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Papadakos SP, Chatzikalil E, Arvanitakis K, Vakadaris G, Stergiou IE, Koutsompina ML, Argyrou A, Lekakis V, Konstantinidis I, Germanidis G, Theocharis S. Understanding the Role of Connexins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Molecular and Prognostic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1533. [PMID: 38672615 PMCID: PMC11048329 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081533] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexins, a family of tetraspan membrane proteins forming intercellular channels localized in gap junctions, play a pivotal role at the different stages of tumor progression presenting both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects. Considering the potential role of connexins as tumor suppressors through multiple channel-independent mechanisms, their loss of expression may be associated with tumorigenic activity, while it is hypothesized that connexins favor the clonal expansion of tumor cells and promote cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, affecting metastasis and chemoresistance in some cases. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by unfavorable prognosis and limited responsiveness to current therapeutic strategies, has been linked to gap junction proteins as tumorigenic factors with prognostic value. Notably, several members of connexins have emerged as promising markers for assessing the progression and aggressiveness of HCC, as well as the chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity of hepatocellular tumor cells. Our review sheds light on the multifaceted role of connexins in HCC pathogenesis, offering valuable insights on recent advances in determining their prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros P. Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Elena Chatzikalil
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Konstantinos Arvanitakis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (G.V.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Vakadaris
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (G.V.)
| | - Ioanna E. Stergiou
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.E.S.); (M.-L.K.)
| | - Maria-Loukia Koutsompina
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.E.S.); (M.-L.K.)
| | - Alexandra Argyrou
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Laikon General Hospital, Athens University Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.A.); (V.L.)
| | - Vasileios Lekakis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Laikon General Hospital, Athens University Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.A.); (V.L.)
| | | | - Georgios Germanidis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (G.V.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (E.C.)
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Hou W, Gad SA, Ding X, Dhanarajan A, Qiu W. Focal adhesion kinase confers lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via the regulation of lysine-deficient kinase 1. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:173-189. [PMID: 37787401 PMCID: PMC10842616 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23644] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Lenvatinib is a clinically effective multikinase inhibitor approved for first-line therapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although resistance against lenvatinib often emerges and limits its antitumor activity, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in endogenous and acquired resistance remain elusive. In this study, we identified focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a critical contributor to lenvatinib resistance in HCC. The elevated expression and phosphorylation of FAK were observed in both acquired and endogenous lenvatinib-resistant (LR) HCC cells. Furthermore, inhibition of FAK reversed lenvatinib resistance in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FAK promoted lenvatinib resistance through regulating lysine-deficient kinase 1 (WNK1). Phosphorylation of WNK1 was significantly increased in LR-HCC cells. Further, WNK1 inhibitor WNK463 resensitized either established or endogenous LR-HCC cells to lenvatinib treatment. In addition, overexpression of WNK1 desensitized parental HCC cells to lenvatinib treatment. Conclusively, our results establish a crucial role and novel mechanism of FAK in lenvatinib resistance and suggest that targeting the FAK/WNK1 axis is a promising therapeutic strategy in HCC patients showing lenvatinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hou
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Shaimaa A Gad
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Center, Egypt
| | - Xianzhong Ding
- Department of Pathology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Asha Dhanarajan
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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Weng YS, Chiang IT, Tsai JJ, Liu YC, Hsu FT. Lenvatinib Synergistically Promotes Radiation Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inhibiting Src/STAT3/NF-κB-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 115:719-732. [PMID: 36245124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.09.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study suggested that lenvatinib may incapacitate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to radiation treatment by abrogating radiation-induced Src/signal transducer and the activator of transcription 3 signaling (STAT3)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) to escalate radiation-induced extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis. These findings uncover the role of targeting Src and its arbitrating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which could increase the anti-HCC efficacy of radiation therapy (RT). Lenvatinib and sorafenib are multikinase inhibitors used to treat HCC. Lenvatinib is noninferior to sorafenib in the therapeutic response in HCC. However, whether lenvatinib intensifies the anti-HCC efficacy of RT is ambiguous. Several oncogenic kinases and transcription factors, such as Src, STAT3, and NF-κB, enhance the radiosensitivity of cancers. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the roles of the Src/STAT3/NF-κB axis in HCC after RT treatment and assessed whether targeting Src by lenvatinib may enhance the effectiveness of RT. METHODS AND MATERIALS Hep3B, Huh7, HepG2, and SK-Hep1 HCC cells and 2 types of animal models were used to identify the efficacy of RT combined with lenvatinib. Cellular toxicity, apoptosis, DNA damage, EMT/metastasis regulation, and treatment efficacy were validated by colony formation, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and in vivo experiments, respectively. Knockdown of Src by siRNA was also used to validate the role of Src in RT treatment. RESULTS Silencing Src reduced STAT3/NF-κB signaling and sensitized HCC to radiation. Lenvatinib reversed radiation-elicited Src/STAT3/NF-κB signaling while enhancing the anti-HCC efficacy of radiation. Both lenvatinib and siSrc promoted the radiation effect of cell proliferation on suppression, inhibition of the invasion ability, and induction of apoptosis in HCC. Lenvatinib also alleviated radiation-triggered oncogenic and EMT-related protein expression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings uncovered the role of the Src/STAT3/NF-κB regulatory axis in response to radiation-induced toxicity and confirmed Src as the key regulatory molecule for radiosensitization of HCC evoked by lenvatinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Shan Weng
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 406, Taiwan
| | - I-Tsang Chiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan; Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan; Department of Medical Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung 406, Taiwan; Medical administrative center, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jai-Jen Tsai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Yuan-Shan/Su-Ao Branch, Yi-Lan 260, Taiwan; Department of Medicine/Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Yuan-Shan/Su-Ao Branch, Yi-Lan 260, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and Management, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chang Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan; Department of Medical Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung 406, Taiwan; Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Lukang, Changhua 505, Taiwan
| | - Fei-Ting Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 406, Taiwan.
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Luo Y, Zhang FR, Wu JL, Jiang XJ. Efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure on TNF-α in obstructive sleep apnea patients: A meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282172. [PMID: 36952521 PMCID: PMC10035913 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is an important mediator of the immune response. At present, the improvement of TNF-α after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is still controversial. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the present evidence based on a meta-analysis to elucidate the effects of TNF-α on OSAHS after CPAP treatment. RESULTS To measure TNF-α, ten studies used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and one used radioimmunoassay. The forest plot outcome indicated that CPAP therapy would lower the TNF-α levels in OSAHS patients, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 1.08 (95% CI: 0.62-1.55; P < 0.001) based on the REM since there is highly significant heterogeneity (I2 = 90%) among the studies. Therefore, we used the subgroup and sensitivity analyses to investigate the source of heterogeneity. The findings of the sensitivity analysis revealed that the pooled WMD ranged from 0.91 (95% CI: 0.52-1.31; P < 0.001) to 1.18 (95% CI: 0.74-1.63; P < 0.001). The findings were not influenced by any single study. Notably, there was homogeneity in the Asia subgroup and publication year: 2019, implying that these subgroups could be the source of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis recommends that CPAP therapy will decrease the TNF-α level in OSAHS patients, but more related research should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Luo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First People's Hospital of Jiangxia District, Union Jiangnan Hospital Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fa-Rong Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First People's Hospital of Jiangxia District, Union Jiangnan Hospital Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jun-Lin Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Fifth Hospital in Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xi-Jiao Jiang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First People's Hospital of Jiangxia District, Union Jiangnan Hospital Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Li H, Wang B, Qi B, Jiang G, Qin M, Yu M. Connexin32 regulates expansion of liver cancer stem cells via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2022; 48:166. [PMID: 35894130 PMCID: PMC9351005 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are responsible for liver cancer recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Previous studies by the authors demonstrated that upregulated expression of connexin 32 (Cx32) reversed doxorubicin resistance and reduced invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells. However, the role of Cx32 in expansion of LCSCs remains unclear. A total of 85 patients were enrolled in the present study and followed-up for 5 years. The expression of Cx32 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and corresponding paracancerous tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cx32 was silenced in HepG2 cells and overexpressed in HCCLM3 cells and the stemness of liver cells was examined by detecting the expression of LCSC markers (EpCAM, CD133, Nanog, Oct4, Sox9, c-Myc), sphere formation, and xenograft tumorigenesis. Finally, the effect of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway on Cx32-regulated LCSC expansion was investigated. Cx32 was downregulated in LCSCs and HCC tissues, and predicted poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Overexpression of Cx32 in HCCLM3 cells significantly inhibited LCSC expansion, tumorigenesis, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway activity. By contrast, silencing of Cx32 in HepG2 cells upregulated expansion of LCSCs and PI3K/Akt pathway activity. Modulating the activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway by SC-79 and LY294002 in HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells, respectively, confirmed that Cx32 could affect the expansion of LCSCs through PI3K/Akt signaling. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Cx32 regulated the expansion of LCSCs, and increased expression of Cx32 significantly inhibited the expansion of LCSCs, suggesting that Cx32 may be an optimal target for intervention of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Boying Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Benquan Qi
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Guojun Jiang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Min Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Meiling Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
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Intercellular communication in the tumour microecosystem: Mediators and therapeutic approaches for hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166528. [PMID: 36007784 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166528] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common tumours worldwide, is one of the main causes of mortality in cancer patients. There are still numerous problems hindering its early diagnosis, which lead to late patients receiving treatment, and these problems need to be solved urgently. The tumour microecosystem is a complex network system comprising seven parts: the hypoxia niche, immune microenvironment, metabolic microenvironment, acidic niche, innervated niche, mechanical microenvironment, and microbial microenvironment. Intercellular communication is divided into direct contact and indirect communication. Direct contact communication includes gap junctions, tunneling nanotubes, and receptor-ligand interactions, whereas indirect communication includes exosomes, apoptotic vesicles, and soluble factors. Mechanical communication and cytoplasmic exchange are further means of intercellular communication. Intercellular communication mediates the crosstalk between the tumour microecosystem and the host as well as that between cells and cell-free components in the tumour microecosystem, causing changes in the tumour hallmarks of the HCC microecosystem such as changes in tumour proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammatory response, gene mutation, immune escape, metabolic reprogramming, and therapeutic resistance. Here, we review the role of the above-mentioned intercellular communication in the HCC microecosystem and discuss the advantages of targeted intercellular communication in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Finally, the current problems and prospects are discussed.
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Luo Y, Tan H, Yu T, Tian J, Shi H. A Novel Artificial Neural Network Prognostic Model Based on a Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Activation Score System in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:927041. [PMID: 35874676 PMCID: PMC9304772 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.927041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks fourth as the most common cause of cancer-related death. It is vital to identify the mechanism of progression and predict the prognosis for patients with HCC. Previous studies have found that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote tumor proliferation and immune exclusion. However, the information about CAF-related genes is still elusive.MethodsThe data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas, International Cancer Genome Consortium, and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. On the basis of single-cell transcriptome and ligand–receptor interaction analysis, CAF-related genes were selected. By performing Cox regression and random forest, we filtered 12 CAF-related prognostic genes for the construction of the ANN model based on the CAF activation score (CAS). Then, functional, immune, mutational, and clinical analyses were performed.ResultsWe constructed a novel ANN prognostic model based on 12 CAF-related prognostic genes. Cancer-related pathways were enriched, and higher activated cell crosstalk was identified in high-CAS samples. High immune activity was observed in high-CAS samples. We detected three differentially mutated genes (NBEA, RYR2, and FRAS1) between high- and low-CAS samples. In clinical analyses, we constructed a nomogram to predict the prognosis of patients with HCC. 5-Fluorouracil had higher sensitivity in high-CAS samples than in low-CAS samples. Moreover, some small-molecule drugs and the immune response were predicted.ConclusionWe constructed a novel ANN model based on CAF-related genes. We revealed information about the ANN model through functional, mutational, immune, and clinical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiao Luo
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huaicheng Tan
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Yu
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiangfang Tian
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huashan Shi
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Huashan Shi,
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Yu BB, Liu LL, Yan JD, Cao JB, Cao Y. Effect of berbamine on invasion and metastasis of human liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells and its possible mechanism. Anticancer Drugs 2022; 33:e178-e185. [PMID: 34321418 PMCID: PMC8670361 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Berbamine is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Berberis poiretii of Berberis of Berberidaceae. It has been reported that it can significantly inhibit the proliferation of a variety of malignant tumor cells, including liver cancer. However, the effect of berbamine on the invasion and metastasis of liver cancer has not been reported. The present study demonstrated that berbamine inhibited the migration and invasion of SMMC-7721 cells in a concentration-dependent manner and obviously increased the gap junction function and the expression of Cx32 in SMMC-7721 cells compared with control group. However, after silencing Cx32, berbamine had no significant effect on cell invasion and metastasis. Before silencing Cx32, the expression of PI3K and P-AKT were decreased after berbamine treated on SMMC-7721 cells for 24 h. After silencing Cx32, the expression of PI3K and P-AKT were increased in SMMC-7721 cells. The expression of PI3K and P-AKT had no significant effect after berbamine treated on SMMC-7721 cells for 24 h with silencing Cx32. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that berbamine could inhibit the SMMC-7721 cell migration and invasion, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by enhancing the expression of Cx32.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-bin Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Li-li Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Jia-dong Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Jian-bo Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Ying Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Suzhou, China
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Yu M, Lin Z, Tian X, Chen S, Liang X, Qin M, Zhu Q, Wu Y, Zhong S. Downregulation of Cx43 reduces cisplatin-induced acute renal injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 158:112672. [PMID: 34785303 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is one of the main mechanisms involved in different forms of acute kidney injury (AKI), including cisplatin-induced AKI. However, it is not clear whether Cx43 has a regulatory effect on ferroptosis caused by cisplatin. In this study, we investigate the regulatory effects of Cx43 on cisplatin-induced ferroptosis and its mechanism. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that the expression level of Cx43 was significantly upregulated in the cisplatin-induced kidney injury model. In HK2 cells, cisplatin significantly induced ferroptosis. Adding shRNA-Cx43 and gap27 to the HK2 cells downregulated the expression of Cx43 and blocked the effects of cisplatin, resulting in a significantly improved survival rate of HK2 cells. Our primary data suggested that downregulating Cx43 not only inhibits ferroptosis, but also inhibits apoptosis. Through mechanistic studies, we confirmed that downregulating the expression of Cx43 by increasing SLC7A11 can increase the GSH content to inhibit cisplatin-induced ferroptosis. In vivo experiments showed that downregulation of Cx43 expression by gap27 reduced AKI in the animal model by inhibiting cisplatin-induced ferroptosis. Therefore, our results indicated that downregulation of Cx43 can inhibit ferroptosis by restoring the level of SLC7A11 in the system xc‾ transporter and alleviate cisplatin-induced AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuoheng Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxue Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinling Liang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Shilong Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
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Leroy K, Silva Costa CJ, Pieters A, dos Santos Rodrigues B, Van Campenhout R, Cooreman A, Tabernilla A, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Expression and Functionality of Connexin-Based Channels in Human Liver Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12187. [PMID: 34830068 PMCID: PMC8623148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer cell lines are frequently used in vitro tools to test candidate anti-cancer agents as well as to elucidate mechanisms of liver carcinogenesis. Among such mechanisms is cellular communication mediated by connexin-based gap junctions. The present study investigated changes in connexin expression and gap junction functionality in liver cancer in vitro. For this purpose, seven human liver cancer cell lines, as well as primary human hepatocytes, were subjected to connexin and gap junction analysis at the transcriptional, translational and activity level. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed enhanced expression of connexin43 in the majority of liver cancer cell lines at the expense of connexin32 and connexin26. Some of these changes were paralleled at the protein level, as evidenced by immunoblot analysis and in situ immunocytochemistry. Gap junctional intercellular communication, assessed by the scrape loading/dye transfer assay, was generally low in all liver cancer cell lines. Collectively, these results provide a full scenario of modifications in hepatocyte connexin production and gap junction activity in cultured liver cancer cell lines. The findings may be valuable for the selection of neoplastic hepatocytes for future mechanistic investigation and testing of anti-cancer drugs that target connexins and their channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (C.J.S.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Bruna dos Santos Rodrigues
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (C.J.S.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
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11
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Leroy K, Pieters A, Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Connexin-Based Channel Activity Is Not Specifically Altered by Hepatocarcinogenic Chemicals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11724. [PMID: 34769157 PMCID: PMC8584159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin-based channels play key roles in cellular communication and can be affected by deleterious chemicals. In this study, the effects of various genotoxic carcinogenic compounds, non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds and non-carcinogenic compounds on the expression and functionality of connexin-based channels, both gap junctions and connexin hemichannels, were investigated in human hepatoma HepaRG cell cultures. Expression of connexin26, connexin32, and connexin43 was evaluated by means of real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunoblot analysis and in situ immunostaining. Gap junction functionality was assessed via a scrape loading/dye transfer assay. Opening of connexin hemichannels was monitored by measuring extracellular release of adenosine triphosphate. It was found that both genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds negatively affect connexin32 expression. However, no specific effects related to chemical type were observed at gap junction or connexin hemichannel functionality level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
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12
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Mohammed S, Shamseddine AA, Newcomb B, Chavez RS, Panzner TD, Lee AH, Canals D, Okeoma CM, Clarke CJ, Hannun YA. Sublethal doxorubicin promotes migration and invasion of breast cancer cells: role of Src Family non-receptor tyrosine kinases. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:76. [PMID: 34315513 PMCID: PMC8317414 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Doxorubicin (Dox) is a widely used chemotherapy, but its effectiveness is limited by dose-dependent side effects. Although lower Dox doses reduce this risk, studies have reported higher recurrence of local disease with no improvement in survival rate in patients receiving low doses of Dox. To effectively mitigate this, a better understanding of the adverse effects of suboptimal Dox doses is needed. METHODS Effects of sublethal dose of Dox on phenotypic changes were assessed with light and confocal microscopy. Migratory and invasive behavior were assessed by wound healing and transwell migration assays. MTT and LDH release assays were used to analyze cell growth and cytotoxicity. Flow cytometry was employed to detect cell surface markers of cancer stem cell population. Expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases were probed with qRT-PCR and zymogen assay. To identify pathways affected by sublethal dose of Dox, exploratory RNAseq was performed and results were verified by qRT-PCR in multiple cell lines (MCF7, ZR75-1 and U-2OS). Regulation of Src Family kinases (SFK) by key players in DNA damage response was assessed by siRNA knockdown along with western blot and qRT-PCR. Dasatinib and siRNA for Fyn and Yes was employed to inhibit SFKs and verify their role in increased migration and invasion in MCF7 cells treated with sublethal doses of Dox. RESULTS The results show that sublethal Dox treatment leads to increased migration and invasion in otherwise non-invasive MCF7 breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, these effects were independent of the epithelial mesenchymal transition, were not due to increased cancer stem cell population, and were not observed with other chemotherapies. Instead, sublethal Dox induces expression of multiple SFK-including Fyn, Yes, and Src-partly in a p53 and ATR-dependent manner. These effects were validated in multiple cell lines. Functionally, inhibiting SFKs with Dasatinib and specific downregulation of Fyn suppressed Dox-induced migration and invasion of MCF7 cells. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study demonstrates that sublethal doses of Dox activate a pro-invasive, pro-migration program in cancer cells. Furthermore, by identifying SFKs as key mediators of these effects, our results define a potential therapeutic strategy to mitigate local invasion through co-treatment with Dasatinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia Mohammed
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794- 8430, USA
- Stony Brook University Cancer Center, MART Level 9, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Health Science Center, Hospital Pavilion Level 5, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA
| | - Achraf A Shamseddine
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Health Science Center, Hospital Pavilion Level 5, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA
| | - Benjamin Newcomb
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Health Science Center, Hospital Pavilion Level 5, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA
| | - Ronald S Chavez
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794- 8430, USA
| | - Tyler D Panzner
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA
| | - Allen H Lee
- Stony Brook University Cancer Center, MART Level 9, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Health Science Center, Hospital Pavilion Level 5, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA
| | - Daniel Canals
- Stony Brook University Cancer Center, MART Level 9, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Health Science Center, Hospital Pavilion Level 5, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA
| | - Chioma M Okeoma
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA
| | - Christopher J Clarke
- Stony Brook University Cancer Center, MART Level 9, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Health Science Center, Hospital Pavilion Level 5, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA.
| | - Yusuf A Hannun
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794- 8430, USA.
- Stony Brook University Cancer Center, MART Level 9, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Health Science Center, Hospital Pavilion Level 5, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA.
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8430, USA.
- The Northport Veterans Affairs Hospital, Northport, NY, 11768, USA.
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13
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Leroy K, Pieters A, Tabernilla A, Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Targeting gap junctional intercellular communication by hepatocarcinogenic compounds. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2020; 23:255-275. [PMID: 32568623 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2020.1781010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions in liver, as in other organs, play a critical role in tissue homeostasis. Inherently, these cellular constituents are major targets for systemic toxicity and diseases, including cancer. This review provides an overview of chemicals that compromise liver gap junctions, in particular biological toxins, organic solvents, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, peroxides, metals and phthalates. The focus in this review is placed upon the mechanistic scenarios that underlie these adverse effects. Further, the potential use of gap junctional activity as an in vitro biomarker to identify non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogenic chemicals is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária , São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Chen L, Huang W, Wang L, Zhang Z, Zhang F, Zheng S, Kong D. The effects of epigenetic modification on the occurrence and progression of liver diseases and the involved mechanism. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 14:259-270. [PMID: 32124651 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2020.1736042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Epigenetic modification is a type of gene expression and regulation that does not involve changes in DNA sequences. An increasing number of studies have proven that epigenetic modifications play an important role in the occurrence and progression of liver diseases through the gene regulation and protein expressions of hepatocellular lipid metabolism, inflammatory reaction, cell proliferation, and activation, etc.Areas covered: In this study, we elaborated and analyzed the underlying functional mechanism of epigenetic modification in alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis (LF), viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and research progress of recent years.Expert opinion: The further understanding of epigenetic mechanisms that can regulate gene expression and cell phenotype leads to new insights in epigenetic control of chronic liver disease. Currently, hepatologists are exploring the role of DNA methylation, histone/chromatin modification, and non-coding RNA in specific liver pathology. These findings have led to advances in direct epigenetic biomarker testing of patient tissue or body fluid specimens, as well as quantitative analysis. Based on these findings, drug validation of some targets involved in the epigenetic mechanism of liver disease is gradually being carried out clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Chen
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Weifang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integral Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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15
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Aziz AUR, Yu X, Jiang Q, Zhao Y, Deng S, Qin K, Wang H, Liu B. Doxorubicin-induced toxicity to 3D-cultured rat ovarian follicles on a microfluidic chip. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 62:104677. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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16
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Yang Y, Yao JH, Du QY, Zhou YC, Yao TJ, Wu Q, Liu J, Ou YR. Connexin 32 downregulation is critical for chemoresistance in oxaliplatin-resistant HCC cells associated with EMT. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:5133-5146. [PMID: 31213923 PMCID: PMC6549660 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s203656] [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: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oxaliplatin (OXA)-based chemotherapy is critical in the management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, acquired drug resistance has largely restricted its clinical efficacy. This study aims to explore the key mechanisms and regulatory factors determining chemosensitivity in HCC. Methods: We developed OXA-resistant (OR) HCC cells and used multiple methods, including real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, transwell invasion assay, wound-healing assay, MTT assay, gene transfection, and immunohistochemistry to achieve our goals. Results: We found that OR HCC cells showed a typical epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. Meanwhile, the expression of Cx32, a major member of the liver connexin (Cx) family, was lowly expressed in OR HCC cells. Downregulation of Cx32 in parental HCC cells led to EMT induction and thereby reduced OXA cytotoxicity, while Cx32 upregulation in OR HCC cells could reverse the EMT phenotype and partially restore chemosensitivity to OXA. Finally, in human HCC tissue samples, Cx32 was positively correlated with the expression of the EMT marker E-cadherin and negatively correlated with the expression of Vimentin. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that downregulation of Cx32 may be an important determinant for HCC cells to acquire EMT-related acquired drug resistance to OXA, and targeting Cx32 could be a novel strategy to overcome OXA resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Hao Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian-Yu Du
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Chun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Jing Yao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Rong Ou
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
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17
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Hernández-Guerra M, Hadjihambi A, Jalan R. Gap junctions in liver disease: Implications for pathogenesis and therapy. J Hepatol 2019; 70:759-772. [PMID: 30599172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the normal liver, cells interact closely through gap junctions. By providing a pathway for the trafficking of low molecular mass molecules, these channels contribute to tissue homeostasis and maintenance of hepatic function. Thus, dysfunction of gap junctions affects a wide variety of liver processes, such as differentiation, cell death, inflammation and fibrosis. In fact, dysfunctional gap junctions have been implicated, for more than a decade, in cholestatic disease, hepatic cancer and cirrhosis. Additionally, in recent years there is an increasing body of evidence that these channels are also involved in other relevant and prevalent liver pathological processes, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, acute liver injury and portal hypertension. In parallel to these new clinical implications the available data include controversial observations. Thus, a comprehensive overview is required to better understand the functional complexity of these pores. This paper will review the most recent knowledge concerning gap junction dysfunction, with a special focus on the role of these channels in the pathogenesis of relevant clinical entities and on potential therapeutic targets that are amenable to modification by drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajiv Jalan
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Medical School, London, UK
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18
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Tau-TCHF Inhibits Spleenic Apoptosis via PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway in Chickens. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1155:555-563. [PMID: 31468431 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-8023-5_51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Taurine plays an important role in improving immunity, regulating cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis and so on. Traditional Chinese herb formula (TCHF) is a wealth of medicine materials for diseases control. There are many studies on Chinese herb formula in inducing cell apoptosis, differentiation and improving animal immunity. The factors in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Protein Kinase (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway are central regulators of normal cells, which integrates extra-cellular signals into cells and activates affects cell activities including cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. We find the key factors (PIK3CA, PDPK1, AKT1, MDM2, ITGA2B, ITGB1, FAK and p53) in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway by RNA-Seq analysis in our previous research. The overall goal of this study to investigate the influence of taurine TCHF (Tau-TCHF) on cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis by estimating the factors above. The layers were fed with normal diet plus 1% of Tau-TCHF and the control group with normal diet to 42 days old. The spleen tissue samples from individual layers were used to analyze the influence of Tau-TCHF on the factors PIK3CA, PDPK1, AKT1, MDM2, ITGA2B, ITGB1, FAK and p53 in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The levels of transcription and protein expression of various factors were assessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western Blot. The results showed that the transcription levels of itgb1, fak, pik3ca, akt1 and mdm2 on 42-day-old chicken spleen tissues were increased significantly in Tau-TCHF group comparing with control group (P < 0.01); the transcription levels of itga2b, pdpk1 and p53 were no significant difference (P > 0.05). The protein levels of PDPK1 and AKT (Ser437) were increased significantly (P < 0.05), but ITGA2B, ITGB1, FAK, PIK3CA, AKT1, MDM2 and p53 had no significant difference (P > 0.05). The results suggest that Tau-TCHF may influence proliferation and differentiation of chickens spleen via regulating PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. And Tau-TCHF may be provided as feed additives in improving the immunity of animals. AKT (Ser473) and PDPK1 may be considered as further targets to study mechanism of Tau-TCHF on anti-apoptosis via PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
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19
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Aziz AUR, Geng C, Li W, Yu X, Qin KR, Wang H, Liu B. Doxorubicin Induces ER Calcium Release via Src in Rat Ovarian Follicles. Toxicol Sci 2018; 168:171-178. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Ur Rehman Aziz
- Liaoning IC Technology Key Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, P. R. China
| | - Chunyang Geng
- Liaoning IC Technology Key Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, P. R. China
| | - Wang Li
- Liaoning IC Technology Key Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohui Yu
- Department of gynecology, Dalian Institute of Maternal and Child Health Care, Dalian 116024, P. R. China
| | - Kai-Rong Qin
- Liaoning IC Technology Key Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, P. R. China
| | - Hanqin Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Suizhou Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Suizhou, Hubei 441300, P. R. China
| | - Bo Liu
- Liaoning IC Technology Key Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, P. R. China
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