1
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Lin Z, Pan R, Wu L, Zhu F, Fang Q, Kwok HF, Lu X. AFP-HSP90 mediated MYC/MET activation promotes tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric cancers. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:283. [PMID: 39135041 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03455-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) elevation is a well-known biomarker in various diseases, particularly in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Intracellular AFP has been previously implicated in promoting tumorigenesis. In this study, we discovered that AFP enhances the stability of oncoproteins c-MYC and c-MET, thereby facilitating the progression of liver and gastric tumors. Our findings suggest that AFP acts by stabilizing these oncoproteins, which are clients of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), and prevents their degradation through ubiquitination. Intriguingly, we identified AFP as a novel co-chaperone of HSP90, demonstrating its ability to regulate the stabilization of HSP90 client proteins. Furthermore, our results indicate that inhibiting AFP or HSP90 enhances the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents in AFP-producing HCC and gastric cancer cells. These findings have significant implications for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting AFP-producing tumors, as the AFP-HSP90-mediated activation of c-MYC and c-MET provides new insights into potential treatment approaches. In summary, this study sheds light on the role of AFP in promoting tumor progression by stabilizing oncoproteins through its interaction with HSP90. The identification of this mechanism opens up new avenues for therapeutic interventions in AFP-producing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Lin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Rulu Pan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Liyue Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Fangsheng Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Qiwei Fang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Xincheng Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
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2
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Zhao LY, Li SY, Zhou ZY, Han XY, Li K, Xue ST, Jiang JD. Substituted indole derivatives as UNC-51-like kinase 1 inhibitors: Design, synthesis and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117260. [PMID: 39116788 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117260] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The five-year survival rate for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is only 20 %, highlighting the urgent need to identify new therapeutic targets and develop potential therapeutic options to improve patient prognosis. One promising approach is inhibiting autophagy as a strategy for HCC treatment. In this study, we established a virtual docking conformation of the autophagy promoter ULK1 binding XST-14 derivatives. Based on this conformation, we designed and synthesized four series of derivatives. By evaluating their affinity and anti-HCC effects, we confirmed that these compounds exert anti-HCC activity by inhibiting ULK1. The structure-activity relationship was summarized, with derivative A4 showing 10 times higher activity than XST-14 and superior efficacy to sorafenib against HCC. A4 has excellent effect on reducing tumor growth and enhancing sorafenib activity in HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells. Moreover, we verified the therapeutic effect of A4 in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells both in vivo and in vitro. These results suggest that inhibiting ULK1 to regulate autophagy may become a new treatment method for HCC and that A4 will be used as a lead drug for HCC in further research. Overall, A4 shows good drug safety and efficacy, offering hope for prolonging the survival of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Yao Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Si-Yan Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zi-Ying Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiao-Yang Han
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ke Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Si-Tu Xue
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Jian-Dong Jiang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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3
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Zhang QY, Ding W, Mo JS, Ou-Yang SM, Lin ZY, Peng KR, Liu GP, Lu JJ, Yue PB, Lei JP, Wang YD, Zhang XL. Novel STAT3 oligonucleotide compounds suppress tumor growth and overcome the acquired resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1701-1714. [PMID: 38609562 PMCID: PMC11272795 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01261-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of tumors, leading to resistance and poor prognosis. Activation of STAT3 signaling is frequently detected in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but potent and less toxic STAT3 inhibitors have not been discovered. Here, based on antisense technology, we designed a series of stabilized modified antisense oligonucleotides targeting STAT3 mRNA (STAT3 ASOs). Treatment with STAT3 ASOs decreased the STAT3 mRNA and protein levels in HCC cells. STAT3 ASOs significantly inhibited the proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion of cancer cells by specifically perturbing STAT3 signaling. Treatment with STAT3 ASOs decreased the tumor burden in an HCC xenograft model. Moreover, aberrant STAT3 signaling activation is one of multiple signaling pathways involved in sorafenib resistance in HCC. STAT3 ASOs effectively sensitized resistant HCC cell lines to sorafenib in vitro and improved the inhibitory potency of sorafenib in a resistant HCC xenograft model. The developed STAT3 ASOs enrich the tools capable of targeting STAT3 and modulating STAT3 activity, serve as a promising strategy for treating HCC and other STAT3-addicted tumors, and alleviate the acquired resistance to sorafenib in HCC patients. A series of novel STAT3 antisense oligonucleotide were designed and showed potent anti-cancer efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo by targeting STAT3 signaling. Moreover, the selected STAT3 ASOs enhance sorafenib sensitivity in resistant cell model and xenograft model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yi Zhang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wen Ding
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jian-Shan Mo
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shu-Min Ou-Yang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zi-You Lin
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ke-Ren Peng
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guo-Pin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jin-Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Pei-Bin Yue
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, and Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Jin-Ping Lei
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yan-Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Xiao-Lei Zhang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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4
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Qin Y, Han S, Yu Y, Qi D, Ran M, Yang M, Liu Y, Li Y, Lu L, Liu Y, Li Y. Lenvatinib in hepatocellular carcinoma: Resistance mechanisms and strategies for improved efficacy. Liver Int 2024; 44:1808-1831. [PMID: 38700443 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most prevalent and destructive causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, approximately 70% of patients with HCC exhibit advanced disease at diagnosis, limiting the potential for radical treatment. For such patients, lenvatinib, a long-awaited alternative to sorafenib for first-line targeted therapy, has become a key treatment. Unfortunately, despite some progress, the prognosis for advanced HCC remains poor because of drug resistance development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying lenvatinib resistance and ways to relief drug resistance in HCC are largely unknown and lack of systematic summary; thus, this review not only aims to explore factors contributing to lenvatinib resistance in HCC, but more importantly, summary potential methods to conquer or mitigate the resistance. The results suggest that abnormal activation of pathways, drug transport, epigenetics, tumour microenvironment, cancer stem cells, regulated cell death, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and other mechanisms are involved in the development of lenvatinib resistance in HCC and subsequent HCC progression. To improve the therapeutic outcomes of lenvatinib, inhibiting acquired resistance, combined therapies, and nano-delivery carriers may be possible approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqing Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Shisong Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yahan Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Ding Qi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengnan Ran
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Mingqi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunyi Li
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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5
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Liu C, Tu YJ, Cai HY, Pan YY, Wu YY, Zhang L. Regulatory T cells inhibit FoxP3 to increase the population of tumor initiating cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:373. [PMID: 39073490 PMCID: PMC11286637 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05892-2] [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: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor initiating cells (TICs) or cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to be the main culprit of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation and progression, nevertheless the mechanism by which tumor microenvironment maintains the HCC 'stemness' is not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the effect of regulatory T cells (Tregs) on the TICs characteristics of HCC. METHODS Immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, western blot, in vitro sphere-formation, and in vivo tumorigenesis assay were used to detect HCC 'stemness'. Additionally, after forced expression or inhibition of FoxP3, β-catenin expression and HCC 'stemness' were investigated. RESULTS Tregs enhanced the 'stemness' of HCC cells by upregulating TIC-related markers CD133, Oct3/4, Sox2, c-Myc, Klf4, Nanog, CD13, EpCAM, and inducting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), increasing TICs ratio, as well as promoting tumorigenic ability. Moreover, β-catenin and c-Myc were upregulated in HCC cells after co-cultured with Tregs. HCC 'stemness' was inhibited after treatment with Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor. Furthermore, forced expression of FoxP3 resulted in increased GSK3β, decreased β-catenin and TIC ratio in HCC. In contrast, FoxP3 interference reduced GSK3β, enhanced β-catenin and TIC ratio of HCC. CONCLUSION This study, for the first time, demonstrated that Tregs increased the population of TICs in HCC by inhibiting FoxP3 as well as promoting β-catenin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, No. 826, Southwest Road, Dalian, 116033, China
| | - Yi-Jun Tu
- Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, No. 826, Southwest Road, Dalian, 116033, China
| | - Hong-Yang Cai
- Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, No. 826, Southwest Road, Dalian, 116033, China
| | - Yan-Yan Pan
- Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, No. 826, Southwest Road, Dalian, 116033, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wu
- Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, No. 826, Southwest Road, Dalian, 116033, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, No. 826, Southwest Road, Dalian, 116033, China.
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6
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Ma D, Yang M, Sun C, Cui X, Xiong G, Wang Q, Jing W, Chen H, Lv X, Liu S, Li T, Zhao Y, Han L. cGAS suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma independent of its cGAMP synthase activity. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:722-737. [PMID: 38594443 PMCID: PMC11164996 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01291-9] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a key innate immune sensor that recognizes cytosolic DNA to induce immune responses against invading pathogens. The role of cGAS is conventionally recognized as a nucleotidyltransferase to catalyze the synthesis of cGAMP upon recognition of cytosolic DNA, which leads to the activation of STING and production of type I/III interferon to fight against the pathogen. However, given that hepatocytes are lack of functional STING expression, it is intriguing to define the role of cGAS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the liver parenchymal cells derived malignancy. In this study, we revealed that cGAS was significantly downregulated in clinical HCC tissues, and its dysregulation contributed to the progression of HCC. We further identified cGAS as an immune tyrosine inhibitory motif (ITIM) containing protein, and demonstrated that cGAS inhibited the progression of HCC and increased the response of HCC to sorafenib treatment by suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 pathway in cellular and animal models. Mechanistically, cGAS recruits SH2-containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP1) via ITIM, and dephosphorylates p85 in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which leads to the suppression of AKT-mTORC1 pathway. Thus, cGAS is identified as a novel tumor suppressor in HCC via its function independent of its conventional role as cGAMP synthase, which indicates a novel therapeutic strategy for advanced HCC by modulating cGAS signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Ma
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Min Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Caiyu Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuling Cui
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Gaozhong Xiong
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiushi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Weiqiang Jing
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haiqiang Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoting Lv
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shili Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunxue Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lihui Han
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Xue Y, Ruan Y, Wang Y, Xiao P, Xu J. Signaling pathways in liver cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:20. [PMID: 38816668 PMCID: PMC11139849 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide with high incidence and mortality rates. Due to its subtle onset, liver cancer is commonly diagnosed at a late stage when surgical interventions are no longer feasible. This situation highlights the critical role of systemic treatments, including targeted therapies, in bettering patient outcomes. Despite numerous studies on the mechanisms underlying liver cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the only widely used clinical inhibitors, represented by sorafenib, whose clinical application is greatly limited by the phenomenon of drug resistance. Here we show an in-depth discussion of the signaling pathways frequently implicated in liver cancer pathogenesis and the inhibitors targeting these pathways under investigation or already in use in the management of advanced liver cancer. We elucidate the oncogenic roles of these pathways in liver cancer especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the current state of research on inhibitors respectively. Given that TKIs represent the sole class of targeted therapeutics for liver cancer employed in clinical practice, we have particularly focused on TKIs and the mechanisms of the commonly encountered phenomena of its resistance during HCC treatment. This necessitates the imperative development of innovative targeted strategies and the urgency of overcoming the existing limitations. This review endeavors to shed light on the utilization of targeted therapy in advanced liver cancer, with a vision to improve the unsatisfactory prognostic outlook for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangtao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yeling Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Junjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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8
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Dong FL, Xu ZZ, Wang YQ, Li T, Wang X, Li J. Exosome-derived circUPF2 enhances resistance to targeted therapy by redeploying ferroptosis sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:298. [PMID: 38811968 PMCID: PMC11137910 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02582-6] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be treated with sorafenib, which is the primary choice for targeted therapy. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of sorafenib is greatly restricted due to resistance. Research has shown that exosomes and circular RNAs play a vital role in the cancer's malignant advancement. However, the significance of exosomal circular RNAs in the development of resistance to sorafenib in HCC remains uncertain. METHODS Ultracentrifugation was utilized to isolate exosomes (Exo-SR) from the sorafenib-resistant HCC cells' culture medium. Transcriptome sequencing and differential expression gene analysis were used to identify the targets of Exo-SR action in HCC cells. To identify the targets of Exo-SR action in HCC cells, transcriptome sequencing and analysis of differential expression genes were employed. To evaluate the impact of exosomal circUPF2 on resistance to sorafenib in HCC, experiments involving gain-of-function and loss-of-function were conducted. RNA pull-down assays and mass spectrometry analysis were performed to identify the RNA-binding proteins interacting with circUPF2. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), immunofluorescence (IF) -fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and rescue assays were used to validate the interactions among circUPF2, IGF2BP2 and SLC7A11. Finally, a tumor xenograft assay was used to examine the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of Exo-SR and circUPF2 in vivo. RESULTS A novel exosomal circRNA, circUPF2, was identified and revealed to be significantly enriched in Exo-SR. Exosomes with enriched circUPF2 enhanced sorafenib resistance by promoting SLC7A11 expression and suppressing ferroptosis in HCC cells. Mechanistically, circUPF2 acts as a framework to enhance the creation of the circUPF2-IGF2BP2-SLC7A11 ternary complex contributing to the stabilization of SLC7A11 mRNA. Consequently, exosomal circUPF2 promotes SLC7A11 expression and enhances the function of system Xc- in HCC cells, leading to decreased sensitivity to ferroptosis and resistance to sorafenib. CONCLUSIONS The resistance to sorafenib in HCC is facilitated by the exosomal circUPF2, which promotes the formation of the circUPF2-IGF2BP2-SLC7A11 ternary complex and increases the stability of SLC7A11 mRNA. Focusing on exosomal circUPF2 could potentially be an innovative approach for HCC treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Humans
- Exosomes/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Sorafenib/pharmacology
- RNA, Circular/genetics
- RNA, Circular/metabolism
- Ferroptosis/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Animals
- Mice
- RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Mice, Nude
- Amino Acid Transport System y+/metabolism
- Amino Acid Transport System y+/genetics
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Lin Dong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, No. 16766, Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, China
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Zong-Zhen Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, No. 16766, Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Ying-Qiao Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Tao Li
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, No. 16766, Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, China.
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Jie Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, No. 16766, Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, China.
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9
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Chen Y, Jiang Z, Yan Z, Liu J, Lai Y, Li L, Lin X, Lin J. A codelivery system loaded with PDL1-siRNA and sorafenib enhances the therapeutic effect of sorafenib on hepatocellular carcinoma via TAT-poly-SS-lysine modified chitosan. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130162. [PMID: 38365149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Sorafenib (SF) is a first-line drug for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in clinical practice. However, acquired drug resistance tremendously limits the clinical efficacy of sorafenib in treating HCC, which has attracted great attention. PDL1 plays a crucial role in the drug resistance of HCC. Here, a codelivery system based on poly-SS-lysine modified chitosan (TAT-C-SS-P) was established and was applied to deliver sorafenib and PDL1-siRNA for synergetic HCC therapy. The successful synthesis of TAT-C-SS-P was confirmed by 1H NMR. Additionally, sorafenib and PDL1-siRNA were successfully transported into the cells as the decreased expression of VEGF and PD-L1 by administrated with TAT-C-SS-P@SF@ PDL1-siRNA. Simultaneously, the expression of pro-apoptosis proteins cyt-c and Bax was prominently augmented, whereas the expression of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 was decreased. The reduced expression of PDL1 resulted in the downregulation of P-GP and MRP1, which contributed to more sorafenib aggregation in tumor cells. Moreover, TAT-C-SS-P@PDL1-siRNA@SF efficiently promotes apoptosis of HepG2-SI cells, as the apoptosis rate rised to 73 %. A sorafenib-insensitive model was established to evaluate in vivo antitumor effect of TAT-C-SS-P@PDL1-siRNA@SF. TAT-C-SS-P@PDL1-siRNA@SF showed a tumor inhibition rate of 90.2 ± 3.5 % and no significant decrease in body weight. Taken together, our study provided compelling evidence that TAT-C-SS-P@PDL1-siRNA@SF has great potential application in the treatment of HCC clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Chen
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Zhonghao Jiang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Zhuo Yan
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Jierong Liu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Yilin Lai
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Li Li
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China.
| | - Xiao Lin
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China.
| | - Jiantao Lin
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China.
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10
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Cai H, Du X, Deng Y, Cao D, Wang L, Wu Z, Zhang X, Xu J, Xie B. Pharmacokinetics and apparent Michaelis constant for metabolite conversion of sorafenib in healthy and hepatocellular carcinoma-bearing rats. Bioanalysis 2024; 16:461-473. [PMID: 38530220 PMCID: PMC11216244 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2023-0215] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Investigation of the pharmacokinetics of sorafenib (SRF) in rats with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A reproducible ultra-HPLC-MS method for simultaneous determination of serum SRF, N-hydroxymethyl sorafenib and N-demethylation sorafenib. Results: Both the maximum serum concentrations (2.5-times) and the area under the serum concentration-time curve from 0 h to infinity (4.5-times) of SRF were observed to be significantly higher, with a greater than 3.0-fold decrease in the clearance rate in the HCC-bearing rats compared with these values in healthy animals. Further study revealed approximately 3.8- and 3.2-times increases in the apparent Michaelis constant for N-hydroxymethyl sorafenib and N-demethylation sorafenib conversions in the HCC-bearing rats. Conclusion: The low efficiency for the SRF conversions was a key contributor to the increased serum concentrations of SRF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
- Medical College of Jiaxing University, Key Laboratory of Medical Electronics & Digital Health of Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China
| | - Xiaoyue Du
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
- Medical College of Jiaxing University, Key Laboratory of Medical Electronics & Digital Health of Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China
| | - Yufeng Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330001, China
| | - Dejian Cao
- Medical College of Jiaxing University, Key Laboratory of Medical Electronics & Digital Health of Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China
| | - Lele Wang
- Medical College of Jiaxing University, Key Laboratory of Medical Electronics & Digital Health of Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China
| | - Zhiguo Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330001, China
| | - Xianchao Zhang
- Medical College of Jiaxing University, Key Laboratory of Medical Electronics & Digital Health of Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China
| | - Jinbiao Xu
- Medical College of Jiaxing University, Key Laboratory of Medical Electronics & Digital Health of Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China
| | - Baogang Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
- Medical College of Jiaxing University, Key Laboratory of Medical Electronics & Digital Health of Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China
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11
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Shih MS, Suk FM, Chiu WC, Lee CY, Hsu FY, Liao YJ. Long-term di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure reduces sorafenib treatment efficacy by enhancing mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 273:116161. [PMID: 38430581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/04/2024]
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a worldwide common plasticizer. Nevertheless, DEHP is easily leached out to the environment due to the lack of covalent bonds with plastic. High dose of DEHP exposure is often observed in hemodialysis patients because of the continual usage of plastic medical devices. Although the liver is the major organ that catabolizes DEHP, the impact of long-term DEHP exposure on the sensitivity of liver cancer to chemotherapy remains unclear. In this study, we established long-term DEHP-exposed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and two NOD/SCID mice models to investigate the effects and the underlying mechanisms of long-term DEHP exposure on chemosensitivity of HCC. The results showed long-term DEHP exposure potentially increased epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells. Next generation sequencing showed that long-term DEHP exposure increased cell adhesion/migratory related genes expression and blunted sorafenib treatment induced genes alterations. Long-term exposure to DEHP reduced the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib-induced anti-migratory effect by enhancing the EMT transcription factors (slug, twist, and ZEB1) and mesenchymal protein (vimentin) expression. In NOD/SCID mice model, we showed that long-term DEHP-exposed HCC cells exhibited higher growth rate. Regarding the anti-HCC effects of sorafenib, subcutaneous HuH7 tumor grew slowly in sorafenib-treated mice. Nonetheless, the anti-tumor growth effect of sorafenib was not observed in long-term DEHP-exposed mice. Higher mesenchymal markers and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression were found in sorafenib-treated long-term DEHP-exposed mice. In conclusion, long-term DEHP exposure promoted migratory activity in HCC cells and decreased sorafenib sensitivity in tumor-bearing mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Syuan Shih
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Shuang-Ho Campus, Taipei 235, Taiwan
| | - Fat-Moon Suk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 116, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chun Chiu
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Research Center of Geriatric Nutrition, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110Taiwan; Department of Nutrition, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ya Lee
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Shuang-Ho Campus, Taipei 235, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Yu Hsu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Shuang-Ho Campus, Taipei 235, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Liao
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Shuang-Ho Campus, Taipei 235, Taiwan; TMU Research Center for Digestive Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
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12
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Li F, Wang B, Li H, Kong L, Zhu B. G6PD and machine learning algorithms as prognostic and diagnostic indicators of liver hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:157. [PMID: 38297250 PMCID: PMC10829225 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11887-6] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver Hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) exhibits a high incidence of liver cancer with escalating mortality rates over time. Despite this, the underlying pathogenic mechanism of LIHC remains poorly understood. MATERIALS & METHODS To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the role of G6PD in LIHC using a combination of bioinformatics analysis with database data and rigorous cell experiments. LIHC samples were obtained from TCGA, ICGC and GEO databases, and the differences in G6PD expression in different tissues were investigated by differential expression analysis, followed by the establishment of Nomogram to determine the percentage of G6PD in causing LIHC by examining the relationship between G6PD and clinical features, and the subsequent validation of the effect of G6PD on the activity, migration, and invasive ability of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by using the low expression of LI-7 and SNU-449. Additionally, we employed machine learning to validate and compare the predictive capacity of four algorithms for LIHC patient prognosis. RESULTS Our findings revealed significantly elevated G6PD expression levels in liver cancer tissues as compared to normal tissues. Meanwhile, Nomogram and Adaboost, Catboost, and Gbdt Regression analyses showed that G6PD accounted for 46%, 31%, and 49% of the multiple factors leading to LIHC. Furthermore, we observed that G6PD knockdown in hepatocellular carcinoma cells led to reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. Remarkably, the Decision Tree C5.0 decision tree algorithm demonstrated superior discriminatory performance among the machine learning methods assessed. CONCLUSION The potential diagnostic utility of G6PD and Decision Tree C5.0 for LIHC opens up a novel avenue for early detection and improved treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Boshen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Hao Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Kong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Baoli Zhu
- Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
- Jiangsu Preventive Medical Association, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China.
- Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211112, China.
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China.
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13
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Ng WH, Soo KC, Huynh H. Vinorelbine Improves the Efficacy of Sorafenib against Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Promising Therapeutic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1563. [PMID: 38338842 PMCID: PMC10855313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading global cause of cancer-related mortality. Despite the widespread adoption of sorafenib as the standard HCC treatment, its efficacy is constrained, frequently encountering resistance. To augment the effectiveness of sorafenib, this study investigated the synergy of sorafenib and vinorelbine using 22 HCC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. In this study, mice bearing HCC tumors were treated with the vehicle, sorafenib (15 mg/kg), vinorelbine (3 mg/kg), and sorafenib-vinorelbine combination (Sora/Vino). Rigorous monitoring of the tumor growth and side effects coupled with comprehensive histological and molecular analyses was conducted. The overall survival (OS) of mice bearing HCC orthotopic tumors was also assessed. Our data showed a notable 86.4% response rate to Sora/Vino, surpassing rates of 31.8% for sorafenib and 9.1% for vinorelbine monotherapies. Sora/Vino significantly inhibited tumor growth, prolonged OS of mice bearing HCC orthotopic tumors (p < 0.01), attenuated tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis, and enhanced necrosis and apoptosis. The combination therapy effectively suppressed the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathway, which is a pivotal player in cell proliferation, tumor angiogenesis, survival, and metastasis. The noteworthy antitumor activity in 22 HCC PDX models positions Sora/Vino as a promising candidate for early-phase clinical trials, leveraging the established use of sorafenib and vinorelbine in HCC and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Har Ng
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore;
| | - Khee Chee Soo
- Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
| | - Hung Huynh
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore;
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14
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Huang X, Wang M, Zhang D, Zhang C, Liu P. Advances in Targeted Drug Resistance Associated with Dysregulation of Lipid Metabolism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:113-129. [PMID: 38250308 PMCID: PMC10799627 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s447578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the prevailing malignant neoplasm affecting the liver, often diagnosed at an advanced stage and associated with an unfavorable overall prognosis. Sorafenib and Lenvatinib have emerged as first-line therapeutic drugs for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, improving the prognosis for these patients. Nevertheless, the issue of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance poses a substantial obstacle in the management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathogenesis and advancement of hepatocellular carcinoma exhibit a close association with metabolic reprogramming, yet the attention given to lipid metabolism dysregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma development remains relatively restricted. This review summarizes the potential significance and research progress of lipid metabolism dysfunction in Sorafenib and Lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Targeting hepatocellular carcinoma lipid metabolism holds promising potential as an effective strategy to overcome hepatocellular carcinoma drug resistance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoju Huang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Liver Transplant Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pian Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Chen L, Xiao H, Wu Y, Yan D, Shan M, Sun L, Yan X, Liu D, Li T, Zhang Y, Xiang L, Chen A, Li S, Xiang W, Ni Z, He F, Yang M, Lian J. CircPHKB decreases the sensitivity of liver cancer cells to sorafenib via miR-1234-3p/CYP2W1 axis. Genomics 2024; 116:110764. [PMID: 38113974 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib is currently the first-line treatment for patients with advanced liver cancer, but its therapeutic efficacy declines significantly after a few months of treatment. Therefore, it is of great importance to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of sorafenib sensitivity in liver cancer cells. In this study, we provided initial evidence demonstrating that circPHKB, a novel circRNA markedly overexpressed in sorafenib-treated liver cancer cells, attenuated the sensitivity of liver cancer cells to sorafenib. Mechanically, circPHKB sequestered miR-1234-3p, resulting in the up-regulation of cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily W member 1 (CYP2W1), thereby reducing the killing effect of sorafenib on liver cancer cells. Moreover, knockdown of circPHKB sensitized liver cancer cells to sorafenib in vivo. The findings reveal a novel circPHKB/miR-1234-3p/CYP2W1 pathway that decreases the sensitivity of liver cancer cells to sorafenib, suggesting that circPHKB and the axis may serve as promising targets to improve the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib against liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxi Chen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hanxi Xiao
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yaran Wu
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongjing Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Meihua Shan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liangbo Sun
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojing Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Xiang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - An Chen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuhui Li
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenhong Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fengtian He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Mingzhen Yang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jiqin Lian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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16
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Zhang Z, Wu H, Zhang Y, Shen C, Zhou F. Dietary antioxidant quercetin overcomes the acquired resistance of Sorafenib in Sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells through epidermal growth factor receptor signaling inactivation. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:559-574. [PMID: 37490119 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02605-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib (SOR) is a molecular targeting agent commonly utilized as a primary treatment for advanced and inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Regrettably, the effectiveness of SOR is frequently hindered by the resistance of multiple HCC cases. The current investigation endeavors to examine the potential of the natural product quercetin (QUE) in reversing the acquired resistance of SOR-resistant cells, known as Huh7R, to SOR. Moreover, this study aims to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism that contributes to this phenomenon. The results demonstrated that QUE significantly impeded proliferation and stimulated apoptosis in Huh7R cells, while also suppressing the growth of transplanted tumors. The impact of QUE enhanced the efficacy of SOR treatment for Huh7R. Additionally, bioinformatic and western blot analyses indicated that the underlying mechanisms may be associated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and HCC. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics simulation assays revealed that QUE exhibited strong affinity and stability towards its hub targets, EGFR and AKT1. It is noteworthy that the activation of EGFR by its ligand, EGF, mitigated the effects of co-treatment with QUE and SOR. These findings suggest that QUE might potentially serve as a therapeutic agent in treating as well as facilitating SOR against Huh7R cells, which has substantial clinical and research implications for the treatment of acquired resistance to SOR in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengguang Zhang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, Nanjing, China.
| | - Haitao Wu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, Nanjing, China
| | - Yajie Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, Nanjing, China
| | - Cunsi Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, Nanjing, China.
| | - Fuqiong Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, Nanjing, China.
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17
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Wang Q, Liu J, Chen Z, Zheng J, Wang Y, Dong J. Targeting metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma to overcome therapeutic resistance: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116021. [PMID: 38128187 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a heavy burden on human health with high morbidity and mortality rates. Systematic therapy is crucial for advanced and mid-term HCC, but faces a significant challenge from therapeutic resistance, weakening drug effectiveness. Metabolic reprogramming has gained attention as a key contributor to therapeutic resistance. Cells change their metabolism to meet energy demands, adapt to growth needs, or resist environmental pressures. Understanding key enzyme expression patterns and metabolic pathway interactions is vital to comprehend HCC occurrence, development, and treatment resistance. Exploring metabolic enzyme reprogramming and pathways is essential to identify breakthrough points for HCC treatment. Targeting metabolic enzymes with inhibitors is key to addressing these points. Inhibitors, combined with systemic therapeutic drugs, can alleviate resistance, prolong overall survival for advanced HCC, and offer mid-term HCC patients a chance for radical resection. Advances in metabolic research methods, from genomics to metabolomics and cells to organoids, help build the HCC metabolic reprogramming network. Recent progress in biomaterials and nanotechnology impacts drug targeting and effectiveness, providing new solutions for systemic therapeutic drug resistance. This review focuses on metabolic enzyme changes, pathway interactions, enzyme inhibitors, research methods, and drug delivery targeting metabolic reprogramming, offering valuable references for metabolic approaches to HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100021, China; Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligence Hepatology (Ministry of Education/Beijing), School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ziye Chen
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Jingjing Zheng
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100021, China; Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligence Hepatology (Ministry of Education/Beijing), School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiahong Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100021, China; Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligence Hepatology (Ministry of Education/Beijing), School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Cuesta ÁM, Palao N, Bragado P, Gutierrez-Uzquiza A, Herrera B, Sánchez A, Porras A. New and Old Key Players in Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17152. [PMID: 38138981 PMCID: PMC10742790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417152] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer represents a major health problem worldwide with growing incidence and high mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most frequent. Hepatocytes are likely the cellular origin of most HCCs through the accumulation of genetic alterations, although hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) might also be candidates in specific cases, as discussed here. HCC usually develops in a context of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, although the role of fibrosis is controversial. The interplay between hepatocytes, immune cells and hepatic stellate cells is a key issue. This review summarizes critical aspects of the liver tumor microenvironment paying special attention to platelets as new key players, which exert both pro- and anti-tumor effects, determined by specific contexts and a tight regulation of platelet signaling. Additionally, the relevance of specific signaling pathways, mainly HGF/MET, EGFR and TGF-β is discussed. HGF and TGF-β are produced by different liver cells and platelets and regulate not only tumor cell fate but also HPCs, inflammation and fibrosis, these being key players in these processes. The role of C3G/RAPGEF1, required for the proper function of HGF/MET signaling in HCC and HPCs, is highlighted, due to its ability to promote HCC growth and, regulate HPC fate and platelet-mediated actions on liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel M. Cuesta
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Palao
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Bragado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Gutierrez-Uzquiza
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD-ISCIII), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Porras
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.C.); (N.P.); (P.B.); (A.G.-U.); (B.H.); (A.S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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19
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Neamatallah T, Malebari AM, Alamoudi AJ, Nazreen S, Alam MM, Bin-Melaih HH, Abuzinadah OA, Badr-Eldin SM, Alhassani G, Makki L, Nasrullah MZ. Andrographolide nanophytosomes exhibit enhanced cellular delivery and pro-apoptotic activities in HepG2 liver cancer cells. Drug Deliv 2023; 30:2174209. [PMID: 36762548 PMCID: PMC9930834 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2023.2174209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Andrographolide (AG), a major active constituent of Andrographis paniculata, is known to hinder proliferation of several types of cancer cells. However, its poor solubility and cellular permeability restrict its use in clinical applications. In this study, AG-loaded phytosomes (AG-PTMs) were formulated and optimized with respect to particle size using l-α-phosphatidylcholine (PC):AG ratio and sonication time (ST) as independent variables. The optimized formula was prepared at 1:2.7 for AG:PC molar ratio and 4.9 min for ST and exhibited a particle size of 243.7 ± 7.3 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.310 and entrapment efficiency of 72.20 ± 4.53. Also, the prepared formula showed a slow release of AG over 24-h period. The antiproliferative activity of AG-PTMs was investigated against the liver cancer cell line HepG2. AG-PTMs significantly repressed the growth of HepG2 cells with an IC50 value of 4.02 ± 0.14 µM. AG uptake by HepG2 cells was significantly enhanced in incubations containing the optimized formula. AG-PTMs also caused G2-M cell cycle phase arrest and increased the fraction of apoptotic cells in pre-G1 phase. These effects were associated with induction of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, AG-PTMs significantly upregulated mRNA expression of BAX and downregulated that of BCL2. Furthermore, AG-PTMs significantly enhanced the concentration of caspase-3 in comparison to raw AG. These data indicate that the phytosomal delivery of AG significantly inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation through enhanced cellular uptake, arresting cell cycle at the G2-M phase and inducing mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thikryat Neamatallah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azizah M. Malebari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmohsin J. Alamoudi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Nazreen
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Mahboob Alam
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hawazen H. Bin-Melaih
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A. Abuzinadah
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaimaa M. Badr-Eldin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gharam Alhassani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamar Makki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Z. Nasrullah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,CONTACT Mohammed Z. Nasrullah
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20
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Manfredi GF, Celsa C, John C, Jones C, Acuti N, Scheiner B, Fulgenzi CAM, Korolewicz J, Pinter M, Gennari A, Mauri FA, Pirisi M, Minisini R, Vincenzi F, Burlone M, Rigamonti C, Donadon M, Cabibbo G, D’Alessio A, Pinato DJ. Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1955-1971. [PMID: 37941812 PMCID: PMC10629523 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s291553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been revolutionized over the last few years following the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Despite the promising survival extension seen with ICI combination regimens, responses are not universally seen and the optimal partner for programmed cell death 1 pathway inhibitors remains to be identified. Even fewer encouraging results have been demonstrated with ICI used for monotherapy. Several mechanisms of resistance have been described so far, involving characteristics of cancer cells (intrinsic mechanisms) and of the surrounding tumor microenvironment (extrinsic mechanisms). Factors related to therapy may also contribute to the development of resistance. Increasing research efforts are being dedicated to the discovery of novel approaches and targets to overcome resistance, some of which may be introduced into clinic in the future. Herein we describe a selection of resistance mechanisms that have been involved in impairing response to ICI and propose potential therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Francesca Manfredi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences (Di.chir.on.s.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chloe John
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Jones
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nicole Acuti
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Angela Maria Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - James Korolewicz
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Gennari
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco A Mauri
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Michela Burlone
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Cristina Rigamonti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Health Science, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Surgery, University Maggiore Hospital della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio D’Alessio
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - David James Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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21
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Bekric D, Tornesello ML, Ocker M, Mayr C, Kiesslich T, Neureiter D. Editorial: Novel therapeutic approaches for biliary tract cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1320084. [PMID: 38020902 PMCID: PMC10656678 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1320084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dino Bekric
- Center of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Matthias Ocker
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Germany and Tacalyx GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Mayr
- Center of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tobias Kiesslich
- Center of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniel Neureiter
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinics Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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22
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Zhao B, Qiao H, Zhao Y, Gao Z, Wang W, Cui Y, Li J, Guo Z, Chuai X, Chiu S. HBV precore G1896A mutation promotes growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by activating ERK/MAPK pathway. Virol Sin 2023; 38:680-689. [PMID: 37331658 PMCID: PMC10590694 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HBV genome is prone to mutate and several variants are closely related to the malignant transformation of liver disease. G1896A mutation (G to A mutation at nucleotide 1896) is one of the most frequently observed mutations in the precore region of HBV, which prevents HBeAg expression and is strongly associated with HCC. However, the mechanisms by which this mutation causes HCC are unclear. Here, we explored the function and molecular mechanisms of the G1896A mutation during HBV-associated HCC. G1896A mutation remarkably enhanced the HBV replication in vitro. Moreover, it increased tumor formation and inhibited apoptosis of hepatoma cells, and decreased the sensitivity of HCC to sorafenib. Mechanistically, the G1896A mutation could activate ERK/MAPK pathway to enhanced sorafenib resistance in HCC cells and augmented cell survival and growth. Collectively, our study demonstrates for the first time that the G1896A mutation has a dual regulatory role in exacerbating HCC severity and sheds some light on the treatment of G1896A mutation-associated HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoxin Zhao
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Hongxiu Qiao
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Zhiyun Gao
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Weijie Wang
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Zhanjun Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| | - Xia Chuai
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430207, China.
| | - Sandra Chiu
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
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23
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Suk FM, Wu CY, Fang CC, Chen TL, Liao YJ. β-HB treatment reverses sorafenib resistance by shifting glycolysis-lactate metabolism in HCC. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115293. [PMID: 37567069 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor. Although sorafenib and regorafenib have been approved for first-line and second-line treatment, respectively, of patients with advanced HCC, long-term treatment often results in acquired resistance. Given that glycolysis-mediated lactate production can contribute to drug resistance and impair HCC treatment efficacy, we investigated the effects of ketone body treatment on the metabolic shift in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. We discovered differential expression of 3-hydroxymethyl glutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2) and the ketone body D-β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) in four sorafenib-resistant HCC cell lines. In sorafenib-resistant HCC cells, lower HMGCS2 and β-HB levels were correlated with more glycolytic alterations and higher lactate production. β-HB treatment enhanced pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) expression and decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA) expression and lactate production in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Additionally, β-HB combined with sorafenib or regorafenib promoted the antiproliferative and antimigratory abilities of sorafenib-resistant HCC cells by inhibiting the B-raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and mesenchymal N-cadherin-vimentin axis. Although the in vivo β-HB administration did not affect tumor growth, the expression of proliferative and glycolytic proteins was inhibited in subcutaneous sorafenib-resistant tumors. In conclusion, exogenous β-HB treatment can reduce lactate production and reverse sorafenib resistance by inducing a glycolytic shift; it can also synergize with regorafenib for treating sorafenib-resistant HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fat-Moon Suk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ying Wu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chieh Fang
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Lang Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Liao
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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24
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Su C, Yang JC, Rong Z, Li F, Luo LX, Liu G, Cheng CY, Zhao MG, Yang L. Identification of CCDC115 as an adverse prognostic biomarker in liver cancer based on bioinformatics and experimental analyses. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19233. [PMID: 37674842 PMCID: PMC10477456 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a major malignant tumor of the digestive system with a high incidence rate and poor early diagnosis. Coiled-coil domain-containing protein 115 (CCDC115), an accessory component of vacuolar-ATPase with dramatically abnormal expression, is associated with survival outcomes of cancer patients. However, the role of CCDC115 in LIHC remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the functional role of CCDC115 in LIHC by examining CCDC115 expression, and its influence on LIHC prognosis. Through extensive statistical analyses, using LIHC patient databases, we observed that CCDC115 expression significantly increased in tumor tissues of LIHC patients. In addition, CCDC115 expression correlated with the poor prognosis. Additionally, CCDC115 was found to be involved in several cancer-related pathways, specifically the PI3K-Akt pathway. The expression of CCDC115 was positively correlated with human leukocyte antigen molecules as well as with immune checkpoint molecules in LIHC patients. We performed in vitro experiments and confirmed that the expression of CCDC115 significantly affects the proliferation potential, metastasis and sorafenib resistance of liver cancer cells, as well as some key protein expression in PI3K-Akt pathway. These results indicate that CCDC115 could serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of LIHC, and targeting CCDC115 may provide a potential strategy to enhance the efficacy of liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Su
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Provincial Corps, Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing-cheng Yang
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zheng Rong
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fei Li
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lan-xin Luo
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Cai-yan Cheng
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ming-gao Zhao
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Le Yang
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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25
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El-Hazek RMM, Zaher NH, El-Gazzar MGM, Fadel NA, El-Sabbagh WA. Novel VEGFR2 inhibitors with thiazoloquinoxaline scaffold targeting hepatocellular carcinoma with lower cardiotoxic impact. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13907. [PMID: 37626064 PMCID: PMC10457369 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40832-z] [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: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal tumor which is usually diagnosed at advanced stage. Molecular targeted drugs were used recently to treat HCC, however, due to serious side effects, mainly cardiotoxicity and emergence of resistance, there is demanding to explore new chemotherapeutics. 10 novel thiazoloquinoxaline derivatives coupled with different sulfonamide moieties 4(a-j) were designed and synthesized fulfilling pharmacophoric features of VEGFR-2 inhibition. Structures of all new compounds were verified via spectral and microanalytical data. After carrying in-vitro VEGFR-2 assay for compounds 4(a-j); sulfapyridine and sulfamethoxazole derivatives 4d and 4f showed potential inhibitory effect [61.04 and 83.35 nM], respectively, comparable to standard sorafenib [51.41 nM]. Both were then further evaluated for their cytocidal activity against HepG2 cell-line and against myocardium cells using H9C2 cell-line. As a result, only sulfapyridine derivative 4d exhibited a significant inhibition of HepG2 cells viability [IC50 = 4.31 μM]. Furthermore, it showed relatively lower cytotoxic impact against normal H9C2 myocardium cells [IC50, 33.47 μM] compared to that of sorafenib [IC50, 98.07 μM]. In-vivo study was carried out to determine myocardium safety of compound 4d on irradiated mice (8 Gy). In-vivo results of sulfapyridine derivative 4d showed normal cardiac enzyme function (CK) and serum catalase activity with significant reductions in LDH, cardiac TNF-α and caspase-9 levels, alongside with its efficacy in suppressing the expression of hepatic VEGF. In conclusion, sulfapyridine derivative 4d could be considered a promising candidate as VEGFR-2 inhibitor with less myocardium side effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham M M El-Hazek
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, 11787, Egypt
| | - Nashwa H Zaher
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, 11787, Egypt.
| | - Mostafa G M El-Gazzar
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, 11787, Egypt
| | - Noha A Fadel
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, 11787, Egypt
| | - Walaa A El-Sabbagh
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, 11787, Egypt
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Chen S, Du Y, Guan XY, Yan Q. The current status of tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells in sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1204513. [PMID: 37576900 PMCID: PMC10412930 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1204513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous and aggressive liver cancer that presents limited treatment options. Despite being the standard therapy for advanced HCC, sorafenib frequently encounters resistance, emphasizing the need to uncover the underlying mechanisms and develop effective treatments. This comprehensive review highlights the crucial interplay between the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the context of sorafenib resistance. The tumor microenvironment, encompassing hypoxia, immune cells, stromal cells, and exosomes, exerts a significant impact on HCC progression and therapy response. Hypoxic conditions and immune cell infiltration create an immunosuppressive milieu, shielding tumor cells from immune surveillance and hindering therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the presence of CSCs emerges as a prominent contributor to sorafenib resistance, with CD133+ CSCs implicated in drug resistance and tumor initiation. Moreover, CSCs undergo EMT, a process intimately linked to tumor progression, CSC activation, and further promotion of sorafenib resistance, metastasis, and tumor-initiating capacity. Elucidating the correlation between the tumor microenvironment, CSCs, and sorafenib resistance holds paramount importance in the quest to develop reliable biomarkers capable of predicting therapeutic response. Novel therapeutic strategies must consider the influence of the tumor microenvironment and CSC activation to effectively overcome sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqing Du
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qian Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Guo L, Hu C, Yao M, Han G. Mechanism of sorafenib resistance associated with ferroptosis in HCC. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1207496. [PMID: 37351514 PMCID: PMC10282186 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1207496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most familiar primary hepatic malignancy with a poor prognosis. The incidence of HCC and the associated deaths have risen in recent decades. Sorafenib is the first drug to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for routine use in the first-line therapy of patients with advanced HCC. However, only about 30% of patients with HCC will be benefited from sorafenib therapy, and drug resistance typically develops within 6 months. In recent years, the mechanisms of resistance to sorafenib have gained the attention of a growing number of researchers. A promising field of current studies is ferroptosis, which is a novel form of cell death differing from apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy. This process is dependent on the accumulation of intracellular iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the increase in intracellular iron levels and ROS can be significantly observed in cells resistant to sorafenib. This article reviews the mechanisms of resistance to sorafenib that are related to ferroptosis, evaluates the relationship between ferroptosis and sorafenib resistance, and explores new therapeutic approaches capable of reversing sorafenib resistance in HCC through the modulation of ferroptosis.
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Niu D, Wang D, Fan L, Liu Z, Chen M, Zhang W, Liu Y, Xu J, Liu Y. The copper (II) complex of salicylate phenanthroline inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:1384-1394. [PMID: 36891644 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the antitumor effect and associated molecular mechanisms of the copper (II) complex of salicylate phenanthroline [Cu(sal)(phen)] against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cu(sal)(phen) inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells (HepG2 and HCC-LM9) and induced apoptosis of HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner by upregulating mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The expression of the antiapoptotic proteins survivin and Bcl-2 was decreased, while the expression of the DNA damage marker γ-H2 AX and the apoptotic marker cleaved PARP was upregulated with Cu(sal)(phen) treatment. In vivo, the growth of HepG2 subcutaneous xenograft tumors was greatly attenuated by Cu(sal)(phen) treatment. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the expression of survivin, Bcl-2, and Ki67 in the tumor was downregulated by Cu(sal)(phen). Toxicity experiments with BALB/c mice revealed that Cu(sal)(phen) is a relatively safe drug. Our results indicate that Cu(sal)(phen) possesses great potential as a therapeutic drug for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqin Niu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Institute of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Limei Fan
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Institute of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zixin Liu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Chen
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiran Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Institute of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinhua Xu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan University of Bioengineering, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunyi Liu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Institute of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
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Zhuang N, Gu Z, Feng J, Chai Z, Shan J, Qian C. BEX1 mediates sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating AKT signaling. Cell Signal 2023; 108:110722. [PMID: 37209973 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110722] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib is the first-line therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, acquired tolerance after sorafenib treatment significantly limits its therapeutic efficacy, and the mechanisms underlying resistance remains poorly characterized. In this study, we identified BEX1 as key mediator of sorafenib resistance in HCC. We found that BEX1 expression was significantly reduced in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and xenograft models, moreover, BEX1 expression in HCC tissues was down-regulated compared with that normal liver tissues in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, K-M analysis demonstrated that reduced BEX1 expression was correlated with poor clinical prognosis in HCC patients. Loss- and gain-of-function studies showed that BEX1 regulates the cell-killing ability of sorafenib. Further studies revealed that BEX1 renders HCC cells sensitive to sorafenib via induction of apoptosis and negatively regulates the phosphorylation of Akt. In summary, our study uncover BEX1 may serve as a promising predictive biomarker for the prognosis of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhuang
- Research Center for Precision Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiyun Gu
- Research Center for Precision Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Feng
- Research Center for Precision Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Zixuan Chai
- Research Center for Precision Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Juanjuan Shan
- Research Center for Precision Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
| | - Cheng Qian
- Research Center for Precision Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
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Gu D, Tong M, Wang J, Zhang B, Liu J, Song G, Zhu B. Overexpression of the lncRNA HOTAIRM1 promotes lenvatinib resistance by downregulating miR-34a and activating autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:66. [PMID: 37171645 PMCID: PMC10182232 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00673-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant cancers in humans and has a high fatality rate. Despite pharmacological advances such as sorafenib and lenvatinib approval, responses are seen only in a limited fraction of HCCs, and the majority of HCC patients do not benefit from this treatment. In recent years, researchers have verified that the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) impact the efficiency of lenvatinib and the prognosis of patients with HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS This work obtained gene expression profile from an Arraystar lncRNA microarray. Expression of HOTAIRM1, Beclin-1, and p62 in HCC was characterized in clinical HCC tissues of 24 patients with HCC. Overexpression and knockdown experiments were performed in HCC cells to examine the effects of the HOTAIRM1 on lenvatinib sensitivity. The interactions between HOTAIRM1, miR-34a and Beclin-1 were predicted according to GSEA and CNC network. The effects of HOTAIRM1, autophagy and lenvatinib on tumor inhibit were validated in orthotopic tumor-bearing nude mouse model. RESULTS Lenvatinib-resistant HCC cell lines were established using the concentration gradient method. Data from an Arraystar lncRNA microarray indicated that HOTAIRM1, a specific lncRNA located in an evolutionarily highly conserved HOX gene cluster, was differentially expressed between lenvatinib-resistant HCC cells and their parental cells. Expression of HOTAIRM1 and Beclin-1 in HCC was characterized in clinical HCC tissues of 24 patients who have different sensitivity to lenvatinib. Knocking down of HOTAIRM1 decreased the autophagy level in lenvatinib-resistant HCC cells and increased their sensitivity to lenvatinib, especially when combined with autophagy inhibitors both in vitro and in vivo. Further study indicated that knocking down HOTAIRM1 in lenvatinib-resistant cell lines increased the level of miR-34a and inhibited the expression of Beclin-1 in Huh7-R and HepG2-R cells. Investigation according to GSEA and CNC network, lncRNA and nearby coding gene and lncRNA-miRNA analyses demonstrated that the resistance of HCC to lenvatinib was affected by the HOTAIRM1-miR-34a-Beclin-1 regulatory axis. CONCLUSION HOTAIRM1 is an independent drug resistance factor which significantly associated with the efficacy of lenvatinib in HCC. HOTAIRM1 may downregulation of miR-34a and upregulation of Beclin-1, leading to activation of autophagy, thereby inducing lenvatinib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyan Gu
- Department of Critical Care, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Meng Tong
- Department of General Surgery, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Radiology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, 276000, China
| | - Bocheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Jinghua Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Minimally Invasive Institute of Digestive Surgery and Prof. Cai's Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, 276000, China
| | - Guoqiang Song
- Department of Pulmonary, Department of Cancer Center, Changxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huzhou, 313100, China.
| | - Biao Zhu
- Department of Critical Care, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Pan M, Sha Y, Qiu J, Chen Y, Liu L, Luo M, Huang A, Xia J. RAD51 Inhibition Shows Antitumor Activity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097905. [PMID: 37175611 PMCID: PMC10178757 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the major type of liver cancer, causes a high annual mortality worldwide. RAD51 is the critical recombinase responsible for homologous recombination (HR) repair in DNA damage. In this study, we identified that RAD51 was upregulated in HCC and that RAD51 silencing or inhibition reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells and enhanced cell apoptosis and DNA damage. HCC cells with the combinatorial treatments of RAD51 siRNA or inhibitor and sorafenib demonstrated a synergistic effect in inhibiting HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as inducing cell apoptosis and DNA damage. Single RAD51 silencing or sorafenib reduced RAD51 protein expression and weakened HR efficiency, and their combination almost eliminated RAD51 protein expression and inhibited HR efficiency further. An in vivo tumor model confirmed the RAD51 inhibitor's antitumor activity and synergistic antitumor activity with sorafenib in HCC. RNA-Seq and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) in RAD51-inactivated Huh7 cells indicated that RAD51 knockdown upregulated cell apoptosis and G1/S DNA damage checkpoint pathways while downregulating mitotic spindle and homologous recombination pathways. Our findings suggest that RAD51 inhibition exhibits antitumor activities in HCC and synergizes with sorafenib. Targeting RAD51 may provide a novel therapeutic approach in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yu Sha
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- The First Clinical Medical Institute, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Jianguo Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yunmeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lele Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Muyu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jie Xia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Lim C, Lee D, Kim M, Lee S, Shin Y, Ramsey JD, Choi HG, Lee ES, Youn YS, Oh KT. Development of a sorafenib-loaded solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system: Formulation optimization and characterization of enhanced properties. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023; 82:104374. [PMID: 37124157 PMCID: PMC10139733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib, marketed under the brand name Nexavar®, is a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug that has been actively used in the clinical setting for the treatment of several cancers. However, the low solubility and bioavailability of sorafenib constitute a significant barrier to achieving a good therapeutic outcome. We developed a sorafenib-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) formulation composed of capmul MCM, tween 80, and tetraglycol, and demonstrated that the SNEDDS formulation could improve drug solubility with excellent self-emulsification ability. Moreover, the sorafenib-loaded SNEDDS exhibited anticancer activity against Hep3B and KB cells, which are the most commonly used hepatocellular carcinoma and oral cancer cell lines, respectively. Subsequently, to improve the storage stability and to increase the possibility of commercialization, a solid SNEDDS for sorafenib was further developed through the spray drying method using Aerosil® 200 and PVP K 30. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimeter data showed that the crystallinity of the drug was markedly reduced, and the dissolution rate of the drug was further improved in formulation in simulated gastric and intestinal fluid conditions. In vivo study, the bioavailability of the orally administered formulation increases dramatically compared to the free drug. Our results highlight the use of the solid-SNEDDS formulation to enhance sorafenib's bioavailability and outlines potential translational directions for oral drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaemin Lim
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dayoon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Global Innovative Drugs, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Global Innovative Drugs, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Subin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Global Innovative Drugs, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yuseon Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Global Innovative Drugs, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jacob D. Ramsey
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Han-Gon Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, South Korea
| | - Eun Seong Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Seok Youn
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Taek Oh
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Global Innovative Drugs, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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Xu FL, Wu XH, Chen C, Wang K, Huang LY, Xia J, Liu Y, Shan XF, Tang N. SLC27A5 promotes sorafenib-induced ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by downregulating glutathione reductase. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:22. [PMID: 36635256 PMCID: PMC9837139 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05558-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib, a first-line drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), shows a favorable anti-tumor effect while resistance is a barrier impeding patients from benefiting from it. Thus, more efforts are needed to lift this restriction. Herein, we first find that solute carrier family 27 member 5 (SLC27A5/FATP5), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of fatty acid and bile acid, is downregulated in sorafenib-resistant HCC. SLC27A5 deficiency facilitates the resistance towards sorafenib in HCC cells, which is mediated by suppressing ferroptosis. Further mechanism studies reveal that the loss of SLC27A5 enhances the glutathione reductase (GSR) expression in a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-dependent manner, which maintains glutathione (GSH) homeostasis and renders insensitive to sorafenib-induced ferroptosis. Notably, SLC27A5 negatively correlates with GSR, and genetic or pharmacological inhibition of GSR strengthens the efficacy of sorafenib through GSH depletion and the accumulation of lipid peroxide products in SLC27A5-knockout and sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Based on our results, the combination of sorafenib and carmustine (BCNU), a selective inhibitor of GSR, remarkably hamper tumor growth by enhancing ferroptotic cell death in vivo. In conclusion, we describe that SLC27A5 serves as a suppressor in sorafenib resistance and promotes sorafenib-triggered ferroptosis via restraining the NRF2/GSR pathway in HCC, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for overcoming sorafenib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Li Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chang Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu-Yi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Xia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue-Feng Shan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Ni Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Lei J, Chen B, Song M, Zhang L, Zhang X, Gao X, Li Y, Lu Y, Zuo S. TKI or TKI combined with PD-1 inhibitors as second-line treatment for HCC patients after sorafenib failure. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1026337. [PMID: 36569315 PMCID: PMC9782409 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1026337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in combination with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors become the potential treatment modality for patients undergoing unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) in the first-line setting. However, the efficacy and safety of this combination regimen in patients after sorafenib failure remains unclear. Methods: Participants in this study included patients with uHCC after sorafenib failure who received TKI monotherapy (TKI group) or TKI combined with PD-1 inhibitors therapy (combination group) in our center from July 2018 to July 2021. The overall survival (OS) was used to be the primary efficacy endpoint, while progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR) were applied to be secondary endpoints. In addition, the adverse events are recorded and evaluated. Results: Among the 92 patients contained in this work, 50 patients were categorized into the TKI group, while 42 patients were in the combination group. There existed no evident differences between the two groups concerning the ORR (8.0% vs. 9.5%, p = 1.000). However, the DCR in the combined group was better in relative to that in the TKI group (71.4% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.037). In comparison with the TKI group, it was found that the combination group presented notably better median PFS (8.1 months vs. 4.7 months, p = 0.005) and median OS (21.9 months vs. 16.6 months, p = 0.042). According to multivariate analysis, PFS (HR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8, p = 0.005) and OS (HR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-1.0, p = 0.051) were improved in the combination group in relative to the TKI group after the adjustment for some risk factors. Additionally, the incidence rates of grade ≥1 adverse event in the TKI group and the combination group were 96.0% and 97.6%, respectively. The most normal adverse event in the TKI group was neutropenia (n = 24,48.0%) and the combination group was hypoalbuminemia (n = 23,54.8%). All of these adverse events improved after symptomatic treatment, and no new toxic events were found to occur. Conclusion: TKI combined with PD-1 inhibitors showed better prognosis with manageable toxicity in uHCC patients after sorafenib failure compared with TKI monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Lei
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Bowen Chen
- Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Meiru Song
- The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Linzhi Zhang
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Center, The Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospita, Beijing, China
| | - Xinfeng Zhang
- The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yinyin Li
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Center, The Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospita, Beijing, China
| | - Yinying Lu
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China,Comprehensive Liver Cancer Center, The Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospita, Beijing, China,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Yinying Lu, ; Shi Zuo,
| | - Shi Zuo
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China,*Correspondence: Yinying Lu, ; Shi Zuo,
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Treatment options for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatitis virus infection following sorafenib failure. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 72:1395-1403. [DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Currently, there are a few treatment options for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after progression following sorafenib (SOR) therapy, but with limited benefit. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as second-line treatment.
Methods
From May 2018 to May 2021, a total of 93 HCCs who failed SOR treatment were included in this study and divided into TKI group (n = 37) and TKI-ICI group (n = 56). Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and safety were estimated among the two groups. In addition, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for OS and PFS to identify possible prognostic factors.
Results
With a median follow-up time of 13.7 months, the median age of patients was 56 (range, 50–64) years and most were male. All of the patients were hepatitis virus-related HCC. Both median OS (7.63 months vs 19.23 months, P < 0.001) and median PFS (2.97 months vs 8.63 months, P < 0.001) were significantly improved in the TKI-ICI group compared to the TKI group. A significant increase in DCR was demonstrated in the TKI-ICI group compared to the TKI group (83.9% vs 45.9%, P = 0.0003), although no significant difference in ORR was reported (21.4% vs 8.1%, P = 0.1552). Multivariate Cox regression analysis of OS and PFS revealed that second-line regimen was an independent protective factor affecting death and progression in HCCs after SOR failure. In addition, Child–Pugh B7 was an independent risk factor of OS. Finally, there was no significant difference in the incidence of any grade or grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) between the two groups, and no treatment-related deaths were observed.
Conclusion
This real-world study suggests that the combination of TKIs and ICIs benefits more than mono-TKIs and is well tolerated in HCCs with hepatitis virus infection after SOR failure.
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Wang Y, Wang Z, Jia F, Xu Q, Shu Z, Deng J, Li A, Yu M, Yu Z. CXCR4-guided liposomes regulating hypoxic and immunosuppressive microenvironment for sorafenib-resistant tumor treatment. Bioact Mater 2022; 17:147-161. [PMID: 35386453 PMCID: PMC8965090 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical sorafenib treatment could activate C-X-C receptor type 4 (CXCR4)/stromal source factor-1α (SDF-1α) axis to aggravate intra-tumoral hypoxia of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which further leads to progression, invasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression of tumors and in return causes resistance to sorafenib therapy. Therefore, a multi-functional oxygen delivery nanoplatform was rationally constructed based on an oxygen-saturated perfluorohexane (PFH)-cored liposome, with the CXCR4 antagonist LFC131 peptides modifying on the surface to simultaneously deliver sorafenib and the CSF1/CSF1R inhibitor PLX3397 (named PFH@LSLP) for sorafenib-resistant HCC treatment. The PFH@LSLP was developed to overcome sorafenib resistance by synergistic effects of the following 3 roles: 1) the O2-saturated PFH core could alleviate the tumor hypoxia by O2 supply; 2) the LFC131 peptide recognized the hypoxia-related overexpressed CXCR4 and then blocked SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis to re-sensitize the HCC cells to sorafenib; 3) PLX3397 activated the immune responses via inhibiting the CSF1/CSF1R pathway in TAMs, further enhanced CD8+ T cell infiltration to reverse immunosuppression in tumors. Antitumor performance on H22 tumor-bearing mice and HCC patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model showed that PFH@LSLP could overcome sorafenib resistance by synergistic effect of hypoxia attenuation, resistance-related gene regulation, and immune-microenvironment modification. PFH@LSLP was developed to overcome sorafenib resistance. LFC131 peptide blocked SDF-1α/CXCR4 to sensitize sorafenib. PLX3397 blocked CSF1/CSF1R to activate immune response.
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Li J, Xu Z, OuYang C, Wu X, Xie Y, Xie J. Protopine alleviates lipopolysaccharide-triggered intestinal epithelial cell injury through retarding the NLRP3 and NF-κB signaling pathways to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2022; 50:84-92. [PMID: 36335450 DOI: 10.15586/aei.v50i6.669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common chronic intestinal disease. Protopine isolated from different plants has been investigated to understand its special functions on varied diseases. However, the regulatory effects of protopine on the progression of IBD remain unclear. Our study is aimed to explore the effects of protopine on the progression of IBD and its underlying regulatory mechanism of action. METHODS The cell viability was assessed through MTT colorimetric assay. The protein expressions of genes were examined by Western blot analysis. The cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species level were measured using flow cytometry. The levels of inflammation and oxidative stress-related proteins were tested through enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured through immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS First, different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were treated with NCM460 cells to establish IBD cell model, and 5-μg/mL LPS was chosen for followed experiments. In this study, we discovered that protopine relieved the LPS-induced inhibited intestinal epithelial cell viability and enhanced cell apoptosis. Moreover, protopine attenuated LPS-stimulated inflammation activation and oxidative stress. Further experiments illustrated that the increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential stimulated by LPS were reversed by protopine treatment. Finally, through Western blot analysis, it was demonstrated that protopine retarded the activated NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways mediated by LPS. CONCLUSION Protopine alleviated LPS-triggered intestinal epithelial cell injury by inhibiting NLRP3 and NF-κB signaling pathways to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. This discovery may provide a useful drug for treating IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhongjun Xu
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China;
| | - Canhui OuYang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiongjian Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yun Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jun Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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Han Q, Wang M, Dong X, Wei F, Luo Y, Sun X. Non-coding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Insights into regulatory mechanisms, clinical significance, and therapeutic potential. Front Immunol 2022; 13:985815. [PMID: 36300115 PMCID: PMC9590653 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.985815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex and heterogeneous malignancy with high incidence and poor prognosis. In addition, owing to the lack of diagnostic and prognostic markers, current multimodal treatment options fail to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, metastasis, metabolism, and drug resistance are important factors influencing tumor development and therapy. The intercellular communication of these important processes is mediated by a variety of bioactive molecules to regulate pathophysiological processes in recipient cells. Among these bioactive molecules, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), account for a large part of the human transcriptome, and their dysregulation affects the progression of HCC. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs in HCC, summarize novel biomarkers from somatic fluids (plasma/serum/urine), and explore the potential of some small-molecule modulators as drugs. Thus, through this review, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms, early diagnosis, prognosis, and precise treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Han
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengchen Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Dong
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Luo, ; Xiaobo Sun,
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Luo, ; Xiaobo Sun,
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Feng Q, Wang D, Xue T, Lin C, Gao Y, Sun L, Jin Y, Liu D. The role of RNA modification in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:984453. [PMID: 36120301 PMCID: PMC9479111 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.984453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly mortal type of primary liver cancer. Abnormal epigenetic modifications are present in HCC, and RNA modification is dynamic and reversible and is a key post-transcriptional regulator. With the in-depth study of post-transcriptional modifications, RNA modifications are aberrantly expressed in human cancers. Moreover, the regulators of RNA modifications can be used as potential targets for cancer therapy. In RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), and 5-methylcytosine (m5C) and their regulators have important regulatory roles in HCC progression and represent potential novel biomarkers for the confirmation of diagnosis and treatment of HCC. This review focuses on RNA modifications in HCC and the roles and mechanisms of m6A, m7G, m5C, N1-methyladenosine (m1A), N3-methylcytosine (m3C), and pseudouridine (ψ) on its development and maintenance. The potential therapeutic strategies of RNA modifications are elaborated for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Feng
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tianyi Xue
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chao Lin
- School of Grain Science and Technology, Jilin Business and Technology College, Changchun, China
| | - Yongjian Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liqun Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ye Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Dianfeng Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Dianfeng Liu,
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Knockdown of lncRNA TP53TG1 Enhances the Efficacy of Sorafenib in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8040061. [PMID: 36005829 PMCID: PMC9414591 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8040061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The multikinase inhibitor, sorafenib, is a first-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its limited efficacy, drug resistance and toxicity are a concern. In this study, we investigated the role of lncRNA TP53TG1 in the efficacy of sorafenib in HCC cells. We found that treatment with sorafenib increased the expression of TP53TG1 in HCC cells. Knockdown of TP53TG1 sensitized tumor cells to the antiproliferative effects of sorafenib. Furthermore, TP53TG1 knockdown had an additive inhibitory effect on HCC cell proliferation and migration in the presence of sorafenib. The combination of TP53TG1 knockdown and sorafenib drastically inhibited the activation of the ERK pathway. This work demonstrates that TP53TG1 deficiency enhances the efficacy of sorafenib in HCC. Combining TP53TG1 knockdown with sorafenib may be an optimal form of therapy for HCC treatment.
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Zhang B, Tang B, Lv J, Gao J, Qin L. Systematic analyses to explore immune gene sets-based signature in hepatocellular carcinoma, in which IGF2BP3 contributes to tumor progression. Clin Immunol 2022; 241:109073. [PMID: 35817291 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is of critical importance for the development and therapeutic response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, limited studies have investigated immune-related indicators for clinical supervision and decision. The current study aimed to develop an improved prognostic signature based on TIME. HCC patients from TCGA and ICGC database were classified into three subtypes (Immunity High, Immunity Medium and Immunity Low) according to ssGSEA scores of 29 immune gene sets. Differentially expressed immune-related genes (DE IRGs) between Immune High and Low groups were screened with an adjusted P < 0.05. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to establish gene co-expression modules of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumor and normal tissues. 45 survival-related immune genes (SRIGs) were identified at points of intersection between hub genes and DE IRGs. By performing Cox regression and LASSO analysis, 3 of the 45 SRIGs were screened to establish a prognostic model. Patients with high risk scores exhibited worse survival outcome and poorer response to chemotherapy. Potential mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance also have been discussed. More significantly, high -risk patients showed increased immune cell infiltration and checkpoints, which suggested a benefit of immunotherapy. In addition, knockdown of IGF2BP3 was determined to significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration in HCC. Our immune-related model may be an effective tool for precise diagnosis and treatment of HCC. It may help to select patients suitable for chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohui Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Life Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, PR China
| | - Bufu Tang
- Departmcent of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiarui Lv
- Department of Physiology, School of Life Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, PR China
| | - Jianyao Gao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Physiology, School of Life Science, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, PR China.
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DJ-1/FGFR-1 Signaling Pathway Contributes to Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:2543220. [PMID: 35770048 PMCID: PMC9236769 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2543220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib is the first-line therapeutic regimen targeting against advanced or metastatic stage of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, HCC patients at these stages will eventually fail sorafenib treatment due to the drug resistance. At present, molecular mechanisms underlying sorafenib resistance are not completely understood. Our past studies have shown that DJ-1 is upregulated in HCC, while DJ-1 knockdown inhibits HCC xenograft-induced tumor growth and regeneration, implying that DJ-1 may be a potential target in for HCC treatment. However, whether DJ-1 plays a regulatory role between tumor cells and vascular endothelial cells and whether DJ-1 contributes to sorafenib resistance in HCC cells are largely unclear. To address these questions, we have performed a series of experiments in the current study, and we found that (1) DJ-1, one of the molecules secreted from HCC cells, promoted angiogenesis and migration of vascular endothelial cells (i.e., ECDHCC-1), by inducing phosphorylation of fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1), phosphorylation of mTOR, phosphorylation of ERK, and phosphorylation of STAT3; (2) downregulation of FGFR1 inhibited tube formation and migration of ECDHCC-1 cells stimulated by DJ-1; (3) FGFR1 knockdown attenuated the phosphorylation of FGFR1 and impaired the activity of Akt, ERK, and STAT3 signals induced by DJ-1 in ECDHCC-1 cells; (4) knocking down FGFR1 led to the elevated expression of proapoptotic molecules but deceased level of antiapoptotic molecules in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells; and (5) Downregulation of FGFR1 suppressed tumor growth and angiogenesis of sorafenib-resistant HCC cells in vivo. Altogether, our results hinted that DJ-1 plays vital roles in tumor microenvironment in HCC development, and DJ-1/FGFR1 signaling pathway may be a therapeutic target for overcoming sorafenib resistance in treating HCC patients at the late stage.
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Li L, Yu S, Chen J, Quan M, Gao Y, Li Y. miR-15a and miR-20b sensitize hepatocellular carcinoma cells to sorafenib through repressing CDC37L1 and consequent PPIA downregulation. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:297. [PMID: 35760798 PMCID: PMC9237098 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib is a classical targeted drug for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but intrinsic resistance severely limited its therapeutic effects. In the present study, we aimed to identify crucial genes in HCC cells that affect sorafenib resistance by a CRISPR/Cas9 genome-scale screening. The results indicated that the deficiency of miR-15a and miR-20b contributed to sorafenib resistance, whereas exogenous expression of miR-15a and miR-20b enhanced sorafenib sensitivity of HCC cells by cell viability, colony formation, and flow cytometry analyses. Further analyses revealed that cell division cycle 37 like 1 (CDC37L1) as a common target of miR-15a and 20b, was negatively regulated by the two miRNAs and could enhance sorafenib resistance of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, CDC37L1, as a cochaperone, effectively increased the expression of peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA) through strengthening the binding between heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and PPIA. The results from immunohistochemical staining of a HCC tissue microarray revealed a positive association between CDC37L1 and PPIA expression, and high expression of CDC37L1 and PPIA predicted worse prognosis of HCC patients after sorafenib therapy. Taken together, our findings reveal crucial roles of miR-15a, miR-20b, CDC37L1, and PPIA in sorafenib response of HCC cells. These factors may serve as therapeutic targets and predict prognosis for HCC treated with sorafenib.
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Bian R, Zhao J, Yao Z, Cai Y, Shou C, Lou D, Zhou L, Qian Y. Knockdown of Obg-like ATPase 1 enhances sorafenib sensitivity by inhibition of GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:1255-1265. [PMID: 35837205 PMCID: PMC9274060 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To clarify the molecular mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), conducive to developing an effective HCC therapy. Owing to the severe drug resistance, the clinical use of sorafenib, which is approved for HCC treatment, is limited. The precise molecular mechanisms of sorafenib drug resistance remain unclear. In the current work, we evaluated the role of Obg-like ATPase 1 (OLA1) in sorafenib resistance in HCC. METHODS The survival of HCC patients between OLA1 expression and sorafenib treatment was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier plotter. Cell viability was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Cell death was detected by propidium iodide (PI) and trypan blue staining. The mRNA and protein levels were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot (WB), respectively. RESULTS We found that OLA1 was highly correlated with sorafenib resistance of HCC through a public database. Further study showed that knockdown of OLA1 enhanced cell proliferation inhibition and cell death induced by sorafenib, along with a reduction of proliferation-associated proteins (c-Myc and cyclin D1) and increase of apoptosis-related proteins (cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP) in HCC cells. In addition, knockdown of OLA1 reduced the activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β)/β-catenin. CONCLUSIONS Our results proved that OLA1 can be a potential target to enhance sorafenib sensitivity in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Bian
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Jinkai Zhao
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Zhongcai Yao
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Yajun Cai
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Chenting Shou
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Dayong Lou
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Liqin Zhou
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qian
- Basic Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Targeting non-coding RNAs to overcome cancer therapy resistance. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:121. [PMID: 35418578 PMCID: PMC9008121 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00975-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now well known that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), rather than protein-coding transcripts, are the preponderant RNA transcripts. NcRNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are widely appreciated as pervasive regulators of multiple cancer hallmarks such as proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and genomic instability. Despite recent discoveries in cancer therapy, resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy continue to be a major setback. Recent studies have shown that ncRNAs also play a major role in resistance to different cancer therapies by rewiring essential signaling pathways. In this review, we present the intricate mechanisms through which dysregulated ncRNAs control resistance to the four major types of cancer therapies. We will focus on the current clinical implications of ncRNAs as biomarkers to predict treatment response (intrinsic resistance) and to detect resistance to therapy after the start of treatment (acquired resistance). Furthermore, we will present the potential of targeting ncRNA to overcome cancer treatment resistance, and we will discuss the challenges of ncRNA-targeted therapy—especially the development of delivery systems.
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Ferroptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanisms, Drug Targets and Approaches to Clinical Translation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071826. [PMID: 35406596 PMCID: PMC8998032 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent decades, scientific discoveries brought up several new treatments and improvements for patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, increasing resistance to current therapies, such as sorafenib, worsen the outcome of HCC patients, leading to a search for alternative therapeutic strategies. The term ferroptosis describes a novel form of regulated cell death, which is different from apoptosis and necroptosis in a mechanistical and morphological manner. The main mechanism, which leads to cell death, is lipid peroxidation, caused by iron overload and the accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Recent studies demonstrate that ferroptosis can hamper the carcinogenesis in several tumor entities and in HCC. Therefore, a better understanding and a deeper insight in the processes of ferroptosis in HCC and the possible application of it in the clinical practice are of extreme importance. Abstract Ferroptosis, an iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent non-apoptotic type of regulated cell death, is characterized by a massive iron overload and peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which finally results in cell death. Recent studies suggest that ferroptosis can influence carcinogenesis negatively and therefore may be used as a novel anti-cancer strategy. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a deadly malignancy with poor chances of survival and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Diagnosis at an already late stage and general resistance to current therapies may be responsible for the dismal outcome. As the liver acts as a key factor in iron metabolism, ferroptosis is shown to play an important role in HCC carcinogenesis and, more importantly, may hold the potential to eradicate HCC. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge we have of the role of ferroptosis in HCC and the application of ferroptosis as a therapy option and provide an overview of the potential translation of ferroptosis in the clinical practice of HCC.
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Chen J, Jiang S, Shao H, Li B, Ji T, Staiculescu D, He J, Zhao J, Cai L, Liang X, Xu J, Cai X. CRISPR-Cas9-based genome-wide screening identified novel targets for treating sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma: a cross-talk between FGF21 and the NRF2 pathway. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:1998-2016. [PMID: 35380342 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2067-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been dominated by multikinase inhibitors for more than a decade. However, drug resistance can severely restrict the efficacy of these drugs. Using CRISPR/CAS9 genome library screening, we evaluated Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) as a key regulator of sorafenib's susceptibility in HCC. We also investigated whether KEAP1's knockdown can stabilize nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) protein levels that led to sorafenib's resistance, including an NRF2 inhibitor that can synergize with sorafenib to abolish HCC's growth in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we clarified that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an important downstream regulator of NRF2 in HCC. Intriguingly, we observed that FGF21 bound to NRF2 through the C-terminus of FGF21, thereby stabilizing NRF2 by reducing its ubiquitination and generating a positive feedback loop in sorafenib-resistant HCC. These findings, therefore, propose that targeting FGF21 is a promising strategy to combat HCC sorafenib's resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Shi Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Huijiang Shao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Bixia Li
- Department of Hematology, Ningbo First Hospital, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Tong Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Daniel Staiculescu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jiayan He
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Liuxin Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Li D, Yao Y, Rao Y, Huang X, Wei L, You Z, Zheng G, Hou X, Su Y, Varghese Z, Moorhead JF, Chen Y, Ruan XZ. Cholesterol sensor SCAP contributes to sorafenib resistance by regulating autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:116. [PMID: 35354475 PMCID: PMC8966370 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02306-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant tumors and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Sorafenib is currently acknowledged as a standard therapy for advanced HCC. However, acquired resistance substantially limits the clinical efficacy of sorafenib. Therefore, further investigations of the associated risk factors are highly warranted. Methods We analysed a group of 78 HCC patients who received sorafenib treatment after liver resection surgery. The expression of SCAP and its correlation with sorafenib resistance in HCC clinical samples were determined by immunohistochemical analyses. Overexpression and knockdown approaches in vitro were used to characterize the functional roles of SCAP in regulating sorafenib resistance. The effects of SCAP inhibition in HCC cell lines were analysed in proliferation, apoptosis, and colony formation assays. Autophagic regulation by SCAP was assessed by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation assays. The combinatorial effect of a SCAP inhibitor and sorafenib was tested using nude mice. Results Hypercholesterolemia was associated with sorafenib resistance in HCC treatment. The degree of sorafenib resistance was correlated with the expression of the cholesterol sensor SCAP and consequent deposition of cholesterol. SCAP is overexpressed in HCC tissues and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines with sorafenib resistance, while SCAP inhibition could improve sorafenib sensitivity in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Furthermore, we found that SCAP-mediated sorafenib resistance was related to decreased autophagy, which was connected to decreased AMPK activity. A clinically significant finding was that lycorine, a specific SCAP inhibitor, could reverse acquired resistance to sorafenib in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions SCAP contributes to sorafenib resistance through AMPK-mediated autophagic regulation. The combination of sorafenib and SCAP targeted therapy provides a novel personalized treatment to enhance sensitivity in sorafenib-resistant HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02306-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Li
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingcheng Yao
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhan Rao
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyu Huang
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Wei
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhimei You
- Department of General Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Guo Zheng
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoli Hou
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Su
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Zac Varghese
- John Moorhead Research Laboratory, Centre for Nephrology, University College London Medical School, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - John F Moorhead
- John Moorhead Research Laboratory, Centre for Nephrology, University College London Medical School, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Yaxi Chen
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiong Z Ruan
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China. .,John Moorhead Research Laboratory, Centre for Nephrology, University College London Medical School, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK.
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Li L, Cheng L, Sa R, Qiu X, Chen L. Real-world insights into the efficacy and safety of tyrosine kinase inhibitors against thyroid cancers. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 172:103624. [PMID: 35150866 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on clinical trials demonstrating favorable short-term efficacy and tolerable toxicity, several tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been approved for treating locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, BRAFV600E-mutant anaplastic thyroid cancer, and advanced or progressive medullary thyroid cancer. Longer term efficacy and safety of these treatments have been investigated in multiple real-world studies, demonstrating indispensable complementary value. Hereby, we summarize data from a total of 27 real-world studies with a focus on long-term survival data and rare but life-threatening adverse effects. An overall picture of current real-world study was drawn, and integrated experience of multiple centers would be helpful to clinical practice and further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227, South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200023, China
| | - Lin Cheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Ri Sa
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227, South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200023, China
| | - Xian Qiu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227, South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200023, China
| | - Libo Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227, South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200023, China.
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Zhang H, Zhang W, Jiang L, Chen Y. Recent advances in systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomark Res 2022; 10:3. [PMID: 35000616 PMCID: PMC8744248 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal malignant tumors in the world. Therapeutic options for advanced HCC are limited. Systemic treatment, especially with conventional cytotoxic drugs, is usually ineffective. For more than a decade, sorafenib has been the only systemic drug that has been proven to be clinically effective for treating advanced HCC. However, over the past three years, the rapid progress of molecular targeted therapies has dramatically changed the treatment landscape for advanced HCC. Immune checkpoint therapies are now being incorporated into HCC therapies, and their combination with molecular targeted therapy is emerging as a tool to enhance the immune response. In this review, we summarize the development and progress of molecular targeted agents and immunotherapies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Wuyang Zhang
- Clinical skills training center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Longying Jiang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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