1
|
Kuang S, Zhang J, Huang N, Zhang J, Chen B, Wang L, Liu M. The cumulative antitumor effects of regorafenib and radiotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1738-1749. [PMID: 38837427 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Regorafenib is a second-line standard treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the efficacy of regorafenib is often limited due to drug resistance, individual differences among patients, and irrational drug use. Radiotherapy (RT) is an important method of localized HCC treatment, and combining RT with other therapies may exert a synergetic antitumor effect. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like (PDGFRL) is a tumor suppressor in various solid tumors. However, the function of PDGFRL in HCC is still unknown. In this study, we explored whether regorafenib and RT exert a synergetic effect on the treatment of HCC. The antitumor effect and mechanisms of the combination of regorafenib and RT were verified in a xenograft mouse model in vivo and in HCC cells in vitro. The combination treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. PDGFRL, a potential target of regorafenib, was increased after cumulative treatment in HCC cells, and PDGFRL suppressed HCC cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting STAT3 pathway activation. Furthermore, the cumulative antitumor effect was dependent on the upregulated expression of PDGFRL and inhibition of STAT3 signaling pathway activation in HCC cells. This study increased the understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of regorafenib plus RT on HCC and provided a theoretical basis for the clinical practice of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Kuang
- 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
| | - Jiajun Zhang
- 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
| | - Ning Huang
- 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
| | - Jing Zhang
- 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
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Wang
- 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
| | - Mei Liu
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology & State Key Laboratory 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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang S, Xue X, Chen F, Yang Y, Zhang N, Chen Y, Wu W, Wang J, Zheng N. COL5A2 drives regorafenib resistance-induced metastatic phenotype via reducing LIFR expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024; 56:997-1010. [PMID: 38818582 PMCID: PMC11322875 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic therapies, the ultimate strategies for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), are suffering from serious clinical challenges, such as the occurrence and development of drug resistance. Treatment resistance aggravates tumor progression partly by inducing tumor metastasis. Regorafenib-resistant HCC cells exhibit a highly striking metastatic phenotype, but the detailed mechanisms underlying these aggressive behaviors remain elusive. Here, we conduct transcriptome sequencing analysis to identify COL5A2 as a crucial driver of the metastatic characteristics of regorafenib-resistant HCC cells. COL5A2 is aberrantly highly expressed in resistant cells, and its genetic depletion significantly suppresses proliferation, migration, invasion, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation and lung metastasis in vitro and in vivo, concomitant with the downregulation of VE-cadherin, EphA2, Twist1, p-p38 and p-STAT3 expressions. LIFR is confirmed to be an essential downstream molecule of COL5A2, and its expression is observably elevated by COL5A2 depletion. Ectopic overexpression of LIFR drastically attenuates the proliferation, migration, invasion and VM of regorafenib-resistant cells and represses the expressions of VM-related molecules and the activation of p38/STAT3 signaling pathway. Interestingly, rescue experiments show that the inhibition of the above aggressive features of resistant cells by COL5A2 loss is clearly alleviated by silencing of LIFR. Collectively, our results reveal that COL5A2 promotes the ability of regorafenib-resistant HCC cells to acquire a metastatic phenotype by attenuating LIFR expression and suggest that therapeutic regimens targeting the COL5A2/LIFR axis may be beneficial for HCC patients with therapeutic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqin Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative DiseasesThe School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhou350122China
| | - Xuezhen Xue
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative DiseasesThe School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhou350122China
| | - Fengdan Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative DiseasesThe School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhou350122China
| | - Yahan Yang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative DiseasesThe School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhou350122China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative DiseasesThe School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhou350122China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of PharmacologyThe School of PharmacyFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine PharmacologyFujian Medical UniversityFuzhou350122China
| | - Wenda Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative DiseasesThe School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhou350122China
| | - Jichuang Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative DiseasesThe School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhou350122China
| | - Ning Zheng
- Department of PharmacologyThe School of PharmacyFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine PharmacologyFujian Medical UniversityFuzhou350122China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li W, Wu J, Jia Q, Shi Y, Li F, Zhang L, Shi F, Wang X, Wu S. PD-L1 knockdown suppresses vasculogenic mimicry of non-small cell lung cancer by modulating ZEB1-triggered EMT. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:633. [PMID: 38783271 PMCID: PMC11118770 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12390-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-L1 overexpression is commonly observed in various malignancies and is strongly correlated with poor prognoses for cancer patients. Moreover, PD-L1 has been shown to play a significant role in promoting angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes across different cancer types. METHODS The relationship between PD-L1 and vasculogenic mimicry as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was explored by bioinformatics approach and immunohistochemistry. The functions of PD-L1 in regulating the expression of ZEB1 and the EMT process were assessed by Western blotting and q-PCR assays. The impact of PD-L1 on the migratory and proliferative capabilities of A549 and H1299 cells was evaluated through wound healing, cell invasion, and CCK8 assays following siRNA-mediated PD-L1 knockdown. Tube formation assay was utilized to evaluate the presence of VM structures. RESULTS In this study, increased PD-L1 expression was observed in A549 and H1299 cells compared to normal lung epithelial cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a higher prevalence of VM structures in the PD-L1-positive group compared to the PD-L1-negative group. Additionally, high PD-L1 expression was also found to be significantly associated with advanced TNM stage and increased metastasis. Following PD-L1 knockdown, NSCLC cells exhibited a notable reduction in their ability to form tube-like structures. Moreover, the levels of key EMT and VM-related markers, including N-cadherin, MMP9, VE-cadherin, and VEGFA, were significantly decreased, while E-cadherin expression was upregulated. In addition, the migration and proliferation capacities of both cell lines were significantly inhibited after PD-L1 or ZEB1 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS Knockdown PD-L1 can inhibit ZEB1-mediated EMT, thereby hindering the formation of VM in NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiatao Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianhao Jia
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqi Shi
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Linxiang Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Shi
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China.
| | - Shiwu Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China.
- Department of Pathology, Anhui No.2 Provincial People's Hospital, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu Z, Wei N. METTL3-mediated HOTAIRM1 promotes vasculogenic mimicry icontributionsn glioma via regulating IGFBP2 expression. J Transl Med 2023; 21:855. [PMID: 38012763 PMCID: PMC10680348 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04624-3] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HOTAIRM1 is revealed to facilitate the malignant progression of glioma. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is critically involved in glioma progression. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism of HOTAIRM1 in regulating glioma VM formation remains elusive. Thus, we attempted to clarify the role and mechanism of HOTAIRM1 in VM formation in glioma. METHODS qRT-PCR and western blot assays were used to evaluate the gene and protein expression levels of HOTAIRM1 in glioma patient tissue samples and cell lines. The role of HOTAIRM1 in glioma cell progression and VM formation was explored using a series of function gain-and-loss experiments. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, and mechanism experiments were conducted to assess the interaction between HOTAIRM1/METTL3/IGFBP2 axis. Furthermore, rescue assays were conducted to explore the regulatory function of HOTAIRM1/METTL3/IGFBP2 in glioma cell cellular processes and VM formation. RESULTS We found that HOTAIRM1 presented up-regulation in glioma tissues and cells and overexpression of HOTAIRM1 facilitated glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and VM formation. Furthermore, overexpression of HOTAIRM1 promoted glioma tumor growth and VM formation capacity in tumor xenograft mouse model. Moreover, HOTAIRM1 was demonstrated to interact with IGFBP2 and positively regulated IGFBP2 expression. IGFBP2 was found to promote glioma cell malignancy and VM formation. Mechanistically, METTL3 was highly expressed in glioma tissues and cells and was bound with HOTAIRM1 which stabilized HOTAIRM1 expression. Rescue assays demonstrated that METTL3 silencing counteracted the impact of HOTAIRM1 on glioma cell malignancy and VM formation capacity. CONCLUSION HOTAIRM1, post-transcriptionally stabilized by METTL3, promotes VM formation in glioma via up-regulating IGFBP2 expression, which provides a new direction for glioma therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyi Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nan Wei
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Hospital, No. 12 Lingyin Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alqurashi YE, Al-Hetty HRAK, Ramaiah P, Fazaa AH, Jalil AT, Alsaikhan F, Gupta J, Ramírez-Coronel AA, Tayyib NA, Peng H. Harnessing function of EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma: From biological view to nanotechnological standpoint. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 227:115683. [PMID: 36933639 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Management of cancer metastasis has been associated with remarkable reduction in progression of cancer cells and improving survival rate of patients. Since 90% of mortality are due to cancer metastasis, its suppression can improve ability in cancer fighting. The EMT has been an underlying cause in increasing cancer migration and it is followed by mesenchymal transformation of epithelial cells. HCC is the predominant kind of liver tumor threatening life of many people around the world with poor prognosis. Increasing patient prognosis can be obtained via inhibiting tumor metastasis. HCC metastasis modulation by EMT and HCC therapy by nanoparticles are discussed here. First of all, EMT happens during progression and advanced stages of HCC and therefore, its inhibition can reduce tumor malignancy. Moreover, anti-cancer compounds including all-trans retinoic acid and plumbaging, among others, have been considered as inhibitors of EMT. The EMT association with chemoresistance has been evaluated. Moreover, ZEB1/2, TGF-β, Snail and Twist are EMT modulators in HCC and enhancing cancer invasion. Therefore, EMT mechanism and related molecular mechanisms in HCC are evaluated. The treatment of HCC has not been only emphasized on targeting molecular pathways with pharmacological compounds and since drugs have low bioavailability, their targeted delivery by nanoparticles promotes HCC elimination. Moreover, nanoparticle-mediated phototherapy impairs tumorigenesis in HCC by triggering cell death. Metastasis of HCC and even EMT mechanism can be suppressed by cargo-loaded nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaser E Alqurashi
- Department of Biology, College of Science Al-zulfi, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Abduladheem Turki Jalil
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Hilla, 51001, Iraq
| | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jitendra Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Pin Code 281406, U. P., India
| | - Andrés Alexis Ramírez-Coronel
- Azogues Campus Nursing Career, Health and Behavior Research Group (HBR), Psychometry and Ethology Laboratory, Catholic University of Cuenca, Ecuador; Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Group, CES University, Colombia; Educational Statistics Research Group (GIEE), National University of Education, Ecuador
| | - Nahla A Tayyib
- Faculty of Nursing, Umm Al- Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hu Peng
- Department of Emergency, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang J, Wu R, Sun JY, Lei F, Tan H, Lu X. An overview: Management of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Biosci Trends 2022; 16:405-425. [PMID: 36476621 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2022.01109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has constituted a significant health burden worldwide, and patients with advanced HCC, which is stage C as defined by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, have a poor overall survival of 6-8 months. Studies have indicated the significant survival benefit of treatment based on sorafenib, lenvatinib, or atezolizumab-bevacizumab with reliable safety. In addition, the combination of two or more molecularly targeted therapies (first- plus second-line) has become a hot topic recently and is now being extensively investigated in patients with advanced HCC. In addition, a few biomarkers have been investigated and found to predict drug susceptibility and prognosis, which provides an opportunity to evaluate the clinical benefits of current therapies. In addition, many therapies other than tyrosine kinase inhibitors that might have additional survival benefits when combined with other therapeutic modalities, including immunotherapy, transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, hepatectomy, and chemotherapy, have also been examined. This review provides an overview on the current understanding of disease management and summarizes current challenges with and future perspectives on advanced HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Rui Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Yu Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feifei Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Disease Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Huabing Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Disease Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Characterization of Glioblastoma Cells Response to Regorafenib. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246193. [PMID: 36551679 PMCID: PMC9777191 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246193] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Although not frequent, it has a relevant social impact because the peak incidence coincides with the age of professional maturity. A number of novel treatments have been proposed, yet clinical trials have been disappointing. Recently, a phase II clinical trial (REGOMA) demonstrated that the multikinase inhibitor regorafenib significantly increased the median overall survival (OS) of GBM patients when compared to lomustine-treated patients. On this basis, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) 2020 Guidelines included regorafenib as a preferred regimen in relapsed GBM treatment. Despite the use in GBM patients' therapy, little is known about the molecular mechanisms governing regorafenib effectiveness on the GBM tumor. Here we report an in vitro characterization of GBM tumor cells' response to regorafenib, performed both on cell lines and on patient-derived glioma stem cells (GSCs). Overall, regorafenib significantly reduced cell growth of 2D tumor cell cultures and of 3D tumor spheroids. Strikingly, this effect was accompanied by transcriptional regulation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes and by an increased ability of surviving tumor cells to invade the surrounding matrix. Taken together, our data suggest that regorafenib limits cell growth, however, it might induce an invasive phenotype.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang J, Han H, Wang L, Wang W, Yang M, Qin Y. Overcoming the therapeutic resistance of hepatomas by targeting the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:988956. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.988956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers and is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Multifactorial drug resistance is regarded as the major cause of treatment failure in HCC. Accumulating evidence shows that the constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor vasculature, immune cells, physical factors, cytokines, and exosomes may explain the therapeutic resistance mechanisms in HCC. In recent years, anti-angiogenic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown satisfactory results in HCC patients. However, due to enhanced communication between the tumor and TME, the effect of heterogeneity of the microenvironment on therapeutic resistance is particularly complicated, which suggests a more challenging research direction. In addition, it has been reported that the three-dimensional (3D) organoid model derived from patient biopsies is more intuitive to fully understand the role of the TME in acquired resistance. Therefore, in this review, we have focused not only on the mechanisms and targets of therapeutic resistance related to the contents of the TME in HCC but also provide a comprehensive description of 3D models and how they contribute to the exploration of HCC therapies.
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen SH, Wang X. A high preoperative serum IL-25 level is a negative prognosis predictor after liver resection for HBV-HCC. Front Oncol 2022; 12:858151. [PMID: 36119529 PMCID: PMC9478489 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.858151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between preoperative IL-25 levels and HBV-HCC patient outcomes following liver surgery. Methods This study enrolled consecutive HCC patients that had undergone liver surgery from 2008 to 2015. Baseline patient clinical properties were assessed to establish predictors of postoperative overall survival and recurrence-free survival (OS and RFS, respectively) following liver resection. In addition, serum IL-25 levels were assessed via ELISA. Results Cox regression analyses revealed IL-25 levels to be independently related to the OS and RFS of 896 HBV-associated HCC patients. An optimal IL-25 cutoff level of 14.9 μg/ml was identified, with 206 patients in this cohort having IL-25 levels above this threshold. Both the OS and RFS of patients with an IL-25 level <14.9 μg/ml were significantly better after liver resection as compared to those of patients with higher preoperative levels of this cytokine (p < 0.05). Cox multivariate regression analyses revealed an IL-25 level ≥ 14.9 μg/L to be an independent predictor of poorer RFS and OS. A combination of IL-25 levels and tumor diameter may be an even more reliable predictor of OS. Conclusions IL-25 levels are independent predictors of postoperative survival within HCC patients undergoing liver resection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-hua Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, 900TH Hospital of Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Outpatient Department, Meng chao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xu Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Eupalinolide B inhibits hepatic carcinoma by inducing ferroptosis and ROS-ER-JNK pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:974-986. [PMID: 35866605 PMCID: PMC9827796 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary hepatic carcinoma is a common malignant tumor. The classic molecular targeted drug sorafenib is costly and is only effective for some patients. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to search for new molecular targeted drugs. Eupalinolide B (EB) from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. is used to treat chronic tracheitis in clinical practice. However, the role of EB in hepatic carcinoma is unknown. In this study, we first measure the effect of EB on tumor growth in a xenograft model and PDX model. The cell proliferation and migration are also detected in human hepatocarcinoma cell lines (SMMC-7721 and HCCLM3). Then, we investigate cell cycle, cell apoptosis, cell necrosis, cell autophagy, and ferroptosis by flow cytometry, western blot analysis and electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that EB exerts anti-proliferative activity in hepatic carcinoma by blocking cell cycle arrest at S phase and inducing ferroptosis mediated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as well as HO-1 activation. When HO-1 is inhibited, EB-induced cell death and ER protein expression are rescued. The migration-related mechanism consists of activation of the ROS-ER-JNK signaling pathway and is not connected to ferroptosis. In summary, we first discover that EB inhibits cell proliferation and migration in hepatic carcinoma, and thus EB is a promising anti-tumor compound that can be used for hepatic carcinoma.
Collapse
|
11
|
Modulation of the tumour microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma by tyrosine kinase inhibitors: from modulation to combination therapy targeting the microenvironment. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:73. [PMID: 35148789 PMCID: PMC8840552 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remain the backbone of systematic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Sorafenib and lenvatinib are currently approved as first-line therapeutic drugs, and regorafenib and cabozantinib are applied as second-line treatments. With inhibition of angiogenesis as the main target, TKIs exert a profound effect on the tumour microenvironment (TME). The TME is a complex mixture of cellular and noncellular components surrounding the tumour mass, and is associated with tumour progression partially through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Specifically, the TME of HCC is characterized by profound extracellular matrix remodelling and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of TME remodelling mediated by four Food and Drug Administration approved TKIs in HCC and thus summarize the rationale and potential targets for combination therapy. The modulatory effect of TKIs on the TME of HCC was reported to enhance the antitumour effect of TKIs through pyroptosis of macrophages and subsequent natural killer cell activation, T cell activation, regulatory T cell reduction in HCC. Meanwhile, TKIs also induce drug resistance via M2 polarization and accumulation, recruitment of tumour-associated neutrophils, and induction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, the effect of TKIs on TME can enhance its antitumour effect, but might also partially contribute to the drug resistance that hinders the progression of TKIs as treatment for HCC. Additionally, the effect of TKIs also provides the rationale for combination therapy, including combining TKIs with immune checkpoint inhibitors, to facilitate increased drug efficacy of TKIs.
Collapse
|
12
|
Song X, An Y, Chen D, Zhang W, Wu X, Li C, Wang S, Dong W, Wang B, Liu T, Zhong W, Sun T, Cao H. Microbial metabolite deoxycholic acid promotes vasculogenic mimicry formation in intestinal carcinogenesis. Cancer Sci 2021; 113:459-477. [PMID: 34811848 PMCID: PMC8819290 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A high-fat diet (HFD) leads to long-term exposure to gut microbial metabolite secondary bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA), in the intestine, which is closely linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). Evidence reveals that vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a critical event for the malignant transformation of cancer. Therefore, this study investigated the crucial roles of DCA in the regulation of VM and the progression of intestinal carcinogenesis. The effects of an HFD on VM formation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human CRC tissues were investigated. The fecal DCA level was detected in HFD-treated Apcmin/+ mice. Then the effects of DCA on VM formation, EMT, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Here we demonstrated that compared with a normal diet, an HFD exacerbated VM formation and EMT in CRC patients. An HFD could alter the composition of the gut microbiota and significantly increase the fecal DCA level in Apcmin/+ mice. More importantly, DCA promoted tumor cell proliferation, induced EMT, increased VM formation, and activated VEGFR2, which led to intestinal carcinogenesis. In addition, DCA enhanced the proliferation and migration of HCT-116 cells, and induced EMT process and vitro tube formation. Furthermore, the silence of VEGFR2 reduced DCA-induced EMT, VM formation, and migration. Collectively, our results indicated that microbial metabolite DCA promoted VM formation and EMT through VEGFR2 activation, which further exacerbated intestinal carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueli Song
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaping An
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Danfeng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanru Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuemei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuqiao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sinan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenxiao Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bangmao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianyu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Weilong Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hailong Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Qi Y, Fang Q, Li Q, Ding H, Shu Q, Hu Y, Xin W, Fang L. MD2 blockage prevents the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibition of the EGFR signaling pathway. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1873-1883. [PMID: 34532135 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The toll-like receptor (TLR) is an emerging signaling pathway in tumor invasion and metastasis. The activation of TLRs requires specific accessory proteins, such as the small secreted glycoprotein myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2), which contributes to ligand responsiveness. However, the role of MD2 in tumorigenesis and metastasis has rarely been reported. This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of MD2 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8), cell colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays were conducted to determine cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to assess the expression of MD2 in HCC cell lines and human normal liver cell lines as well as the silencing efficiency of MD2 blockage. Western blot and qRT-PCR assays were performed to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) markers and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling molecules. Results MD2 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. High expression of MD2 was associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. In addition, MD2 silencing slightly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and HCCLM3, and significantly suppressed cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, MD2 blockage could distinctly prevent the EMT process by increasing the protein and mRNA levels of E-cadherin and Occludin, and decreasing the levels of Vimentin, N-cadherin, and Snail. Finally, the phosphorylation level of EGFR as well as its downstream molecular Src, Akt, I-κBα, and p65 were downregulated in HCC cells with MD2 silencing. Conclusions Our findings suggest that high expression of MD2 may affect the EMT, migration, and invasion via modulation of the EGFR pathway in HCC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Qi
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qilu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qinglin Li
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Comprehensive Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Head and Neck Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiying Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Shu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenxiu Xin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Comprehensive Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Head and Neck Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luo Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zheng N, Zhang S, Wu W, Zhang N, Wang J. Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targeting of vasculogenic mimicry in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pharmacol Res 2021; 166:105507. [PMID: 33610718 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a typical hyper-vascular solid tumor; aberrantly rich in tumor vascular network contributes to its malignancy. Conventional anti-angiogenic therapies seem promising but transitory and incomplete efficacy on HCC. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is one of functional microcirculation patterns independent of endothelial vessels which describes the plasticity of highly aggressive tumor cells to form vasculogenic-like networks providing sufficient blood supply for tumor growth and metastasis. As a pivotal alternative mechanism for tumor vascularization when tumor cells undergo lack of oxygen and nutrients, VM has an association with the malignant phenotype and poor clinical outcome for HCC, and may challenge the classic anti-angiogenic treatment of HCC. Current studies have contributed numerous findings illustrating the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways supporting VM in HCC. In this review, we summarize the correlation between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs) and VM, the role of hypoxia and extracellular matrix remodeling in VM, the involvement of adjacent non-cancerous cells, cytokines and growth factors in VM, as well as the regulatory influence of non-coding RNAs on VM in HCC. Moreover, we discuss the clinical significance of VM in practice and the potential therapeutic strategies targeting VM for HCC. A better understanding of the mechanism underlying VM formation in HCC may optimize anti-angiogenic treatment modalities for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Shaoqin Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Wenda Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Jichuang Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Medicine, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
| |
Collapse
|