An aptamer targeting shared tumor-specific peptide antigen of MAGE-A3 in multiple cancers

A modified SELEX approach to identify DNA aptamers with binding specificity to the major histocompatibility complex presenting ovalbumin model antigen

Aptamers have sparked significant interest in cell recognition because of their superior binding specificity and biocompatibility. Cell recognition can be mediated by targeting the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that presents short peptides derived from intracellular antigens. Although numerous antibodies have demonstrated a specific affinity for the peptide-MHC complex, the number of aptamers that exhibit comparable characteristics is limited. Aptamers are usually selected from large libraries via the Systemic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX), an iterative process of selection and PCR amplification to enrich a pool of aptamers with high affinity. However, the success rate of aptamer identification is low, possibly due to the presence of complementary sequences or sequences rich in guanine and cytosine that are less accessible for primers. Here, we modified SELEX by employing systemic consecutive selections with minimal PCR amplification. We also modified the analysis by selecting aptamers that were identified in multiple selection rounds rather than those that are highly enriched. Using this approach, we were able to identify two aptamers with binding specificity to cells expressing the ovalbumin alloantigen as a proof of concept. These two aptamers were also discovered among the top 150 abundant candidates, despite not being highly enriched, by performing conventional SELEX. Additionally, we found that highly enriched aptamers tend to contain fractions of the primer sequence and have minimal target affinity. Candidate aptamers are easily missed in the conventional SELEX process. Therefore, our modification for SELEX may facilitate the identification of aptamers for more application in diverse biomedical fields. Significance: we modify the conventional method to improve the efficiency in the identification of the aptamer, a single strand of nucleic acid with binding specificity to the target molecule, showing as a proof of concept that this approach is particularly useful to select aptamers that can selectively bind to cells presenting a particular peptide by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the cell surface. Given that cancer cells may express mutant peptide-MHC complexes that are distinct from those expressed by normal cells, this study sheds light on the potential application of aptamers to cancer cell targeting.

A comprehensive review on novel targeted therapy methods and nanotechnology-based gene delivery systems in melanoma

Melanoma, a malignant form of skin cancer, has been swiftly increasing in recent years. Although there have been significant advancements in clinical treatment underlying a well-understanding of melanoma-susceptible genes and the molecular basis of melanoma pathogenesis, the permanency of response to therapy is frequently constrained by the emergence of acquired resistance and systemic toxicity. Conventional therapies, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, have already been used to treat melanoma and are dependent on the cancer stage. Nevertheless, ineffective side effects and the heterogeneity of tumors pose major obstacles to the therapeutic treatment of malignant melanoma through such strategies. In light of this, advanced therapies including nucleic acid therapies (ncRNA, aptamers), suicide gene therapies, and gene therapy using tumor suppressor genes, have lately gained immense attention in the field of cancer treatment. Furthermore, nanomedicine and targeted therapy based on gene editing tools have been applied to the treatment of melanoma as potential cancer treatment approaches nowadays. Indeed, nanovectors enable delivery of the therapeutic agents into the tumor sites by passive or active targeting, improving therapeutic efficiency and minimizing adverse effects. Accordingly, in this review, we summarized the recent findings related to novel targeted therapy methods as well as nanotechnology-based gene systems in melanoma. We also discussed current issues along with potential directions for future research, paving the way for the next-generation of melanoma treatments.

Aptamer-Based Probes for Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment

Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligomers that have the ability to generate unique and diverse tertiary structures that bind to cognate molecules with high specificity. In recent years, aptamer researches have witnessed a huge surge, owing to its unique properties, such as high specificity and binding affinity, low immunogenicity and toxicity, and simplicity of synthesis with negligible batch-to-batch variation. Aptamers may bind to targets, such as various cancer biomarkers, making them applicable for a wide range of cancer diagnosis and treatment. In cancer diagnostic applications, aptamers are used as molecular probes instead of antibodies. They have the potential to detect various cancer-associated biomarkers. For cancer therapeutic purposes, aptamers can serve as therapeutic or delivery agents. The chemical stabilization and modification strategies for aptamers may expand their serum half-life and shelf life. However, aptamer-based probes for cancer diagnosis and therapy still face several challenges for successful clinical translation. A deeper understanding of nucleic acid chemistry, tissue distribution, and pharmacokinetics is required in the development of aptamer-based probes. This review summarizes their application in cancer diagnostics and treatments based on different localization of target biomarkers, as well as current challenges and future prospects.

Advances in aptamer-based drug delivery vehicles for cancer therapy

Overall, aptamers are special classes of nucleic acid-based macromolecules that are beginning to investigate because of their capability of avidity binding to a specific target for clinical use. Taking advantage of target-specific medicine led to more effective therapeutic and limitation of side effects of drugs. Herein, we discuss several aptamers and their binding capability and capacity for selecting tumor biomarkers and usage of them as targeting ligands for the functionalization of nanomaterials. We review recent applications based on aptamers and several nanoparticles to rise efficacy and develop carrier systems such as graphene oxide, folic acid, gold, mesopores silica, and various polymers and copolymer, polyethylene glycol, cyclodextrin, chitosan. The nanocarriers have been characterized by particle size, zeta potential, aptamer conjugation, and drug encapsulation efficiency. Hydrodynamic diameter and Zeta potential can used in order to monitor aptamers' crosslinking, in-vitro drug release, intracellular delivery of nanocarriers, and cellular cytotoxicity assay. Also, they are studied for cellular uptake and internalization to types of cancer cell lines such as colorectal, breast, prostate, leukemia and etc. The results are investigated in in-vivo cytotoxicity assay and cell viability assay. Targeted cancer therapy seems a good and promising strategy to overcome the systemic toxicity of chemotherapy.

The HN1/HMGB1 axis promotes the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma and attenuates the chemosensitivity to oxaliplatin

Hematological and neurological expressed 1 (HN1) is closely associated with the proliferation and metastasis of various tumors. However, the physiological functions and clinical significance of HN1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain indistinct. In this study, we investigated the role of HN1 in the pathogenesis of HCC and the underlying mechanism using clinical data from HCC patients, in vitro experiments utilizing HCC cell lines and in vivo animal models. We demonstrated that the overexpressed HN1 in HCC was correlated with patients' adverse outcomes. The gain and loss of function experiments indicated that HN1 could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells in vitro. Furthermore, we found that HN1 knockdown sensitized HCC cells to oxaliplatin. Mechanically, HN1 prevented HMGB1 protein from ubiquitination and degradation via the autophagy-lysosome pathway, which was related to the interaction between HN1 protein and TRIM28 protein. In the nucleus, the downregulation of HMGB1 followed by HN1 knockdown resulted in increased DNA damage and cell death in the oxaliplatin-treated HCC cells. In the cytoplasm, HN1 regulated autophagy via HMGB1. Furthermore, HN1 knockdown in combination with HMGB1 overexpression restored the aggressive phenotypes of HCC cells and the sensitivity of these cells to oxaliplatin. HN1 knockdown inhibited the tumor growth and metastasis, and promoted the anticancer efficiency of oxaliplatin in vivo. In conclusion, our data suggest that the HN1/HMGB1 axis plays an important role in the development/progression and chemotherapy of HCC. Our findings indicate that the HN1/HMGB1 axis may be a promising therapeutic target for HCC treatment.

Prospective Cancer Therapies Using Stimuli-Responsive DNA Nanostructures

Nanostructures based on DNA self-assembly present an innovative way to address the increasing need for target-specific delivery of therapeutic molecules. Currently, most of the chemotherapeutics being used in clinical practice have undesired and exceedingly high off-target toxicity. This is a challenge in particular for small molecules, and hence, developing robust and effective methods to lower these side effects and enhance the antitumor activity is of paramount importance. Prospectively, these issues could be tackled with the help of DNA nanotechnology, which provides a route for the fabrication of custom, biocompatible, and multimodal structures, which can, to some extent, resist nuclease degradation and survive in the cellular environment. Similar to widely employed liposomal products, the DNA nanostructures (DNs) are loaded with selected drugs, and then by employing a specific stimulus, the payload can be released at its target region. This review explores several strategies and triggers to achieve targeted delivery of DNs. Notably, different modalities are explained through which DNs can interact with their respective targets as well as how structural changes triggered by external stimuli can be used to achieve the display or release of the cargo. Furthermore, the prospects and challenges of this technology are highlighted.

Advancement in Salmonella Detection Methods: From Conventional to Electrochemical-Based Sensing Detection

Large-scale food-borne outbreaks caused by Salmonella are rarely seen nowadays, thanks to the advanced nature of the medical system. However, small, localised outbreaks in certain regions still exist and could possess a huge threat to the public health if eradication measure is not initiated. This review discusses the progress of Salmonella detection approaches covering their basic principles, characteristics, applications, and performances. Conventional Salmonella detection is usually performed using a culture-based method, which is time-consuming, labour intensive, and unsuitable for on-site testing and high-throughput analysis. To date, there are many detection methods with a unique detection system available for Salmonella detection utilising immunological-based techniques, molecular-based techniques, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, optical phenotyping, and biosensor methods. The electrochemical biosensor has growing interest in Salmonella detection mainly due to its excellent sensitivity, rapidity, and portability. The use of a highly specific bioreceptor, such as aptamers, and the application of nanomaterials are contributing factors to these excellent characteristics. Furthermore, insight on the types of biorecognition elements, the principles of electrochemical transduction elements, and the miniaturisation potential of electrochemical biosensors are discussed.

Targeted drug delivery using an aptamer against shared tumor-specific peptide antigen of MAGE-A3

We developed a DNA aptamer, Ap52, against the shared tumor-specific MAGE-A3_111-125 peptide antigen that was used to target multiple types of cancer cells. Here we report the in vivo study of mice implanted with pancreatic tumor cells AsPC-1, which demonstrates accumulation of phosphorothioate-modified Ap52 (ThioAp52) at the xenograft tumor following either intravenous or in situ injection. When complexed with antitumor drug doxorubicin (Dox), ThioAp52 achieves targeted delivery to four types of cancer cells, including breast, oral, pancreatic, and skin. Image analysis shows that ThioAp52-Dox complex selectively enters cancer cells, while free Dox is taken up by all cell lines. The cytotoxicity of ThioAp52-Dox for cancer cells is enhanced as compared to that for the corresponding normal/noncancerous cells. These results indicate that this aptamer against shared tumor-specific antigen can be a potential delivery vehicle for therapeutics to treat multiple cancers.

Aptamers: a novel targeted theranostic platform for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely challenging disease with a high mortality rate and a short overall survival time. The poor prognosis can be explained by aggressive tumor growth, late diagnosis, and therapy resistance. Consistent efforts have been made focusing on early tumor detection and novel drug development. Various strategies aim at increasing target specificity or local enrichment of chemotherapeutics as well as imaging agents in tumor tissue. Aptamers have the potential to provide early detection and permit anti-cancer therapy with significantly reduced side effects. These molecules are in-vitro selected single-stranded oligonucleotides that form stable three-dimensional structures. They are capable of binding to a variety of molecular targets with high affinity and specificity. Several properties such as high binding affinity, the in vitro chemical process of selection, a variety of chemical modifications of molecular platforms for diverse function, non-immunoreactivity, modification of bioavailability, and manipulation of pharmacokinetics make aptamers attractive targets compared to conventional cell-specific ligands. To explore the potential of aptamers for early diagnosis and targeted therapy of PDAC - as single agents and in combination with radiotherapy - we summarize the generation process of aptamers and their application as biosensors, biomarker detection tools, targeted imaging tracers, and drug-delivery carriers. We are furthermore discussing the current implementation aptamers in clinical trials, their limitations and possible future utilization.

Aptamer-T Cell Targeted Therapy for Tumor Treatment Using Sugar Metabolism and Click Chemistry

The development of a tumor-targeted immunotherapy is highly required. The most advanced application is the use of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)T (CAR-T) cells to B cell malignancies, but there are still side effects including potential carcinogenicity of lentiviral or retroviral insertion into the host cell genome. Here, we developed a nonviral aptamer-T cell targeted strategy for tumor therapy. Tumor cells surface-specific ssDNA aptamers were conjugated to CD3⁺T cells (aptamer-T cells) using N-azidomannosamine (ManNAz) sugar metabolic cell labeling and click chemistry. We found that the aptamer-T cells could specifically target and bind to tumor cells (such as SGC-7901 gastric cancer cell and CT26 colon carcinoma cell) in vitro and in mice after adoptively transfer in. Aptamer-T cells led to significant regression in tumor volume due to being enriched at tumor microenvironment and producing strong cytotoxicity activities of CD3⁺T cells with enhanced perforin, granzyme B, CD107a, CD69, and FasL expression. Moreover, aptamer-T displayed even stronger antitumor effects than an anti-PD1 immune-checkpoint monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment in mice and combination with anti-PD1 yielded synergic antitumor effects. This study uncovers the strong potential of the adoptive nonviral aptamer-T cell strategy as a feasible and efficacious approach for tumor-targeted immunotherapy application.

Next-Generation Cancer-Specific Hybrid Theranostic Nanomaterials: MAGE-A3 NIR Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles Conjugated to Afatinib for In Situ Suppression of Lung Adenocarcinoma Growth and Metastasis

The rate of lung cancer has gradually increased in recent years, with an average annual increase of 15%. Afatinib (AFT) plays a key role in preventing non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) growth and spread. To increase the efficiency of drug loading and NSCLC cell tracking, near infrared-persistent luminescence nanomaterials (NIR PLNs), a silica shell-assisted synthetic route for mono-dispersal, are developed and used in the nanovehicle. After optimizing their physical and chemical properties, the NIR PLNs are able to absorb light energy and emit NIR luminescence for several hours. In this research, NIR PLNs are functionalized for drug-carrying capabilities. Effective accumulation of target drugs, such as AFT, using PLN nanomaterials can lead to unique anticancer therapeutic benefits (AFT-PLN). To minimize side effects and increase drug accumulation, nanomaterials with targeting abilities are used instead of simple drugs to inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Thus, the specific targeting aptamer, MAGE-A3 (MAp) is identified, and the PLN to increase its targeting ability (AFT-PLN@MAp) accordingly modified. The advancement of nanoscale techniques in the field of lung cancer is urgently needed; this research presents a plausible diagnostic strategy and a novel method for therapeutic administration.

Advances in delivery vectors for gene therapy in liver cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer death globally, mainly due to lack of effective treatments – a problem that gene therapy is poised to solve. Successful gene therapy requires safe and efficient delivery vectors, and recent advances in both viral and nonviral vectors have made an important impact on HCC gene therapy delivery. This review explores how adenoviral, retroviral and adeno-associated viral vectors have been modified to increase safety and delivery capacity, highlighting studies and clinical trials using these vectors for HCC gene therapy. Nanoparticles, liposomes, exosomes and virosomes are also featured in their roles as HCC gene delivery vectors. Finally, new discoveries in gene editing technology and their impacts on HCC gene therapy are discussed.

LINC01234/MicroRNA-31-5p/MAGEA3 Axis Mediates the Proliferation and Chemoresistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy characterized by aggressiveness and poor prognosis; however, the molecular mechanism remains to be fully identified. Based on the analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, melanoma-associated antigen A3 (MAGEA3) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC01234 were upregulated in HCC and associated with poor prognosis of HCC. We investigated the mechanism of how MAGEA3 and LINC01234 influenced HCC cellular functions and cisplatin resistance. MAGEA3 depletion inhibited proliferation, invasion, and cisplatin resistance of HepG2 cells and Huh7 cells in vitro, reduced resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), MRP3, and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR-1) expression, and elevated ALB expression. RNA pull-down and RIP assays identified the binding of LINC01234 and MAGEA3 to microRNA-31-5p (miR-31-5p). LINC01234 could restore MAGEA3 expression by binding to miR-31-5p. Furthermore, we delivered plasmids into HepG2 cells and Huh7 cells to alter the expression of LINC01234 and miR-31-5p. When miR-31-5p was downregulated, the proliferation and invasion of HepG2 cells and Huh7 cells were enhanced and the cisplatin-induced apoptosis was inhibited, while LINC01234 knockdown could diminish the effects caused by miR-31-5p depletion. In summary, these data highlight the vital role of MAGEA3/LINC01234/miR-31-5p axis in the HCC progression and chemoresistance of HCC cells.

Development of Aptamer-Based TID Assays Using Thermophoresis and Microarrays

Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides which can be used as alternative recognition elements for protein detection, because aptamers bind their targets with a high affinity similar to antibodies. Due to the targetinduced conformational changes of aptamers, these oligonucleotides can be applied in various biosensing platforms. In this work, aptamers directed against the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were used as a model system. VEGF plays a key role in physiological angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Furthermore, VEGF is involved in the development and growth of cancer and other diseases like agerelated macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and neurodegenerative disorders. Detecting the protein biomarker VEGF is therefore of great importance for medical research and diagnostics. In this research, VEGFbinding aptamers were investigated for the systematic development of a targetinduced dissociation (TID) assay utilizing thermophoresis and microarrays. The established aptamer-microarray allowed for the detection of 0.1 nM of VEGF. Furthermore, the systematic development of the TID method using the VEGF model protein could help to develop further TID assays for the detection of various protein biomarkers.

Codelivery of Genistein and miRNA-29b to A549 Cells Using Aptamer-Hybrid Nanoparticle Bioconjugates

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer effect of a combination therapy of miRNA-29b and genistein loaded in mucin-1 (MUC 1)-aptamer functionalized hybrid nanoparticles in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cell line. Genistein-miRNA-29b-loaded hybrid nanoparticles (GMLHN) was prepared and characterized. Particle size and zeta potential were measured using photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). Encapsulation efficiency and loading efficiency were determined using HPLC. Preferential internalization of MUC 1-aptamer functionalized GMLHN by A549 cells was evaluated and compared to normal MRC-5 cells. The ability of GMLHN to downregulate targeted oncoproteins Phosphorylated protein kinase, strain AK, Thymoma (Phosphorylated protein kinase B) (pAKT), Phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 3 beta (DNMT3B) and Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 (MCL 1) was evaluated using western blot, while antiproliferative effect and ability to initiate apoptosis was also assessed in A549 cells. MUC 1-aptamer functionalized GMLHN nanoparticles were prepared. These nanoparticles were preferentially internalized by A549 cells but less so, in MRC-5 cells. pAKT, p-PI3K, DNMT3B and MCL 1 were efficiently downregulated by these nanoparticles without affecting the levels of AKT and PI3K in A549 cells. GMLHN demonstrated a superior antiproliferative effect compared to individual genistein and miRNA-29b-loaded nanoparticles. Results generated were able to demonstrate that genistein-miRNA-29b-loaded hybrid nanoparticles (GMLHN) could be a potential treatment modality for NSCLC because of the ability of the payloads to attack multiple targets.

Aptamer-Based Biosensing with a Cationic AIEgen

Fabrication of low-cost biosensing platforms with high selectivity and sensitivity is important for constructing portable devices for personal health monitoring. Herein, we report a simple biosensing strategy based on the combination of a cationic AIEgen (aggregation-induced emission fluorogen), TPE-2+, with an aptamer for specific protein detection. The target protein can displace the dye molecules on the dye–aptamer complex, resulting in changes in the fluorescence signal. Selectivity towards different targets can be achieved by simply changing the aptamer sequence. The working mechanism is also investigated.

Selection and preliminary application of a single stranded DNA aptamer targeting colorectal cancer serum

Colorectal cancer is one of the common causes of malignant tumors in recent years, thus the discovery of potential compounds that detect the occurrence of colorectal cancer by efficient approaches is necessary. In this study, the method of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) was used for recognizing serum from colorectal cancer patients by a single-stranded DNA library of aptamers assisted by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to remove single-stranded DNA with low affinity. Ten rounds of selection were applied using colorectal cancer serum as a target with the serum of healthy individuals as a control. As the result, we have successfully identified four candidate aptamers after high-throughput genome sequencing analysis, comparison analysis and secondary structure prediction. Among them, aptamer Seq-2 exhibited the highest affinity and the strongest selectivity with an equilibrium dissociation constant (K_d) of 11.31 ± 3.25 nM and a C_t difference value of 4.25 ± 0.38 between the colorectal cancer group and the healthy group. Moreover, with fifty negative control serum samples, the positive detection rate of fifty positive serum samples tested by aptamer Seq-2 was over 90%. In particular, aptamer Seq-2 can strongly bind the colorectal cancer serum, less strongly bind the non-colon cancer serum and hardly bind the healthy serum. Therefore, aptamer Seq-2 presents enormous potential for exploring as a tumor diagnostic kit and detecting unknown tumor markers in serum to reflect colorectal cancer.

Aptamer Seq-2 with high affinity and selectivity was screened against colorectal cancer serum directly for clinical application.

Emerging cancer-specific therapeutic aptamers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We will describe recently discovered smart aptamers with tumor specificity, with an emphasis on targeted delivery of novel therapeutic molecules, cancer-specific biomarkers, and immunotherapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

The development of cancer-specific aptamers has facilitated targeted delivery of potent therapeutic molecules to cancer cells without harming nontumoral cells. This specificity also makes it possible to discover novel cancer biomarkers. Furthermore, alternative immune-checkpoint blockade aptamers have been developed for combinational immunotherapy.

SUMMARY

Aptamers selected against cancer cells show cancer specificity, which has great potential for targeting. First, functionalizing targeted aptamers with therapeutic molecule payloads (e.g., small activating RNAs, antimitotic drugs, therapeutic antibodies, and peptides) facilitates successful delivery into cancer cells. This approach greatly improves the therapeutic index by minimizing side-effects in nontumoral cells. Second, cancer-specific proteins have been identified as cancer biomarkers through in-vitro and in-vivo selection, aptamer pull-down assays, and mass spectrometry. These newly discovered biomarkers improve therapeutic intervention and diagnostic specificity. In addition, the development of alternative immune-checkpoint blockade aptamers is suggested for use in combinational immunotherapeutic with current immune blockade regimens, to reduce the resistance and exhaustion of T cells in clinical trials. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COON/A21.

MAGE-TRIM28 complex promotes the Warburg effect and hepatocellular carcinoma progression by targeting FBP1 for degradation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading cause of cancer death in the world. Fructose-1,6-biphosphatase (FBP1), a rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis, has been identified recently as a tumor suppressor in HCC and other cancer types. In this study, we demonstrated that the tripartite motif-containing protein 28 (TRIM28) binds directly to and promotes FBP1 for ubiquitination and degradation. MAGE-A3 and MAGE-C2, which are known to be overexpressed in HCC, can enhance TRIM28-dependent degradation of FBP1 by forming ubiquitin ligase complexes with TRIM28. We further showed that expression of TRIM28 increased glucose consumption and lactate production by promoting FBP1 degradation in HCC cells and that FBP1 is a key mediator of TRIM28-induced HCC growth in culture and in mice. Moreover, we demonstrated that FBP1 and TRIM28 protein levels inversely correlated in HCC patient specimens. Finally, we showed that the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib mitigated the Warburg effect by inhibiting FBP1 degradation in HCC. Collectively, our findings not only identify oncogenic MAGE-TRIM28 complex-mediated proteasome degradation of FBP1 as a key mechanism underlying downregulation of FBP1 proteins in HCC, but also reveal that MAGE-TRIM28-regulated reprogramming of cancer cell metabolism and HCC tumorigenesis is mediated, at least in part, through FBP1 degradation.