFP, Lenti-NK4, or MSCs-NK4 via tail vein injection. The results showed that MSCs migrated preferably to gastric cancer cells in vitro. Systemic MSCs-NK4 injection significantly suppressed the growth of gastric cancer xenografts. MSCs-NK4 migrated and accumulated in tumor tissues after systemic injection. The microvessel density of tumor xenografts was decreased, and tumor cellular apoptosis was significantly induced in the mice treated with MSCs-NK4 compared to control mice. These findings demonstrate that MSC-based NK4 gene therapy can obviously inhibit the growth of gastric cancer xenografts, and MSCs are a better vehicle for NK4 gene therapy than lentiviral vectors. Further studies are warranted to explore the efficacy and safety of the MSC-based NK4 gene therapy in animals and cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Yan Zeng
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang Chen
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Xie
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Wen Luo
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun-He Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Feng Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Nong-Hua Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China ; Institute of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
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Reciprocal activating crosstalk between c-Met and caveolin 1 promotes invasive phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105278. [PMID: 25148256 PMCID: PMC4141763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
c-Met, the receptor for Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), overexpressed and deregulated in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Caveolin 1 (CAV1), a plasma membrane protein that modulates signal transduction molecules, is also overexpressed in HCC. The aim of this study was to investigate biological and clinical significance of co-expression and activation of c-Met and CAV1 in HCC. We showed that c-Met and CAV1 were co-localized in HCC cells and HGF treatment increased this association. HGF-triggered c-Met activation caused a concurrent rise in both phosphorylation and expression of CAV1. Ectopic expression of CAV1 accelerated c-Met signaling, resulted in enhanced migration, invasion, and branching-morphogenesis. Silencing of CAV1 downregulated c-Met signaling, and decreased migratory/invasive capability of cells and attenuated branching morphogenesis. In addition, activation and co-localization of c-Met and CAV1 were elevated during hepatocarcinogenesis. In conclusion reciprocal activating crosstalk between c-Met and CAV1 promoted oncogenic signaling of c-Met contributed to the initiation and progression of HCC.
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Braeuning A, Gavrilov A, Brown S, Wolf CR, Henderson CJ, Schwarz M. Phenobarbital-mediated tumor promotion in transgenic mice with humanized CAR and PXR. Toxicol Sci 2014; 140:259-70. [PMID: 24863967 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfu099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptors CAR (constitutive androstane receptor) and possibly PXR (pregnane X receptor) mediate the hepatic effects of phenobarbital (PB) and similar-acting compounds. Although PB is a potent nongenotoxic tumor promoter in rodent liver, epidemiological data from epilepsy patients treated with phenobarbital do not show a specific role of PB in human liver cancer risk. That points to species differences in the susceptibility to tumor promotion by PB, which might be attributed to divergent functions of the PB receptors CAR and PXR in mice and humans. In the present study, male transgenic mice expressing human CAR and PXR were used to detect possible differences between wild-type (WT) and humanized mice in their response to CAR activation in a tumor initiation/promotion experiment with a single injection of the tumor initiator N-nitrosodiethylamine preceding chronic PB treatment for 10 months. Analysis of liver tumor burden revealed that PB strongly promoted the outgrowth of hepatocellular adenoma driven by activated β-catenin in WT mice, whereas the tumor-promoting effect of PB was much less pronounced in the humanized group. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrate that human CAR and PXR support tumor promotion by PB in mouse liver, but to a significantly lesser extent than the WT murine receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Braeuning
- University of Tuebingen, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Toxicology, Wilhelmstr. 56, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Alina Gavrilov
- University of Tuebingen, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Toxicology, Wilhelmstr. 56, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Susan Brown
- CXR Biosciences, 2 James Lyndsay Place, Dundee Technopole, Dundee DD1 5JJ, Scotland, UK
| | - C Roland Wolf
- Division of Cancer Research, Medical Research Institute, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, University of Dundee, James Arrott Drive, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK
| | - Colin J Henderson
- Division of Cancer Research, Medical Research Institute, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, University of Dundee, James Arrott Drive, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK
| | - Michael Schwarz
- University of Tuebingen, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Toxicology, Wilhelmstr. 56, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
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Giordano S, Columbano A. Met as a therapeutic target in HCC: facts and hopes. J Hepatol 2014; 60:442-52. [PMID: 24045150 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and its burden is expected to increase further in the next years. In spite of the advances of classical therapies, such as surgery, transplantation, use of radiofrequency and transarterial embolization, the prognosis of this neoplasm has not considerably improved over the past few years. The advent of targeted therapies and the approval of the systemic treatment of advanced HCC with the kinase inhibitor sorafenib have provided some hope for the future. Even if the molecular mechanisms responsible for the onset and progression of HCC are still largely unknown, new therapeutic targets have recently come to the spotlight. One of these targets is the tyrosine kinase receptor for the Hepatocyte Growth Factor, encoded by the MET gene, known to promote tumor growth and metastasis in many human organs. In this review we will summarize the contrasting results obtained in vitro (in HCC cell lines) and in animal experimental models and we will also try to analyze the reasons for the opposite findings, suggesting that the HGF/MET axis can have either a promoting or a suppressive role in the development of HCC. We will also reconsider the evidence of activation of this pathway in human HCCs and discuss the results of the clinical trials performed with MET inhibitors. The final purpose is to better clarify which can be the role of MET as a therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), 10060 Candiolo (Torino), Italy.
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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16
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The connection of β-catenin and phenobarbital in murine hepatocarcinogenesis: a critical discussion of Awuah et al., PLoS ONE 7(6):e39771, 2012. Arch Toxicol 2012; 87:401-2. [PMID: 23266721 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-1002-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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17
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Bozkaya G, Korhan P, Cokaklı M, Erdal E, Sağol O, Karademir S, Korch C, Atabey N. Cooperative interaction of MUC1 with the HGF/c-Met pathway during hepatocarcinogenesis. Mol Cancer 2012; 11:64. [PMID: 22962849 PMCID: PMC3542123 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-11-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induced c-Met activation is known as the main stimulus for hepatocyte proliferation and is essential for liver development and regeneration. Activation of HGF/c-Met signaling has been correlated with aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MUC1 is a transmembrane mucin, whose over-expression is reported in most cancers. Many of the oncogenic effects of MUC1 are believed to occur through the interaction of MUC1 with signaling molecules. To clarify the role of MUC1 in HGF/c-Met signaling, we determined whether MUC1 and c-Met interact cooperatively and what their role(s) is in hepatocarcinogenesis. Results MUC1 and c-Met over-expression levels were determined in highly motile and invasive, mesenchymal-like HCC cell lines, and in serial sections of cirrhotic and HCC tissues, and these levels were compared to those in normal liver tissues. Co-expression of both c-Met and MUC1 was found to be associated with the differentiation status of HCC. We further demonstrated an interaction between c-Met and MUC1 in HCC cells. HGF-induced c-Met phosphorylation decreased this interaction, and down-regulated MUC1 expression. Inhibition of c-Met activation restored HGF-mediated MUC1 down-regulation, and decreased the migratory and invasive abilities of HCC cells via inhibition of β-catenin activation and c-Myc expression. In contrast, siRNA silencing of MUC1 increased HGF-induced c-Met activation and HGF-induced cell motility and invasion. Conclusions These findings indicate that the crosstalk between MUC1 and c-Met in HCC could provide an advantage for invasion to HCC cells through the β-catenin/c-Myc pathway. Thus, MUC1 and c-Met could serve as potential therapeutic targets in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giray Bozkaya
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Dokuz Eylul University, Medical School, Balcova-Izmir, Turkey
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18
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Ozen E, Gozukizil A, Erdal E, Uren A, Bottaro DP, Atabey N. Heparin inhibits Hepatocyte Growth Factor induced motility and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through early growth response protein 1. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42717. [PMID: 22912725 PMCID: PMC3418296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling pathway regulates hepatocyte proliferation, and pathway aberrations are implicated in the invasive and metastatic behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition to c-Met, heparin acts as a co-receptor to modulate pathway activity. Recently, anti-metastatic and anti-cancer effects of heparin have been reported. However, the role of heparin in the regulation of HGF signaling remains controversial and the effects of heparin on HGF-induced biological responses during hepatocarcinogenesis is not yet defined. In this study we determined the effects of heparin on HGF-induced activities of HCC cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we report for the first time that heparin inhibits HGF-induced adhesion, motility and invasion of HCC cells. In addition, heparin reduced HGF-induced activation of c-Met and MAPK in a dose-dependent manner, as well as decreased transcriptional activation and expression of Early growth response factor 1 (Egr1). HGF-induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 activation, and MT1-MMP expression, also were inhibited by heparin. Stable knockdown of Egr1 caused a significant decrease in HGF-induced invasion, as well as the activation and expression of MMPs. Parallel to these findings, the overexpression of Egr1 increased the invasiveness of HCC cells. Our results suggest that Egr1 activates HGF-induced cell invasion through the regulation of MMPs in HCC cells and heparin inhibits HGF-induced cellular invasion via the downregulation of Egr1. Therefore, heparin treatment might be a therapeutic approach to inhibit invasion and metastasis of HCC, especially for patients with active HGF/c-Met signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evin Ozen
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aysim Gozukizil
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Esra Erdal
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aykut Uren
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Donald P. Bottaro
- Urologic Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National, Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nese Atabey
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
- * E-mail:
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Nakamura T, Sakai K, Nakamura T, Matsumoto K. Hepatocyte growth factor twenty years on: Much more than a growth factor. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011; 26 Suppl 1:188-202. [PMID: 21199531 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06549.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 343] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver regeneration depends on the proliferation of mature hepatocytes. In the 1980s, the method for the cultivation of mature hepatocytes provided an opportunity for the discovery of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as a protein that is structurally and functionally different from other growth factors. In 1991, the scatter factor, tumor cytotoxic factor, and 3-D epithelial morphogen were identified as HGF, and Met tyrosine kinase was identified as the receptor for HGF. Thus, the connection of apparently unrelated research projects rapidly enriched the research on HGF in different fields. The HGF-Met pathway plays important roles in the embryonic development of the liver and the placenta, in the migration of myogenic precursor cells, and in epithelial morphogenesis. The use of tissue-specific knockout mice demonstrated that in mature tissues the HGF-Met pathway plays a critical role in tissue protection and regeneration, and in providing less susceptibility to chronic inflammation and fibrosis. In various injury and disease models, HGF promotes cell survival, regeneration of tissues, and suppresses and improves chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Drug development using HGF has been challenging, but extensive preclinical studies to address its therapeutic effects have provided significant results sufficient for the development of HGF as a biological drug in the regeneration-based therapy of diseases. Clinical trials using recombinant human HGF protein, or HGF genes, are in progress for the treatment of diseases.
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Matsumoto K, Huang J, Viswakarma N, Bai L, Jia Y, Zhu YT, Yang G, Borensztajn J, Rao MS, Zhu YJ, Reddy JK. Transcription coactivator PBP/MED1-deficient hepatocytes are not susceptible to diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in the mouse. Carcinogenesis 2009; 31:318-25. [PMID: 20007298 PMCID: PMC2812575 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgp306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor coactivator [peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-binding protein (PBP)/mediator subunit 1 (MED1)] is a critical component of the mediator transcription complex. Disruption of this gene in the mouse results in embryonic lethality. Using the PBP/MED1 liver conditional null (PBP/MED1ΔLiv) mice, we reported that PBP/MED1 is essential for liver regeneration and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α ligand Wy-14,643-induced receptor-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. We now examined the role of PBP/MED1 in genotoxic chemical carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced and phenobarbital-promoted hepatocarcinogenesis. The carcinogenic process was initiated by a single intraperitoneal injection of DEN at 14 days of age and initiated cells were promoted with phenobarbital (PB) (0.05%) in drinking water. PBP/MED1ΔLiv mice, killed at 1, 4 and 12 weeks, revealed a striking proliferative response of few residual PBP/MED1-positive hepatocytes that escaped Cre-mediated deletion of PBP/MED1 gene. No proliferative expansion of PBP/MED1 null hepatocytes was noted in the PBP/MED1ΔLiv mouse livers. Multiple hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) developed in the DEN-initiated PBP/MED1fl/fl and PBP/MED1ΔLiv mice, 1 year after the PB promotion. Of interest is that all HCC developing in PBP/MED1ΔLiv mice were PBP/MED1 positive. None of the tumors was PBP/MED1 negative implying that hepatocytes deficient in PBP/MED1 are not susceptible to neoplastic conversion. HCC that developed in PBP/MED1ΔLiv mouse livers were transplantable in athymic nude mice and these maintained PBP/MED1fl/fl genotype. PBP/MED1fl/fl HCC cell line derived from these tumors expressed PBP/MED1 and deletion of PBP/MED1fl/fl allele by adeno-Cre injection into tumors caused necrosis of tumor cells. These results indicate that PBP/MED1 is essential for the development of HCC in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kojiro Matsumoto
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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