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Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-y] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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2
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Ma Y, Lv H, Xing F, Xiang W, Wu Z, Feng Q, Wang H, Yang W. Cancer stem cell-immune cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment for liver cancer progression. Front Med 2024; 18:430-445. [PMID: 38600350 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1049-z] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Crosstalk between cancer cells and the immune microenvironment is determinant for liver cancer progression. A tumor subpopulation called liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) significantly accounts for the initiation, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence of liver cancer. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the interaction between liver CSCs and immune cells plays a crucial role in shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment and determining immunotherapy responses. This review sheds light on the bidirectional crosstalk between liver CSCs and immune cells for liver cancer progression, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms after presenting an overview of liver CSCs characteristic and their microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the potential application of liver CSCs-targeted immunotherapy for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongwei Lv
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Fuxue Xing
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Zixin Wu
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Qiyu Feng
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Wen Yang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Yeo YH, Lee YT, Tseng HR, Zhu Y, You S, Agopian VG, Yang JD. Alpha-fetoprotein: Past, present, and future. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0422. [PMID: 38619448 PMCID: PMC11019827 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein that plays an important role in immune regulation with critical involvement in early human development and maintaining the immune balance during pregnancy. Postfetal development, the regulatory mechanisms controlling AFP undergo a shift and AFP gene transcription is suppressed. Instead, these enhancers refocus their activity to maintain albumin gene transcription throughout adulthood. During the postnatal period, AFP expression can increase in the setting of hepatocyte injury, regeneration, and malignant transformation. It is the first oncoprotein discovered and is routinely used as part of a screening strategy for HCC. AFP has been shown to be a powerful prognostic biomarker, and multiple HCC prognosis models confirmed the independent prognostic utility of AFP. AFP is also a useful predictive biomarker for monitoring the treatment response of HCC. In addition to its role as a biomarker, AFP plays important roles in immune modulation to promote tumorigenesis and thus has been investigated as a therapeutic target in HCC. In this review article, we aim to provide an overview of AFP, encompassing the discovery, biological role, and utility as an HCC biomarker in combination with other biomarkers and how it impacts clinical practice and future direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Hui Yeo
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yi-Te Lee
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hsian-Rong Tseng
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yazhen Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ronald Reagan Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sungyong You
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vatche G. Agopian
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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4
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Lu Y, Lin B, Li M. The role of alpha-fetoprotein in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1363695. [PMID: 38660138 PMCID: PMC11039944 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1363695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant cancer worldwide, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein synthesized by the liver and yolk sac during fetal development. However, the serum levels of AFP exhibit a significant correlation with the onset and progression of HCC in adults. Extensive research has demonstrated that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the malignant transformation of HCC, and AFP is a key factor in the TME, promoting HCC development. The objective of this review was to analyze the existing knowledge regarding the role of AFP in the TME. Specifically, this review focused on the effect of AFP on various cells in the TME, tumor immune evasion, and clinical application of AFP in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. These findings offer valuable insights into the clinical treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
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5
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Rawal P, Tripathi DM, Hemati H, Kumar J, Tyagi P, Sarin SK, Nain V, Kaur S. Targeted HBx gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9 system effectively reduces epithelial to mesenchymal transition and HBV replication in hepatoma cells. Liver Int 2024; 44:614-624. [PMID: 38105495 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) play a key role in pathogenesis of HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by promoting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we hypothesized that inhibition of HBx is an effective strategy to combat HCC. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS We designed and synthesized novel HBx gene specific single guide RNA (sgRNA) with CRISPR/Cas9 system and studied its in vitro effects on tumour properties of HepG2-2.15. Full length HBx gene was excised using HBx-CRISPR that resulted in significant knockdown of HBx expression in hepatoma cells. HBx-CRISPR also decreased levels of HBsAg and HBV cccDNA expression. A decreased expression of mesenchymal markers, proliferation and tumorigenic properties was observed in HBx-CRISPR treated cells as compared to controls in both two- and three- dimensional (2D and 3D) tumour models. Transcriptomics data showed that out of 1159 differentially expressed genes in HBx-CRISPR transfected cells as compared to controls, 70 genes were upregulated while 1089 genes associated with cell proliferation and EMT pathways were downregulated. CONCLUSION Thus, targeting of HBx by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system reduces covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels, HBsAg production and mesenchymal characteristics of HBV-HCC cells. We envision inhibition of HBx by CRISPR as a novel therapeutic approach for HBV-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preety Rawal
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Dinesh Mani Tripathi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Hamed Hemati
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Purnima Tyagi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Vikrant Nain
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Savneet Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India
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6
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Wang F, Song H, Xu F, Xu J, Wang L, Yang F, Zhu Y, Tan G. Role of hepatitis B virus non-structural protein HBx on HBV replication, interferon signaling, and hepatocarcinogenesis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1322892. [PMID: 38188582 PMCID: PMC10767994 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1322892] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B, a global health concern caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), infects nearly 2 billion individuals worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). HBV, a hepatotropic DNA virus, predominantly targets and replicates within hepatocytes. Those carrying the virus are at increased risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, resulting in nearly 900,000 fatalities annually. The HBV X protein (HBx), encoded by the virus's open reading frame x, plays a key role in its virulence. This protein is integral to viral replication, immune modulation, and liver cancer progression. Despite its significance, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying HBx remain elusive. This review investigates the HBx protein's roles in HBV replication, interferon signaling regulation, and hepatocellular carcinoma progression. By understanding the complex interactions between the virus and its host mediated by HBx, we aim to establish a solid foundation for future research and the development of HBx-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hongxiao Song
- Department of Hepatology, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Fengchao Xu
- Department of Hepatology, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Health Examination Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yujia Zhu
- Department of Hepatology, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guangyun Tan
- Department of Hepatology, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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He J, Han J, Lin K, Wang J, Li G, Li X, Gao Y. PTEN/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways regulate the proliferation of Lgr5+ cells in liver cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 683:149117. [PMID: 37857166 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The progression and spread of tumors are believed to be primarily caused by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Nevertheless, the task of focusing on CSCs for cancer treatment continues to be difficult. Lgr5, a G-protein-coupled receptor containing leucine-rich repeats, is highly expressed in different types of cancer and serves as a distinctive marker for cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this study, we employed the Cre-loxP system and Lgr5 tracking mice of male to selectively remove PTEN and β-catenin in Lgr5+ cells of DEN-induced liver cancer and monitor the behavior of Lgr5+ cells. The tracking data revealed that the activation of PTEN-mediated AKT signaling in Lgr5 led to a significant rise in the quantity of Lgr5+ cells, whereas the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling decreased the number of cells in DEN-induced liver cancer. Therefore, we have shown that the growth of Lgr5+ cells can be controlled by the PTEN/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, offering a potential treatment option for fighting against liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia He
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Jimin Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaijun Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingru Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Guiqiang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China.
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Faghihkhorasani A, Dalvand A, Derafsh E, Tavakoli F, Younis NK, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O, Shokri P. The role of oncolytic virotherapy and viral oncogenes in the cancer stem cells: a review of virus in cancer stem cells. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:250. [PMID: 37880659 PMCID: PMC10599042 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03099-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are the main "seeds" for the initiation, growth, metastasis, and recurrence of tumors. According to many studies, several viral infections, including the human papillomaviruses, hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis C virus, promote the aggressiveness of cancer by encouraging the development of CSC features. Therefore, a better method for the targeted elimination of CSCs and knowledge of their regulatory mechanisms in human carcinogenesis may lead to the development of a future tool for the management and treatment of cancer. Oncolytic viruses (OVs), which include the herpes virus, adenovirus, vaccinia, and reovirus, are also a new class of cancer therapeutics that have favorable properties such as selective replication in tumor cells, delivery of numerous eukaryotic transgene payloads, induction of immunogenic cell death and promotion of antitumor immunity, as well as a tolerable safety profile that essentially differs from that of other cancer therapeutics. The effects of viral infection on the development of CSCs and the suppression of CSCs by OV therapy were examined in this paper. The purpose of this review is to investigate the dual role of viruses in CSCs (oncolytic virotherapy and viral oncogenes).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alaleh Dalvand
- Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Derafsh
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Windsor University School of Medicine, Brighton's Estate, Cayton, St. Kitts And Nevis
| | - Farnaz Tavakoli
- Nephrology and Transplantation Ward, Shariati Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Saman Yasamineh
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Pooria Shokri
- Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medical Science, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
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Lam KH, Ma S. Noncellular components in the liver cancer stem cell niche: Biology and potential clinical implications. Hepatology 2023; 78:991-1005. [PMID: 35727189 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are now recognized as one of the major root causes of therapy failure and tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early studies in the field focused primarily on the intrinsic regulators of CSC maintenance, but in recent years, mounting evidence has demonstrated the presence and role of extrinsic regulators in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the control of liver CSCs. In addition to direct interaction with cellular components, noncellular components, including the extracellular matrix, hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and secreted molecules within the tumor stroma and hepatitis viruses, also play a critical role in shaping the CSC niche. In this review, we highlight how various noncellular components in the TME play a role in regulating CSCs and how CSCs secrete components to interact with the TME to generate their own niche, working hand in hand to drive tumor physiology in HCC. In addition, we describe the potential clinical applications of these findings and propose perspectives on future research of noncellular components in the liver CSC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Hei Lam
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen Hospital , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
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10
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Feitelson MA, Arzumanyan A, Medhat A, Spector I. Short-chain fatty acids in cancer pathogenesis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:677-698. [PMID: 37432606 PMCID: PMC10584782 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10117-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a multi-step process that can be viewed as a cellular and immunological shift away from homeostasis in response to selected infectious agents, mutations, diet, and environmental carcinogens. Homeostasis, which contributes importantly to the definition of "health," is maintained, in part by the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are metabolites of specific gut bacteria. Alteration in the composition of gut bacteria, or dysbiosis, is often a major risk factor for some two dozen tumor types. Dysbiosis is often characterized by diminished levels of SCFAs in the stool, and the presence of a "leaky gut," permitting the penetration of microbes and microbial derived molecules (e.g., lipopolysaccharides) through the gut wall, thereby triggering chronic inflammation. SCFAs attenuate inflammation by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa B, by decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, by stimulating the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor beta, and by promoting the differentiation of naïve T cells into T regulatory cells, which down-regulate immune responses by immunomodulation. SCFA function epigenetically by inhibiting selected histone acetyltransferases that alter the expression of multiple genes and the activity of many signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt, Hedgehog, Hippo, and Notch) that contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. SCFAs block cancer stem cell proliferation, thereby potentially delaying or inhibiting cancer development or relapse by targeting genes and pathways that are mutated in tumors (e.g., epidermal growth factor receptor, hepatocyte growth factor, and MET) and by promoting the expression of tumor suppressors (e.g., by up-regulating PTEN and p53). When administered properly, SCFAs have many advantages compared to probiotic bacteria and fecal transplants. In carcinogenesis, SCFAs are toxic against tumor cells but not to surrounding tissue due to differences in their metabolic fate. Multiple hallmarks of cancer are also targets of SCFAs. These data suggest that SCFAs may re-establish homeostasis without overt toxicity and either delay or prevent the development of various tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Feitelson
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
| | - Alla Arzumanyan
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Arvin Medhat
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran, 1975933411, Iran
| | - Ira Spector
- SFA Therapeutics, Jenkintown, PA, 19046, USA
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11
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Wang Y, Yang Z, Zhu W, Chen Y, He X, Li J, Han Z, Yang Y, Liu W, Zhang K. Dihydroartemisinin inhibited stem cell-like properties and enhanced oxaliplatin sensitivity of colorectal cancer via AKT/mTOR signaling. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:988-998. [PMID: 37132439 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22067] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common tumor with high morbidity and mortality. The use of oxaliplatin (L-OHP) as a first-line treatment for CRC is limited due to chemoresistance. Growing evidence have revealed that the existence of cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) is one of the important reasons for drug resistance and recurrence of cancers. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of artemisinin, has showed anticancer effects on a variety of malignancies, in addition to its antimalarial effects. However, the effect and mechanism of DHA on CSLCs and chemosensitivity in CRC cells remains unclear. In this study, we found that DHA inhibited cell viability in HCT116 and SW620 cells. Moreover, DHA decreased cell clonogenicity, and improved L-OHP sensitivity. Furthermore, DHA treatment attenuated tumor sphere formation, and the expressions of stem cell surface marker (CD133 and CD44) and stemness-associated transcription factor (Nanog, c-Myc, and OCT4). Mechanistically, the present findings showed that DHA inhibited of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The activation of AKT/mTOR signaling reversed DHA-decreased cell viability, clonogenicity, L-OHP resistance, tumor sphere, and expressions of stemness-associated protein in CRC. The inhibitory effect of DHA on tumorigenicity of CRC cells has also been demonstrated in BALB/c nude mice. In conclusion, this study revealed that DHA inhibited CSLCs properties in CRC via AKT/mTOR signaling, suggesting that DHA may be used as a potential therapeutic agent for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhirong Yang
- Pathology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, China
| | - Wanglong Zhu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuzhuo Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingqiang He
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaofeng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengyu Han
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuhan Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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12
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BTEAC Catalyzed Ultrasonic-Assisted Synthesis of Bromobenzofuran-Oxadiazoles: Unravelling Anti-HepG-2 Cancer Therapeutic Potential through In Vitro and In Silico Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24033008. [PMID: 36769327 PMCID: PMC9917671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24033008] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, BTEAC (benzyl triethylammonium chloride) was employed as a phase transfer catalyst in an improved synthesis (up to 88% yield) of S-alkylated bromobenzofuran-oxadiazole scaffolds BF1-9. These bromobenzofuran-oxadiazole structural hybrids BF1-9 were evaluated in vitro against anti-hepatocellular cancer (HepG2) cell line as well as for their in silico therapeutic potential against six key cancer targets, such as EGFR, PI3K, mTOR, GSK-3β, AKT, and Tubulin polymerization enzymes. Bromobenzofuran structural motifs BF-2, BF-5, and BF-6 displayed the best anti-cancer potential and with the least cell viabilities (12.72 ± 2.23%, 10.41 ± 0.66%, and 13.08 ± 1.08%), respectively, against HepG2 liver cancer cell line, and they also showed excellent molecular docking scores against EGFR, PI3K, mTOR, and Tubulin polymerization enzymes, which are major cancer targets. Bromobenzofuran-oxadiazoles BF-2, BF-5, and BF-6 displayed excellent binding affinities with the active sites of EGFR, PI3K, mTOR, and Tubulin polymerization enzymes in the molecular docking studies as well as in MMGBSA and MM-PBSA studies. The stable bindings of these structural hybrids BF-2, BF-5, and BF-6 with the enzyme targets EGFR and PI3K were further confirmed by molecular dynamic simulations. These investigations revealed that 2,5-dimethoxy-based bromobenzofuran-oxadiazole BF-5 (10.41 ± 0.66% cell viability) exhibited excellent cytotoxic therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, computational studies also suggested that the EGFR, PI3K, mTOR, and Tubulin polymerization enzymes were the probable targets of this BF-5 scaffold. In silico approaches, such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and DFT studies, displayed excellent association with the experimental biological data of bromobenzofuran-oxadiazoles BF1-9. Thus, in silico and in vitro results anticipate that the synthesized bromobenzofuran-oxadiazole hybrid BF-5 possesses prominent anti-liver cancer inhibitory effects and can be used as lead for further investigation for anti-HepG2 liver cancer therapy.
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Yang X, Wang A, Li J, Zhou K, Ji K, Ji X, Zhang J, Wu X, Bu Z. Prognostic significance of preoperative serum tumor markers in hepatoid adenocarcinoma of stomach (HAS). BMC Cancer 2023; 23:53. [PMID: 36647059 PMCID: PMC9841701 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10516-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of preoperative serum tumor markers in HAS patients was vague, we designed the study to explore the effect of preoperative serum tumor markers on predicting the prognosis of HAS patients. METHODS A total of 139 patients were included according to the different tumor makers. X-tile tool was employed to identify the optimal cut-off values of respective tumor makers. Multivariate analyses were conducted to determine independent risk factors. RESULTS The optimal cut-off value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for 3-years overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 516 ng/mL. Patients with high-level AFP values assumed significantly worse OS and RFS than those with low-level AFP values (P = 0.028 and P = 0.011, respectively). The optimal cut-off value of Carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9 for OS and RFS was 51.3 U/mL. And the survival results were similar with AFP in the aspects of OS and RFS (P = 0.009 and P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed that high serum AFP was an independent risk factor for OS and RFS of HAS patients (HR7.264; 95% CI 1.328-39.738; P = 0.022 and HR 2.688; 95% CI 0.922-7.836; P = 0.070, respectively). CA19-9 could perform as a fair substitute to predict the HAS patients' OS and RFS when the preoperative serum AFP was unavailable (HR 7.816; 95% CI 2.084-29.308; P = 0.002 and HR 4.386; 95% CI 1.824-10.547; P = 0.001, respectively). Other tumor markers didn't present significant influences. CONCLUSIONS Applying preoperative serum AFP level to predict the HAS patients' prognosis is feasible and preoperative serum high-AFP is an independent risk factor for OS and RFS of HAS patients. Preoperative serum CA19-9 could be an alternative choice when AFP was absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Yang
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Anqiang Wang
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jialin Li
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Ji
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Ji
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojiang Wu
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaode Bu
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
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14
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Paskeh MDA, Ghadyani F, Hashemi M, Abbaspour A, Zabolian A, Javanshir S, Razzazan M, Mirzaei S, Entezari M, Goharrizi MASB, Salimimoghadam S, Aref AR, Kalbasi A, Rajabi R, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Sethi G. Biological impact and therapeutic perspective of targeting PI3K/Akt signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: Promises and Challenges. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106553. [PMID: 36400343 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression results from activation of various signaling networks. Among these, PI3K/Akt signaling contributes to proliferation, invasion, and inhibition of apoptosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with high incidence rate, especially in regions with high prevalence of viral hepatitis infection. Autoimmune disorders, diabetes mellitus, obesity, alcohol consumption, and inflammation can also lead to initiation and development of HCC. The treatment of HCC depends on the identification of oncogenic factors that lead tumor cells to develop resistance to therapy. The present review article focuses on the role of PI3K/Akt signaling in HCC progression. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling promotes glucose uptake, favors glycolysis and increases tumor cell proliferation. It inhibits both apoptosis and autophagy while promoting HCC cell survival. PI3K/Akt stimulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increases matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) expression during HCC metastasis. In addition to increasing colony formation capacity and facilitating the spread of tumor cells, PI3K/Akt signaling stimulates angiogenesis. Therefore, silencing PI3K/Akt signaling prevents aggressive HCC cell behavior. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling can confer drug resistance, particularly to sorafenib, and decreases the radio-sensitivity of HCC cells. Anti-cancer agents, like phytochemicals and small molecules can suppress PI3K/Akt signaling by limiting HCC progression. Being upregulated in tumor tissues and clinical samples, PI3K/Akt can also be used as a biomarker to predict patients' response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghadyani
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Abbaspour
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center,Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Resident of department of Orthopedics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Javanshir
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Razzazan
- Medical Student, Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. 6, Tide Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Alireza Kalbasi
- Department of Pharmacy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Romina Rajabi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
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15
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Zhang M, Liu K, Zhang Q, Xu J, Liu J, Lin H, Lin B, Zhu M, Li M. Alpha fetoprotein promotes polarization of macrophages towards M2-like phenotype and inhibits macrophages to phagocytize hepatoma cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1081572. [PMID: 36911723 PMCID: PMC9995430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1081572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) is a cancer biomarker for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC); however, its role in macrophage polarization and phagocytosis remains unclear. In the present study, we explored the correlation between AFP regulation of macrophage function and the possible regulatory mechanisms. Human mononuclear leukemia cells (THP-1) and monocytes from healthy donors were used to analyze the effect of AFP on the macrophages' phenotype and phagocytosis. THP-1 cells and healthy human donor-derived monocytes were polarized into M0 macrophages induced by phorbol ester (PMA), and M0 macrophages were polarized into M1 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ). Interleukin-4(IL-4) and interleukin-13(IL-13) were used to induce M0 macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages. Tumor-derived AFP(tAFP) stimulated M0 macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages and inhibited M1 macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells. The role of AFP in promoting macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages and inhibiting the M1 macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells may be involved in activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. AFP could also enhanced the migration ability of macrophages and inhibited the apoptosis of HCC cells when co-cultured with M1-like macrophages. AFP is a pivotal cytokine that inhibits macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minni Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Qiuyue Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Junnv Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jinchen Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Haifeng Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China.,Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
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16
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Zhu MY, Gong ZS, Feng HP, Zhang QY, Liu K, Lin B, Zhang MN, Lin HF, Li MS. Vincosamide Has a Function for Inhibiting Malignant Behaviors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. World J Oncol 2022; 13:272-288. [PMID: 36406198 PMCID: PMC9635790 DOI: 10.14740/wjon1514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vincosamide (Vinco) was first identified in the methanolic extract of the leaves of Psychotria leiocarpa, and Vinco has important anti-inflammatory effects and activity against cholinesterase, Vinco also has a trait to anti-tumor. However, whether Vinco can inhibit the malignant behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells is still unclear. In the present study, we explored the role of Vinco in suppressing the malignant behaviors of HCC cells. METHODS MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide), trypan blue exclusion assay, the Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 and flow cytometric analysis were applied to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells; electron microscopy was performed to observe the change of cellular mitochondrial morphology; scratch repair and Transwell assays were used to analyze the migration and invasion of HCC cells; expression and localization of proteins were detected by laser confocal microscopy and Western blotting; the growth of the cancer cells in vivo was assessed in a mouse tumorous model. RESULTS At a dose of 10 - 80 µg/mL, Vinco inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner but had low cytotoxicity effect on normal liver cells. Additionally, 80 µg/mL of Vinco could significantly disrupt the morphology of mitochondria, suppress the migration and invasion of HCC cells. The growth of HCC cells in the animal tumorous model was significantly inhibited after treatment with Vinco (10 mg/kg/day) for 3 days. The results of the present study indicated that Vinco (10 - 80 µg/mL) played a role in activating caspase-3, promoting the expression of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), and inhibiting the phosphorylation of AKT (Ser473) and mTOR (Thr2448); Vinco also has a trait for suppressing the expression of CXCR4, Src, MMP9, EpCAM, Ras, Oct4 and cancer stem cell "stemness markers" CD133 and CD44 in HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Vinco has a role in inhibiting the malignant behaviors of HCC cells; the role molecular mechanism of Vinco may be involved in restraining expression of the growth-, metastasis-related factors, such as Src, Ras, MMP9, EpCAM, CXCR4; activating the activity of caspase-3 and blocking PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Thus, Vinco should be considered as a new chemotherapy agent for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work and are co-first authors
| | - Zhi Sun Gong
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work and are co-first authors
| | - Hai Peng Feng
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work and are co-first authors
| | - Qiu Yue Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Min Ni Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Hai Feng Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Meng Sen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou 570102, Hainan Province, China
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17
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Lin J, Zhang H, Yu H, Bi X, Zhang W, Yin J, Zhao P, Liang X, Qu C, Wang M, Hu M, Liu K, Wang Y, Zhou Z, Wang J, Tan X, Liu W, Shao Z, Cai J, Tang W, Cao G. Epidemiological Characteristics of Primary Liver Cancer in Mainland China From 2003 to 2020: A Representative Multicenter Study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:906778. [PMID: 35800051 PMCID: PMC9253580 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.906778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The contribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) to primary liver cancer (PLC) and their association with cancer aggressiveness remains uncertain in China, a country with half of global PLC. We aimed to characterize this using data from four representative medical centers. Methods In total, 15,801 PLC patients were enrolled from the centers distributed in Easter5n, Southern, Northern, and Western China from 2003 to 2020. Of those, 7585 with curative surgery were involved in survival analysis. A nomogram was constructed using preoperative parameters to predict postoperative survival. Results Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma accounted for 93.0%, 4.3%, and 1.6% in PLC, respectively. The seropositivities of HBV and HCV were 84.4% and 3.2% in HCC, respectively. The seropositivity of anti-HCV antibody was significantly higher in HBV-negative than in HBV-positive HCC patients (13.2% vs. 1.1%). Compared to HCV-positive HCC (HCV-HCC), HBV-positive HCC (HBV-HCC) was associated with 12-year earlier onset, higher proportions of males, high α-fetoprotein, large tumor size, advanced Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, and vascular tumor thrombus. The proportions of HCC and HBV seropositivity increased, whereas that of anti-HCV decreased, from 2003 to 2020. Postoperative five-year survival rate was 73.5%, 64.1%, 34.9%, and 19.7% in HCC at BCLC stage 0, A, B, and C, respectively. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that HBV seropositivity, incomplete tumor capsule, vascular tumor thrombus, tumor diameter (≥3 cm), advanced BCLC stage (B+C), α-fetoprotein (≥20ng/ml), and direct bilirubin (>8µmol/L) contributed independently to shorter overall survival (OS); whereas post-operative radiofrequency ablation and second resection independently improved OS in HCC. HCV-HCC had a more favorable prognosis than did HBV-HCC (Log-rank test, P<0.001). A nomogram composed of age, gender, and the preoperative independent risk factors was accurate in predicting postoperative survival in HCC (C-index: 0.735; 95% confidence interval: 0.727–0.743). Conclusion HBV contributes to 84.4% of HCC in China, and actively promotes hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression. A favorable postoperative survival obtained in patients at the early BCLC stage highlights the importance of screening for early HCC in high-risk populations. Our preoperative prognosis prediction model is important in clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiansheng Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongping Yu
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Xinyu Bi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Weilu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jianhua Yin
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Zhao
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Xiumei Liang
- Office for Disease Process Management, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Chunfeng Qu
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Minjie Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Zhou
- Guangxi Office for Cancer Prevention and Control, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Junqi Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojie Tan
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongjun Shao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongjun Shao, ; Jianqiang Cai, ; Weizhong Tang, ; Guangwen Cao,
| | - Jianqiang Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongjun Shao, ; Jianqiang Cai, ; Weizhong Tang, ; Guangwen Cao,
| | - Weizhong Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongjun Shao, ; Jianqiang Cai, ; Weizhong Tang, ; Guangwen Cao,
| | - Guangwen Cao
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongjun Shao, ; Jianqiang Cai, ; Weizhong Tang, ; Guangwen Cao,
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Zhang C, Xie Y, Lai R, Wu J, Guo Z. Nonsynonymous C1653T Mutation of Hepatitis B Virus X Gene Enhances Malignancy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:367-377. [PMID: 35535232 PMCID: PMC9078866 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s348690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuifang Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, The Pingshan County People’s Hospital, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Xie
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruixue Lai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Animal Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhanjun Guo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Zhanjun Guo, Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, 050011, People’s Republic of China, Tel + 86 311 8609 5734, Fax + 86 311 8609 5237, Email
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Li W, Duan X, Zhu C, Liu X, Jeyarajan AJ, Xu M, Tu Z, Sheng Q, Chen D, Zhu C, Shao T, Cheng Z, Salloum S, Schaefer EA, Kruger AJ, Holmes JA, Chung RT, Lin W. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus Infection Promote Liver Fibrogenesis through a TGF-β1-Induced OCT4/Nanog Pathway. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:672-684. [PMID: 35022275 PMCID: PMC8770612 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2001453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection accelerates liver fibrosis progression compared with HBV or HCV monoinfection. Octamer binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) and Nanog are direct targets of the profibrogenic TGF-β1 signaling cascade. We leveraged a coculture model to monitor the effects of HBV and HCV coinfection on fibrogenesis in both sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide-transfected Huh7.5.1 hepatoma cells and LX2 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We used CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out OCT4 and Nanog to evaluate their effects on HBV-, HCV-, or TGF-β1-induced liver fibrogenesis. HBV/HCV coinfection and HBx, HBV preS2, HCV Core, and HCV NS2/3 overexpression increased TGF-β1 mRNA levels in sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide-Huh7.5.1 cells compared with controls. HBV/HCV coinfection further enhanced profibrogenic gene expression relative to HBV or HCV monoinfection. Coculture of HBV and HCV monoinfected or HBV/HCV coinfected hepatocytes with LX2 cells significantly increased profibrotic gene expression and LX2 cell invasion and migration. OCT4 and Nanog guide RNA independently suppressed HBV-, HCV-, HBV/HCV-, and TGF-β1-induced α-SMA, TIMP-1, and Col1A1 expression and reduced Huh7.5.1, LX2, primary hepatocyte, and primary human HSC migratory capacity. OCT4/Nanog protein expression also correlated positively with fibrosis stage in liver biopsies from patients with chronic HBV or HCV infection. In conclusion, HBV and HCV independently and cooperatively promote liver fibrogenesis through a TGF-β1-induced OCT4/Nanog-dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Li
- Department of Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570100, Hainan Province, China,Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, Anhui Province, China,Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xiaoqiong Duan
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Chuanlong Zhu
- Department of Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570100, Hainan Province, China,Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Department of Infectious Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Southwest University, College of Animal Science and Technology, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Andre J. Jeyarajan
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Min Xu
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Zeng Tu
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Qiuju Sheng
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Department of Infectious Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Chuanwu Zhu
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215007, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tuo Shao
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Zhimeng Cheng
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shadi Salloum
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Esperance A. Schaefer
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Annie J. Kruger
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Department of Gastroenterology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007 USA
| | - Jacinta A. Holmes
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Raymond T. Chung
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Corresponding authors (Wenyu Lin and Raymond T. Chung), Correspondence address: Gastrointestinal Unit, Warren 1007, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Tel.: +1 617 726 2061; 617 724 7562; fax: +1 617 643 0446. (W. Lin),
| | - Wenyu Lin
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Corresponding authors (Wenyu Lin and Raymond T. Chung), Correspondence address: Gastrointestinal Unit, Warren 1007, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Tel.: +1 617 726 2061; 617 724 7562; fax: +1 617 643 0446. (W. Lin),
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20
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Yassin NYS, AbouZid SF, El-Kalaawy AM, Ali TM, Almehmadi MM, Ahmed OM. Silybum marianum total extract, silymarin and silibinin abate hepatocarcinogenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma growth via modulation of the HGF/c-Met, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 145:112409. [PMID: 34781148 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been identified as one of the most deadly malignancies with limited therapeutic efficacy worldwide. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms of crosstalk between signaling pathways in HCC and predicting cancer cell responses to targeted therapeutic interventions remain to be challenge. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the anticancerous efficacy of Silybum marianum total extract (STE), silymarin (Sm), and silibinin (Sb) against experimentally-induced HCC in rats. In vitro investigations were also performed and the anticancer effects against HCC cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7) were confirmed. Wistar rats were given diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF)/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and were orally treated with STE (200 mg/kg body weight (bw)), Sm (150 mg/kg bw), and Sb (5 mg/kg bw) every other day from the 1st or 16th week to the 25th week of DEN/AAF/CCl4 injection. Treatment with STE, Sm, and Sb inhibited the growth of cancerous lesions in DEN/AAF/CCl4-treated rats. This inhibition was associated with inhibition of Ki-67 expression and repression of HGF/cMet, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. STE, Sm, and Sb improved liver function biomarkers and tumor markers (AFP, CEA, and CA19.9) and increased total protein and albumin levels in serum. STE, Sm, and Sb treatment was also noted to reduce the hepatic production of lipid peroxides, increase hepatic glutathione content, and induce the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes in DEN/AAF/CCl4-treated rats. These results indicate that STE, Sm, and Sb exert anti-HCC effects through multiple pathways, including suppression of Ki-67 expression and HGF/cMet, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways and enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Y S Yassin
- Physiology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Sameh F AbouZid
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, 3 Cairo-Belbeis Desert Road, P.O. Box 3020 El Salam, 11785 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M El-Kalaawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Tarek M Ali
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Taif University, P. O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazen M Almehmadi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P. O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama M Ahmed
- Physiology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
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21
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Xu J, Lin H, Wu G, Zhu M, Li M. IL-6/STAT3 Is a Promising Therapeutic Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:760971. [PMID: 34976809 PMCID: PMC8714735 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.760971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor of which the occurrence and development, the tumorigenicity of HCC is involving in multistep and multifactor interactions. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a multifunctional inflammatory cytokine, has increased expression in HCC patients and is closely related to the occurrence of HCC and prognosis. IL-6 plays a role by binding to the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and then triggering the Janus kinase (JAK) associated with the receptor, stimulating phosphorylation and activating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to initiate downstream signals, participating in the processes of anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of cancer cells. IL-6/STAT3 signal axes elicit an immunosuppressive in tumor microenvironment, it is important to therapy HCC by blocking the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Recent, some inhibitors of IL-6/STAT3 have been development, such as S31-201 or IL-6 neutralizing monoclonal antibody (IL-6 mAb), Madindoline A (Inhibits the dimerization of IL-6/IL-6R/gpl30 trimeric complexes), C188-9 and Curcumin (Inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation), etc. for treatment of cancers. Overall, consideration of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway, and its role in the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC will contribute to the development of potential drugs for targeting treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junnv Xu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Haifeng Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- Institution of Tumour, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
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22
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Si T, Ning X, Chen H, Hu Z, Dun L, Zheng N, Huang P, Yang L, Yi P. ANTXR1 as a potential prognostic biomarker for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma identified by a weighted gene correlation network analysis. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:3079-3092. [PMID: 35070431 PMCID: PMC8748048 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With high incidence and mortality rates, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of HCC, especially for Asians and blacks. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HBV-related HCC are unclear. This study sought to identify novel prognostic biomarkers and explore the potential pathogenesis of HBV-related HCC. METHODS The gene expression profiles and corresponding clinical information of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma data set were analyzed by a weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Correlations between the co-expression modules and clinical traits were calculated. Next, key modules associated with HBV infection were identified. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were conducted for the genes in the key modules. The hub genes were identified based on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network via the Cytoscape. Finally, an overall survival (OS) analysis was performed. RESULTS The two modules (i.e., the brown and yellow modules) most relevant to HBV infection were constructed. A functional enrichment analysis revealed that the genes in the two modules were mainly enriched in HCC-related pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and protein kinase B signaling pathway, focal adhesion, human papillomavirus infection, the Rap1 signaling pathway, and the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (cGMP-PKG) signaling pathway. Ten hub genes [i.e., COL3A1, ANTXR1, COL14A1, THBS2, ADAMTS2, AEBP1, PRELP, EMILIN1, DCN and PODN] in the brown module, and 10 hub genes [i.e., USP34, SEC24C, ZNF770, STAG1, TSTD2, PKD1P6, CCNK, GFT2I, NT5C2 and SMG6] in the yellow module were identified. Among the hub genes, ANTXR1 (Anthrax-toxin receptor 1) was significantly correlated with HBV-related HCC patients' OS. CONCLUSIONS ANTXR1 represents a potential therapeutic target for HBV-related HCC. This study offers novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of HBV-induced tumorigenesis, which needs to be further validated by basic experiments and large-scale cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Si
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Xuejian Ning
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Haihui Chen
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Zhengguo Hu
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Linglu Dun
- Department of Neurology Laboratory, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Na Zheng
- Department of Neurology Laboratory, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Neurology Laboratory, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, China
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23
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Medhat A, Arzumanyan A, Feitelson MA. Hepatitis B x antigen (HBx) is an important therapeutic target in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2021; 12:2421-2433. [PMID: 34853663 PMCID: PMC8629409 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a human pathogen that has infected an estimated two billion people worldwide. Despite the availability of highly efficacious vaccines, universal screening of the blood supply for virus, and potent direct acting anti-viral drugs, there are more than 250 million carriers of HBV who are at risk for the sequential development of hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). More than 800,000 deaths per year are attributed to chronic hepatitis B. Many different therapeutic approaches have been developed to block virus replication, and although effective, none are curative. These treatments have little or no impact upon the portions of integrated HBV DNA, which often encode the virus regulatory protein, HBx. Although given little attention, HBx is an important therapeutic target because it contributes importantly to (a) HBV replication, (b) in protecting infected cells from immune mediated destruction during chronic infection, and (c) in the development of HCC. Thus, the development of therapies targeting HBx, combined with other established therapies, will provide a functional cure that will target virus replication and further reduce or eliminate both the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic liver disease and HCC. Simultaneous targeting of all these characteristics underscores the importance of developing therapies against HBx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvin Medhat
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Azad University, North Unit, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alla Arzumanyan
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mark A Feitelson
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Wang X, Wei Z, Jiang Y, Meng Z, Lu M. mTOR Signaling: The Interface Linking Cellular Metabolism and Hepatitis B Virus Replication. Virol Sin 2021; 36:1303-1314. [PMID: 34580816 PMCID: PMC8692646 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-021-00450-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a conserved Ser/Thr kinase that includes mTOR complex (mTORC) 1 and mTORC2. The mTOR pathway is activated in viral hepatitis, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection-induced hepatitis. Currently, chronic HBV infection remains one of the most serious public health issues worldwide. The unavailability of effective therapeutic strategies for HBV suggests that clarification of the pathogenesis of HBV infection is urgently required. Increasing evidence has shown that HBV infection can activate the mTOR pathway, indicating that HBV utilizes or hijacks the mTOR pathway to benefit its own replication. Therefore, the mTOR signaling pathway might be a crucial target for controlling HBV infection. Here, we summarize and discuss the latest findings from model biology research regarding the interaction between the mTOR signaling pathway and HBV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.,Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Zhiqiang Wei
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Yongfang Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Zhongji Meng
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China.
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122, Essen, Germany.
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Liao R, Liu L, Zhou J, Wei X, Huang P. Current Molecular Biology and Therapeutic Strategy Status and Prospects for circRNAs in HBV-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:697747. [PMID: 34277444 PMCID: PMC8284075 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.697747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are newly classified noncoding RNA (ncRNA) members with a covalently closed continuous loop structure that are involved in immune responses against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and play important biological roles in the occurrence and pathogenesis of HCC progression. The roles of circRNAs in HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC) have gained increasing attention. Substantial evidence has revealed that both tissue and circulating circRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes. So far, at least four circRNA/miRNA regulatory axes such as circRNA_101764/miR-181, circRNA_100338/miR-141-3p, circ-ARL3/miR-1305, circ-ATP5H/miR-138-5p, and several circulating circRNAs were reported to be associated with HBV-HCC development. Notably, TGF/SMAD, JAK/STAT, Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways may play pivotal roles in this HBV-driven HCC via several circRNAs. Moreover, in non-HBV HCC patients or HCC patients partially infected by HBV, numerous circRNAs have been identified to be important regulators impacting the malignant biological behavior of HCC. Furthermore, the role of circRNAs in HCC drug resistance has become a focus of research with the aim of reversing chemoresistance and immune resistance. Herein, we review the molecular biology of circRNAs in HBV-HCC and their potential in therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The People's Rongchang Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xufu Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Emerging roles of cancer-testis antigenes, semenogelin 1 and 2, in neoplastic cells. Cell Death Dis 2021; 7:97. [PMID: 33966049 PMCID: PMC8106676 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00482-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-testicular Antigens (CTAs) belong to a group of proteins that under normal conditions are strictly expressed in a male's reproductive tissues. However, upon malignisation, they are frequently re-expressed in neoplastic tissues of various origin. A number of studies have shown that different CTAs affect growth, migration and invasion of tumor cells and favor cancer development and metastasis. Two members of the CTA group, Semenogelin 1 and 2 (SEMG1 and SEMG2, or SEMGs) represent the major component of human seminal fluid. They regulate the motility and capacitation of sperm. They are often re-expressed in different malignancies including breast cancer. However, there is almost no information about the functional properties of SEMGs in cancer cells. In this review, we highlight the role of SEMGs in the reproductive system and also summarize the data on their expression and functions in malignant cells of various origins.
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Li W, Liu K, Chen Y, Zhu M, Li M. Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Drug Resistance. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1126-1142. [PMID: 32729413 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999200729151247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of primary liver cancer and a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide because of its high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Surgical resection is currently the major treatment measure for patients in the early and middle stages of the disease. Because due to late diagnosis, most patients already miss the opportunity for surgery upon disease confirmation, conservative chemotherapy (drug treatment) remains an important method of comprehensive treatment for patients with middle- and late-stage liver cancer. However, multidrug resistance (MDR) in patients with HCC severely reduces the treatment effect and is an important obstacle to chemotherapeutic success. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC. The serum expression levels of AFP in many patients with HCC are increased, and a persistently increased AFP level is a risk factor for HCC progression. Many studies have indicated that AFP functions as an immune suppressor, and AFP can promote malignant transformation during HCC development and might be involved in the process of MDR in patients with liver cancer. This review describes drug resistance mechanisms during HCC drug treatment and reviews the relationship between the mechanism of AFP in HCC development and progression and HCC drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
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28
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Lin B, Dong X, Wang Q, Li W, Zhu M, Li M. AFP-Inhibiting Fragments for Drug Delivery: The Promise and Challenges of Targeting Therapeutics to Cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:635476. [PMID: 33898423 PMCID: PMC8061420 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.635476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) plays a key role in stimulating the growth, metastasis and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AFP is an important target molecule in the treatment of HCC. The application of AFP-derived peptides, AFP fragments and recombinant AFP (AFP-inhibiting fragments, AIFs) to inhibit the binding of AFP to intracellular proteins or its receptors is the basis of a new strategy for the treatment of HCC and other cancers. In addition, AIFs can be combined with drugs and delivery agents to target treatments to cancer. AIFs conjugated to anticancer drugs not only destroy cancer cells with these drugs but also activate immune cells to kill cancer cells. Furthermore, AIF delivery of drugs relieves immunosuppression and enhances chemotherapy effects. The synergism of immunotherapy and targeted chemotherapy is expected to play an important role in enhancing the treatment effect of patients with cancer. AIF delivery of drugs will be an available strategy for the targeted treatment of cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Xu Dong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Qiujiao Wang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China.,Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
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Abstract
This review provides epidemiological and translational evidence for milk and dairy intake as critical risk factors in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Large epidemiological studies in the United States and Europe identified total dairy, milk and butter intake with the exception of yogurt as independent risk factors of HCC. Enhanced activity of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a hallmark of HCC promoted by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). mTORC1 is also activated by milk protein-induced synthesis of hepatic insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), abundant constituents of milk proteins. Over the last decades, annual milk protein-derived BCAA intake increased 3 to 5 times in Western countries. In synergy with HBV- and HCV-induced secretion of hepatocyte-derived exosomes enriched in microRNA-21 (miR-21) and miR-155, exosomes of pasteurized milk as well deliver these oncogenic miRs to the human liver. Thus, milk exosomes operate in a comparable fashion to HBV- or HCV- induced exosomes. Milk-derived miRs synergistically enhance IGF-1-AKT-mTORC1 signaling and promote mTORC1-dependent translation, a meaningful mechanism during the postnatal growth phase, but a long-term adverse effect promoting the development of HCC. Both, dietary BCAA abundance combined with oncogenic milk exosome exposure persistently overstimulate hepatic mTORC1. Chronic alcohol consumption as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), two HCC-related conditions, increase BCAA plasma levels. In HCC, mTORC1 is further hyperactivated due to RAB1 mutations as well as impaired hepatic BCAA catabolism, a metabolic hallmark of T2DM. The potential HCC-preventive effect of yogurt may be caused by lactobacilli-mediated degradation of BCAAs, inhibition of branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase via production of intestinal medium-chain fatty acids as well as degradation of milk exosomes including their oncogenic miRs. A restriction of total animal protein intake realized by a vegetable-based diet is recommended for the prevention of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodo C Melnik
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
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30
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Takeuchi Y, Tsuge M, Tsushima K, Suehiro Y, Fujino H, Ono A, Yamauchi M, Makokha GN, Nakahara T, Murakami E, Abe-Chayama H, Kawaoka T, Miki D, Imamura M, Aikata H, Hayes CN, Tateno C, Chayama K. Signal Activation of Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocarcinogenesis by Up-regulation of SUV39h1. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:2061-2070. [PMID: 32514521 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X (HBx) protein is associated with hepatocellular carcinogenesis via the induction of malignant transformation and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the association between HBx and histone methyltransferase in carcinogenesis has not been fully clarified. In the current study, we analyzed the association between HBx and the histone methyltransferase suppressor of variegation 3-9 homolog 1 (SUV39h1) using HBV replication models. METHODS We constructed several HBx and SUV39h1 expression plasmids and analyzed the association between HBx and SUV39h1 with respect to HBV replication and hepatocarcinogenesis. RESULTS SUV39h1 up-regulation was observed in HBV-infected humanized mouse livers and clinical HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, indicating that SUV39h1 expression might be regulated by HBV infection. Through in vitro analysis, we determined that the coactivator domain of HBx interacts with the PSET (PostSET) and SET (Su(var)3-9, Enhancer-of-zeste, Trithorax) domains of SUV39h1. The expression levels of 4 genes, activating transcription factor 6, α-fetoprotein, growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45a, and dual-specificity phosphatase 1, known to induce carcinogenesis via HBx expression, were up-regulated by HBx and further up-regulated in the presence of both HBx and SUV39h1. Furthermore, histone methyltransferase activity, the main function of SUV39h1, was enhanced in the presence of HBx. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that SUV39h1 and HBx enhance each other's activity, leading to HBx-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. We propose that regulation of this interaction could help suppress development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasue Takeuchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masataka Tsuge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ken Tsushima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yosuke Suehiro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hatsue Fujino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masami Yamauchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Grace Naswa Makokha
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Eisuke Murakami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiromi Abe-Chayama
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Center for Medical Specialist Graduate Education and Research, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Kawaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daiki Miki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Michio Imamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - C Nelson Hayes
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Chise Tateno
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,PhoenixBio, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Laboratory for Digestive Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
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Liu L, Borlak J. Advances in Liver Cancer Stem Cell Isolation and their Characterization. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1215-1238. [PMID: 33432485 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10114-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade research on cancer stem cells (CSC) significantly contributed to a better understanding of tumor biology. Given their similarity to normal stem cells, i.e. self-renewal and pluripotency the need arises to develop robust protocols for the isolation and characterization of CSCs. As with other malignancies, hepatic tumors are composed of a heterogeneous population of cells including liver cancer stem cells (LCSC). Yet, a precise understanding of why stem cells become cancerous is still lacking. There is unmet need to develop robust protocols for the successful isolation of LCSCs from human tissue resection material as to assist in the development of molecular targeted therapies. Here we review the research progress made in the isolation and characterization of LCSCs by considering a wide range of cell surface markers and sorting methods, as applied to side populations, microsphere cultures and the gradient centrifugation method. We emphasize the different fluorescence activated cell sorting methods and the possibility to enrich LCSCs by immunomagnetic beads. We review the specificity of functional assays by considering ABCG transporter and ALDH1 enzyme activities and evaluate the in vivo tumorigenicity of LCSCs in highly sensitive bioassays. Finally, we evaluate different LCSC markers in association with viral and non-viral liver disease and explore the potential of novel drug delivery systems targeting CD133, EpCAM, CD13 and CD90 for the development of molecular targeted therapies. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jürgen Borlak
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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32
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Synthesis and evaluation of new phenyl acrylamide derivatives as potent non-nucleoside anti-HBV agents. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 29:115892. [PMID: 33285406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As a continuation of our previous work, a series of new phenyl acrylamide derivatives (4Aa-g, 4Ba-t, 5 and 6a-c) were designed and synthesized as non-nucleoside anti-HBV agents. Among them, compound 4Bs could potently inhibit HBV DNA replication in wild-type and lamivudine (3TC)/entecavir resistant HBV mutant strains with IC50 values of 0.19 and 0.18 μM, respectively. Notably, the selective index value of 4Bs was above 526, indicating the favorable safety profile. Interestingly, unlike nucleoside analogue 3TC, 4Bs could significantly inhibit 3.5 kb pgRNA expression. Molecular docking study revealed that 4Bs could fit well into the dimer-dimer interface of HBV core protein by hydrophobic, π-π and H-bond interactions. Considering the potent anti-HBV activity, low toxicity and diverse anti-HBV mechanism from that of nucleoside anti-HBV agent 3TC, compound 4Bs might be a promising lead to develop novel non-nucleoside anti-HBV therapeutic agents, and warranted further investigation.
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33
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Zhang C, Zhang J, Wang J, Yan Y, Zhang C. Alpha-fetoprotein accelerates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting Bcl-2 gene expression through an RA-RAR signalling pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:13804-13812. [PMID: 33090723 PMCID: PMC7753843 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have found that alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) can promote the proliferation of hepatoma cells and accelerate the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. Recent bioinformatics studies have predicted the possible interaction between AFP and retinoic acid receptors (RARs). Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism through which AFP promotes tumour cell proliferation by interfering with the RA-RAR signal pathway. Our data indicated that AFP could significantly promote the proliferation and weaken ATRA-induced apoptosis of hepatoma cells. Besides, cytoplasmic AFP interacts with RAR, disrupting its entrance into the nucleus, which in turn affects the expression of the Bcl-2 gene. In addition, knockdown of AFP in HepG2 cells was synchronously associated with an incremental increase of RAR binding to DNA, as well as down-regulation of Bcl-2; the opposite effect was observed in AFP gene-transfected HLE cells. Moreover, a similar effect of AFP was detected in tumour tissues with high serum AFP, but not in adjacent non-cancerous liver tissues, or HCC tissues with low serum AFP levels. These results indicate that AFP acts as signalling molecule and prevents RAR from entering into the nucleus by interacting with RAR, thereby promoting the expression of Bcl-2. Our data reveal a novel mechanism through which AFP regulates Bcl-2 expression and further suggest that AFP may be used as a novel target for treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangtao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanbao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China.,Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
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34
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Lu Y, Hou K, Li M, Wu X, Yuan S. Exosome-Delivered LncHEIH Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression by Upregulating EZH2 and Stimulating Methylation of the GSDME Promoter. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:571297. [PMID: 33163491 PMCID: PMC7591465 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.571297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is characterized by poor survival and high recurrence rates. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained considerable attention in recent years as prognostic markers and gene regulators in various cancers. Here, we found that lncHEIH was upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines and positively correlated with high expression levels of EZH2. Mechanistically, the lncHEIH-EZH2 axis could promote the progression of gastric cancer. In addition, lncHEIH encapsulated in exosomes was released by gastric cancer cells and then absorbed by normal gastric cells. The uptake of lncHEIH resulted in the upregulation of EZH2, which inhibited the expression of the tumor suppressor GSDME by methylation of the GSDME promoter, promoting the malignant transformation of normal gastric cells. Overall, lncHEIH promotes gastric cancer progression by upregulating the expression of EZH2 and reducing the expression of GSDME in normal cells to induce malignant cell proliferation and migration, indicating its potential as a target in gastric cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The 8th Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Kaiqing Hou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Haikou City People’s Hospital, Haikou, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaobin Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The 8th Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaochun Yuan
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Feng H, Lin B, Zheng Y, Xu J, Zhou Y, Liu K, Zhu M, Li M. Overexpression of GATA5 Stimulates Paclitaxel to Inhibit Malignant Behaviors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. CELL JOURNAL 2020; 22:89-100. [PMID: 32779438 PMCID: PMC7481888 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2020.6894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective Explore the effect of GATA5 expression on Paclitaxel inhibiting growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Materials and Methods In the experimental study, HCC cell lines (HLE, Bel7402 and PLC/PRF/5) were treated with different concentrations of Paclitaxel (5-20 mg/ml) for 24 hours. HLE cells were transfected with GATA5-siRNA vector, while Bel7402 and PLC/PRF/5 cells were transfected with overexpressed GATA5 vector for 24 hours, followed by treatment of the cells with Paclitaxel (10 mg/ml) for 24 hours and subsequently 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to detect growth of HCC cells. Soft agar cultured was used to analyze formation of colony. Apoptosis of HCC cells were detected by Flow cytometer. Migration of HCC cells was observed by trawell assays. Western blotting and laser confocal microscopy were utilized to detect expression and location of the proteins. Results Inhibiting expression of GATA5 reduced sensitivity of HLE cells to Paclitaxel, while overexpression of GATA5 increased sensitivity of Bel7402 cells and PLC/PRF/5 cells to Paclitaxel. Overexpression of GATA5 played a role in stimulating Paclitaxel to inhibit growth, colony formation and migration, as well as enhance apoptosis in HCC cells. Overexpression of GATA5 also promoted Paclitaxel to inhibit expression of reprogramming genes, such as Nanog, EpCAM, c-Myc and Sox2 in Bel7402 and PLC/PRF/5 cells. Inhibited expression of GATA5 led to enhancement of the expression of CD44 and CD133, in HLE cells. Overexpression of GATA5 was not only alone but also synergized with Paclitaxel to inhibit expression of CD44 and CD133 in Bel7402 or PLC/PRF/5 cells. Conclusion Overexpression of GATA5 played a role in enhancing Paclitaxel to inhibit the malignant behaviors of HCC cells. It was involved in suppressing expression of the reprogramming genes and stemness markers. Targeting GATA5 is an available strategy for applying paclitaxel to therapy of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Feng
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yifei Zheng
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Junnv Xu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.,Department of Tumor Internal Medicine, Second affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China. Electronic Address: .,Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
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36
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Zheng Y, Zhu M, Li M. Effects of alpha-fetoprotein on the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:2439-2446. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03331-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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37
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Hepatocyte-specific TAK1 deficiency drives RIPK1 kinase-dependent inflammation to promote liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:14231-14242. [PMID: 32513687 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2005353117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β-activated kinase1 (TAK1) encoded by the gene MAP3K7 regulates multiple important downstream effectors involved in immune response, cell death, and carcinogenesis. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of TAK1 in Tak1 ΔHEP mice promotes liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) formation. Here, we report that genetic inactivation of RIPK1 kinase using a kinase dead knockin D138N mutation in Tak1 ΔHEP mice inhibits the expression of liver tumor biomarkers, liver fibrosis, and HCC formation. Inhibition of RIPK1, however, has no or minimum effect on hepatocyte loss and compensatory proliferation, which are the recognized factors important for liver fibrosis and HCC development. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we discovered that inhibition of RIPK1 strongly suppresses inflammation induced by hepatocyte-specific loss of TAK1. Activation of RIPK1 promotes the transcription of key proinflammatory cytokines, such as CCL2, and CCR2+ macrophage infiltration. Our study demonstrates the role and mechanism of RIPK1 kinase in promoting inflammation, both cell-autonomously and cell-nonautonomously, in the development of liver fibrosis and HCC, independent of cell death, and compensatory proliferation. We suggest the possibility of inhibiting RIPK1 kinase as a therapeutic strategy for reducing liver fibrosis and HCC development by inhibiting inflammation.
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38
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BNIP3L-Dependent Mitophagy Promotes HBx-Induced Cancer Stemness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Glycolysis Metabolism Reprogramming. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030655. [PMID: 32168902 PMCID: PMC7139741 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of predisposing factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The role of HBV x protein (HBx) in mediating the induction and maintenance of cancer stemness during HBV-related HCC attracts considerable attention, but the exact mechanism has not been clearly elucidated. Here, ABCG2-dependent stem-like side population (SP) cells, which are thought to be liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), were present in HCC cells, and the fraction of this subset was increased in HBx-expressing HCC cells. In addition, glycolysis was upregulated in LCSCs and HBx-expressing HCC cells, and intervention of glycolysis attenuated cancer stem-like phenotypes. Mitochondria play an important role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis, BNIP3L-dependent mitophagy was also activated in LCSCs and HBx-expressing HCC cells, which triggered a metabolic shift toward glycolysis. In summary, we proposed a positive feedback loop, in which HBx induced BNIP3L-dependent mitophagy which upregulated glycolytic metabolism, increasing cancer stemness of HCC cells in vivo and in vitro. BNIP3L might be a potential therapeutic target for intervention of LCSCs-associated HCC. Anti-HBx, a monoclonal antibody targeting intracellular HBx, had the potential to delay the progression of HBV infection related-HCC.
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39
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Wu Y, Zhang J, Zhang X, Zhou H, Liu G, Li Q. Cancer Stem Cells: A Potential Breakthrough in HCC-Targeted Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:198. [PMID: 32210805 PMCID: PMC7068598 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of cells with stem cell characteristics that produce both cancerous and non-tumorigenic cells in tumor tissues. The literature reports that CSCs are closely related to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and promote the malignant features of HCC such as high invasion, drug resistance, easy recurrence, easy metastasis, and poor prognosis. This review discusses the origin, molecular, and biological features, functions, and applications of CSCs in HCC in recent years; the goal is to clarify the importance of CSCs in treatment and explore their potential value in HCC-targeted therapy.
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40
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Yang H, Mo J, Xiang Q, Zhao P, Song Y, Yang G, Wu K, Liu Y, Liu W, Wu J. SOX2 Represses Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Binding to the Viral EnhII/Cp and Inhibiting the Promoter Activation. Viruses 2020; 12:v12030273. [PMID: 32121397 PMCID: PMC7150879 DOI: 10.3390/v12030273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication is controlled by four promoters (preS1, preS2, Cp, and Xp) and two enhancers (EnhI and EnhII). EnhII stimulates Cp activity to regulate the transcriptions of precore, core, polymerase, and pregenomic RNAs, and therefore, EnhII/Cp is essential for the regulation of HBV replication. This study revealed a distinct mechanism underlying the suppression of EnhII/Cp activation and HBV replication. On the one hand, the sex determining region Y box2 (SOX2), a transcription factor, is induced by HBV. On the other hand, SOX2, in turn, represses the expression levels of HBV RNAs, HBV core-associated DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), thereby playing an inhibitory role during HBV replication. Further studies indicated that SOX2 bound to the EnhII/Cp DNA and repressed the promoter activation. With the deletion of the high mobility group (HMG) domain, SOX2 loses the ability to repress EnhII/Cp activation, viral RNA transcription, HBV core-associated DNA replication, HBsAg and HBeAg production, as well as fails to enter the nucleus, demonstrating that the HMG domain is required for the SOX2-mediated repression of HBV replication. Moreover, SOX2 represses HBsAg and HBeAg secretion in BALB/c mice sera, and attenuates HBV 3.5 kb RNA transcription and hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) production in the liver tissues, demonstrating that SOX2 suppresses HBV replication in mice. Furthermore, the results revealed that the HMG domain was required for SOX2-mediated repression of HBV replication in the mice. Taken together, the above facts indicate that SOX2 acts as a new host restriction factor to repress HBV replication by binding to the viral EnhII/Cp and inhibiting the promoter activation through the HMG domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (H.Y.); (J.M.); (Q.X.); (P.Z.); (Y.S.); (G.Y.); (K.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jiayin Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (H.Y.); (J.M.); (Q.X.); (P.Z.); (Y.S.); (G.Y.); (K.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Qi Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (H.Y.); (J.M.); (Q.X.); (P.Z.); (Y.S.); (G.Y.); (K.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Peiyi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (H.Y.); (J.M.); (Q.X.); (P.Z.); (Y.S.); (G.Y.); (K.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yunting Song
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (H.Y.); (J.M.); (Q.X.); (P.Z.); (Y.S.); (G.Y.); (K.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Ge Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (H.Y.); (J.M.); (Q.X.); (P.Z.); (Y.S.); (G.Y.); (K.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Kailang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (H.Y.); (J.M.); (Q.X.); (P.Z.); (Y.S.); (G.Y.); (K.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yingle Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (H.Y.); (J.M.); (Q.X.); (P.Z.); (Y.S.); (G.Y.); (K.W.); (Y.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Weiyong Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (J.W.); Tel.: +86-27-68754979 (J.W.)
| | - Jianguo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (H.Y.); (J.M.); (Q.X.); (P.Z.); (Y.S.); (G.Y.); (K.W.); (Y.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (J.W.); Tel.: +86-27-68754979 (J.W.)
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Zhang K, Yang X, Zhao Q, Li Z, Fu F, Zhang H, Zheng M, Zhang S. Molecular Mechanism of Stem Cell Differentiation into Adipocytes and Adipocyte Differentiation of Malignant Tumor. Stem Cells Int 2020; 2020:8892300. [PMID: 32849880 PMCID: PMC7441422 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8892300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipogenesis is the process through which preadipocytes differentiate into adipocytes. During this process, the preadipocytes cease to proliferate, begin to accumulate lipid droplets, and develop morphologic and biochemical characteristics of mature adipocytes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cells known for their high plasticity and capacity to generate mesodermal and nonmesodermal tissues. Many mature cell types can be generated from MSCs, including adipocyte, osteocyte, and chondrocyte. The differentiation of stem cells into multiple mature phenotypes is at the basis for tissue regeneration and repair. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a very important role in tumor development and have the potential to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. Accumulating evidence has shown that cancer cells can be induced to differentiate into various benign cells, such as adipocytes, fibrocytes, osteoblast, by a variety of small molecular compounds, which may provide new strategies for cancer treatment. Recent studies have reported that tumor cells undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition can be induced to differentiate into adipocytes. In this review, molecular mechanisms, signal pathways, and the roles of various biological processes in adipose differentiation are summarized. Understanding the molecular mechanism of adipogenesis and adipose differentiation of cancer cells may contribute to cancer treatments that involve inducing differentiation into benign cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Zhang
- 1Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
- 2Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xudong Yang
- 3Tianjin Rehabilitation Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- 1Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Zugui Li
- 1Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
- 4Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Fangmei Fu
- 1Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
- 4Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- 1Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
- 4Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Minying Zheng
- 1Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- 1Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
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Multiple novel hepatocellular carcinoma signature genes are commonly controlled by the master pluripotency factor OCT4. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2019; 43:279-295. [PMID: 31848930 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-019-00487-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common solid tumor with a poor prognosis. HCC is often due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. As yet, efficacious HCC treatment regimens for late-stage HCC patients are lacking. Therefore, the identification of more specific and sensitive biomarkers for its early diagnosis and treatment remains an urgent need. METHODS Total RNAs from paired HBV-derived HCC tumors and adjacent peritumor tissues (APTs) were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCC tumors and APTs were selected and verified. RESULTS We identified 166 DEGs and found that eight top-ranked and verified DEGs (TK1, CTTN, CEP72, TRIP13, FTH1, FLAD1, CHRM2, AMBP) all contained putative OCT4 binding motifs in their promoter regions. TK1, TRIP13 and OCT4 were found to exhibit concurrent higher expression levels in HCC tumors than in APTs. The mRNA levels of TK1, TRIP13 and OCT4 in a cohort of 384 HCC samples from the TCGA database were all found to be negatively correlated with patient overall survival, relapse-free survival and progression-free survival, underscoring the HCC biomarker status of TK1 and TRIP13 on one hand, and implicating their association with OCT4 on the other hand. Furthermore, OCT4 proteins were found to bind to the promoters of both genes in vitro and in vivo. Knocking out OCT4 in HCC-derived cell lines reduced the expression of TK1 and TRIP13 and significantly decreased their tumorigenicity. CONCLUSIONS Using RNA-seq, we identified several novel HCC signature genes that may serve as biomarkers for its diagnosis and prognosis. Their common transcriptional regulation by OCT4 suggests key roles in the development of HCC, and indicates that OCT4 may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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Wen S, Sun L, An R, Zhang W, Xiang L, Li Q, Lai X, Huo M, Li D, Sun S. A combination of Citrus reticulata peel and black tea inhibits migration and invasion of liver cancer via PI3K/AKT and MMPs signaling pathway. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 47:507-519. [PMID: 31673889 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05157-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer, one of the most common malignancies, is the second leading cause of cancer death in the world. The citrus reticulate peel and black tea have been studied for their beneficial health effects. In spite of the many studies have been reported, the underlying molecular mechanisms underlying its health benefits are still not fully understood. In present study, we developed a unique citrus reticulate peel black tea (CRPBT) by combined citrus reticulate peel and black tea and assessed its active ingredients, anti-oxidant and anti-liver cancer effects in vitro. The results suggested that CRPBT exhibited antioxidant capacity and effectively inhibited proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells in a dose- and time- dependent manner. Mechanistically, CRPBT significantly down-regulated phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT, and up-regulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and suppressed the expression of MMP2/9, N-cadherin and Vimetin proteins in liver cancer cells. Taken together, CRPBT has good effect on inhibiting migration, invasion, proliferation, and inducing apoptosis in liver cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wen
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingli Sun
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Tea Resources Innovation & Utilization, Guangzhou, 510640, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran An
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenji Zhang
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Tea Resources Innovation & Utilization, Guangzhou, 510640, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Xiang
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Tea Resources Innovation & Utilization, Guangzhou, 510640, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuhua Li
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Tea Resources Innovation & Utilization, Guangzhou, 510640, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingfei Lai
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Tea Resources Innovation & Utilization, Guangzhou, 510640, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengen Huo
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongli Li
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, People's Republic of China.
- International Healthcare Innovation Institute (Jiangmen), Jiangmen, 529040, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shili Sun
- Tea Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Tea Resources Innovation & Utilization, Guangzhou, 510640, People's Republic of China.
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Wang W, Zhu M, Xu Z, Li W, Dong X, Chen Y, Lin B, Li M. Ropivacaine promotes apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through damaging mitochondria and activating caspase-3 activity. Biol Res 2019; 52:36. [PMID: 31300048 PMCID: PMC6625015 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-019-0242-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent evidences indicated that some local anaesthetic agents played a role in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells; Whether ropivacaine is able to promote apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ropivacaine on the apoptosis of HCC cells. Methods In the present study, we treated the HCC cell lines, Bel7402 and HLE with ropivacaine. MTT, DAPI stain, trypan blue exclusion dye assay, flow cytometry, electron microscopy, computational simulation, laser confocal microscope, Western blotting, and enzyme activity analysis of caspase-3 were applied to detect the growth and apoptosis of HCC cells and to explore the role mechanism of ropivacaine. Results Ropivacaine was able to inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of HCC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Ropivacaine also has a trait to inhibit the migration of HCC cells; ropivacaine damaged the mitochondria of HCC cells. The results also indicated that ropivacaine was able to interact with caspase-3, promote cytoplasmic caspase-3 migration into the nucleus, stimulate cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP-1, caspase-9 proteins, inhibit the expression of Bcl-2, promote expression of Apaf-1 and mitochondria release cytochrome C, and activate the activity of caspase-3. Conclusions Ropivacaine has a novel role in promoting apoptosis of HCC cells; The role mechanism of ropivacaine maybe involve in damaging the function of mitochondria and activating the caspase-3 signalling pathway in HCC cells. Our findings provide novel insights into the local anaesthetic agents in the therapy of HCC patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40659-019-0242-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Wang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua District, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Anaesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 570311, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua District, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhixin Xu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 570311, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua District, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Dong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua District, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua District, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua District, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua District, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 571199, People's Republic of China. .,Institution of Tumour, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 570102, Hainan, People's Republic of China.
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Liao Y, Liang X, Liang W, Li Z, Wang Y, Wang L, Zhen S, Tang B, Wang Z. High expression of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 22 is associated with poor prognosis in hepatitis B virus-associated liver cancer. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:5159-5168. [PMID: 31186731 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Deubiquitinating enzymes regulate protein activity and cell homeostasis by removing ubiquitin moieties from various substrates. Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 22 (USP22) is a member of the deubiquitinating protease family and is associated with the development of several tumor types. A previous study demonstrated that USP22 is highly expressed in liver cancer, and its high expression is associated with resistance to chemotherapy. However, the role of USP22 in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated liver cancer has not yet been elucidated. The current study demonstrated that USP22 was highly expressed in the tissues of patients with HBV-associated liver cancer, and its high expression was associated with clinicopathological characteristics, including tumor size, clinical stage and prognosis. Further results indicated that USP22 may regulate the proliferative and apoptotic abilities of HepG2.2.15 cells. Additionally, investigation into the underlying mechanism, using small interfering RNA, revealed that the downregulation of USP22 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis though the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. Therefore, USP22 has the potential to be used as an independent predictor of patient prognosis, as well as a therapeutic target for the treatment of HBV-associated liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, P.R. China
| | - Xingsi Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, P.R. China
| | - Wenjin Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, P.R. China
| | - Zeming Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, P.R. China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, P.R. China
| | - Siqi Zhen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, P.R. China
| | - Bo Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, P.R. China
| | - Zhenran Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541000, P.R. China
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Yang F, Ma L, Yang Y, Liu W, Zhao J, Chen X, Wang M, Zhang H, Cheng S, Shen F, Wang H, Zhou W, Cao G. Contribution of Hepatitis B Virus Infection to the Aggressiveness of Primary Liver Cancer: A Clinical Epidemiological Study in Eastern China. Front Oncol 2019; 9:370. [PMID: 31179237 PMCID: PMC6537574 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: The contribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection to the aggressiveness of primary liver cancer (PLC) remains controversial. We aimed to characterize this in eastern China. Methods: We enrolled 8,515 PLC patients whose specimens were reserved at the BioBank of the hepatobiliary hospital (Shanghai, China) during 2007-2016. Of those, 3,124 who received primary radical resection were involved in survival analysis. A nomogram was constructed to predict the survivals using preoperative parameters. Results: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) accounted for 94.6, 3.7, and 1.7%, respectively. The rates of HBV infection were 87.5, 49.2, and 80.6%, respectively. HBV infection was significantly associated with 10-year earlier onset, more cirrhosis, higher α-fetoprotein, higher carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), more microvascular invasion (MVI), lower neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lower platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in HCC. HBV infection was also associated with 7-year earlier onset, more cirrhosis, higher α-fetoprotein, more MVI, and lower PLR in ICC. In the multivariate Cox analysis, high circulating HBV DNA, α-fetoprotein, CA19-9, NLR, tumor size, number, encapsulation, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, and MVI predicted an unfavorable prognosis in HCC; only CA19-9 and BCLC stage, rather than HBV-related parameters, had prognostic values in ICC. A nomogram constructed with preoperative HBV-related parameters including HBV load, ultrasonic cirrhosis, and α-fetoprotein perform better than the current staging systems in predicting postoperative survival in HCC. Conclusion: HBV promotes the aggressiveness of HCC in Chinese population. The contributions of HBV to ICC and other etiological factors to HCC might be indirect via arousing non-resolving inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Longteng Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengchao Wang
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuqun Cheng
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Shen
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiping Zhou
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangwen Cao
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Qiu J, Chen W, Zhang Y, Zhou Q, Chen J, Yang L, Gao J, Gu X, Tang D. Assessment of quinazolinone derivatives as novel non-nucleoside hepatitis B virus inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 176:41-49. [PMID: 31091479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide public health issue. Search for novel non-nucleoside anti-HBV agents is of great importance. In the present study, a series of quinazolinones derivatives (4a-t and 5a-f) were synthesized and evaluated as novel anti-HBV agents. Among them, compounds 5e and 5f could significantly inhibit HBV DNA replication with IC50 values of 1.54 μM and 0.71 μM, respectively. Interestingly, the selective index values of 5f was higher than that of lead compound K284-1405, suggesting 5f possessed relatively safety profile than K284-1405. Notably, 5e and 5f exhibited remarkably anti-HBV activities against lamivudine and entecavir resistant HBV strain with IC50 values of 1.90 and 0.84 μM, confirming their effectiveness against resistant HBV strain. In addition, molecular docking studies indicated that compounds 5e and 5f could well fit into the dimer-dimer interface of HBV core protein dominated by hydrophobic interactions. Notably, their binding modes were different from the lead compound K284-1405, which may be attributed to the additional substituent groups in the quinazolinone scaffold. Taken together, 5e and 5f possessed novel chemical structure and potent anti-HBV activity against both drug sensitive and resistant HBV strains, thus warranting further research as potential non-nucleoside anti-HBV candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinpeng Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihua Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoke Gu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Daoquan Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China.
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Docta RY, Ferronha T, Sanderson JP, Weissensteiner T, Pope GR, Bennett AD, Pumphrey NJ, Ferjentsik Z, Quinn LL, Wiedermann GE, Anderson VE, Saini M, Maroto M, Norry E, Gerry AB. Tuning T-Cell Receptor Affinity to Optimize Clinical Risk-Benefit When Targeting Alpha-Fetoprotein-Positive Liver Cancer. Hepatology 2019; 69:2061-2075. [PMID: 30561769 PMCID: PMC6593660 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is often expressed at high levels in HCC and is an established clinical biomarker of the disease. Expression of AFP in nonmalignant liver can occur, particularly in a subset of progenitor cells and during chronic inflammation, at levels typically lower than in HCC. This cancer-specific overexpression indicates that AFP may be a promising target for immunotherapy. We verified expression of AFP in normal and diseased tissue and generated an affinity-optimized T-cell receptor (TCR) with specificity to AFP/HLA-A*02+ tumors. Expression of AFP was investigated using database searches, by qPCR, and by immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of a panel of human tissue samples, including normal, diseased, and malignant liver. Using in vitro mutagenesis and screening, we generated a TCR that recognizes the HLA-A*02-restricted AFP158-166 peptide, FMNKFIYEI, with an optimum balance of potency and specificity. These properties were confirmed by an extension of the alanine scan (X-scan) and testing TCR-transduced T cells against normal and tumor cells covering a variety of tissues, cell types, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. Conclusion: We have used a combination of physicochemical, in silico, and cell biology methods for optimizing a TCR for improved affinity and function, with properties that are expected to allow TCR-transduced T cells to differentiate between antigen levels on nonmalignant and cancer cells. T cells transduced with this TCR constitute the basis for a trial of HCC adoptive T-cell immunotherapy.
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Chen D, Lin X, Zhang C, An G, Li Z, Dong B, Shen L, Gao J, Zhang X. Activated Wnt signaling promotes growth and progression of AFP-producing gastric cancer in preclinical models. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:1349-1362. [PMID: 30809100 PMCID: PMC6376882 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s187219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Characterized by elevated AFP levels in serum, AFP-producing gastric cancer (APGC) is a very special type of gastric cancer (GC) that is difficult to treat and has poor prognosis. However, little is known about the role of AFP in GC, which was investigated in this study with in vitro and in vivo experiments. Methods APGC cells were established with lentivirus infection and validated by PCR assay and ELISA in HCG27 and AGS cells. Cell growth, migration, and invasion were determined by CCK8, transwell assays, and animal experiments. RNA sequencing, Western blot, dual-luciferase-reporter assays, and RNA interference were employed to understand mechanisms underlying AFP activity, followed by therapeutic investigations for APGC. Results APGC cells featured significantly increased AFP levels in cellular supernatants. AFP potentiated growth and aggression in GC cell lines and their derived xenografts. Wnt-signaling activation was responsible for AFP function, indicated by decreased Axin 1 and pGSK3β, followed by cascade activation of β-catenin, downstream transcription factors TCF1/TCF7, and the target gene – c-Myc. Wnt-signaling blockade by Axin 1 rescue or pathway inhibitor XAV939 reversed AFP function, suggesting the potential therapeutic value of APGC. Conclusion AFP played a critical role in APGC through activating Wnt signaling, and targeting Wnt pathways might be a promising strategy against APGC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Guo An
- Department of Laboratory Animal
| | - Zhongwu Li
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education, Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Bin Dong
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education, Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, ;
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, ;
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50
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Feng H, Zhu M, Zhang R, Wang Q, Li W, Dong X, Chen Y, Lu Y, Liu K, Lin B, Guo J, Li M. GATA5 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cells malignant behaviours by blocking expression of reprogramming genes. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:2536-2548. [PMID: 30672133 PMCID: PMC6433710 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence indicated that GATA5 may suppress hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell malignant transformation, but the mechanism of how GATA5 affects cancer cell reprogramming to inhibit HCC malignant behaviour is still unclear. In this study, we report that the expression of β‐catenin and reprogramming genes p‐Oct4, Nanog, Klf4, c‐myc and EpCAM was significantly higher in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues. In contrast, the expression of GATA5 was significantly lower in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues. Transfection of CDH‐GATA5 vectors into HCC cells (HLE, Bel 7402 and PLC/PRF/5 cells) increased the GATA5 expression and decreased the expression of β‐catenin and reprogramming genes p‐Oct4, Nanog, Klf4, c‐myc and EpCAM. Increased GATA5 expression by transfection with its expression vectors was also able to inhibit the cell growth, colony formation and capability of migration, invasion, while promoting apoptosis in HCC cells. Results revealed that GATA5 co‐localization with β‐catenin in the cytoplasm, preventing β‐catenin from entering the nucleus. Treatment with the specific Wnt/β‐catenin pathway inhibitor salinomycin was able to reduce the expression of β‐catenin and reprogramming genes. Salinomycin exerted a similar influence as GATA5, and siRNA‐GATA5 restored β‐catenin and reprogramming gene expression. This study demonstrates that an increase in the expression of GATA5 inhibits the expression of β‐catenin and reprogramming genes and suppresses tumour growth, colony formation, metastasis and invasion, while promoting apoptosis in HCC cells. The mechanism of GATA5 inhibiting the malignant behaviours of HCC cells may involve in the disruption of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and the reduction of reprogramming gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Feng
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China
| | - Ruizhu Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China
| | - Qiaoyun Wang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China
| | - Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China
| | - Xu Dong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China
| | - Junli Guo
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China.,Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Hainan Province, Haikou, PR. China
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