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Li G, Ma L, Feng C, Yin H, Bao J, Wu D, Zhang Z, Li X, Li Z, Yang C, Wang H, Fang F, Hu X, Li M, Xu L, Xu Y, Liang H, Yang T, Wang J, Pan J. MZ1, a BRD4 inhibitor, exerted its anti-cancer effects by suppressing SDC1 in glioblastoma. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:220. [PMID: 38365636 PMCID: PMC10870565 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11966-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is a relatively prevalent primary tumor of the central nervous system in children, characterized by its high malignancy and mortality rates, along with the intricate challenges of achieving complete surgical resection. Recently, an increasing number of studies have focused on the crucial role of super-enhancers (SEs) in the occurrence and development of GBM. This study embarks on the task of evaluating the effectiveness of MZ1, an inhibitor of BRD4 meticulously designed to specifically target SEs, within the intricate framework of GBM. METHODS The clinical data of GBM patients was sourced from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2), and the gene expression data of tumor cell lines was derived from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). The impact of MZ1 on GBM was assessed through CCK-8, colony formation assays, EdU incorporation analysis, flow cytometry, and xenograft mouse models. The underlying mechanism was investigated through RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analyses. RESULTS In this investigation, we made a noteworthy observation that MZ1 exhibited a substantial reduction in the proliferation of GBM cells by effectively degrading BRD4. Additionally, MZ1 displayed a notable capability in inducing significant cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in GBM cells. These findings were in line with our in vitro outcomes. Notably, MZ1 administration resulted in a remarkable decrease in tumor size within the xenograft model with diminished toxicity. Furthermore, on a mechanistic level, the administration of MZ1 resulted in a significant suppression of pivotal genes closely associated with cell cycle regulation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Interestingly, our analysis of RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data unveiled the discovery of a novel prospective oncogene, SDC1, which assumed a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis and progression of GBM. CONCLUSION In summary, our findings revealed that MZ1 effectively disrupted the aberrant transcriptional regulation of oncogenes in GBM by degradation of BRD4. This positions MZ1 as a promising candidate in the realm of therapeutic options for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Liya Ma
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, P.R. China
| | - Chenxi Feng
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Hongli Yin
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Bao
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Di Wu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Zhiheng Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Chun Yang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Hairong Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohan Hu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Mei Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Lixiao Xu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Yunyun Xu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Hansi Liang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, P.R. China
| | - Tianquan Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China.
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China.
| | - Jian Pan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China.
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Roy AM, Iyer R, Chakraborty S. The extracellular matrix in hepatocellular carcinoma: Mechanisms and therapeutic vulnerability. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101170. [PMID: 37652015 PMCID: PMC10518608 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is influenced by a "disorganized" extracellular matrix (ECM) that sensitizes cancer cells toward mechanical stress, signaling, and structural alterations. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), lack of knowledge about key ECM proteins driving the TME refractory to targeted therapies poses a barrier to the identification of new therapeutic targets. Herein, we discuss the contributions of various ECM components that impact hepatocytes and their surrounding support network during tumorigenesis. In addition, the underpinnings by which ECM proteins transduce mechanical signals to the liver TME are detailed. Finally, in view of the bidirectional feedback between the ECM, transformed hepatocytes, and immune cells, we highlight the potential role of the ECM disorganization process in shaping responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies. Our comprehensive characterization of these ECM components may provide a roadmap for innovative therapeutic approaches to restrain HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya Mariam Roy
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Renuka Iyer
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| | - Sayan Chakraborty
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Program of Developmental Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263.
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Patil VS, Harish DR, Sampat GH, Roy S, Jalalpure SS, Khanal P, Gujarathi SS, Hegde HV. System Biology Investigation Revealed Lipopolysaccharide and Alcohol-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Resembled Hepatitis B Virus Immunobiology and Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11146. [PMID: 37446321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311146] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B infection caused by the hepatitis B virus is a life-threatening cause of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers have produced multiple in vivo models for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and, currently, there are no specific laboratory animal models available to study HBV pathogenesis or immune response; nonetheless, their limitations prevent them from being used to study HBV pathogenesis, immune response, or therapeutic methods because HBV can only infect humans and chimpanzees. The current study is the first of its kind to identify a suitable chemically induced liver cirrhosis/HCC model that parallels HBV pathophysiology. Initially, data from the peer-reviewed literature and the GeneCards database were compiled to identify the genes that HBV and seven drugs (acetaminophen, isoniazid, alcohol, D-galactosamine, lipopolysaccharide, thioacetamide, and rifampicin) regulate. Functional enrichment analysis was performed in the STRING server. The network HBV/Chemical, genes, and pathways were constructed by Cytoscape 3.6.1. About 1546 genes were modulated by HBV, of which 25.2% and 17.6% of the genes were common for alcohol and lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis. In accordance with the enrichment analysis, HBV activates the signaling pathways for apoptosis, cell cycle, PI3K-Akt, TNF, JAK-STAT, MAPK, chemokines, NF-kappa B, and TGF-beta. In addition, alcohol and lipopolysaccharide significantly activated these pathways more than other chemicals, with higher gene counts and lower FDR scores. In conclusion, alcohol-induced hepatitis could be a suitable model to study chronic HBV infection and lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis for an acute inflammatory response to HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal S Patil
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Nehru Nagar, Belagavi 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Darasaguppe R Harish
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Nehru Nagar, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Ganesh H Sampat
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Nehru Nagar, Belagavi 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Subarna Roy
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Nehru Nagar, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Sunil S Jalalpure
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Pukar Khanal
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Swarup S Gujarathi
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Nehru Nagar, Belagavi 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Harsha V Hegde
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Nehru Nagar, Belagavi 590010, India
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Gao Q, Sun Z, Fang D. Integrins in human hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis and therapy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:253-268. [PMID: 36848180 PMCID: PMC10106235 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Integrins are a family of transmembrane receptors that connect the extracellular matrix and actin skeleton, which mediate cell adhesion, migration, signal transduction, and gene transcription. As a bi-directional signaling molecule, integrins can modulate many aspects of tumorigenesis, including tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, integrins have a great potential as antitumor therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the recent reports of integrins in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing on the abnormal expression, activation, and signaling of integrins in cancer cells as well as their roles in other cells in the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss the regulation and functions of integrins in hepatitis B virus-related HCC. Finally, we update the clinical and preclinical studies of integrin-related drugs in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Gao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, China
| | - Zhaolin Sun
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, China
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Yang H, Wang L. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans in cancer: Pathogenesis and therapeutic potential. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 157:251-291. [PMID: 36725112 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are glycoproteins that consist of a proteoglycan "core" protein and covalently attached heparan sulfate (HS) chain. HSPGs are ubiquitously expressed in mammalian cells on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and secretory vesicles. Within HSPGs, the protein cores determine when and where HSPG expression takes place, and the HS chains mediate most of HSPG's biological roles through binding various protein ligands, including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and receptors, morphogens, proteases, protease inhibitors, and ECM proteins. Through these interactions, HSPGs modulate cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis to display essential functions in physiology and pathology. Under physiological conditions, the expression and localization of HSPGs are finely regulated to orchestrate their physiological functions, and this is disrupted in cancer. The HSPG dysregulation elicits multiple oncogenic signaling, including growth factor signaling, ECM and Integrin signaling, chemokine and immune signaling, cancer stem cell, cell differentiation, apoptosis, and senescence, to prompt cell transformation, proliferation, tumor invasion and metastasis, tumor angiogenesis and inflammation, and immunotolerance. These oncogenic roles make HSPGs an attractive pharmacological target for anti-cancer therapy. Several therapeutic strategies have been under development, including anti-HSPG antibodies, peptides and HS mimetics, synthetic xylosides, and heparinase inhibitors, and shown promising anti-cancer efficacy. Therefore, much progress has been made in this line of study. However, it needs to bear in mind that the roles of HSPGs in cancer can be either oncogenic or tumor-suppressive, depending on the HSPG and the cancer cell type with the underlying mechanisms that remain obscure. Further studies need to address these to fill the knowledge gap and rationalize more efficient therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Lianchun Wang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States; Bryd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.
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Zhu Y, Gandy L, Zhang F, Liu J, Wang C, Blair LJ, Linhardt RJ, Wang L. Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in Tauopathy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1792. [PMID: 36551220 PMCID: PMC9776397 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a class of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, and are characterized by intraneuronal tau inclusion in the brain and the patient's cognitive decline with obscure pathogenesis. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans, a major type of extracellular matrix, have been believed to involve in tauopathies. The heparan sulfate proteoglycans co-deposit with tau in Alzheimer's patient brain, directly bind to tau and modulate tau secretion, internalization, and aggregation. This review summarizes the current understanding of the functions and the modulated molecular pathways of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in tauopathies, as well as the implication of dysregulated heparan sulfate proteoglycan expression in tau pathology and the potential of targeting heparan sulfate proteoglycan-tau interaction as a novel therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Lauren Gandy
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Fuming Zhang
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Jian Liu
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Laura J. Blair
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33613, USA
| | - Robert J. Linhardt
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Lianchun Wang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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Prognostic Role of Molecular and Imaging Biomarkers for Predicting Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Efficacy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194647. [PMID: 36230569 PMCID: PMC9564154 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Molecular biomarkers play a marginal role in clinical practice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis, surveillance and treatment monitoring. Radiological biomarker: alpha-fetoprotein is still a lone protagonist in this field. The potential role of molecular biomarkers in the assessment of prognosis and treatment results could reduce the health costs faced by standard radiology. The majority of efforts are oriented towards early HCC detection, but the field faces an important challenge to find adequate biomarkers for advanced HCC management. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide and the fourth cause of tumor-related death. Imaging biomarkers are based on computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and are widely applied in HCC diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Unfortunately, in the field of molecular biomarkers, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is still the only recognized tool for HCC surveillance in both diagnostic and follow-up purposes. Other molecular biomarkers have little roles in clinical practice regarding HCC, mainly for the detection of early-stage HCC, monitoring the response to treatments and analyzing tumor prognosis. In the last decades no important improvements have been achieved in this field and imaging biomarkers maintain the primacy in HCC diagnosis and follow-up. Despite the still inconsistent role of molecular biomarkers in surveillance and early HCC detection, they could play an outstanding role in prognosis estimation and treatment monitoring with a potential reduction in health costs faced by standard radiology. An important challenge resides in identifying sufficiently sensitive and specific biomarkers for advanced HCC for prognostic evaluation and detection of tumor progression, overcoming imaging biomarker sensitivity. The aim of this review is to analyze the current molecular and imaging biomarkers in advanced HCC.
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Yang Z, Chen S, Ying H, Yao W. Targeting Syndecan-1: New Opportunities in Cancer Therapy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C29-C45. [PMID: 35584326 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00024.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Syndecan-1 (SDC1, CD138) is one of the heparan sulfate proteoglycans and is essential for maintaining normal cell morphology, interacting with extracellular and intracellular protein repertoire as well as mediating signaling transduction upon environmental stimuli. The critical role of SDC1 in promoting tumorigenesis and metastasis has been increasingly recognized in various cancer types, implying a promising potential of utilizing SDC1 as a novel target for cancer therapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge on SDC1 structure and functions, including its role in tumor biology. We also discuss the highlights and limitations of current SDC1-targeted therapies as well as the obstacles in developing new therapeutic methods, offering our perspective on the future directions to target SDC1 for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zecheng Yang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shuaitong Chen
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Haoqiang Ying
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wantong Yao
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Dituri F, Gigante G, Scialpi R, Mancarella S, Fabregat I, Giannelli G. Proteoglycans in Cancer: Friends or Enemies? A Special Focus on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081902. [PMID: 35454809 PMCID: PMC9024587 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Proteoglycans affect multiple molecular and cellular processes during the progression of solid tumors with a highly desmoplastic stroma, such as HCC. Due to their role in enhancing or limiting the traits of cancer cells underlying their aggressiveness, such as proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness, these macromolecules could be exploited as molecular targets or therapeutic agents. Proteoglycans, such as biglycan, versican, syndecan-1, glypican-3, and agrin, promote HCC cell proliferation, EMT, and angiogenesis, while endostatin and proteoglycan 4 were shown to impair cancer neovascularization or to enhance the sensitivity of HCC cells to drugs, such as sorafenib and regorafenib. Based on this evidence, interventional strategies involving the use of humanized monoclonal antibodies, T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors, or recombinant proteins mimicking potentially curative proteoglycans, are being employed or may be adopted in the near future for the treatment of HCC. Abstract Proteoglycans are a class of highly glycosylated proteins expressed in virtually all tissues, which are localized within membranes, but more often in the pericellular space and extracellular matrix (ECM), and are involved in tissue homeostasis and remodeling of the stromal microenvironment during physiological and pathological processes, such as tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and cancer. In general, proteoglycans can perform signaling activities and influence a range of physical, chemical, and biological tissue properties, including the diffusivity of small electrolytes and nutrients and the bioavailability of growth factors. While the dysregulated expression of some proteoglycans is observed in many cancers, whether they act as supporters or limiters of neoplastic progression is still a matter of controversy, as the tumor promoting or suppressive function of some proteoglycans is context dependent. The participation of multiple proteoglycans in organ regeneration (as demonstrated for the liver in hepatectomy mouse models) and in cancer suggests that these molecules actively influence cell growth and motility, thus contributing to key events that characterize neoplastic progression. In this review, we outline the main roles of proteoglycans in the physiology and pathology of cancers, with a special mention to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), highlighting the translational potential of proteoglycans as targets or therapeutic agents for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gianluigi Gigante
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Rosanna Scialpi
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), CIBEREHD and University of Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
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Taurine ameliorates thioacetamide induced liver fibrosis in rats via modulation of toll like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12296. [PMID: 34112866 PMCID: PMC8192756 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91666-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a significant health problem that can cause serious illness and death. Unfortunately, a standard treatment for liver fibrosis has not been approved yet due to its complicated pathogenesis. The current study aimed at assessing the anti-fibrotic effect of taurine against thioacetamide induced liver fibrosis in rats through the modulation of toll like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. Both concomitant and late taurine treatment (100 mg/kg, IP, daily) significantly reduced the rise in serum ALT and AST activities and significantly reversed the decrease in serum albumin and total protein. These results were confirmed by histopathological examinations and immunehistochemical inspection of α-SMA, caspase-3 and NF-κB. The antioxidant potential of taurine was verified by a marked increase of GSH content and a reduction of MDA level in liver tissue. The anti-fibrotic effects of taurine were evaluated by investigating the expression of TLR4, NF-κB. The protein levels of IL-6, LPS, MyD88, MD2, CD14, TGF-β1 and TNF-α were determined. Docking studies were carried out to understand how taurine interacts inside TLR4-MD2 complex and it showed good binding with the hydrophobic binding site of MD2. We concluded that the anti-fibrotic effect of taurine was attributable to the modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling.
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Understanding the role of integrins in breast cancer invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. Oncogene 2021; 40:1043-1063. [PMID: 33420366 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01588-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are cell adhesion receptors, which are typically transmembrane glycoproteins that connect to the extracellular matrix (ECM). The function of integrins regulated by biochemical events within the cells. Understanding the mechanisms of cell growth by integrins is important in elucidating their effects on tumor progression. One of the major events in integrin signaling is integrin binding to extracellular ligands. Another event is distant signaling that gathers chemical signals from outside of the cell and transmit the signals upon cell adhesion to the inside of the cell. In normal breast tissue, integrins function as checkpoints to monitor effects on cell proliferation, while in cancer tissue these functions altered. The combination of tumor microenvironment and its associated components determines the cell fate. Hypoxia can increase the expression of several integrins. The exosomal integrins promote the growth of metastatic cells. Expression of certain integrins is associated with increased metastasis and decreased prognosis in cancers. In addition, integrin-binding proteins promote invasion and metastasis in breast cancer. Targeting specific integrins and integrin-binding proteins may provide new therapeutic approaches for breast cancer therapies. This review will examine the current knowledge of integrins' role in breast cancer.
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Alshehri MA, Alshehri MM, Albalawi NN, Al-Ghamdi MA, Al-Gayyar MMH. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans and their modification as promising anticancer targets in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:173. [PMID: 33552290 PMCID: PMC7798035 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of primary liver cancer. Despite advancements in the treatment strategies of HCC, there is an urgent requirement to identify and develop novel therapeutic drugs that do not lead to resistance. These novel agents should have the potential to influence the primary mechanisms participating in the pathogenesis of HCC. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are major elements of the extracellular matrix that perform structural and signaling functions. HSPGs protect against invasion of tumor cells by preventing cell infiltration and intercellular adhesion. Several enzymes, such as heparanase, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and sulfatase-2, have been reported to affect HSPGs, leading to their degradation and thus enhancing tumor invasion. In addition, some compounds that are produced from the degradation of HSPGs, including glypican-3 and syndecan-1, enhance tumor progression. Thus, the identification of enzymes that affect HSPGs or their degradation products in HCC may lead to the development of novel therapeutic targets. The present review discusses the main enzymes and compounds associated with HSPGs, and their involvement with the pathogenicity of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Alshehri
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moath M Alshehri
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif N Albalawi
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moshari A Al-Ghamdi
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M H Al-Gayyar
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
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Onyeisi JOS, Ferreira BZF, Nader HB, Lopes CC. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans as targets for cancer therapy: a review. Cancer Biol Ther 2020; 21:1087-1094. [PMID: 33180600 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2020.1838034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) play important roles in cancer initiation and progression, by interacting with the signaling pathways that affect proliferation, adhesion, invasion and angiogenesis. These roles suggest the possibility of various strategies of regulation of these molecules. In this review, we demonstrated that the anticancer drugs can regulate the heparan sulfate proteoglycans activity in different ways: some act directly in core protein, and can bind to a specific type of HSPG. Others drugs interact with glycosaminoglycans chains, and others can act directly in enzymes that regulate HSPGs levels. We also demonstrated that the HSPGs drug targets can be divided into four groups: monoclonal antibodies, antitumor antibiotic, natural products, and mimetics peptide. Interestingly, many drugs demonstrated in this review are approved by FDA and is used in cancer therapy (Food and Drug Administration) like trastuzumab, panitumumab, bleomycin and bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ASCO) or are in clinical trials like codrituzumab and genistein. This review should help researchers to understand the mechanism of action of anticancer drugs existing and also may inspire the discovery of new drugs that regulate the heparan sulfate proteoglycans activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Oyie Sousa Onyeisi
- Disciplina de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo , São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bianca Zaia Franco Ferreira
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo , Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Helena Bonciani Nader
- Disciplina de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo , São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla Cristina Lopes
- Disciplina de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo , São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo , Diadema, SP, Brazil
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14
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Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Signaling in Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186588. [PMID: 32916872 PMCID: PMC7554799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans (HSPGs) have been an intriguing subject of study for their complex structural characteristics, their finely regulated biosynthetic machinery, and the wide range of functions they perform in living organisms from development to adulthood. From these studies, key roles of HSPGs in tumor initiation and progression have emerged, so that they are currently being explored as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancers. The multifaceted nature of HSPG structure/activity translates in their capacity to act either as inhibitors or promoters of tumor growth and invasion depending on the tumor type. Deregulation of HSPGs resulting in malignancy may be due to either their abnormal expression levels or changes in their structure and functions as a result of the altered activity of their biosynthetic or remodeling enzymes. Indeed, in the tumor microenvironment, HSPGs undergo structural alterations, through the shedding of proteoglycan ectodomain from the cell surface or the fragmentation and/or desulfation of HS chains, affecting HSPG function with significant impact on the molecular interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment, and tumor cell behavior. Here, we overview the structural and functional features of HSPGs and their signaling in the tumor environment which contributes to tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
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Brassart-Pasco S, Brézillon S, Brassart B, Ramont L, Oudart JB, Monboisse JC. Tumor Microenvironment: Extracellular Matrix Alterations Influence Tumor Progression. Front Oncol 2020; 10:397. [PMID: 32351878 PMCID: PMC7174611 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of various cell types embedded in an altered extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM not only serves as a support for tumor cell but also regulates cell-cell or cell-matrix cross-talks. Alterations in ECM may be induced by hypoxia and acidosis, by oxygen free radicals generated by infiltrating inflammatory cells or by tumor- or stromal cell-secreted proteases. A poorer diagnosis for patients is often associated with ECM alterations. Tumor ECM proteome, also named cancer matrisome, is strongly altered, and different ECM protein signatures may be defined to serve as prognostic biomarkers. Collagen network reorganization facilitates tumor cell invasion. Proteoglycan expression and location are modified in the TME and affect cell invasion and metastatic dissemination. ECM macromolecule degradation by proteases may induce the release of angiogenic growth factors but also the release of proteoglycan-derived or ECM protein fragments, named matrikines or matricryptins. This review will focus on current knowledge and new insights in ECM alterations, degradation, and reticulation through cross-linking enzymes and on the role of ECM fragments in the control of cancer progression and their potential use as biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Brassart-Pasco
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, SFR CAP-Santé (FED 4231), Laboratoire de Biochimie Médicale et Biologie Moléculaire, Reims, France
- CNRS UMR 7369, Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire - MEDyC, Reims, France
| | - Stéphane Brézillon
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, SFR CAP-Santé (FED 4231), Laboratoire de Biochimie Médicale et Biologie Moléculaire, Reims, France
- CNRS UMR 7369, Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire - MEDyC, Reims, France
| | - Bertrand Brassart
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, SFR CAP-Santé (FED 4231), Laboratoire de Biochimie Médicale et Biologie Moléculaire, Reims, France
- CNRS UMR 7369, Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire - MEDyC, Reims, France
| | - Laurent Ramont
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, SFR CAP-Santé (FED 4231), Laboratoire de Biochimie Médicale et Biologie Moléculaire, Reims, France
- CNRS UMR 7369, Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire - MEDyC, Reims, France
- CHU Reims, Service Biochimie-Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Reims, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Oudart
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, SFR CAP-Santé (FED 4231), Laboratoire de Biochimie Médicale et Biologie Moléculaire, Reims, France
- CNRS UMR 7369, Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire - MEDyC, Reims, France
- CHU Reims, Service Biochimie-Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Reims, France
| | - Jean Claude Monboisse
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, SFR CAP-Santé (FED 4231), Laboratoire de Biochimie Médicale et Biologie Moléculaire, Reims, France
- CNRS UMR 7369, Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire - MEDyC, Reims, France
- CHU Reims, Service Biochimie-Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Reims, France
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Extracellular matrix-cell interactions: Focus on therapeutic applications. Cell Signal 2019; 66:109487. [PMID: 31778739 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules together with a multitude of different molecules residing in the extracellular space play a vital role in the regulation of cellular phenotype and behavior. This is achieved via constant reciprocal interactions between the molecules of the ECM and the cells. The ECM-cell interactions are mediated via cell surface receptors either directly or indirectly with co-operative molecules. The ECM is also under perpetual remodeling process influencing cell-signaling pathways on its part. The fragmentation of ECM macromolecules provides even further complexity for the intricate environment of the cells. However, as long as the interactions between the ECM and the cells are in balance, the health of the body is retained. Alternatively, any dysregulation in these interactions can lead to pathological processes and finally to various diseases. Thus, therapeutic applications that are based on retaining normal ECM-cell interactions are highly rationale. Moreover, in the light of the current knowledge, also concurrent multi-targeting of the complex ECM-cell interactions is required for potent pharmacotherapies to be developed in the future.
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Diethylnitrosamine and thioacetamide-induced hepatic damage and early carcinogenesis in rats: Role of Nrf2 activator dimethyl fumarate and NLRP3 inhibitor glibenclamide. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 522:381-387. [PMID: 31761320 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.11.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Two-stage rat hepatocarcinogenesis model was used to induce early carcinogenesis in which thioacetamide (TAA) promotes diethylnitrosamine (DEN) initiated carcinogenesis. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) used to treat multiple sclerosis, activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant responsive element (ARE) pathway during oxidative stress, and maintains antioxidant levels. Glibenclamide (GLB), a sulphonylurea drug used to treat type II diabetes, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits NLRP3 inflammasomes. The present study was designed to investigate the concurrent intervention of DMF and GLB on DEN + TAA-induced early hepatic carcinogenesis. DMF and GLB treatment improved DEN + TAA-induced decrease in body weight, increase in liver weight and plasma transaminases, histopathological alterations, DNA damage, and apoptosis. DMF and GLB intervention significantly ameliorated the DEN + TAA-induced alterations in the antioxidant (Nrf2, HO-1, SOD-1, catalase), inflammatory (NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1), fibrogenic (TGF-β1, collagen) and regenerative proliferative stress (GST-p, HGF, c-MET, TGFα, EGF, AFP) markers. The present results indicate that Nrf2/ARE activation and NLRP3 inhibition might be a rational approach to attenuate oxidative stress and chronic inflammation associated progression of hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Tanaka Y, Tateishi R, Koike K. Proteoglycans Are Attractive Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103070. [PMID: 30297672 PMCID: PMC6213444 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteoglycans, which consist of a protein core and glycosaminoglycan chains, are major components of the extracellular matrix and play physiological roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis. In the carcinogenic tissue microenvironment, proteoglycan expression changes dramatically. Altered proteoglycan expression on tumor and stromal cells affects cancer cell signaling pathways, which alters growth, migration, and angiogenesis and could facilitate tumorigenesis. This dysregulation of proteoglycans has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying mechanism has been studied extensively. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the roles of proteoglycans in the genesis and progression of HCC. It focuses on well-investigated proteoglycans such as serglycin, syndecan-1, glypican 3, agrin, collagen XVIII/endostatin, versican, and decorin, with particular emphasis on the potential of these factors as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HCC regarding the future perspective of precision medicine toward the "cure of HCC".
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Tanaka
- Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Ryosuke Tateishi
- Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
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