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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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2
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Paskeh MDA, Ghadyani F, Hashemi M, Abbaspour A, Zabolian A, Javanshir S, Razzazan M, Mirzaei S, Entezari M, Goharrizi MASB, Salimimoghadam S, Aref AR, Kalbasi A, Rajabi R, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Sethi G. Biological impact and therapeutic perspective of targeting PI3K/Akt signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: Promises and Challenges. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106553. [PMID: 36400343 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression results from activation of various signaling networks. Among these, PI3K/Akt signaling contributes to proliferation, invasion, and inhibition of apoptosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with high incidence rate, especially in regions with high prevalence of viral hepatitis infection. Autoimmune disorders, diabetes mellitus, obesity, alcohol consumption, and inflammation can also lead to initiation and development of HCC. The treatment of HCC depends on the identification of oncogenic factors that lead tumor cells to develop resistance to therapy. The present review article focuses on the role of PI3K/Akt signaling in HCC progression. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling promotes glucose uptake, favors glycolysis and increases tumor cell proliferation. It inhibits both apoptosis and autophagy while promoting HCC cell survival. PI3K/Akt stimulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increases matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) expression during HCC metastasis. In addition to increasing colony formation capacity and facilitating the spread of tumor cells, PI3K/Akt signaling stimulates angiogenesis. Therefore, silencing PI3K/Akt signaling prevents aggressive HCC cell behavior. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling can confer drug resistance, particularly to sorafenib, and decreases the radio-sensitivity of HCC cells. Anti-cancer agents, like phytochemicals and small molecules can suppress PI3K/Akt signaling by limiting HCC progression. Being upregulated in tumor tissues and clinical samples, PI3K/Akt can also be used as a biomarker to predict patients' response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghadyani
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Abbaspour
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center,Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Resident of department of Orthopedics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Javanshir
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Razzazan
- Medical Student, Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. 6, Tide Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Alireza Kalbasi
- Department of Pharmacy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Romina Rajabi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
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3
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Li X, Sun X, Wang B, Li Y, Tong J. Oncolytic virus-based hepatocellular carcinoma treatment: Current status, intravenous delivery strategies, and emerging combination therapeutic solutions. Asian J Pharm Sci 2023; 18:100771. [PMID: 36896445 PMCID: PMC9989663 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2022.100771] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have limited success in improving patients' quality of life and prolonging life expectancy. The clinical need for more efficient and safe therapies has contributed to the exploration of emerging strategies. Recently, there has been increased interest in oncolytic viruses (OVs) as a therapeutic modality for HCC. OVs undergo selective replication in cancerous tissues and kill tumor cells. Strikingly, pexastimogene devacirepvec (Pexa-Vec) was granted an orphan drug status in HCC by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013. Meanwhile, dozens of OVs are being tested in HCC-directed clinical and preclinical trials. In this review, the pathogenesis and current therapies of HCC are outlined. Next, we summarize multiple OVs as single therapeutic agents for the treatment of HCC, which have demonstrated certain efficacy and low toxicity. Emerging carrier cell-, bioengineered cell mimetic- or nonbiological vehicle-mediated OV intravenous delivery systems in HCC therapy are described. In addition, we highlight the combination treatments between oncolytic virotherapy and other modalities. Finally, the clinical challenges and prospects of OV-based biotherapy are discussed, with the aim of continuing to develop a fascinating approach in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinguo Li
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Xiaonan Sun
- The 4th People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang 110031, China
| | - Bingyuan Wang
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Yiling Li
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Jing Tong
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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4
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Ishaq Y, Ikram A, Alzahrani B, Khurshid S. The Role of miRNAs, circRNAs and Their Interactions in Development and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Insilico Approach. Genes (Basel) 2022; 14:genes14010013. [PMID: 36672755 PMCID: PMC9858589 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of malignant tumor. miRNAs are noncoding RNAs and their differential expression patterns are observed in HCC-induced by alcoholism, HBV and HCV infections. By acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), circRNA regulates the miRNA function, indirectly controlling the gene expression and leading to HCC progression. In the present study, data mining was performed to screen out all miRNAs and circRNA involved in alcohol, HBV or HCV-induced HCC with statistically significant (≤0.05%) expression levels reported in various studies. Further, the interaction of miRNAs and circRNA was also investigated to explore their role in HCC due to various causative agents. Together, these study data provide a deeper understanding of the circRNA-miRNA regulatory mechanisms in HCC. These screened circRNA, miRNA and their interactions can be used as prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen Ishaq
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), University of Lahore (UOL), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Aqsa Ikram
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), University of Lahore (UOL), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- Correspondence:
| | - Badr Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 42421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sana Khurshid
- Department of Molecular Biology, Virtual University of Pakistan, 1-Davis Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
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5
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Luo J, Li L, Zhu Z, Chang B, Deng F, Wang D, Lu X, Zuo D, Chen Q, Zhou J. Fucoidan inhibits EGFR redistribution and potentiates sorafenib to overcome sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113602. [PMID: 36029544 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although sorafenib is a standard first-line molecule-targeted drug against advanced HCC, the drug resistance development and adverse side effects usually limit its efficacy. This study investigated the effect of fucoidan on the sorafenib sensitivity of sorafenib-resistant human HCC cell line HepG2-SR established by long-time exposure of HepG2 to sorafenib. We demonstrated fucoidan combined with sorafenib synergistically promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest whereas inhibited cell migration in HepG2-SR cells. This combination treatment effectively suppressed the cellular epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) nuclear distribution and downstream gene transcription. Interestingly, fucoidan bound the cell surface EGFR, dampening EGFR translocation to lipid raft and further nuclear distribution, restoring the sorafenib sensitivity in HepG2-SR cells. Blocking fucoidan-EGFR interaction using EGFR antibody restrained the enhanced anti-tumor effects upon the combined administration. Besides, EGFR knockdown abolished the combination treatment-improved anti-tumor efficacy. This combination also suppressed in vivo xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. Our present study uncovered that fucoidan overcame sorafenib resistance in HCC via its interaction with cell membrane EGFR and further suppression of EGFR redistribution and downstream signaling in sorafenib-resistant cells. Overall, current results suggest that simultaneous treatment of fucoidan and sorafenib might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy against sorafenib-resistant HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialiang Luo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhengyumeng Zhu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Bo Chang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Fan Deng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Daming Zuo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Qingyun Chen
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Proteomics of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
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6
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Zhao Q, Jiang F, Zhuang H, Chu Y, Zhang F, Wang C. MicroRNA miR-124-3p suppresses proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma via ARRDC1 (arrestin domain containing 1). Bioengineered 2022; 13:8255-8265. [PMID: 35300565 PMCID: PMC9161870 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2051686] [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] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs intensively participate in HCC development and progression. In the current study, we aimed to explore the impact of miR-124-3p in the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC. The RT-qPCR assay was employed to determine miR-124-3p expression in human HCC specimens and cell lines. Luciferase assay was used to validate the miR-124-3p target gene. Western Blot and RT-qPCR were performed to study the effects of miR-124-3p modulation on ARRDC1 (Arrestin Domain Containing 1) mRNA and protein expressions. MTT assay, wound healing assay, EdU assay, and Transwell assay were utilized to verify the impact of miR-144-3p modulation on HCC proliferation and EMT via ARRDC1. We found that MiR-124-3p expression downregulates in HCC. Overexpression of miR-124-3p reduced the HCC cell proliferation and EMT. Meanwhile, we determined that the expression of ARRDC1 is increased in HCC, and miR-124-3p directly binds the 3'UTR of ARRDC1 and inhibits its expression at mRNA and protein level, suggesting that miR-124-3p was capable of negatively modulating ARRDC1. Besides, cotransfection of ARRDC1-overexpression plasmid and miR-124-3p mimics increased the cell proliferation and EMT as compared to miR-124-3p mimics. Our study concluded that miR-124-3p directly binds the 3'UTR of ARRDC1 and exerts anti-tumorous effects by inhibiting the HCC proliferation and EMT. Therefore, miR-124-3p/ARRDC1 axis may serve as a novel therapeutic target to inhibit HCC growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiannan Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yantai Mountain Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Fen Jiang
- Health Management Center, Qishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Central Blood Station Laboratory, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yanfeng Chu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yantai Mountain Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, Jinan Central Hospital, Qilu Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chenghong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yantai Mountain Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
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7
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Ai Y, Luo S, Wang B, Xiao S, Wang Y. MiR-126-5p Promotes Tumor Cell Proliferation, Metastasis and Invasion by Targeting TDO2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Molecules 2022; 27:443. [PMID: 35056756 PMCID: PMC8779717 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
TDO2 is a key enzyme in the kynurenine metabolic pathway, which is the most important pathway of tryptophan metabolism. It has been shown that miRNAs are involved in cell metastasis through interaction with target mRNAs. In this study, we found 645 miRNAs that could be immunoprecipitated with TDO2 through the RNA-immunoprecipitation experiment. miR-126-5p was selected as the research target, which was also confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Through qRT-PCR analysis, it was verified that the overexpression of miR-126-5p promoted the expression of TDO2, PI3K/AKT and WNT1. Meanwhile, it was verified that overexpression of miR-126-5p can promote intracellular tryptophan metabolism by HPLC. We also verified the effects of miR-126-5p on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by cck-8, cell colony formation and trans-well assay in both HCCLM3 cells and HepG2 cells. In vivo experiments were also conducted to verify that miR-126-5p promoted tumor formation and growth via immunohistochemical detection of cell infiltration and proliferation to generate markers Ki-67, BAX, and VEGF. In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-126-5p is a biomarker and a potential new treatment target in the progression of HCC via promoting the expression of TDO2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yefu Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, 299 BaYi Road, Wuhan 430065, China; (Y.A.); (S.L.); (B.W.); (S.X.)
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8
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MicroRNA-300 Inhibits the Proliferation and Metastasis of Cervical Cancer Cells via Posttranscriptional Suppression of G Protein-Coupled Receptor 34 (GPR34). JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:2669822. [PMID: 34950207 PMCID: PMC8691979 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2669822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the dominant gynecological disorders which has poor prognosis and often diagnosed at advanced stages where it becomes nearly impossible to effectively manage this disorder. MicroRNA-300 (miR-300) has dual role in human tumorogenesis. However, characterization of its regulatory action has not been made in cervical cancer. The molecular role of miR-300 in cervical cancer was thus explored in the present study with prime focus on elucidating its mechanism of action. The results showed significant (P < 0.05) downregulation of miR-300 in cervical cancer. Overexpression of miR-300 in cervical cancer cells inhibited their proliferation in vitro by inducing apoptosis. Cervical cancer cells overexpressing miR-300 also showed decreased rates of migration and invasion. G protein-coupled receptor 34 (GPR34) was found to be the functional regulatory target of miR-300 in cervical cancer. GPR34 was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Silencing of GPR34 inhibited the growth of the cervical cancer cells. However, overexpression of GPR34 could prevent the tumor-suppressive effects of miR-300 on cervical cancer cells. Collectively, the results of the current study are indicative of the tumor-suppressive regulatory role of miR-300 in cervical cancer and suggestive of the potential therapeutic value of miR-300/GPR34 molecular axis.
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Weaver DT, Pishas KI, Williamson D, Scarborough J, Lessnick SL, Dhawan A, Scott JG. Network potential identifies therapeutic miRNA cocktails in Ewing sarcoma. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1008755. [PMID: 34662337 PMCID: PMC8601628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA)-based therapies are an emerging class of targeted therapeutics with many potential applications. Ewing Sarcoma patients could benefit dramatically from personalized miRNA therapy due to inter-patient heterogeneity and a lack of druggable (to this point) targets. However, because of the broad effects miRNAs may have on different cells and tissues, trials of miRNA therapies have struggled due to severe toxicity and unanticipated immune response. In order to overcome this hurdle, a network science-based approach is well-equipped to evaluate and identify miRNA candidates and combinations of candidates for the repression of key oncogenic targets while avoiding repression of essential housekeeping genes. We first characterized 6 Ewing sarcoma cell lines using mRNA sequencing. We then estimated a measure of tumor state, which we term network potential, based on both the mRNA gene expression and the underlying protein-protein interaction network in the tumor. Next, we ranked mRNA targets based on their contribution to network potential. We then identified miRNAs and combinations of miRNAs that preferentially act to repress mRNA targets with the greatest influence on network potential. Our analysis identified TRIM25, APP, ELAV1, RNF4, and HNRNPL as ideal mRNA targets for Ewing sarcoma therapy. Using predicted miRNA-mRNA target mappings, we identified miR-3613-3p, let-7a-3p, miR-300, miR-424-5p, and let-7b-3p as candidate optimal miRNAs for preferential repression of these targets. Ultimately, our work, as exemplified in the case of Ewing sarcoma, describes a novel pipeline by which personalized miRNA cocktails can be designed to maximally perturb gene networks contributing to cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis T. Weaver
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Translational Hematology Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Drew Williamson
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jessica Scarborough
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Translational Hematology Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Andrew Dhawan
- Translational Hematology Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AD); (JGS)
| | - Jacob G. Scott
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Translational Hematology Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AD); (JGS)
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10
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Chang MM, Wu SZ, Yang SH, Wu CC, Wang CY, Huang BM. FGF9/FGFR1 promotes cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, M2 macrophage infiltration and liver metastasis of lung cancer. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101208. [PMID: 34438248 PMCID: PMC8390529 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
FGF9 induced cell proliferation, EMT, migration, and invasion of mouse Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells, in vitro. FGF9 interacted with FGFR1 and activated FAK, AKT, and ERK/MAPK signal pathways, induced the expression of EMT key proteins (N-cadherin, vimentin, snail, MMP2, MMP3 and MMP13) and reduced the expression of E-cadherin. FGF9 promoted liver metastasis of subcutaneous inoculated LLC tumor with tumor growth, angiogenesis, EMT and M2-macrophage infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. The FGF9/LLC syngeneic animal model provides a useful tool for the mechanism studies of liver metastasis which is the worst prognostic factor for lung cancer patients with distant organ metastasis.
Fibroblast growth factors 9 (FGF9) modulates cell proliferation, differentiation and motility for development and repair in normal cells. Abnormal activation of FGF9 signaling is associated with tumor progression in many cancers. Also, FGF9 may be an unfavorable prognostic indicator for non-small cell lung cancer patients. However, the effects and mechanisms of FGF9 in lung cancer remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the FGF9-induced effects and signal activation profiles in mouse Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that FGF9 significantly induced cell proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenomena (migration and invasion) in LLC cells. Mechanism-wise, FGF9 interacted with FGFR1 and activated FAK, AKT, and ERK/MAPK signal pathways, induced the expression of EMT key proteins (N-cadherin, vimentin, snail, MMP2, MMP3 and MMP13), and reduced the expression of E-cadherin. Moreover, in the allograft mouse model, intratumor injection of FGF9 to LLC-tumor bearing C57BL/6 mice enhanced LLC tumor growth which were the results of increased Ki67 expression and decreased cleaved caspase-3 expression compared to control groups. Furthermore, we have a novel finding that FGF9 promoted liver metastasis of subcutaneous inoculated LLC tumor with angiogenesis, EMT and M2-macrophage infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, FGF9 activated FAK, AKT, and ERK signaling through FGFR1 with induction of EMT to stimulate LLC tumorigenesis and hepatic metastasis. This novel FGF9/LLC allograft animal model may therefore be useful to study the mechanism of liver metastasis which is the worst prognostic factor for lung cancer patients with distant organ metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Min Chang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Su-Zhen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan 73657, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shang-Hsun Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chia-Ching Wu
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chia-Yih Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Bu-Miin Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40406, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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11
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Lu Q, Lou J, Cai R, Han W, Pan H. Emerging roles of a pivotal lncRNA SBF2-AS1 in cancers. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:417. [PMID: 34372871 PMCID: PMC8351094 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02123-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs refer to transcripts over 200 nt in length that lack the ability to encode proteins, which occupy the majority of the genome and play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of human diseases, especially cancers. SBF2-AS1, a newly identified long non-coding RNA, has been verified to be highly expressed in diversiform cancers, and is involved in processes promoting tumorigenesis, tumor progression and tumor metastasis. Moreover, upregulation of SBF2-AS1 expression was significantly related to disadvantageous clinicopathologic characteristics and indicated poor prognosis. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the up-to-date knowledge of the detailed mechanisms and underlying functions of SBF2-AS1 in diverse cancer types, highlighting the potential of SBF2-AS1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and even a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Lou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruyun Cai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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12
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Qiao D, Jin J, Xing J, Zhang Y, Jia N, Ren X, Lin Z, Jin N, Chen L, Piao Y. Baicalein Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration through a FAK Interaction via AKT/mTOR Signaling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2021; 49:525-541. [PMID: 33641654 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x21500245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a common malignancy worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, very little is known about the underlying mechanism in human gastric cancer cells. Baicalein (BAI), a widely used Chinese herbal medicine, has shown anticancer effects on many types of human cancer cell lines. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying BAI action on gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration. The results showed that BAI can expressively inhibit cell proliferation, colony-forming ability and migration ability in a dose-dependent manner, while in the meantime inducing cell apoptosis. Additionally, we found that BAI can suppress FAK and the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT and mTOR in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, BAI significantly inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft model. Also, BAI can inhibit the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells and the expression of the pathway by downregulating the expression of FAK. In short, we demonstrated that BAI inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration through FAK interaction via downregulation in AKT/mTOR signaling, which signifies that BAI may be a latent therapeutic factor for the treatment of gastric cancer patients and that FAK might be a hopeful therapy target for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qiao
- Key Laboratory of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory of Science and Technology Department (Jilin Province), Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, P. R. China
| | - Jingchun Jin
- Key Laboratory of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory of Science and Technology Department (Jilin Province), Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, P. R. China.,Department of Internal Medicine of Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji 133000, P. R. China
| | - Jian Xing
- Department of Image, Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, P. R. China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory of Science and Technology Department (Jilin Province), Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, P. R. China
| | - Nailing Jia
- Department of Internal Medicine of Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji 133000, P. R. China
| | - Xiangshan Ren
- Key Laboratory of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory of Science and Technology Department (Jilin Province), Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, P. R. China
| | - Zhenhua Lin
- Key Laboratory of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory of Science and Technology Department (Jilin Province), Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, P. R. China.,Department of Internal Medicine of Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji 133000, P. R. China
| | - Ningyi Jin
- Key Laboratory of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory of Science and Technology Department (Jilin Province), Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, P. R. China.,Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun 130122, P. R. China
| | - Liyan Chen
- Key Laboratory of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory of Science and Technology Department (Jilin Province), Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, P. R. China
| | - Yingshi Piao
- Key Laboratory of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory of Science and Technology Department (Jilin Province), Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, P. R. China
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13
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Liu XY, Wang JQ, Ashby CR, Zeng L, Fan YF, Chen ZS. Gold nanoparticles: synthesis, physiochemical properties and therapeutic applications in cancer. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1284-1292. [PMID: 33549529 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been shown to be useful as carriers of various anticancer drugs as well as diagnosis platforms. In this review, we discuss the synthesis and physiochemical properties of AuNPs. We also highlight the photothermal and photodynamic properties of AuNPs and relevant applications in therapeutic studies. Furthermore, we review the applications of AuNPs in cancer treatment as and their underlying anticancer mechanisms in multiple types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY 11439, USA
| | - Jing-Quan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY 11439, USA
| | - Charles R Ashby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY 11439, USA
| | - Leli Zeng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY 11439, USA; Precision Medicine Center, Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Ying-Fang Fan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY 11439, USA; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery I, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY 11439, USA.
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14
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The emerging role of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of PI3K/AKT pathway in the carcinogenesis process. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111279. [PMID: 33493969 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT pathway is an intracellular signaling pathway with an indispensable impact on cell cycle control. This pathway is functionally related with cell proliferation, cell survival, metabolism, and quiescence. The crucial role of this pathway in the development of cancer has offered this pathway as a target of novel anti-cancer treatments. Recent researches have demonstrated the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in controlling the PI3K/AKT pathway. Some miRNAs such as miR-155-5p, miR-328-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-126, miR-331-3p and miR-16 inactivate this pathway, while miR-182, miR-106a, miR-193, miR-214, miR-106b, miR-93, miR-21 and miR-103/107 enhance activity of this pathway. Expression levels of PI3K/AKT-associated miRNAs could be used to envisage the survival of cancer patients. Numerous lncRNAs such as GAS5, FER1L4, LINC00628, PICART1, LOC101928316, ADAMTS9-AS2, SLC25A5-AS1, MEG3, AB073614 and SNHG6 interplay with this pathway. Identification of the impact of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the control of the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway would enhance the efficacy of targeted therapies against this pathway. Moreover, each of the mentioned miRNAs and lncRNAs could be used as a putative therapeutic candidate for the interfering with the carcinogenesis. In the current study, we review the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in controlling the PI3K/AKT pathway and their contribution to carcinogenesis.
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15
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Bi HQ, Li ZH, Zhang H. Long noncoding RNA HAND2-AS1 reduced the viability of hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting microRNA-300/SOCS5 axis. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2020; 19:567-574. [PMID: 32224127 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent human cancers with high mortality. Long non-coding RNA heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 2 anti-sense 1 (HAND2-AS1) is down-regulated in several cancers including HCC, yet the precise mechanisms how HAND2-AS1 regulates cell survival in HCC remains poorly understood. METHODS The expression levels of HAND2-AS1 and miR-300 were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. The protein levels of suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5), Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by Western blot. Cell viability and cell proliferation were assessed using cell counting kit-8 and clone formation assay, respectively. Cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. The interactions between HAND2-AS1 and miR-300, miR-300 and SOCS5 were validated using luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS HAND2-AS1 was down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and the expression level of HAND2-AS1 was positively correlated to patient survival. HAND2-AS1 over-expression reduced viability and proliferation in HCC cells. Elevated HAND2-AS1 level induced apoptosis in HCC cells, accompanied with increased Bax and cleaved caspase-3 levels and decreased Bcl-2 level. We also validated that HAND2-AS1 acted as a sponge of miR-300, and there was a negative correlation between expression levels of HAND2-AS1 and miR-300 in HCC tissues. Furthermore, we found that SOCS5 was a downstream target of miR-300. In addition, miR-300 mimics abolished HAND2-AS1-mediated inhibition of cell viability and proliferation. miR-300 mimics also reversed the HAND2-AS1-induced apoptosis in HCC cells. CONCLUSION lncRNA HAND2-AS1 inhibits proliferation in HCC through regulating miR-300/SOCS5 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Qiang Bi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhong-Hui Li
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
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16
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UBE2C mRNA expression controlled by miR-300 and HuR determines its oncogenic role in gastric cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 534:597-603. [PMID: 33223052 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme E2 C (UBE2C) has a key oncogenic role in many human malignancies, including gastric cancer. However, it remains largely unknow at which level UBE2C expression is altered, as well as what are the downstream targets of UBE2C. In this study, we show that UBE2C is frequently overexpressed in gastric cancer patients. Interestingly, high expression of UBE2C mRNA instead of genome amplification is the predominant alterations observed in both stomach adenocarcinoma. We then confirmed that silencing UBE2C not only suppresses gastric cancer colony formation, but also inhibits DNA biosynthesis. Furthermore, we discovered that microRNA-300 is able to suppress gastric cancer progression through reducing UBE2C mRNA abundance, which is protected by an RNA binding protein HuR. Lastly, through an analysis of genes whose expressions correlate with that of UBE2C from gastric cancer cell lines, we have proposed several key genes that can be regulated by UBE2C, contributing to its oncogenic activity.
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17
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He S, Tang S. WNT/β-catenin signaling in the development of liver cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 132:110851. [PMID: 33080466 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is a highly conserved and tightly controlled molecular mechanism that regulates embryonic development, cellular proliferation and differentiation. Of note, accumulating evidence has shown that the aberrant of WNT/β-catenin signaling promotes the development and/or progression of liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), the two most prevalent primary liver tumours in adults. There are two different WNT signaling pathways have been identified, which were termed non-canonical and canonical pathways, the latter involving the activation of β-catenin. β-catenin, acting as an intracellular signal transducer in the WNT signaling pathway, is encoded by CTNNB1 and plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. In the past research, most liver tumors have mutations in genes encoding key components of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. In addition, several of other signaling pathways also can crosswalk with β-catenin. In this review, we discuss the most relevant molecular mechanisms of action and regulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling in the development and pathophysiology of liver cancers, as well as in the development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai He
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China
| | - Shilei Tang
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
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18
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Hu Z, Xie F, Hu A, Xu M, Liu Y, Zhang J, Xiao J, Song Y, Zhong J, Chen B. Silencing glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 suppresses the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:228. [PMID: 32968450 PMCID: PMC7500057 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) is a key component and functions as a reliable marker of Hedgehog signaling pathway activation. Previous studies have demonstrated that Gli1 serves important roles in the progression of various types of cancer, including HCC. However, its effect on HCC invasion and metastasis and the underlying mechanism remain to be elucidated. Small interference RNA was employed to silence the Gli1 gene in liver cancer cells. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis were performed to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression of Gli1, respectively. A series of assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8, adhesion, wound healing and Matrigel invasion were performed to investigate cell viability, adhesive, migratory and invasive capabilities of liver cancer cells, respectively. In addition, immunofluorescence staining was performed to determine the cellular localization of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phosphorylated (p-)FAK and p-AKT. The mRNA and protein expression of Gli1 in liver cancer cells (HepG2 and SK-Hep1) were markedly decreased in a dose-dependent manner following Gli1-knockdown. Gli1 silencing significantly inhibited the adhesion, migration and invasion of SK-Hep1 cells. Additionally, knockdown of Gli1 markedly suppressed the expression of metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. Furthermore, downregulation of Gli1 blocked the FAK/AKT signaling pathway. Gli1 serves significant roles in the migration and invasion of HCC cells through activation of the FAK/AKT signaling pathway and subsequent upregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Thus, Gli1 may be a potential protein target for the regulation of HCC migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeming Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Fangfang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Ang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Mengjing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Yuwen Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Jiankang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Yunlei Song
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Jianing Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, P.R. China
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19
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Li L, Huang K, Lu Z, Zhao H, Li H, Ye Q, Peng G. Bioinformatics analysis of LINC01554 and its co‑expressed genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:2185-2197. [PMID: 33000250 PMCID: PMC7551476 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally. Despite the remarkable improvements in comprehensive HCC treatment, the underlying mechanistic details of HCC remain elusive. We screened HCC patients for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE113850) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. LINC01554 expression in 40 paired samples was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and its clinical significance was assessed. LINC01554 was found to have a gain-of-function role in HCC in vitro. Additionally, the bioinformatics analysis of the genes co-expressed with LINC01554 was performed using the Co-LncRNA website, and potential molecular mechanisms were investigated using the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes resources and validated by in vitro experiments. A total of 229 DEGs were identified from the GSE113850 dataset. Among the identified DEGs, three long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) (DIO3OS, LINC01554, and LINC01093) with |logFC| ≥2 and P<0.05 were screened. A total of 148 lncRNAs with |logFC| ≥1 and P<0.05 were identified from TCGA dataset. Low LINC01554 expression levels were significantly correlated with overall survival, pathological stage, hepatitis B infection, tumour size, portal vein tumour thrombus, and TNM stage. Using gain-of-function assays, we further showed that LINC01554 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the HCCLM9 and SK-Hep1 cells and promoted G0/G1 arrest, but it did not significantly affect apoptosis. Western blotting revealed that LINC01554 overexpression resulted in increased ZO-1 and E-cadherin expression levels, but decreased N-cadherin and vimentin expression levels. Moreover, LINC01554 overexpression inhibited Akt, p-Akt, β-catenin, and p-Gsk3β expression. Our results showed that LINC01554 repressed HCC cell invasiveness and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition partly by inhibiting Wnt and PI3K-Akt signalling in vitro. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC tumourigenesis and implicate LINC01554 as a potential target for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Kang Huang
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Zhongshan Lu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Huijia Zhao
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Hao Li
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Qifa Ye
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Guizhu Peng
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
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20
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Ruff SE, Logan SK, Garabedian MJ, Huang TT. Roles for MDC1 in cancer development and treatment. DNA Repair (Amst) 2020; 95:102948. [PMID: 32866776 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2020.102948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) is necessary to maintain genome integrity and prevent the accumulation of oncogenic mutations. Consequently, proteins involved in the DDR often serve as tumor suppressors, carrying out the crucial task of keeping DNA fidelity intact. Mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1 (MDC1) is a scaffold protein involved in the early steps of the DDR. MDC1 interacts directly with γ-H2AX, the phosphorylated form of H2AX, a commonly used marker for DNA damage. It then propagates the phosphorylation of H2AX by recruiting ATM kinase. While the function of MDC1 in the DDR has been reviewed previously, its role in cancer has not been reviewed, and numerous studies have recently identified a link between MDC1 and carcinogenesis. This includes MDC1 functioning as a tumor suppressor, with its loss serving as a biomarker for cancer and contributor to drug sensitivity. Studies also indicate that MDC1 operates outside of its traditional role in DDR, and functions as a co-regulator of nuclear receptor transcriptional activity, and that mutations in MDC1 are present in tumors and can also cause germline predisposition to cancer. This review will discuss reports that link MDC1 to cancer and identify MDC1 as an important player in tumor formation, progression, and treatment. We also discuss mechanisms by which MDC1 levels are regulated and how this contributes to tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie E Ruff
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Susan K Logan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Department of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Michael J Garabedian
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Department of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Tony T Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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21
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LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 regulates the invasion and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma by acting on S1PR1 through miR-149. Cancer Gene Ther 2020; 28:850-863. [PMID: 32753631 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-020-0203-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 on HCC and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms. The expression levels of KCNQ1OT1, miR-149 and S1PR1 were detected by qRT-PCR assay. A dual luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the interaction between KCNQ1OT1 and miR-149, as well as miR-149 and S1PR1. The interaction between KCNQ1OT1 and miR-149 was further investigated by RNA pull-down assay. Wound healing assays and Transwell assays were carried out to determine cell migration and invasion. A xenograft tumour assay was used to validate the role of KCNQ1OT1 in vivo. KCNQ1OT1 and S1PR1 were significantly increased, but miR-149 was decreased in HCC cells. Luciferase reporter assays and RNA pull-down assays revealed that KCNQ1OT1 directly targeted miR-149. In addition, miR-149 bound to the 3'-UTR of S1PR1. Knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 or overexpression of miR-149 inhibited the invasion and migration of HCC cells. However, suppression of miR-149 could abrogate the effect of KCNQ1OT1 knockdown on the invasion and migration abilities of HCC cells. In vivo assays showed that KCNQ1OT1 knockdown suppressed tumour growth. This work suggests that lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 might act as a potential therapeutic target in HCC.
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22
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Zhao W, Jiang X, Yang S. lncRNA TUG1 Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Regulating miR-29c-3p/ COL1A1 Axis. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:6837-6847. [PMID: 32821161 PMCID: PMC7425090 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s256624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) has been recognized as a novel oncogenic gene. The current study was established to explore the function and regulatory mechanism of TUG1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of TUG1, miR-29c-3p, and COL1A1 in tissues and cell lines. MTT assay, wound-healing and transwell assay were utilized for the detection of cell viability, migration and invasion, respectively. The interactions between miR-29c-3p and TUG1/COL1A1 were predicted by starBase v2.0 (http://starbase.sysu.edu.cn/) and verified by the dual-luciferase reporter or RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Western blot assay was performed to determine the protein levels of COL1A1, cyclin D1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Bcl-2, and Bax. Results Dramatically increased expression of TUG1 was noticed in HCC tissues and cell lines. TUG1 knockdown restrained the proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells. TUG1 targeted miR-29c-3p and inhibited miR-29c-3p expression. Overexpression of miR-29c-3p inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. MiR-29c-3p directly targeted COL1A1 and down-regulated COL1A1 expression. In addition, downregulation of miR-29c-3p and upregulation of COL1A1 both reversed the effects of TUG1 knockdown on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Conclusion TUG1 could promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells through regulating miR-29c-3p/COL1A1 axis. This novel finding might provide a latent target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- Department of Functional Examination, The Sixth People's Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao City, Shandong Province 266033, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Health Examination Center, The Sixth People's Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao City, Shandong Province 266033, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxia Yang
- Health Examination Center, The Sixth People's Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao City, Shandong Province 266033, People's Republic of China
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Kong J, Zhang Q, Liang X, Sun W. FOXK2 downregulation suppresses EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma. Open Med (Wars) 2020; 15:702-708. [PMID: 33313412 PMCID: PMC7706124 DOI: 10.1515/med-2020-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box K2 (FOXK2) was first identified as an NFAT-like interleukin-binding factor. FOXK2 has been reported to act as either oncogene or tumor suppressor. However, functional and regulating mechanisms of FOXK2 in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. An FOXK2-specific siRNA was employed to decrease the endogenous expression of FOXK2. MTT assay, colony formation and transwell assay were used to evaluate proliferation, migration and invasion of Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells, respectively. The protein expression associated with EMT and Akt signaling pathways was evaluated using western blot. FOXK2 downregulation could inhibit cell proliferation and colony formation and suppress migration and invasion in Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells. The expression of E-cadherin was significantly upregulated, and the expression of snail and p-Akt was significantly downregulated in siFOXK2-transfected cells compared with control cells. SF1670 induced the expression of p-Akt and snail and suppressed the expression of E-cadherin in Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells. SF1670 promoted the invasion and colony formation of Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells. SF1670 partly inhibited the effect of FOXK2 suppression on Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells. In conclusion, this study revealed that FOXK2 downregulation suppressed the EMT in HCC partly through inhibition of the Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Kong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100043, China
| | - Qingyun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Hebei 067000, China
| | - Xuefeng Liang
- Blood center of Shandong Province, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Wenbing Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100043, China
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Sun C, Hu A, Wang S, Tian B, Jiang L, Liang Y, Wang H, Dong J. ADAM17-regulated CX3CL1 expression produced by bone marrow endothelial cells promotes spinal metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2020; 57:249-263. [PMID: 32319605 PMCID: PMC7252465 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal metastasis occurs in 50-75% of bone metastases caused by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and HCC-derived spinal metastasis can lead to a less favorable prognosis. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is closely associated with cancer metastasis, and its secretion is modulated by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17). Bone marrow endothelial cells (BMECs) are an essential component of bone marrow. However, little is known about the roles in and effects of BMECs on HCC spinal metastasis. The present study demonstrated that CX3CL1 and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) expression was upregulated in HCC spinal metastases, and that CX3CL1 promoted the migration and invasion of HCC cells to the spine. Western blot analysis revealed that the Src/protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2) axis participated in CX3CL1-induced HCC cell invasion and migration. CX3CL1 also increased the expression of M2 macrophage markers in THP-1 monocytes. BMECs promoted the migration and invasion of Hep3B and MHCC97H cells by secreting soluble CX3CL1, whereas the neutralization of CX3CL1 inhibited this enhancement. CX3CL1 enhanced the activation of the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphos-phate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA)/AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) and Ras homolog family member A (RHOA)/Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) signaling pathways through the Src/PTK2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, ADAM17 was activated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) z14 in BMECs and significantly promoted the secretion of CX3CL1. HCC cells enhanced the recruitment and proliferation of BMECs. The overexpression of CX3CR1 facilitated the spinal metastasis of HCC in a mouse model in vivo. In addition, in vivo experiments revealed that BMECs promoted the growth of HCC in the spine. The present study demonstrated that CX3CL1 participates in HCC spinal metastasis, and that BMECs play an important role in the regulation of CX3CL1 in the spinal metastatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Annan Hu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Shengxing Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Bo Tian
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Libo Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yun Liang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Houlei Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jian Dong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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GSK-3β in DNA repair, apoptosis, and resistance of chemotherapy, radiotherapy of cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118659. [PMID: 31978503 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase, functioning in numerous cellular processes including cell proliferation, DNA repair, cell cycle, signaling and metabolic pathways. GSK-3β is implicated in different diseases including inflammation, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes and cancers. GSK-3β is involved in biological processes of tumorigenesis, therefore, it is rational that GSK-3β inhibitors were employed to target malignant tumors. The effects of GSK-3β inhibitors in combination of radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs have been reported in various types of cancers, suggesting GSK-3β would play important roles in cancer treatments. GSK-3β is involved in multiple signal pathway including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/PTEN/AKT and Notch. GSK-3β also functions in DNA repair through phosphorylation of DNA repair factors and affecting their binding to chromatin. This review focuses on the molecular mechanism of GSK-3β in DNA repair, special in base excision repair and double-strands break repair, the roles of GSK-3β in inhibition of apoptosis through activation of NF-κB, and the effects of GSK-3β inhibitors on radio- and chemosensitization of various types of cancers. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: GSK-3 and related kinases in cancer, neurological and other disorders edited by James McCubrey, Agnieszka Gizak and Dariusz Rakus.
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miR-300 mitigates cancer-induced bone pain through targeting HMGB1 in rat models. Genes Genomics 2019; 42:309-316. [PMID: 31872385 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-019-00904-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is the pain caused by bone metastasis from malignant tumors, and the largest source of pain for cancer patients. miR-300 is an important miRNA in cancer. It has been shown that miR-300 regulates tumorigenesis of various tumors. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the role of miR-300 in CIBP and its underlying molecular mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. METHODS We constructed CIBP model in rats and investigated the mechanism through which miR-300 affects CIBP. We first examined expression level of miR-300 in CIBP rats and then tested the effect of its overexpression. Next, we identified the target of miR-300 using TargetScan analysis and double luciferase assay. Finally, we studied genetic interactions between miR-300 and its target and their roles in CIBP. RESULTS We found that miR-300 was downregulated in CIBP rats. Overexpression of miR-300 significantly attenuated cancer-induced neuropathic pain (p < 0.01). Furthermore, TargetScan analysis and double luciferase assay show High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) is a target of miR-300. Notably, HMGB1 is overexpressed in CIBP rats, while up-regulation of miR-300 significantly suppresses expression of HMGB1 (p < 0.01). Moreover, knockdown of HMGB1 by siRNA significantly relieves cancer-induced neuropathic pain in rats (p < 0.01). On the other hand, HMGB1 overexpression partially blocked the effect of miR-300 on cancer-induced nerve pain. CONCLUSION miR-300 relieves cancer-induced neuropathic pain by inhibiting HMGB1 expression. These results may be beneficial for the treatment of CIBP in clinical practice.
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Akula SM, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Emma MR, Augello G, Cusimano A, Azzolina A, Montalto G, Cervello M, McCubrey JA. RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC1 and TP53 pathways and regulatory miRs as therapeutic targets in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:915-929. [PMID: 31657972 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1685501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant problem globally because of viral infections and the increasing incidence of obesity and fatty liver disease. However, it is difficult to treat because its inherent genetic heterogeneity results in activation of numerous signaling pathways. Kinases have been targeted for decades with varying results, but the development of therapeutic resistance is a major challenge.Areas covered: The key roles of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC1, TP53 microRNAs (miRs) as therapeutic targets are discussed and we suggests novel approaches for targeting miRs or their downstream targets to combat HCC. We performed literature searches using the Medline Database from 2000 to the present.Expert opinion: The involvement of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC and TP53 pathways as drivers of the disease and drug resistance is a challenge. Moreover, miRs regulate the expression of key genes in these pathways. What we and others are proposing is the prospect of targeting miRs and their downstream targets to improve conventional approaches to treat HCC. Combination approaches are often promising because multiple signaling pathways are deregulated due to diverse mutations and events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Maria R Emma
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonina Azzolina
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy.,Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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Li Q, Zhang LY, Wu S, Huang C, Liu J, Wang P, Cao Y. Bioinformatics Analysis Identifies MicroRNAs and Target Genes Associated with Prognosis in Patients with Melanoma. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:7784-7794. [PMID: 31621692 PMCID: PMC6820336 DOI: 10.12659/msm.917082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Melanoma of the skin can be associated with early metastases and poor prognosis. This study aimed to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) and target genes associated with prognosis in melanoma using bioinformatics analysis. Material/Methods The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database identified the microarray dataset GSE20994. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were first identified using R language software and validated by GEO2R. Potential target genes of DE-miRNAs were screened, and their targets and prognostic role were evaluated in the miRTarBase database. Pathway enrichment and functional annotation analysis for target genes were established using the DAVID database. miRNA-hub gene networks and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed and visualized using the STRING database and Cytoscape. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed using transcriptome and survival data from the UALCAN web tool. Results There were 132 upregulated and 134 down-regulated DE-miRNAs identified from human melanoma samples. From the top three upregulated miRNAs, there were 580 potential predicted target genes, and from the top three down-regulated miRNAs, there 543 potential predicted target genes. miR-300 was upregulated, and miR-629 was down-regulated in melanoma. Two pivotal bub genes, TP53 and GAPDH, were identified in the PPI network. Five out of ten hub genes were modulated by upregulated miR-580, and five by miR-629. Increased mRNA expression of DAPK2 was associated with increased OS, and increased mRNA expression of SKCM, TECPR2, and ZNF781 were associated with reduced OS. Conclusions Bioinformatics analysis identified miRNAs and target genes associated with melanoma that may represent potential prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Li
- Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland).,Institute of Pediatric Diseases, The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Li-Yu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Diseases, The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Shuang Wu
- Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Chongqing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
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Bai J, Gao Y, Du Y, Yang X, Zhang X. MicroRNA-300 inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by downregulating CREPT/Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:3743-3753. [PMID: 31516587 PMCID: PMC6732999 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of studies have demonstrated that altered expression levels of microRNA-300 (miR-300) are associated with tumor progression; however, little is understood regarding the role of miR-300 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study aimed to investigate the expression, biological function and potential regulatory mechanism of miR-300 in HCC. A miR-300 mimic and miR-300 inhibitor were transfected into liver cancer cells using RNAiMAX reagent. The expression levels of miR and mRNA were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression levels were detected by western blot analysis. Cell growth was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8, a colony formation assay and cell cycle assay. miRNA targeting sites were analyzed using bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay. The results revealed that miR-300 expression was significantly decreased in HCC tissues and cell lines. In vitro experiments demonstrated that overexpression of miR-300 could inhibit cell proliferation, colony formation and cell cycle progression of liver cancer cells. By contrast, inhibition of miR-300 was associated with increased rates of cell proliferation, colony formation and cell cycle progression. Notably, regulation of nuclear pre-mRNA domain-containing protein 1B (CREPT) was identified as a putative target gene of miR-300 by bioinformatics analysis. A luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-300 directly targets the 3′-untranslated region of CREPT. Further data demonstrated that miR-300 can regulate CREPT expression levels in liver cancer cells. Notably, miR-300 was identified to regulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in liver cancer cells. The restoration of CREPT expression partially reversed the antitumor effect of miR-300. In conclusion, the current results revealed a tumor suppressive role of miR-300 in HCC and indicated that the underlying mechanism was associated with a regulation of CREPT. The present study suggests that miR-300 and CREPT may serve as potential therapeutic targets for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Bai
- School of Clinical Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130117, P.R. China
| | - Yingchun Gao
- Quality Control Office, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Yanhui Du
- Department of Geriatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Thyroid Head and Neck Surgery, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Xinye Zhang
- Nursing College, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130117, P.R. China
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Chen Y, Guo Y, Li Y, Yang J, Liu J, Wu Q, Wang R. miR‑300 regulates tumor proliferation and metastasis by targeting lymphoid enhancer‑binding factor 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2019; 54:1282-1294. [PMID: 30968150 PMCID: PMC6411350 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) have a critical role in cell proliferation and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effect of miR-300 on the development and progression of HCC remains unclear. In the present study, it was observed that miRNA (miR)-300 expression was significantly decreased in HCC cell lines compared with normal liver cells. Furthermore, we detected the effects of miR-300 on cell proliferation and apoptosis, cell cycle, migration and invasion by using MTT, colony formation assay, wound healing, Transwell assay and flow cytometry methods, respectively. The results demonstrated that miR-300 overexpression inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis and G1/S cell cycle arrest, and suppressed migration and invasion in Huh-7 cells, whereas miR-300 silencing promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of Hep3B cells. Mechanistically, the transcription factor lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF-1), which was verified as a direct target gene of miR-300, promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion and mediates the effects of miR-300 on HCC cells. In addition, low expression of miR-300 and high expression of LEF-1 in HCC tissues were found to be associated with poor prognosis of patients with HCC. These findings indicate that miR-300 may be a potential prognostic predictor and therapeutic target for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufo Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Guo
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Yawei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Jingwen Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
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Xie Y, Du J, Liu Z, Zhang D, Yao X, Yang Y. MiR-6875-3p promotes the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via BTG2/FAK/Akt pathway. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:7. [PMID: 30621734 PMCID: PMC6323674 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-1020-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence supports the association of microRNA with tumor occurrence and development. However, the expression of miR-6875-3p and its role in cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. Methods The expression of miR-6875-3p and BTG2 in HCC tissues and cell lines was detected by using in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR, respectively. A western blot assay, qRT-PCR and Luciferase reporter assay were employed to study the interaction between miR-6875-3p and BTG2. Cell proliferation invasion and metastasis were measured by MTT, transwell and matrigel analyses in vitro. In vivo, tumorigenicity and metastasis assays were performed in nude mice. Results We found that miR-6875-3p were elevated expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines, and negatively correlated with BTG2 expression, while positively correlated with tumor staging, size, degree of differentiation, and vascular invasion of HCC. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo assays showed that miR-6875-3p regulates EMT and improve the proliferation, metastasis and stem cell-like properties of HCC cells. BTG2 was identified as a direct and functional target of miR-6875-3p via the 3’-UTR of BTG2. We also confirmed that miR-6875-3p plays its biological functions via the BTG2/FAK/Akt pathway. Conclusion Our study provides evidence that high expression of miR-6875-3p can promote tumorigenesis of HCC in vitro and in vivo, so as to function as a novel oncogene in HCC. In mechanism, we found that miR-6875-3p plays its biological functions via the BTG2/FAK/Akt pathway. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-1020-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Zefeng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongsheng Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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Han TS, Ban HS, Hur K, Cho HS. The Epigenetic Regulation of HCC Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123978. [PMID: 30544763 PMCID: PMC6321007 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations, such as histone modification, DNA methylation, and miRNA-mediated processes, are critically associated with various mechanisms of proliferation and metastasis in several types of cancer. To overcome the side effects and limited effectiveness of drugs for cancer treatment, there is a continuous need for the identification of more effective drug targets and the execution of mechanism of action (MOA) studies. Recently, epigenetic modifiers have been recognized as important therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on their reported abilities to suppress HCC metastasis and proliferation in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Therefore, here, we introduce epigenetic modifiers and alterations related to HCC metastasis and proliferation, and their molecular mechanisms in HCC metastasis. The existing data suggest that the study of epigenetic modifiers is important for the development of specific inhibitors and diagnostic targets for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Su Han
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
| | - Hyun Seung Ban
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
| | - Keun Hur
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea.
| | - Hyun-Soo Cho
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
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Cheng S, Zhang X, Xu Y, Dai X, Li J, Zhang T, Chen X. Krüppel-like factor 8 regulates VEGFA expression and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17415. [PMID: 30479372 PMCID: PMC6258679 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35786-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis plays a critical role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression, but its mechanism is unclear. Krüppel-like factor 8 (KLF8) is a transcription factor that plays an important role in HCC progression. Here, we investigated the role of KLF8 in angiogenesis in HCC and its possible mechanism. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, promoter reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and nude mouse tumor models were used to show that the mRNA and protein expression levels of KLF8 and VEGFA are highly correlated in HCC tissue samples. The up-regulation of KLF8 increased VEGFA protein levels and induced VEGFA promoter activity by binding to the CACCC region of the VEGFA promoter. In addition, KLF8 regulated HIF-1α and Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression. The PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 inhibited KLF8-induced VEGFA expression, whereas PI3K/AKT signaling pathway proteins, such as P-PDK1(Ser241) and P-AKT(Thr308), were decreased significantly. KLF8-overexpressing HCC cells had a higher potential for inducing angiogenesis. Thus, our results indicate that KLF8 may induce angiogenesis in HCC by binding to the CACCC region of the VEGFA promoter to induce VEGFA promoter activity and through FAK to activate PI3K/AKT signaling to regulate HIF-1α expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanuo Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Clinical Medical College, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingping Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yali Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaobo Dai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiachu Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaopin Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Li J, Zhao J, Wang H, Li X, Liu A, Qin Q, Li B. MicroRNA-140-3p enhances the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to sorafenib by targeting pregnenolone X receptor. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:5885-5894. [PMID: 30271172 PMCID: PMC6149869 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s179509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnane X receptor (PXR), which is a member of the nuclear receptor protein family (nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group I member 2 [NR 1I2]), mediates the drug-resistance in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via enhancing the expression of drug-resistance-related genes which accelerate the clearance of antitumor drugs, eg, sorafenib. However, there are few reports on miRNA targeting PXR participating in the epigenetic regulation of PXR in HCC cells. Materials and methods TargetScan 7.2, an online method, was used to predict the miRNAs potentially targeting PXR. The expression of PXR and PXR downstream genes was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot. The clearance of sorafenib in HCC cells was monitored by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer/mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). The effects of miRNA on sorafenib’s efficacy were examined by in vitro methods, eg, MTT, and in vivo methods, eg, subcutaneous or intrahepatic tumor model. Results By virtual screening, we identified that miR-140-3p possibly targets PXR and then confirmed that the overexpression of miR-140-3p via lentiviral particles inhibited the expression of PXR in HCC cells. The downregulation of PXR’s expression by miR-140-3p led to the reduction of PXR downstream genes’ expression, which finally resulted in the decelerating clearance of sorafenib in HCC cells and enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib. The effect of miR-140-3p could not modulate the expression of mutated PXR and the effect of miR-140-3p could also be inhibited by miR-140-3p’s inhibitor. Moreover, miR-140-3p enhanced the anti-tumor effect of sorafenib in both the subcutaneous and intrahepatic HCC tumor models. Conclusion Our study suggests that targeting PXR by miR-140-3p is a promising strategy for enhancing sorafenib’s efficacy during HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Li
- Basic Medicine College, Navy Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China, .,Center for Clinical Laboratory, The 302nd Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China,
| | - Jing Zhao
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The 302nd Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China,
| | - Huan Wang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The 302nd Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China,
| | - Xiaohan Li
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The 302nd Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China,
| | - Aixia Liu
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The 302nd Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China,
| | - Qin Qin
- Basic Medicine College, Navy Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China, .,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Navy Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Boan Li
- Basic Medicine College, Navy Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China, .,Center for Clinical Laboratory, The 302nd Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China,
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