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Banerjee A, Farci P. Fibrosis and Hepatocarcinogenesis: Role of Gene-Environment Interactions in Liver Disease Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8641. [PMID: 39201329 PMCID: PMC11354981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The liver is a complex organ that performs vital functions in the body. Despite its extraordinary regenerative capacity compared to other organs, exposure to chemical, infectious, metabolic and immunologic insults and toxins renders the liver vulnerable to inflammation, degeneration and fibrosis. Abnormal wound healing response mediated by aberrant signaling pathways causes chronic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Fibrosis plays a key role in liver carcinogenesis. Once thought to be irreversible, recent clinical studies show that hepatic fibrosis can be reversed, even in the advanced stage. Experimental evidence shows that removal of the insult or injury can inactivate HSCs and reduce the inflammatory response, eventually leading to activation of fibrolysis and degradation of ECM. Thus, it is critical to understand the role of gene-environment interactions in the context of liver fibrosis progression and regression in order to identify specific therapeutic targets for optimized treatment to induce fibrosis regression, prevent HCC development and, ultimately, improve the clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Banerjee
- Department of Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India;
| | - Patrizia Farci
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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2
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Xue Y, Ruan Y, Wang Y, Xiao P, Xu J. Signaling pathways in liver cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:20. [PMID: 38816668 PMCID: PMC11139849 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00184-0] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide with high incidence and mortality rates. Due to its subtle onset, liver cancer is commonly diagnosed at a late stage when surgical interventions are no longer feasible. This situation highlights the critical role of systemic treatments, including targeted therapies, in bettering patient outcomes. Despite numerous studies on the mechanisms underlying liver cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the only widely used clinical inhibitors, represented by sorafenib, whose clinical application is greatly limited by the phenomenon of drug resistance. Here we show an in-depth discussion of the signaling pathways frequently implicated in liver cancer pathogenesis and the inhibitors targeting these pathways under investigation or already in use in the management of advanced liver cancer. We elucidate the oncogenic roles of these pathways in liver cancer especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the current state of research on inhibitors respectively. Given that TKIs represent the sole class of targeted therapeutics for liver cancer employed in clinical practice, we have particularly focused on TKIs and the mechanisms of the commonly encountered phenomena of its resistance during HCC treatment. This necessitates the imperative development of innovative targeted strategies and the urgency of overcoming the existing limitations. This review endeavors to shed light on the utilization of targeted therapy in advanced liver cancer, with a vision to improve the unsatisfactory prognostic outlook for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangtao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yeling Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Junjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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3
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Tsang YM, Sheen IS, Jeng CJ. Reappraisal of the Roles of the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1739. [PMID: 38730691 PMCID: PMC11083695 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
HCC remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death globally. The main challenges in treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) primarily arise from high rates of postoperative recurrence and the limited efficacy in treating advanced-stage patients. Various signaling pathways involved in HCC have been reported. Among them, the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is crucial. The presence of SHH ligands is identified in approximately 60% of HCC tumor tissues, including tumor nests. PTCH-1 and GLI-1 are detected in more than half of HCC tissues, while GLI-2 is found in over 84% of HCC tissues. The SHH signaling pathway (including canonical and non-canonical) is involved in different aspects of HCC, including hepatocarcinogenesis, tumor growth, tumor invasiveness, progression, and migration. The SHH signaling pathway also contributes to recurrence, metastasis, modulation of the cancer microenvironment, and sustaining cancer stem cells. It also affects the resistance of HCC cells to chemotherapy, target therapy, and radiotherapy. Reappraisal of the roles of the SHH signaling pathway in HCC may trigger some novel therapies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - Yuk-Ming Tsang
- Department of Imaging Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Linkou Chang Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Graduate Institude of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan;
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4
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Thazhackavayal Baby B, Kulkarni AM, Gayam PKR, Harikumar KB, Aranjani JM. Beyond cyclopamine: Targeting Hedgehog signaling for cancer intervention. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 754:109952. [PMID: 38432565 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a significant role in embryogenesis and several physiological processes, such as wound healing and organ homeostasis. In a pathological setting, it is associated with oncogenesis and is responsible for disease progression and poor clinical outcomes. Hedgehog signaling mediates downstream actions via Glioma Associated Oncogene Homolog (GLI) transcription factors. Inhibiting Hh signaling is an important oncological strategy in which inhibitors of the ligands SMO or GLI have been looked at. This review briefly narrates the Hh ligands, signal transduction, the target genes involved and comprehensively describes the numerous inhibitors that have been evaluated for use in various neoplastic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beena Thazhackavayal Baby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Aniruddha Murahar Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Prasanna Kumar Reddy Gayam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kuzhuvelil B Harikumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala State, India
| | - Jesil Mathew Aranjani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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5
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Ghosh C, Hu J. Importance of targeting various cell signaling pathways in solid cancers. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:101-155. [PMID: 38663958 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Most adult human cancers are solid tumors prevailing in vital organs and lead to mortality all over the globe. Genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer genes or genes of associated signaling pathways impart the most common characteristic of malignancy, that is, uncontrolled proliferation. Unless the mechanism of action of these cells signaling pathways (involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and the maintenance of the stemness of cancer stem cells and cancer microenvironment) and their physiologic alteration are extensively studied, it is challenging to understand tumorigenesis as well as develop new treatments and precision medicines. Targeted therapy is one of the most promising strategies for treating various cancers. However, cancer is an evolving disease, and most patients develop resistance to these drugs by acquired mutations or mediation of microenvironmental factors or due to tumor heterogeneity. Researchers are striving to develop novel therapeutic options like combinatorial approaches targeting multiple responsible pathways effectively. Thus, in-depth knowledge of cell signaling and its components remains a critical topic of cancer research. This chapter summarized various extensively studied pathways in solid cancer and how they are targeted for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrayee Ghosh
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, Unites States.
| | - Jiangnan Hu
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, Unites States
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6
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Jing J, Wu Z, Wang J, Luo G, Lin H, Fan Y, Zhou C. Hedgehog signaling in tissue homeostasis, cancers, and targeted therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:315. [PMID: 37596267 PMCID: PMC10439210 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01559-5] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has seen significant advances in our understanding of Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway in various biological events. HH signaling pathway exerts its biological effects through a complex signaling cascade involved with primary cilium. HH signaling pathway has important functions in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. It plays a central role in the regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of adult stem cells. Importantly, it has become increasingly clear that HH signaling pathway is associated with increased cancer prevalence, malignant progression, poor prognosis and even increased mortality. Understanding the integrative nature of HH signaling pathway has opened up the potential for new therapeutic targets for cancer. A variety of drugs have been developed, including small molecule inhibitors, natural compounds, and long non-coding RNA (LncRNA), some of which are approved for clinical use. This review outlines recent discoveries of HH signaling in tissue homeostasis and cancer and discusses how these advances are paving the way for the development of new biologically based therapies for cancer. Furthermore, we address status quo and limitations of targeted therapies of HH signaling pathway. Insights from this review will help readers understand the function of HH signaling in homeostasis and cancer, as well as opportunities and challenges of therapeutic targets for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhuoxuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiahe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guowen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hengyi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Chenchen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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7
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Papadakos SP, Ferraro D, Carbone G, Frampton AE, Vennarecci G, Kykalos S, Schizas D, Theocharis S, Machairas N. The Emerging Role of Metformin in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Is There Any Value in Repurposing Metformin for HCC Immunotherapy? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3161. [PMID: 37370771 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There has been significant progress in understanding the risk factors and epidemiology of HCC during the last few decades, resulting in efficient preventative, diagnostic and treatment strategies. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been demonstrated to be a major risk factor for developing HCC. Metformin is a widely used hypoglycemic agent for patients with T2DM and has been shown to play a potentially beneficial role in improving the survival of patients with HCC. Experimental and clinical studies evaluating the outcomes of metformin as an antineoplastic drug in the setting of HCC were reviewed. Pre-clinical evidence suggests that metformin may enhance the antitumor effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and reverse the effector T cells' exhaustion. However, there is still limited clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of metformin in combination with ICIs for the treatment of HCC. We appraised and analyzed in vitro and animal studies that aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of action of metformin, as well as clinical studies that assessed its impact on the survival of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros P Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Daniele Ferraro
- HPB Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, AORN A. Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carbone
- Department of General Surgery and Organ Transplantation, University of Rome "Sapienza", 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Adam Enver Frampton
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, UK
- Oncology Section, Surrey Cancer Research Institute, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, FHMS, University of Surrey, The Leggett Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK
- HPB Surgical Unit, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK
| | - Giovanni Vennarecci
- HPB Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, AORN A. Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stylianos Kykalos
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Machairas
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
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8
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Du X, Li S, Yang K, Cao Y. Downregulation of Sonic hedgehog signaling induces G2-arrest in genital warts. Skin Res Technol 2023; 29:e13265. [PMID: 36704875 PMCID: PMC9838784 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13265] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) infected keratinocyte dysfunction results in the formation of genital warts, and the specific role of Sonic hedgehog (SHh) signaling in genital warts remains elusive. Thus, this study aimed to identify the correlation between wart formation and SHh signaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, nine male patients with genital warts were recruited, and the expression of SHh and its downstream signal molecules Patched-1 and GLI family zinc finger 1 (Ptch1 and Gli1) was detected. Moreover, G2-phase cells in the collected genital warts samples were assessed with normal foreskin samples as a comparison. HPV6/11 were detected via in situ hybridization (ISH), and SHh expression of the corresponding paraffin sections was determined via immunohistochemical staining (IHC). In addition, an in vitro down-regulated SHh model was constructed by siRNA transfection of the HaCaT cell line, and the cell cycle was detected at 36 h by flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining. RESULTS SHh, Ptch1, and Gli1 in warts were significantly downregulated in the condyloma acuminatum (CA) group compared to the normal foreskin group. G2-phase cells in the middle section of the spinous layer of CA wart tissues were significantly increased. Moreover, the expression of HPV-DNA was amplified and negatively correlated with SHh activity in CA wart tissues. Lastly, the downregulation of SHh-induced G2 arrest in vitro. CONCLUSIONS The downregulation of the SHh signaling promotes HPV replication and the formation of warts by inducing G2/M arrest in the keratinocytes of CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxi Du
- Department of DermatologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Shan Li
- Department of AnaesthesiologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of DermatologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yuchun Cao
- Department of DermatologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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9
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Shi J, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Chen Z, Jia G. Long Non-Coding RNA Expression Profile Alteration Induced by Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in HepG2 Cells. TOXICS 2022; 10:724. [PMID: 36548557 PMCID: PMC9785481 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10120724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The liver is considered the major target organ affected by oral exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), but the mechanism of hepatotoxicity is not fully understood. This study investigated the effect of TiO2 NPs on the expression profile of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in hepatocytes and tried to understand the potential mechanism of hepatotoxicity through bioinformatics analysis. The human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) were treated with TiO2 NPs at doses of 0-200 μg/mL for 48 h and then RNA sequencing was implemented. The differential lncRNAs between the control and TiO2 NPs-treated groups were screened, then the lncRNA-mRNA network and enrichment pathways were analyzed via multivariate statistics. As a result, 46,759 lncRNAs were identified and 129 differential lncRNAs were screened out. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the targeted mRNAs of those differential lncRNAs were enriched in the Hedgehog signaling pathway, Vasopressin-regulated water reabsorption, and Glutamatergic synapse. Moreover, two lncRNA-mRNA networks, including lncRNA NONHSAT256380.1-JRK and lncRNA NONHSAT173563.1-SMIM22, were verified by mRNA detection. This study demonstrated that an alteration in the lncRNA expression profile could be induced by TiO2 NPs and epigenetics may play an important role in the mechanism of hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhangjian Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guang Jia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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10
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Pehlivanoglu B, Aysal A, Agalar C, Egeli T, Ozbilgin M, Unek T, Unek T, Oztop I, Sagol O. Peritumoral histopathologic findings in patients with chronic viral hepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. APMIS 2022; 130:346-356. [PMID: 35302674 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Data on peritumoral histopathologic findings in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the peritumoral histopathologic changes in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH)-associated HCC (CVH-HCC) and their prognostic value. 61 consecutive cirrhotic patients who underwent liver transplantation due to CVH-HCC were included. Histopathologic features within 1 cm distance of the tumor, and their association with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were evaluated. A random representative slide of cirrhotic parenchyma unrelated to invasive and/or dysplastic foci was also evaluated for the same histopathologic criteria. The majority (85%, n = 52) were male with a median age of 55 ± 6.38 (range, 39-67). The etiologic agent was only HBV in 90% (n = 55). The most common peritumoral findings were portal inflammation (100%; n = 61), ductular reaction (100%; n = 61) and sinusoidal dilatation (95%; n = 58). Macrovascular invasion was observed only in four cases (7%) with mild peritumoral portal inflammation. Neutrophilic infiltration of the peritumoral portal tracts (n = 18; 30%) was significantly associated with pT4 tumor stage, tumor grade, macrovascular invasion, and pretransplant therapy. Patients with moderate or severe peritumoral sinusoidal dilatation tended to have worse prognosis, albeit not significantly. Peritumoral ballooning degeneration was associated with multifocality, recurrence and recurrence-free survival in both uni- and multivariate analysis. Peritumoral histopathologic changes in CVH-HCC can be classified as: changes related to pathogenesis, changes indirectly affecting prognosis, and changes directly affecting prognosis. Peritumoral prominent ballooning degeneration may be a predictor of recurrence while portal neutrophilic infiltration and sinusoidal dilatation seem to indicate poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcin Pehlivanoglu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Anil Aysal
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cihan Agalar
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tufan Egeli
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mucahit Ozbilgin
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tarkan Unek
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tugba Unek
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ilhan Oztop
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozgul Sagol
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
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11
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Kotulak-Chrząszcz A, Kmieć Z, Wierzbicki PM. Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway in gynecological and genitourinary cancer (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:106. [PMID: 33907821 PMCID: PMC8057295 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers of the urinary tract, as well as those of the female and male reproductive systems, account for a large percentage of malignancies worldwide. Mortality is frequently affected by late diagnosis or therapeutic difficulties. The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway is an evolutionary conserved molecular cascade, which is mainly associated with the development of the central nervous system in fetal life. The present review aimed to provide an in‑depth summary of the SHH signaling pathway, including the characterization of its major components, the mechanism of its upstream regulation and non‑canonical activation, as well as its interactions with other cellular pathways. In addition, the three possible mechanisms of the cellular SHH cascade in cancer tissue are discussed. The aim of the present review was to summarize significant findings with regards to the expression of the SHH pathway components in kidney, bladder, ovarian, cervical and prostate cancer. Reports associated with common deficits and de‑regulations of the SHH pathway were summarized, despite the differences in molecular and histological patterns among these malignancies. However, currently, neither are SHH pathway elements included in panels of prognostic/therapeutic molecular patterns in any of the discussed cancers, nor have the drugs targeting SMO or GLIs been approved for therapy. The findings of the present review may support future studies on the treatment of and/or molecular targets for gynecological and genitourinary cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Piotr M. Wierzbicki
- Correspondence to: Dr Piotr M. Wierzbicki, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Debinki 1, 80211 Gdansk, Poland, E-mail:
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12
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Lee HY, Hong IS. Targeting Liver Cancer Stem Cells: An Alternative Therapeutic Approach for Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102746. [PMID: 32987767 PMCID: PMC7598600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The first report of cancer stem cell (CSC) from Bruce et al. has demonstrated the relatively rare population of stem-like cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The discovery of leukemic CSCs prompted further identification of CSCs in multiple types of solid tumor. Recently, extensive research has attempted to identity CSCs in multiple types of solid tumors in the brain, colon, head and neck, liver, and lung. Based on these studies, we hypothesize that the initiation and progression of most malignant tumors rely largely on the CSC population. Recent studies indicated that stem cell-related markers or signaling pathways, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), CD133, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and Notch signaling, contribute to the initiation and progression of various liver cancer types. Importantly, CSCs are markedly resistant to conventional therapeutic approaches and current targeted therapeutics. Therefore, it is believed that selectively targeting specific markers and/or signaling pathways of hepatic CSCs is an effective therapeutic strategy for treating chemotherapy-resistant liver cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the hepatic CSC hypothesis and discuss the specific surface markers and critical signaling pathways involved in the development and maintenance of hepatic CSC subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa-Yong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, 85 Goesan-eup, Munmu-ro, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 367700, Korea;
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406840, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-899-6315; Fax: +82-32-899-6350
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13
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The Role of Smoothened in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186863. [PMID: 32962123 PMCID: PMC7555769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Smoothened (SMO) belongs to the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway, which regulates cell growth, migration, invasion and stem cells in cancer. The HH signaling pathway includes both canonical and noncanonical pathways. The canonical HH pathway functions through major HH molecules such as HH ligands, PTCH, SMO and GLI, whereas the noncanonical HH pathway involves the activation of SMO or GLI through other pathways. The role of SMO has been discussed in different types of cancer, including breast, liver, pancreatic and colon cancers. SMO expression correlates with tumor size, invasiveness, metastasis and recurrence. In addition, SMO inhibitors can suppress cancer formation, reduce the proliferation of cancer cells, trigger apoptosis and suppress cancer stem cell activity. A better understanding of the role of SMO in cancer could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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14
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Lin SS. Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Organogenesis, Tumors, and Tumor Microenvironments. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030758. [PMID: 31979397 PMCID: PMC7037908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During mammalian embryonic development, primary cilia transduce and regulate several signaling pathways. Among the various pathways, Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is one of the most significant. SHH signaling remains quiescent in adult mammalian tissues. However, in multiple adult tissues, it becomes active during differentiation, proliferation, and maintenance. Moreover, aberrant activation of SHH signaling occurs in cancers of the skin, brain, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, colon, breast, lung, prostate, and hematological malignancies. Recent studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment or stroma could affect tumor development and metastasis. One hypothesis has been proposed, claiming that the pancreatic epithelia secretes SHH that is essential in establishing and regulating the pancreatic tumor microenvironment in promoting cancer progression. The SHH signaling pathway is also activated in the cancer stem cells (CSC) of several neoplasms. The self-renewal of CSC is regulated by the SHH/Smoothened receptor (SMO)/Glioma-associated oncogene homolog I (GLI) signaling pathway. Combined use of SHH signaling inhibitors and chemotherapy/radiation therapy/immunotherapy is therefore key in targeting CSCs.
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15
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Jeng KS, Jeng CJ, Jeng WJ, Sheen IS, Li SY, Leu CM, Tsay YG, Chang CF. Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway as a potential target to inhibit the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:4377-4384. [PMID: 31611946 PMCID: PMC6781692 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Hepatocarcinogenesis involves numerous interlinked factors and processes, including the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, which participates in the carcinogenesis, progression, invasiveness, recurrence and cancer stem cell maintenance of HCC. The Shh signaling pathway is activated by ligands that bind to their receptor protein, Protein patched homolog (Ptch). The process of Shh ligand binding to Ptch weakens the inhibition of smoothened homolog (SMO) and activates signal transduction via glioma-associated oncogene homolog (Gli) transcription factors. The overexpression of Shh pathway molecules, including Shh, Ptch-1, Gli and SMO has been indicated in patients with HCC. It has also been suggested that the Shh signaling pathway exhibits cross-talk between numerous other signaling pathways. The inactivation of the Shh signaling pathway reduces HCC growth, increases radio-sensitivity and increases the beneficial effect of chemotherapy in HCC treatment. Therefore, inhibition of the Shh pathway may be an effective target therapy that can be used in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of General Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shih-Yun Li
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chuen-Miin Leu
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 11221, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yeou-Guang Tsay
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 11221, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of General Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C
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16
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Lin X, Li J, Xing YQ. Geniposide, a sonic hedgehog signaling inhibitor, inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cell. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 72:330-338. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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17
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Kim D, Brocker CN, Takahashi S, Yagai T, Kim T, Xie G, Wang H, Qu A, Gonzalez FJ. Keratin 23 Is a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha-Dependent, MYC-Amplified Oncogene That Promotes Hepatocyte Proliferation. Hepatology 2019; 70:154-167. [PMID: 30697791 PMCID: PMC6597269 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic activation of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA) promotes MYC-linked hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in mice. Recent studies have shown that MYC can function as an amplifier of transcription where MYC does not act as an "on-off" switch for gene expression but rather accelerates transcription rates at active promoters by stimulating transcript elongation. Considering the possibility that MYC may amplify the expression of PPARA target genes to potentiate cell proliferation and liver cancer, gene expression was analyzed from livers of wild-type and liver-specific Myc knockout (MycΔHep ) mice treated with the PPARA agonist pirinixic acid. A subset of PPARA target genes was amplified in the presence of MYC, including keratin 23 (Krt23). The induction of Krt23 was significantly attenuated in MycΔHep mice and completely abolished in Ppara-null mice. Reporter gene assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed direct binding of both PPARA and MYC to sites within the Krt23 promoter. Forced expression of KRT23 in primary hepatocytes induced cell cycle-related genes. These data indicate that PPARA activation elevates MYC expression, which in turn potentiates the expression of select PPARA target genes involved in cell proliferation. Finally, KRT23 protein is highly elevated in human HCCs. Conclusion: These results revealed that MYC-mediated transcriptional potentiation of select PPARA target genes, such as Krt23, may remove rate-limiting constraints on hepatocyte growth and proliferation leading to liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghwan Kim
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Chad N. Brocker
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shogo Takahashi
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tomoki Yagai
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Taehyeong Kim
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA,Deceased
| | - Guomin Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Aijuan Qu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University; Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Frank J. Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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18
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Bessone F, Razori MV, Roma MG. Molecular pathways of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease development and progression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:99-128. [PMID: 30343320 PMCID: PMC11105781 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2947-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a main hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. It represents a wide spectrum of histopathological abnormalities ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with or without fibrosis and, eventually, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. While hepatic simple steatosis seems to be a rather benign manifestation of hepatic triglyceride accumulation, the buildup of highly toxic free fatty acids associated with insulin resistance-induced massive free fatty acid mobilization from adipose tissue and the increased de novo hepatic fatty acid synthesis from glucose acts as the "first hit" for NAFLD development. NAFLD progression seems to involve the occurrence of "parallel, multiple-hit" injuries, such as oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, endotoxin-induced, TLR4-dependent release of inflammatory cytokines, and iron overload, among many others. These deleterious factors are responsible for the triggering of a number of signaling cascades leading to inflammation, cell death, and fibrosis, the hallmarks of NASH. This review is aimed at integrating the overwhelming progress made in the characterization of the physiopathological mechanisms of NAFLD at a molecular level, to better understand the factor influencing the initiation and progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Bessone
- Hospital Provincial del Centenario, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Servicio de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - María Valeria Razori
- Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 570, 2000, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Marcelo G Roma
- Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 570, 2000, Rosario, Argentina.
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19
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Liu Y, Gao S, Zhu J, Zheng Y, Zhang H, Sun H. Dihydroartemisinin induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion in epithelial ovarian cancer via inhibition of the hedgehog signaling pathway. Cancer Med 2018; 7:5704-5715. [PMID: 30338663 PMCID: PMC6247066 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the primary of artemisinin extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Artemisia annua, has been used in malaria treatment for a long time. Recently, many studies have indicated that, in addition to antimalarial effects, DHA also exhibits anticancer activity in certain types of neoplasms, including ovarian cancer. However, the precise anti‐ovarian cancer mechanism of DHA is still unclear. Abnormal activation of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway is closely related to tumorigenesis and progression of ovarian cancer. We performed this study to elucidate the effects of DHA on the biological behavior of ovarian cancer cells and to determine its effects on the Hh signaling pathway. CCK8 assays and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effects of DHA on cell viability and apoptosis in both ovarian cancer cells and HOSEPICs (human ovarian surface epithelial cells) in response to DHA treatment. Transwell membrane chambers were used to analyze the effects of DHA on the migration and invasion of epithelial ovarian cancer cells following treatment with DHA. The impact of DHA on Hh signaling was analyzed by RT‐qPCR and Western blot. DHA significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, and induced apoptosis in vitro. In contrast, DHA had few effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HOSEPICs. DHA inhibited the hedgehog signaling pathway. Furthermore, DHA inhibited purmorphamine (Hh signaling pathway agonist)‐induced cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion and the inhibition of apoptosis. Importantly, DHA enhanced GANT61 (hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor)‐induced apoptosis and the inhibition of cell viability, migratory capacity, and invasive ability. This study demonstrates that DHA inhibits cell viability, migration, and invasion, as well as induces apoptosis in epithelial ovarian cancer through suppression of the Hh signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shujun Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China.,The Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Cervical Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Zheng
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Zhu Q, Sun Y, Zhou Q, He Q, Qian H. Identification of key genes and pathways by bioinformatics analysis with TCGA RNA sequencing data in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Clin Oncol 2018; 9:597-606. [PMID: 30546887 PMCID: PMC6256287 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2018.1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Improved insight into the molecular characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is required to predict prognosis and to develop a new rationale for targeted therapeutic strategy. Bioinformatics methods, including functional enrichment and network analysis combined with survival analysis, are required to process a large volume of data to obtain further information on differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The RNA sequencing data related to HCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed to screen DEGs, which were separately submitted to perform gene enrichment analysis to identify gene sets and signaling pathways, and to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Subsequently, hub genes were selected by the core level in the network, and the top hub genes were focused on gene expression analysis and survival analysis. A total of 610 DEGs were identified, including 444 upregulated and 166 downregulated genes. The upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in the Gene Ontology analysis (GO): Cell division and in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway: Cell cycle, whereas the downregulated DEGs were enriched in GO: Negative regulation of growth and in the KEGG pathway: Retinol metabolism, with significant differences. Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)1 was selected as the top hub gene by the PPI network, which exhibited a similar expression trend with the data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Survival analysis revealed a significantly negative correlation between CDK1 expression level and overall survival in the TCGA group (P<0.01) and the GEO group (P<0.01). Therefore, high-throughput TCGA data analysis appears to be an effective method for screening tumor molecular markers, and high expression of CDK1 is a prognostic factor for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiandong Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Yunpeng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Qingqing Zhou
- Department of Operation Room, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Qikuan He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Haixin Qian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
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21
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Martinez AF, Kruszka PS, Muenke M. Extracephalic manifestations of nonchromosomal, nonsyndromic holoprosencephaly. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2018; 178:246-257. [PMID: 29761634 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nonchromosomal, nonsyndromic holoprosencephaly (NCNS-HPE) has traditionally been considered as a condition of brain and craniofacial maldevelopment. In this review, we present the results of a comprehensive literature search supporting a wide spectrum of extracephalic manifestations identified in patients with NCNS-HPE. These manifestations have been described in case reports and in large cohorts of patients with "single-gene" mutations, suggesting that the NCNS-HPE phenotype can be more complex than traditionally thought. Likely, a complex network of interacting genetic variants and environmental factors is responsible for these systemic abnormalities that deviate from the usual brain and craniofacial findings in NCNS-HPE. In addition to the systemic consequences of pituitary dysfunction (as a direct result of brain midline defects), here we describe a number of extracephalic findings of NCNS-HPE affecting various organ systems. It is our goal to provide a guide of extracephalic features for clinicians given the important clinical implications of these manifestations for the management and care of patients with HPE and their mutation-positive relatives. The health risks associated with some manifestations (e.g., fatty liver disease) may have historically been neglected in affected families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel F Martinez
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Paul S Kruszka
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Maximilian Muenke
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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22
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Verdelho Machado M, Diehl AM. The hedgehog pathway in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 53:264-278. [PMID: 29557675 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2018.1448752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of obesity-associated liver diseases and it has become the major cause of cirrhosis in the Western world. The high prevalence of NAFLD-associated advanced liver disease reflects both the high prevalence of obesity-related fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) and the lack of specific treatments to prevent hepatic steatosis from progressing to more serious forms of liver damage, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and primary liver cancer. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex, and not fully understood. However, compelling evidence demonstrates that dysregulation of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway is involved in both the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis and the progression from hepatic steatosis to more serious forms of liver damage. Inhibiting hedgehog signaling enhances hepatic steatosis, a condition which seldom results in liver-related morbidity or mortality. In contrast, excessive Hh pathway activation promotes development of NASH, cirrhosis, and primary liver cancer, the major causes of liver-related deaths. Thus, suppressing excessive Hh pathway activity is a potential approach to prevent progressive liver damage in NAFLD. Various pharmacologic agents that inhibit Hh signaling are available and approved for cancer therapeutics; more are being developed to optimize the benefits and minimize the risks of inhibiting this pathway. In this review we will describe the Hh pathway, summarize the evidence for its role in NAFLD evolution, and discuss the potential role for Hh pathway inhibitors as therapies to prevent NASH, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Verdelho Machado
- a Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine , Duke University Medical Center , Durham , NC , USA.,b Department of Gastroenterology , Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- a Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine , Duke University Medical Center , Durham , NC , USA
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23
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Zhuang H, Cao G, Kou C, Liu T. CCL2/CCR2 axis induces hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro through activation of the Hedgehog pathway. Oncol Rep 2017; 39:21-30. [PMID: 29115520 PMCID: PMC5783597 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.6069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of tumor cell growth, metastasis and host immune response. CCL2 preferentially binds to the C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), which is expressed in various tissues. However, the role of the CCL2/CCR2 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invasion and its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate this issue. The human HCC cell line MHCC-97H was treated with CCL2. Cyclopamine, a smoothened (SMO) antagonist, was used to inhibit SMO activity. CCR2 siRNA and Gli-1 siRNA were used to inhibit CCR2 and Gli-1 expression respectively. The effect of CCL2 and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling on cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR analysis, western blotting and Transwell invasion assay. Our results revealed that CCL2 induced HCC cell invasion and EMT. This effect was accompanied by the activation of Hh signaling, the upregulation of Snail and vimentin and the reduction of E-cadherin. Notably, prior silencing of CCR2 with siRNA abolished CCL2-induced Hh signaling activation, Snail and vimentin upregulation, E-cadherin reduction, as well as HCC cell invasion and EMT. Furthermore, pretreatment with cyclopamine or predepletion of Gli-1 by siRNA also eliminated the changes of Snail, vimentin and E-cadherin, and HCC invasion and EMT caused by CCL2. Collectively, our results revealed that the link between the CCL2/CCR2 axis and the Hh pathway plays an important role in HCC progression. Therefore, the CCL2/CCR2 axis may represent a promising therapeutic target to prevent HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Zhuang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
| | - Gang Cao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
| | - Changhua Kou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
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Guillen Sacoto MJ, Martinez AF, Abe Y, Kruszka P, Weiss K, Everson JL, Bataller R, Kleiner DE, Ward JM, Sulik KK, Lipinski RJ, Solomon BD, Muenke M. Human germline hedgehog pathway mutations predispose to fatty liver. J Hepatol 2017; 67. [PMID: 28645738 PMCID: PMC5613974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of liver disease. Activation of hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been implicated in the progression of NAFLD and proposed as a therapeutic target; however, the effects of Hh signaling inhibition have not been studied in humans with germline mutations that affect this pathway. METHODS Patients with holoprosencephaly (HPE), a disorder associated with germline mutations disrupting Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling, were clinically evaluated for NAFLD. A combined mouse model of Hh signaling attenuation (Gli2 heterozygous null: Gli2+/-) and diet-induced NAFLD was used to examine aspects of NAFLD and hepatic gene expression profiles, including molecular markers of hepatic fibrosis and inflammation. RESULTS Patients with HPE had a higher prevalence of liver steatosis compared to the general population, independent of obesity. Exposure of Gli2+/- mice to fatty liver-inducing diets resulted in increased liver steatosis compared to wild-type mice. Similar to humans, this effect was independent of obesity in the mutant mice and was associated with decreased expression of pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory genes, and increased expression of PPARγ, a potent anti-fibrogenic and anti-inflammatory regulator. Interestingly, tumor suppressors p53 and p16INK4 were found to be downregulated in the Gli2+/- mice exposed to a high-fat diet. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that germline mutations disrupting Hh signaling promotes liver steatosis, independent of obesity, with reduced fibrosis. While Hh signaling inhibition has been associated with a better NAFLD prognosis, further studies are required to evaluate the long-term effects of mutations affecting this pathway. Lay summary: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excess fat deposition in the liver predominantly due to high calorie intake and a sedentary lifestyle. NAFLD progression is usually accompanied by activation of the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway leading to fibrous buildup (scar tissue) and inflammation of the liver tissue. For the first time patients with holoprosencephaly, a disease caused by SHH signaling mutations, are shown to have increased liver steatosis independent of obesity. This observation was recapitulated in a mouse model of attenuated SHH signaling that also showed increased liver steatosis but with decreased fibrosis and inflammation. While SHH inhibition is associated with a good NAFLD prognosis, this increase in liver fat accumulation in the context of SHH signaling inhibition must be studied prospectively to evaluate its long-term effects, especially in individuals with Western-type dietary habits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ariel F. Martinez
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Yu Abe
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Paul Kruszka
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Karin Weiss
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Joshua L. Everson
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
| | - David E. Kleiner
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Kathleen K. Sulik
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC,Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Robert J. Lipinski
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Benjamin D. Solomon
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD,Division of Medical Genomics, Inova Translational Medicine Institute, Falls Church, VA; Department of Pediatrics, Inova Children’s Hospital and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Falls Church, VA,GeneDx, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Maximilian Muenke
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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Du J, Chen W, Yang L, Dai J, Guo J, Wu Y, Gong K, Zhang J, Yu N, Xie Z, Xi S. Disruption of SHH signaling cascade by SBE attenuates lung cancer progression and sensitizes DDP treatment. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1899. [PMID: 28507311 PMCID: PMC5432500 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02063-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulated Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway facilitates the initiation, progression, and metastasis of Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), confers drug resistance and renders a therapeutic interference option to lung cancer patients with poor prognosis. In this study, we screened and evaluated the specificity of a Chinese herb Scutellariabarbata D. Don extraction (SBE) in repressing SHH signaling pathway to block NSCLC progression. Our study confirmed that aberrant activation of the SHH signal pathway conferred more proliferative and invasive phenotypes to human lung cancer cells. This study revealed that SBE specifically repressed SHH signaling pathway to interfere the SHH-mediated NSCLC progression and metastasis via arresting cell cycle progression. We also found that SBE significantly sensitized lung cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agent DDP via repressing SHH components in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations indicated that SBE transcriptionally and specifically downregulated SMO and consequently attenuated the activities of GLI1 and its downstream targets in SHH signaling pathway, which interacted with cell cycle checkpoint enzymes to arrest cell cycle progression and lead to cellular growth inhibition and migration blockade. Collectively, our results suggest SBE as a novel drug candidate for NSCLC which specifically and sensitively targets SHH signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Du
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University hospital, 256600, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University hospital, 256600, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University hospital, 256600, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Juanjuan Dai
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University hospital, 256600, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jiwei Guo
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University hospital, 256600, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wu
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University hospital, 256600, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Kaikai Gong
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University hospital, 256600, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Binzhou City People's Hospital, 256610, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ning Yu
- Department of Pathology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256600, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256600, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Sichuan Xi
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University hospital, 256600, Binzhou, P.R. China.
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