1
|
Singh M, Pushpakumar S, Bard N, Zheng Y, Homme RP, Mokshagundam SPL, Tyagi SC. Simulation of COVID-19 symptoms in a genetically engineered mouse model: implications for the long haulers. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:103-119. [PMID: 35731343 PMCID: PMC9214689 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic (also known as coronavirus disease-19; COVID-19) by a constantly emerging viral agent commonly referred as the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 or SARS-CoV-2 has revealed unique pathological findings from infected human beings, and the postmortem observations. The list of disease symptoms, and postmortem observations is too long to mention; however, SARS-CoV-2 has brought with it a whole new clinical syndrome in "long haulers" including dyspnea, chest pain, tachycardia, brain fog, exercise intolerance, and extreme fatigue. We opine that further improvement in delivering effective treatment, and preventive strategies would be benefited from validated animal disease models. In this context, we designed a study, and show that a genetically engineered mouse expressing the human angiotensin converting enzyme 2; ACE-2 (the receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 agent to enter host cells) represents an excellent investigative resource in simulating important clinical features of the COVID-19. The ACE-2 mouse model (which is susceptible to SARS-CoV-2) when administered with a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) intranasally exhibited a profound cytokine storm capable of altering the physiological parameters including significant changes in cardiac function along with multi-organ damage that was further confirmed via histological findings. More importantly, visceral organs from SP treated mice revealed thrombotic blood clots as seen during postmortem examination. Thus, the ACE-2 engineered mouse appears to be a suitable model for studying intimate viral pathogenesis thus paving the way for identification, and characterization of appropriate prophylactics as well as therapeutics for COVID-19 management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahavir Singh
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
| | - Sathnur Pushpakumar
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Nia Bard
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Yuting Zheng
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Rubens P Homme
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Sri Prakash L Mokshagundam
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes and Robley Rex VA Medical Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Suresh C Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tsuge M. The association between hepatocarcinogenesis and intracellular alterations due to hepatitis B virus infection. Liver Int 2021; 41:2836-2848. [PMID: 34559952 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem leading to severe liver dysfunction, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although current antiviral therapies for chronic HBV infection have been improved and can lead to a strong suppression of viral replication, it is difficult to completely eliminate the virus with these therapies once chronic HBV infection is established in the host. Furthermore, chronic HBV infection alters intracellular metabolism and signalling pathways, resulting in the activation of carcinogenesis in the liver. HBV produces four viral proteins: hepatitis B surface-, hepatitis B core-, hepatitis B x protein, and polymerase; each plays an important role in HBV replication and the intracellular signalling pathways associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. In vitro and in vivo experimental models for analyzing HBV infection and replication have been established, and gene expression analyses using microarrays or next-generation sequencing have also been developed. Thus, it is possible to clarify the molecular mechanisms for intracellular alterations, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and epigenetic modifications. In this review, the impact of HBV viral proteins and intracellular alterations in HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Tsuge
- Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li YT, Wu HL, Liu CJ. Molecular Mechanisms and Animal Models of HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: With Emphasis on Metastatic Tumor Antigen 1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9380. [PMID: 34502289 PMCID: PMC8431721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important cause of cancer death worldwide, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major etiology, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Lack of sensitive biomarkers for early diagnosis of HCC and lack of effective therapeutics for patients with advanced HCC are the main reasons for high HCC mortality; these clinical needs are linked to the molecular heterogeneity of hepatocarcinogenesis. Animal models are the basis of preclinical and translational research in HBV-related HCC (HBV-HCC). Recent advances in methodology have allowed the development of several animal models to address various aspects of chronic liver disease, including HCC, which HBV causes in humans. Currently, multiple HBV-HCC animal models, including conventional, hydrodynamics-transfection-based, viral vector-mediated transgenic, and xenograft mice models, as well as the hepadnavirus-infected tree shrew and woodchuck models, are available. This review provides an overview of molecular mechanisms and animal models of HBV-HCC. Additionally, the metastatic tumor antigen 1 (MTA1), a cancer-promoting molecule, was introduced as an example to address the importance of a suitable animal model for studying HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Tsung Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Lin Wu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen Y, Hao X, Sun R, Wei H, Tian Z. Natural Killer Cell-Derived Interferon-Gamma Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through the Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Axis in Hepatitis B Virus Transgenic Mice. Hepatology 2019; 69:1735-1750. [PMID: 30329167 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), at least partially due to dysfunctional anti-HBV adaptive immunity; however, the role of innate immune response to HBV in this process is not well understood. In this study, low-dose polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly [I:C]), a natural killer (NK) cell activator (3 μg/g body weight, twice/week for 8 weeks), induced HCC in HBV transgenic (HBs-Tg) mice, with an incidence of 100% after 6 months, while HBs-Tg mice without treatment only had HCC with an incidence of 16.7%. In HBs-Tg mice, poly (I:C) induced liver inflammation with markedly increased infiltrating lymphocytes, along with the concurrently increased apoptosis and proliferation of hepatocytes, leading to the accelerated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hepatocytes shown by increased expression of the typical transcriptional factors (Slug, Twist, and mothers against decapentaplegic-interacting protein 1) and phenotypic proteins (vimentin and chemokine [C-X-C motif] receptor 4). The EMT and tumorigenesis in this model depended on the presence of NK cells because depletion of these cells significantly reduced the HCC rate to 28.6%. Further, intrahepatic NK cells highly expressed interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), anti-IFN-γ neutralizing monoclonal antibody might obviously alleviate the hepatitis, and hepatocyte-specific IFN-γ overexpression promoted HCC. Moreover, IFN-γ deficiency in HBs-Tg mice prevented HCC occurring, though hepatic NK cells existed and could be activated, suggesting the critical role of IFN-γ in NK cell-mediated tumorigenesis. In an in vitro experiment, IFN-γ up-regulated epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression through phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (p-STAT1) pathway, which was followed by EMT, and p-STAT1 inhibitor might absolutely abolish the expression of EpCAM and EMT in HBV surface antigen-positive hepatocytes. Conclusion: This work demonstrates that NK cell-derived IFN-γ promotes HCC through the EpCAM-EMT axis in HBs-Tg mice, revealing the importance of innate immunity in pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongyan Chen
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, and Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaolei Hao
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, and Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, and Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, and Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, and Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chung H, Chen X, Yu Y, Lee H, Song CH, Choe H, Lee S, Kim H, Hong S. A critical role of hepatitis B virus polymerase in cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and steatosis. FEBS Open Bio 2018; 8:130-145. [PMID: 29321963 PMCID: PMC5757181 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world; more than 350 million people are carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Chronic HBV infection (CHB) leads to liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and steatosis. Despite its seriousness in terms of public health, the pathogenic mechanism of how CHB leads to liver diseases, especially cirrhosis and steatosis, remains unclear. We studied the role of HBV polymerase (HBp) reverse transcriptase (RT) activity in association with the pathogenesis of liver diseases in CHB by developing transgenic mice expressing HBp or the RT domain of HBp. Thorough pathological, serological, and histological analyses of the transgenic mice, as well as mechanistic studies, were conducted. All of the transgenic mice expressing RT in their livers developed early cirrhosis with steatosis by 18 months of age, and 10% developed HCC. The RT activity of HBp stimulates coordinated proapoptotic and proinflammatory responses involving the caspase-9, caspase-3, and caspase-1 pathways that might lead to the development of cirrhosis, HCC, and steatosis. The animal model described here should prove useful for elucidating the molecular events in the CHB-induced liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hea‐Jong Chung
- Department of Biomedical SciencesChonbuk National University Medical SchoolJeonjuChonbukSouth Korea
- Present address:
Department of MicrobiologySeonam University Medical SchoolNamwonChonbukSouth Korea
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Biomedical SciencesChonbuk National University Medical SchoolJeonjuChonbukSouth Korea
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Biomedical SciencesChonbuk National University Medical SchoolJeonjuChonbukSouth Korea
| | - Heui‐Kwan Lee
- Department of Radiation OncologyPresbyterian Medical CenterSeonam University Medical SchoolJeonjuChonbukSouth Korea
| | - Chang Ho Song
- Department of AnatomyChonbuk National University Medical SchoolJeonjuChonbukSouth Korea
| | - Han Choe
- Department of PhysiologyBio‐Medical Institute of TechnologyAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Seungkoo Lee
- Department of Anatomic PathologySchool of MedicineKangwon National UniversityChuncheonGangwonSouth Korea
| | - Hyeon‐Jin Kim
- JINIS BDRD InstituteJINIS Biopharmaceuticals Co.WanjuChonbukSouth Korea
| | - Seong‐Tshool Hong
- Department of Biomedical SciencesChonbuk National University Medical SchoolJeonjuChonbukSouth Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Majumder A, Singh M, Tyagi SC. Post-menopausal breast cancer: from estrogen to androgen receptor. Oncotarget 2017; 8:102739-102758. [PMID: 29254284 PMCID: PMC5731994 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women, and even though different therapies can treat primary breast tumors, most breast cancer-related deaths (>95%) occur due to metastasis. A majority (~70%) of breast tumors are found to express estrogen receptor, and a significant portion (~90%) of ER-positive (ER+) breast tumors are also androgen receptor-positive (AR+). Although ER is known to promote tumorigenesis, the role and underlying mechanism(s) of AR in these closely knit processes remain controversial. Endocrine therapies are the most commonly used treatment for patients with ER+ breast tumors; but, ~30%-50% of initially responsive patients develop resistance to these therapies. Whereas 70%–90% of all breast tumors are AR+ and AR overexpression is correlated with endocrine resistance, but the precise molecular mechanism(s) for this association is yet to be studied. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to show AR and ER interactions, which indicate that AR may preferentially regulate expression of a subset of ER-responsive genes and that may be responsible for breast cancer and its progression in affected patients. On the other hand, most of the ER+ breast tumors found in post-menopausal women (~80%); and they have very low 17β-estradiol and high androgen levels, but how these hormonal changes make someone more prone to cancer phenotype has long been a disputed issue. In this study, we have discussed multiple molecular mechanisms that we believe are central to the understanding of the overall contributions of AR in breast cancer and its metastasis in post-menopausal women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville 40202, Kentucky, USA.,Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville 40202, Kentucky, USA
| | - Mahavir Singh
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville 40202, Kentucky, USA
| | - Suresh C Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville 40202, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kapoor NR, Chadha R, Kumar S, Choedon T, Reddy VS, Kumar V. The HBx gene of hepatitis B virus can influence hepatic microenvironment via exosomes by transferring its mRNA and protein. Virus Res 2017; 240:166-174. [PMID: 28847700 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cellular secretory vesicles known as 'exosomes' have emerged as key player in intercellular transport and communication between different eukaryotic in order to maintain body homeostasis. Many pathogenic viruses utilize exosome pathway to efficiently transfer bioactive components from infected cells to naïve cells. Here, we show that HBx can tweak the exosome biogenesis machinery both by enhancing neutral sphingomyelinase2 activity as well as by interacting with exosomal biomarkers such as neutral sphingomyelinase2, CD9 and CD81. The nano particle tracking analysis revealed enhanced secretion of exosomes by the HBx-expressing cells while confocal studies confirmed the co-localization of HBx with CD9 and CD63. Importantly, we observed the encapsulation of HBx mRNA and protein in these exosomes besides some other qualitative changes. The exosomal cargo secreted by HBx-expressing cells had a profound effect on the recipient hepatic cells including creation of a milieu conducive for cellular-transformation. Thus, the present study unfolds a novel role of HBx in intercellular communication by facilitating horizontal transfer of viral gene products and other host factors via exosomes in order to support viral spread and pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Rohit Kapoor
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Radhika Chadha
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Saravanan Kumar
- Plant Transformation Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Tenzin Choedon
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Vanga Siva Reddy
- Plant Transformation Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
DNA Oncogenic Virus-Induced Oxidative Stress, Genomic Damage, and Aberrant Epigenetic Alterations. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:3179421. [PMID: 28740569 PMCID: PMC5504953 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3179421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 20% of human cancers is attributable to DNA oncogenic viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Unrepaired DNA damage is the most common and overlapping feature of these DNA oncogenic viruses and a source of genomic instability and tumour development. Sustained DNA damage results from unceasing production of reactive oxygen species and activation of inflammasome cascades that trigger genomic changes and increased propensity of epigenetic alterations. Accumulation of epigenetic alterations may interfere with genome-wide cellular signalling machineries and promote malignant transformation leading to cancer development. Untangling and understanding the underlying mechanisms that promote these detrimental effects remain the major objectives for ongoing research and hope for effective virus-induced cancer therapy. Here, we review current literature with an emphasis on how DNA damage influences HPV, HVB, and EBV replication and epigenetic alterations that are associated with carcinogenesis.
Collapse
|
9
|
He L, Tian DA, Li PY, He XX. Mouse models of liver cancer: Progress and recommendations. Oncotarget 2016; 6:23306-22. [PMID: 26259234 PMCID: PMC4695120 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To clarify the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and investigate the effects of potential therapies, a number of mouse models have been developed. Subcutaneous xenograft models are widely used in the past decades. Yet, with the advent of in vivo imaging technology, investigators are more and more concerned with the orthotopic models nowadays. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEM) have greatly facilitated studies of gene function in HCC development. Recently, GEM of miR-122 and miR-221 provided new approaches for better understanding of the in vivo functions of microRNA in hepatocarcinogenesis. Chemically induced liver tumors in animals share many of the morphological, histogenic, and biochemical features of human HCC. Yet, the complicated and obscure genomic alternation restricts their applications. In this review, we highlight both the frequently used mouse models and some emerging ones with emphasis on their merits or defects, and give advises for investigators to chose a “best-fit” animal model in HCC research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - De-An Tian
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pei-Yuan Li
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xing-Xing He
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dysplastic hepatocytes develop nuclear inclusions in a mouse model of viral hepatitis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99872. [PMID: 24932583 PMCID: PMC4059674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis resulting in chronic liver disease is an important clinical challenge and insight into the cellular processes that drive pathogenesis will be critical in order to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic options. Nuclear inclusions in viral and non-viral hepatitis are well documented and have diagnostic significance in some disease contexts. However, the origins and functional consequences of these nuclear inclusions remain elusive. To date the clinical observation of nuclear inclusions in viral and non-viral hepatitis has not been explored at depth in murine models of liver disease. Herein, we report that in a transgenic model of hepatitis B surface antigen mediated hepatitis, murine hepatocytes exhibit nuclear inclusions. Cells bearing nuclear inclusions were more likely to express markers of cell proliferation. We also established a correlation between these inclusions and oxidative stress. N-acetyl cysteine treatment effectively reduced oxidative stress levels, relieved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and the number of nuclear inclusions we observed in the transgenic mice. Our results suggest that the presence of nuclear inclusions in hepatocytes correlates with oxidative stress and cellular proliferation in a model of antigen mediated hepatitis.
Collapse
|
11
|
Chang C, Lee SO, Yeh S, Chang TM. Androgen receptor (AR) differential roles in hormone-related tumors including prostate, bladder, kidney, lung, breast and liver. Oncogene 2013; 33:3225-34. [PMID: 23873027 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in many cell types and the androgen/AR signaling has been found to have important roles in modulating tumorigenesis and metastasis in several cancers including prostate, bladder, kidney, lung, breast and liver. However, whether AR has differential roles in the individual cells within these tumors that contain a variety of cell types remains unclear. Generation of AR knockout (ARKO) mouse models with deletion of AR in selective cells within tumors indeed have uncovered many unique AR roles in the individual cell types during cancer development and progression. This review will discuss the results obtained from various ARKO mice and different human cell lines with special attention to the cell type- and tissue-specific ARKO models. The understanding of various results showing the AR indeed has distinct and contrasting roles in each cell type within many hormone-related tumors (as stimulator in bladder, kidney and lung metastases vs as suppressor in prostate and liver metastases) may eventually help us to develop better therapeutic approaches by targeting the AR or its downstream signaling in individual cell types to better battle these hormone-related tumors in different stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Chang
- 1] George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology, and the Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA [2] Sex Hormone Research Center, China Medical University/Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - S O Lee
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology, and the Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - S Yeh
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology, and the Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - T M Chang
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology, and the Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
High HBV-DNA titer in surrounding liver rather than in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue predisposes to recurrence after curative surgical resection. J Clin Gastroenterol 2012; 46:413-9. [PMID: 22105184 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0b013e3182371285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
GOALS In this study the authors intended to investigate the relationship between intrahepatic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA concentrations and posthepatectomy recurrence of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). BACKGROUND High HBV-DNA level is strongly associated with HCC development in chronic HBV infection and considered to be a risk factor of HCC recurrence. STUDY A total of 109 patients with HBV-associated HCC who underwent curative surgical resection were followed up every 3 to 6 months for a median of 82 months. Intrahepatic total HBV-DNA titer was measured in HCC and surrounding liver tissues using a TaqMan probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction method. HBV-DNA titers in HCC and surrounding liver were compared in accordance with patients' clinical, radiologic, and histopathological characteristics. The relationships between HBV-DNA titers in HCC or surrounding liver tissues and cumulative HCC recurrence rates were determined. RESULTS Of the 109 patients, 67 (62%) showed posthepatectomy recurrence of HCC. In all patients, total HBV-DNA titers were significantly higher in HCCs than in surrounding liver tissues (P=0.019). HCC recurred more frequently in patients with higher than those with lower HBV-DNA titers in surrounding liver tissues (P=0.009). In contrast, the HCC recurrence rates were similar in patients with higher and those with lower HBV-DNA titers in HCC specimens (P=0.301). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size >5 cm (P=0.008), the presence of portal vein thrombus (P=0.001), and high HBV-DNA titer in surrounding liver tissues (P=0.002) were independent risk factors for posthepatectomy HCC recurrence in patients with HBV-associated HCC. CONCLUSIONS In patients with HBV-associated HCC, high HBV-DNA titer in surrounding liver rather than in the HCC itself is associated with posthepatectomy HCC recurrence after curative surgical resection.
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the third most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. Although major risk factors for the development of HCC have been defined, many aspects of the evolution of hepatocellular carcinogenesis and metastasis are still unknown. Suitable animal models are, therefore, essential to promote our understanding of the molecular, cellular and pathophysiological mechanisms of HCC and for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This Review provides an overview of animal models that are relevant to HCC development, metastasis and treatment. For HCC development, this Review focuses on transgenic mouse models of HBV and HCV infection, which provide experimental evidence that viral genes could initiate or promote liver carcinogenesis. Animal models of HCC metastasis provide platforms to elucidate the mechanisms of HCC metastasis, to study the interaction between the microenvironment and HCC invasion and to conduct intervention studies. In addition, animal models have been developed to investigate the effects of new treatment modalities. The criteria for establishing ideal HCC animal models are also discussed.
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been identified as a major risk factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The pathogenesis of HBV-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis is, however, incompletely understood. Evidence suggests that the HBV X protein (HBx) plays a crucial role in HCC development. HBx is a multifunctional regulator that modulates transcription, signal transduction, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, protein degradation pathways, and genetic stability through interaction with host factors. This review describes the current state of knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of HBV-induced HCC, with a focus on the role of HBx in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sue-Ann Ng
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pollicino T, Saitta C, Raimondo G. Hepatocellular carcinoma: the point of view of the hepatitis B virus. Carcinogenesis 2011; 32:1122-32. [PMID: 21665892 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgr108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, Messina, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wu MH, Ma WL, Hsu CL, Chen YL, Ou JHJ, Ryan CK, Hung YC, Yeh S, Chang C. Androgen receptor promotes hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocarcinogenesis through modulation of hepatitis B virus RNA transcription. Sci Transl Med 2010; 2:32ra35. [PMID: 20484730 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3001143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced hepatitis and carcinogen-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are associated with serum androgen concentration. However, how androgen or the androgen receptor (AR) contributes to HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis remains unclear. We found that hepatic AR promotes HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in HBV transgenic mice that lack AR only in the liver hepatocytes (HBV-L-AR(-/y)). HBV-L-AR(-/y) mice that received a low dose of the carcinogen N'-N'-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) have a lower incidence of HCC and present with smaller tumor sizes, fewer foci formations, and less alpha-fetoprotein HCC marker than do their wild-type HBV-AR(+/y) littermates. We found that hepatic AR increases the HBV viral titer by enhancing HBV RNA transcription through direct binding to the androgen response element near the viral core promoter. This activity forms a positive feedback mechanism with cooperation with its downstream target gene HBx protein to promote hepatocarcinogenesis. Administration of a chemical compound that selectively degrades AR, ASC-J9, was able to suppress HCC tumor size in DEN-HBV-AR(+/y) mice. These results demonstrate that targeting the AR, rather than the androgen, could be developed as a new therapy to battle HBV-induced HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Heng Wu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mathan G, Fatima G, Saxena AK, Chandan BK, Jaggi BS, Gupta BD, Qazi GN, Balasundaram C, Anand Rajan KD, Kumar VL, Kumar V. Chemoprevention with Aqueous Extract of Butea monosperma
flowers results in normalization of nuclear morphometry and inhibition of a proliferation marker in liver tumors. Phytother Res 2010; 25:324-8. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
18
|
Experimental models of hepatocellular carcinoma: developments and evolution. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2009; 135:969-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-009-0591-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
19
|
Maronpot RR. Biological Basis of Differential Susceptibility to Hepatocarcinogenesis among Mouse Strains. J Toxicol Pathol 2009; 22:11-33. [PMID: 22271974 PMCID: PMC3246016 DOI: 10.1293/tox.22.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2008] [Accepted: 11/07/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a vast amount of literature related to mouse liver tumorigenesis generated over the past 60 years, not all of which has been captured here. The studies reported in this literature have generally been state of the art at the time they were carried out. A PubMed search on the topic "mouse liver tumors" covering the past 10 years yields over 7000 scientific papers. This review address several important topics related to the unresolved controversy regarding the relevance of mouse liver tumor responses observed in cancer bioassays. The inherent mouse strain differential sensitivities to hepatocarcinogenesis largely parallel the strain susceptibility to chemically induced liver neoplasia. The effects of phenobarbital and halogenated hydrocarbons in mouse hepatocarcinogenesis have been summarized because of recurring interest and numerous publications on these topics. No single simple paradigm fully explains differential mouse strain responses, which can vary more than 50-fold among inbred strains. In addition to inherent genetics, modifying factors including cell cycle balance, enzyme induction, DNA methylation, oncogenes and suppressor genes, diet, and intercellular communication influence susceptibility to spontaneous and induced mouse hepatocarcinogenesis. Comments are offered on the evaluation, interpretation, and relevance of mouse liver tumor responses in the context of cancer bioassays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert R Maronpot
- Maronpot Consulting, LLC, 1612 Medfield Road, Raleigh, NC 27607-4726, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Leenders MWH, Nijkamp MW, Rinkes IHMB. Mouse models in liver cancer research: A review of current literature. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14:6915-23. [PMID: 19058325 PMCID: PMC2773853 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.6915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. Due to differences in prevalence of etiological factors the incidence of primary liver cancer varies among the world, with a peak in East-Asia. As this disease is still lethal in most of the cases, research has to be done to improve our understanding of the disease, offering insights for possible treatment options. For this purpose, animal models are widely used, especially mouse models. In this review, we describe the different types of mouse models used in liver cancer research, with emphasis on genetically engineered mice used in this field. We focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as this is by far the most common type of primary liver cancer, accounting for 70%-85% of cases.
Collapse
|
21
|
Park NH, Chung YH. [Molecular mechanisms of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY 2008; 13:320-40. [PMID: 17898549 DOI: 10.3350/kjhep.2007.13.3.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant diseases in the world. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates non-cytopathically in hepatocytes, and most of the liver injury associated with this infection reflects the immune response. Epidemiological studies have clearly demonstrated that a chronic HBV infection is a major etiological factor in the development of HCC. The pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC has been studied extensively, and the molecular changes during the malignant transformation have been identified. The main carcinogenic mechanism of HBV-associated HCC is related to the long term-inflammatory changes caused by a chronic hepatitis B infection, which might involve the integration of the HBV. Integration of the HBV DNA into the host genome occurs at the early steps of clonal tumorous expansion. The hepatitis B x protein (HBx) is a multifunctional regulatory protein that communicates directly or indirectly with a variety of host targets, and mediates many opposing cellular functions, including its function in cell cycle regulation, transcriptional regulation, signaling, encoding of the cytoskeleton and cell adhesion molecules, as well as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Continued study of the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis will refine our current understanding of the molecular and cellular basis for neoplastic transformations in the liver. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the mechanisms involved in HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neung Hwa Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
McLaughlin-Drubin ME, Munger K. Viruses associated with human cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2008; 1782:127-50. [PMID: 18201576 PMCID: PMC2267909 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2007.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2007] [Revised: 12/13/2007] [Accepted: 12/18/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that viral infections contribute to 15-20% of all human cancers. As obligatory intracellular parasites, viruses encode proteins that reprogram host cellular signaling pathways that control proliferation, differentiation, cell death, genomic integrity, and recognition by the immune system. These cellular processes are governed by complex and redundant regulatory networks and are surveyed by sentinel mechanisms that ensure that aberrant cells are removed from the proliferative pool. Given that the genome size of a virus is highly restricted to ensure packaging within an infectious structure, viruses must target cellular regulatory nodes with limited redundancy and need to inactivate surveillance mechanisms that would normally recognize and extinguish such abnormal cells. In many cases, key proteins in these same regulatory networks are subject to mutation in non-virally associated diseases and cancers. Oncogenic viruses have thus served as important experimental models to identify and molecularly investigate such cellular networks. These include the discovery of oncogenes and tumor suppressors, identification of regulatory networks that are critical for maintenance of genomic integrity, and processes that govern immune surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E McLaughlin-Drubin
- The Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 8th Floor, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a worldwide health issue that has started receiving attention but is still poorly understood. However, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) are known to be two major causative agents of HCC. They differ in their modes of infection, their treatment options, their genomes and their carcinogenic abilities. However, both share a link with HCC through alterations of the host genome. In order to continue in our search for the mechanisms behind viral hepatocarcinogenesis, the individual entities (HBV, HCV, HCC and host), their natural history, treatment options and genomic properties must be further understood. Additionally, an understanding of the genomics, the link between the entities, is crucial for the success of the ongoing search for therapeutic options for HCC. Similar to most types of cancer, hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistep process involving different genetic alterations that ultimately lead to malignant transformation of the hepatocyte. As technology advances and research continues, the genetic changes and influences among these entities will prove essential to improved diagnostic and therapeutic options. It remains a challenge to provide a clear picture of the connection between virus and cancer. We review (i) the epidemiological link between HBV/HCV infection to HCC; (ii) prevention and control of chronic hepatitis B or C in reducing HCC risk; and (iii) genetic characters of viruses and hosts and the mechanisms associated with HCC susceptibilities, with the intention of providing a direction for future research and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Tan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Park NH, Song IH, Chung YH. Molecular Pathogenesis of Hepatitis-B-virus-associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Gut Liver 2007; 1:101-17. [PMID: 20485626 DOI: 10.5009/gnl.2007.1.2.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2007] [Accepted: 11/18/2007] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent and malignant diseases worldwide. Epidemiological studies have clearly demonstrated that chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major etiological factor in the development of HCC. The pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC has been studied extensively, and the molecular changes associated with malignant transformation have been identified. The predominant carcinogenic mechanisms of HBV-associated HCC are chronic inflammation and the effects of cytokines in the development of fibrosis and liver cell proliferation. An important role is also played by the integration of HBV DNA into host cellular DNA, which disrupts or promotes the expression of cellular genes that are important in cell growth and differentiation. Especially, HBx protein is a transactivating protein that promotes cell growth, survival, and the development of HCC. Continued investigation of the mechanisms underlying hepatocarcinogenesis will refine our current understanding of the molecular and cellular basis for neoplastic transformation in the liver. Prevention of HBV infections and effective treatments for chronic hepatitis B are still needed for the global control of HBV-associated HCC. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanisms involved in HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neung Hwa Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Korea
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mukherji A, Janbandhu V, Kumar V. HBx-dependent cell cycle deregulation involves interaction with cyclin E/A-cdk2 complex and destabilization of p27Kip1. Biochem J 2007; 401:247-56. [PMID: 16939421 PMCID: PMC1698683 DOI: 10.1042/bj20061091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The HBx (X protein of hepatitis B virus) is a promiscuous transactivator implicated to play a key role in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, HBx-regulated molecular events leading to deregulation of cell cycle or establishment of a permissive environment for hepatocarcinogenesis are not fully understood. Our cell culture-based studies suggested that HBx had a profound effect on cell cycle progression even in the absence of serum. HBx presence led to an early and sustained level of cyclin-cdk2 complex during the cell cycle combined with increased protein kinase activity of cdk2 heralding an early proliferative signal. The increased cdk2 activity also led to an early proteasomal degradation of p27(Kip1) that could be reversed by HBx-specific RNA interference and blocked by a chemical inhibitor of cdk2 or the T187A mutant of p27. Further, our co-immunoprecipitation and in vitro binding studies with recombinant proteins suggested a direct interaction between HBx and the cyclin E/A-cdk2 complex. Interference with different signalling cascades known to be activated by HBx suggested a constitutive requirement of Src kinases for the association of HBx with these complexes. Notably, the HBx mutant that did not interact with cyclin E/A failed to destabilize p27(Kip1) or deregulate the cell cycle. Thus HBx appears to deregulate the cell cycle by interacting with the key cell cycle regulators independent of its well-established role in transactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atish Mukherji
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, P.O. Box 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Vaibhao C. Janbandhu
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, P.O. Box 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, P.O. Box 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Park NH, Song IH, Chung YH. Chronic hepatitis B in hepatocarcinogenesis. Postgrad Med J 2006; 82:507-15. [PMID: 16891440 PMCID: PMC2585715 DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.2006.047431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2006] [Accepted: 04/07/2006] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world, and has a wide geographical variation. Eighty per cent of HCC is attributed to hepatitis B virus (HBV). The predominant carcinogenic mechanism of HBV associated HCC is through the process of liver cirrhosis, but direct oncogenic effects of HBV may also contribute. Prevention of HBV infections as well as effective treatment of chronic hepatitis B is still needed for the global control of HBV associated HCC. Continued investigation of the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis will refine our current understanding of the molecular and cellular basis for neoplastic transformation in the liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N H Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Centre, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Barone M, Spano D, D’Apolito M, Centra M, Lasalandra C, Capasso M, Di Leo A, Volinia S, Arcelli D, Rosso N, Francavilla A, Tiribelli C, Iolascon A. Gene expression analysis in HBV transgenic mouse liver: a model to study early events related to hepatocarcinogenesis. Mol Med 2006; 12:115-23. [PMID: 16953557 PMCID: PMC1578771 DOI: 10.2119/2006-00015.barone] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2006] [Accepted: 05/06/2006] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major etiological factors responsible for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We used a transgenic mouse, containing HBV sequences, as a model system to unravel the molecular mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis induced by HBV. We chose this animal model because it consistently develops liver cancer after intermediate steps that mimic the natural history of HBV infection in humans. In this study, we focus our attention on the early events leading to liver cancer. We compared the gene expression profile of 3-month-old transgenic mice with that of 3-month-old wild-type (wt) animals. In the transgenic mouse, microarray data analysis showed a total of 45 significantly differentially expressed genes, 25 highly expressed (fold change > or =2; P = 0.0025), and 20 downregulated (fold change < or =0.5; P = 0.0025). These genes belong to several different functional categories such as the regulation of immunological response, transcription, intracellular calcium ion mobilization, regulation of cell cycle and proliferation, NF-kappab signal transduction cascades, and apoptosis. In particular, the upregulation of the antiapoptotic gene NuprI and the downregulation of the proapoptotic gene Bnip3 were found. This observation was supported by an in vitro apoptosis assay that showed downregulation of apoptosis in hepatocytes of HBV transgenic mouse compared with wt mice treated with staurosporine. In conclusion, our experimental approach allowed identification of new genes modulated by HBV and showed that the apoptotic process was deregulated in transgenic mouse hepatocytes. These data shed light on one possible mechanism by which HBV induces hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Barone
- Sezione di Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Emergenza e di Trapianto d’Organo (D.E.T.O.), Università di Bari, Bari, Italia
| | - Daniela Spano
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ra.l., Napoli, Italia
| | - Maria D’Apolito
- Laboratorio di Medicina Molecolare, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e del Lavoro, Università di Foggia, Foggia, Italia
| | - Marta Centra
- Laboratorio di Medicina Molecolare, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e del Lavoro, Università di Foggia, Foggia, Italia
| | - Carla Lasalandra
- Laboratorio di Medicina Molecolare, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e del Lavoro, Università di Foggia, Foggia, Italia
| | - Mario Capasso
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ra.l., Napoli, Italia
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Sezione di Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Emergenza e di Trapianto d’Organo (D.E.T.O.), Università di Bari, Bari, Italia
| | - Stefano Volinia
- Dipartimento di Morfologia ed Embriologia, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italia
| | - Diego Arcelli
- Dipartimento di Morfologia ed Embriologia, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italia
| | - Natalia Rosso
- Centro Studi Fegato, AREA Science Park, Campus Basovizza Bldg Q, Università di Trieste, Trieste, Italia
| | - Antonio Francavilla
- Sezione di Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Emergenza e di Trapianto d’Organo (D.E.T.O.), Università di Bari, Bari, Italia
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Centro Studi Fegato, AREA Science Park, Campus Basovizza Bldg Q, Università di Trieste, Trieste, Italia
| | - Achille Iolascon
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ra.l., Napoli, Italia
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italia
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Prof Achille Iolascon, Chair of Medical Genetics, University Federico II – Naples, CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ra.l., Via Comunale Margherita 482, 80145 Napoli, Italy. Phone: +39-0813722897; Fax: +39-0813722804; e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ge JH, Zhang LZ, Li JX, Liu H, Liu HM, He J, Yao YC, Yang YJ, Yu HY, Hu YP. Replication and gene expression of mutant hepatitis B virus in a transgenic mouse containing the complete viral genome with mutant s gene. World J Gastroenterol 2004; 10:3141-5. [PMID: 15457560 PMCID: PMC4611258 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i21.3141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: To establish the transgenic mouse line harbouring complete hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome with mutant s gene (adr subtype).
METHODS: Transgenic mice were generated by microinjecting HBV genome into fertilized eggs. Integration, expression, replication of HBV gene and histological changes in transgenic mice were estimated by genomic DNA PCR, serum DNA PCR, Southern blot, ELISA, HE staining, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Transgenic mice with HBsAg positive in serum were bred and analyzed.
RESULTS: A total of 288 eggs survived from microinjections were transplanted into the oviducts of 13 pseudopregnant mice and 49 pups were produced. Twenty-six mice were identified to have the integrated HBV gene. Serum HBsAg and HBeAg were detected in 2 of 43 mice. HBsAg and HBcAg in cytoplasm or nuclei of hepatocytes were detected in 10 mice. Founders with HBsAg in serum were named lineages G145R-15 and G145R-18. Of the 16 F1 offsprings generated by G145R-15 founder, 12 were positive for HBV genome with PCR, 10 were positive for HBsAg and HBcAg with immunohistochemistry and 7 were positive for HBsAg and HBeAg with ELISA. Only 1 of 8 F1 offsprings generated by G145R-18 founder was survived and it was detected positive for HBV genome, HBsAg, HBcAg and HBeAg. Both of the two lineages had some pathological characteristics of mild chronic hepatitis B in the liver, such as swelling of hepatocytes and focal hepatocellular necrosis and parenchymal lymphomononuclear cell infiltrate.
CONCLUSION: Transgenic mice harbouring HBV with mutant s gene can be generated. The HBV genes are integrated in the transgenic mice genome and can be expressed, replicated, packaged and excreted. HBV DNA can be stably transmitted in the transgenic mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hui Ge
- Department of Pathology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China. gerllini@ yahoo.com.cn
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lu LG, Zeng MD, Mao YM, Fang JY, Song YL, Shen ZH, Cao AP. Inhibitory effect of oxymatrine on serum hepatitis B virus DNA in HBV transgenic mice. World J Gastroenterol 2004; 10:1176-9. [PMID: 15069721 PMCID: PMC4656356 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i8.1176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: To study the inhibitory effect of oxymatrine on serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in HBV transgenic mice.
METHODS: HBV transgenic mice model was established by microinjection, and identified by HBV DNA integration and replication. Transgenic mice with replicating HBV were divided into 3 groups, and injected with normal saline (group A, n = 9), 50 mg/kg (group B, n = 8) and 100 mg/kg (group C, n = 9) oxymatrine intraperitoneally once a day for 30 d, respectively. Quantitation of serum HBV DNA in HBV transgenic mice was performed by competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in combination with DNA hybridization quantitative detection technique before and after treatment.
RESULTS: Compared with pre-treatment, the serum HBV DNA in group A (F = 1.04, P = 0.9612) and group B (F = 1.13, P = 0.8739) had no changes after treatment. However, in group C serum HBV DNA was significantly decreased (F = 13.97, P = 0.0012). The serum HBV DNA after treatment was lower in group C than in groups B and A (F = 8.65, P = 0.0068; F = 12.35, P = 0.0018; respectively). The serum HBV DNA after treatment was lower in group B than in group A, but there was no statistical significance (F = 1.43, P = 0.652).
CONCLUSION: Oxymatrine has inhibitory effects on serum HBV DNA in HBV transgenic mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lun-Gen Lu
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200001, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hung L, Kumar V. Specific inhibition of gene expression and transactivation functions of hepatitis B virus X protein and c-myc by small interfering RNAs. FEBS Lett 2004; 560:210-4. [PMID: 14988024 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(04)00113-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2003] [Revised: 01/20/2004] [Accepted: 01/23/2004] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With a view to developing therapeutic strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we have recently shown that co-expression of c-myc and the X protein of hepatitis B virus (HBx) resulted in the development of HCC in the X-myc transgenic mice. We now show in cell culture-based studies that small interfering RNA (siRNA) corresponding to HBx and c-myc can regulate expression and transactivation of the target genes. Expression vectors for small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) against two different regions each of the HBx and c-myc open reading frames were constructed and their regulatory effects were investigated in COS-1 cells. A dose-dependent specific inhibition in the expression levels of HBx and c-myc was observed with individual shRNAs. Further, the recombinantly expressed shRNAs also blocked the transactivation functions of their cognate genes. Though each shRNA worked at a different efficiency, the inhibitory effects with two different shRNAs were cumulative. These results appear promising for developing a siRNA-based therapy for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Hung
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, P.O. Box 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rogers AB, Fox JG. Inflammation and Cancer. I. Rodent models of infectious gastrointestinal and liver cancer. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2004; 286:G361-6. [PMID: 14766534 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00499.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Chronic gastrointestinal and liver infections account for a significant percentage of human cancer deaths. Rodent models help elucidate how infection can lead to malignancy. Helicobacter pylori, the leading cause of human gastric tumors, produces similar disease in Mongolian gerbils. H. pylori, H. felis, and H. hepaticus induce stomach, lower bowel, or liver tumors in susceptible wild-type and genetically engineered mice. Immune dysregulated mice recapitulate features of inflammatory bowel disease including colon carcinoma. Hepatitis B and C virus transgenic mice provide insights into viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Rodent models enhance our understanding of infectious cancer pathogenesis and suggest novel targets for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arlin B Rogers
- Comparative Pathology Laboratory, Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Bldg. 16-849, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|