1
|
Jian H, Zhang J, Liu Z, Zhang Z, Zeng P. Amentoflavone reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting p53 signalling pathway axis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18442. [PMID: 38842135 PMCID: PMC11154840 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18442] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reversal process are important potential mechanisms in the development of HCC. Selaginella doederleinii Hieron is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of various tumours and Amentoflavone is its main active ingredient. This study investigates the mechanism of action of Amentoflavone on EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma from the perspective of bioinformatics and network pharmacology. Bioinformatics was used to screen Amentoflavone-regulated EMT genes that are closely related to the prognosis of HCC, and a molecular prediction model was established to assess the prognosis of HCC. The network pharmacology was used to predict the pathway axis regulated by Amentoflavone. Molecular docking of Amentoflavone with corresponding targets was performed. Detection and evaluation of the effects of Amentoflavone on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis by CCK-8 kit, wound healing assay, Transwell assay and annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining. Eventually three core genes were screened, inculding NR1I2, CDK1 and CHEK1. A total of 590 GO enrichment entries were obtained, and five enrichment results were obtained by KEGG pathway analysis. Genes were mainly enriched in the p53 signalling pathway. The outcomes derived from both the wound healing assay and Transwell assay demonstrated significant inhibition of migration and invasion in HCC cells upon exposure to different concentrations of Amentoflavone. The results of Annexin V-FITC/PI staining assay showed that different concentrations of Amentoflavone induces apoptosis in HCC cells. This study revealed that the mechanism of Amentoflavone reverses EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma, possibly by inhibiting the expression of core genes and blocking the p53 signalling pathway axis to inhibit the migration and invasion of HCC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhuo Liu
- Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western, Cancer Research Institute of Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHunan Academy of Chinese MedicineHunanChina
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western, Cancer Research Institute of Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHunan Academy of Chinese MedicineHunanChina
| | - Pu‐Hua Zeng
- Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western, Cancer Research Institute of Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHunan Academy of Chinese MedicineHunanChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Luo W, Chang G, Lin D, Xie H, Sun H, Li Z, Mo S, Wang R, Wang Y, Zheng Z. 3,3'-((3,4,5-trifluoropHenyl)methylene)bis(4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one) inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation and migration. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303186. [PMID: 38776295 PMCID: PMC11111047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a major public health challenge and, despite therapeutic improvements, is the first leading cause of cancer worldwide. The current cure rate from advanced cancer treatment is excessively low. Therefore, it is of great importance to identify novel, potent and less toxic anticancer agents for the treatment of lung cancer. The aim of our research is to synthesize a new biscoumarin 3,3'-((3,4,5-trifluorop -phenyl)methylene)bis(4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one) (C35) as an anticancer agent. C35 was simply prepared by 4-hydroxycoumarin and 3,4,5-trifluorobenzaldehyde under ethanol and its structure was analyzed by spectroscopic analyses. The anti-proliferation effect of C35 was detected using CCK-8 assay. Migration abilities were measured by Transwell assay. The expression of correlated proteins was determined by Western blot. The results showed that C35 displayed strong cytostatic effects on lung cancer cell proliferation. In addition, C35 possessed a significant inhibition of migration by reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, C35 treatment suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 in lung cancer cells. Moreover, in vivo experiments were carried out, in which we treated Lewis tumor-bearing C57 mice via intraperitoneal injection of C35. Results showed that C35 inhibited tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the anticancer activity of C35 via suppression of lung cancer cell proliferation and migration, which is possibly involved with the inhibition of the p38 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Luo
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, PR China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Guangdong Yifang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Foshan, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Guoxin Chang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmacuetical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Dingmei Lin
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmacuetical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Hongyi Xie
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmacuetical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Huilong Sun
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Zhibin Li
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Shirong Mo
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Ruixue Wang
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmacuetical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Zhaoguang Zheng
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pessino G, Scotti C, Maggi M, Immuno-Hub Consortium. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:901. [PMID: 38473265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050901] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), globally ranks sixth in incidence and third in cancer-related deaths. HCC risk factors include non-viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. No specific genetic alterations are unequivocally linked to HCC tumorigenesis. Current standard therapies include surgical options, systemic chemotherapy, and kinase inhibitors, like sorafenib and regorafenib. Immunotherapy, targeting immune checkpoints, represents a promising avenue. FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, show efficacy, and combination therapies enhance clinical responses. Despite this, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge, as the complex tumor ecosystem and the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with it hamper the efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. This review explores current and advanced approaches to treat HCC, considering both known and new potential targets, especially derived from proteomic analysis, which is today considered as the most promising approach. Exploring novel strategies, this review discusses antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), and engineered antibodies. It then reports a systematic analysis of the main ligand/receptor pairs and molecular pathways reported to be overexpressed in tumor cells, highlighting their potential and limitations. Finally, it discusses TGFβ, one of the most promising targets of the HCC microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maristella Maggi
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Immuno-Hub Consortium
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang K, Yi T. Tumor cell stemness in gastrointestinal cancer: regulation and targeted therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1297611. [PMID: 38455361 PMCID: PMC10918437 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1297611] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cells are a rare group of self-renewable cancer cells capable of the initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence of tumors, and also a key contributor to the therapeutic resistance. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism of tumor stemness regulation, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, is of great importance for targeting CSC and designing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate current advancements in the understanding of CSC regulation, including CSC biomarkers, signaling pathways, and non-coding RNAs. We will also provide a comprehensive view on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) display an overall tumor-promoting effect, including the recruitment and impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the establishment of an immunosuppressive milieu, and the induction of angiogenesis and hypoxia. Lastly, this review consolidates mainstream novel therapeutic interventions targeting CSC stemness regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kangqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tuo Yi
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ríos-López DG, Tecalco-Cruz AC, Martínez-Pastor D, Sosa-Garrocho M, Tapia-Urzúa G, Aranda-López Y, Ortega-Domínguez B, Recillas-Targa F, Vázquez-Victorio G, Macías-Silva M. TGF-β/SMAD canonical pathway induces the expression of transcriptional cofactor TAZ in liver cancer cells. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21519. [PMID: 38027697 PMCID: PMC10660035 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β and Hippo pathways are critical for liver size control, regeneration, and cancer progression. The transcriptional cofactor TAZ, also named WWTR1, is a downstream effector of Hippo pathway and plays a key role in the maintenance of liver physiological functions. However, the up-regulation of TAZ expression has been associated with liver cancer progression. Recent evidence shows crosstalk of TGF-β and Hippo pathways, since TGF-β modulates TAZ expression through different mechanisms in a cellular context-dependent manner but supposedly independent of SMADs. Here, we evaluate the molecular interplay between TGF-β pathway and TAZ expression and observe that TGF-β induces TAZ expression through SMAD canonical pathway in liver cancer HepG2 cells. Therefore, TAZ cofactor is a primary target of TGF-β/SMAD-signaling, one of the pathways altered in liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana G. Ríos-López
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Angeles C. Tecalco-Cruz
- Programa en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de La Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México 03100, Mexico
| | - David Martínez-Pastor
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Marcela Sosa-Garrocho
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Tapia-Urzúa
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Yuli Aranda-López
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Bibiana Ortega-Domínguez
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Félix Recillas-Targa
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Genaro Vázquez-Victorio
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Marina Macías-Silva
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Aguilar-Bravo B, Ariño S, Blaya D, Pose E, Martinez García de la Torre RA, Latasa MU, Martínez-Sánchez C, Zanatto L, Sererols-Viñas L, Cantallops-Vilà P, Affo S, Coll M, Thillen X, Dubuquoy L, Avila MA, Argemi J, Paz AL, Nevzorova YA, Cubero FJ, Bataller R, Lozano JJ, Ginès P, Mathurin P, Sancho-Bru P. Hepatocyte dedifferentiation profiling in alcohol-related liver disease identifies CXCR4 as a driver of cell reprogramming. J Hepatol 2023; 79:728-740. [PMID: 37088308 PMCID: PMC10540088 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Loss of hepatocyte identity is associated with impaired liver function in alcohol-related hepatitis (AH). In this context, hepatocyte dedifferentiation gives rise to cells with a hepatobiliary (HB) phenotype expressing biliary and hepatocyte markers and showing immature features. However, the mechanisms and impact of hepatocyte dedifferentiation in liver disease are poorly understood. METHODS HB cells and ductular reaction (DR) cells were quantified and microdissected from liver biopsies from patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ArLD). Hepatocyte-specific overexpression or deletion of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), and CXCR4 pharmacological inhibition were assessed in mouse liver injury. Patient-derived and mouse organoids were generated to assess plasticity. RESULTS Here, we show that HB and DR cells are increased in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and AH, but only HB cells correlate with poor liver function and patients' outcome. Transcriptomic profiling of HB cells revealed the expression of biliary-specific genes and a mild reduction of hepatocyte metabolism. Functional analysis identified pathways involved in hepatocyte reprogramming, inflammation, stemness, and cancer gene programs. The CXCR4 pathway was highly enriched in HB cells and correlated with disease severity and hepatocyte dedifferentiation. In vitro, CXCR4 was associated with a biliary phenotype and loss of hepatocyte features. Liver overexpression of CXCR4 in chronic liver injury decreased the hepatocyte-specific gene expression profile and promoted liver injury. CXCR4 deletion or its pharmacological inhibition ameliorated hepatocyte dedifferentiation and reduced DR and fibrosis progression. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the association of hepatocyte dedifferentiation with disease progression and poor outcome in AH. Moreover, the transcriptomic profiling of HB cells revealed CXCR4 as a new driver of hepatocyte-to-biliary reprogramming and as a potential therapeutic target to halt hepatocyte dedifferentiation in AH. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Here, we show that hepatocyte dedifferentiation is associated with disease severity and a reduced synthetic capacity of the liver. Moreover, we identify the CXCR4 pathway as a driver of hepatocyte dedifferentiation and as a therapeutic target in alcohol-related hepatitis. Therefore, this study reveals the importance of preserving strict control over hepatocyte plasticity in order to preserve liver function and promote tissue repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Aguilar-Bravo
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Ariño
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Delia Blaya
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Pose
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - María U Latasa
- Hepatology Program, Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación de Navarra (IdisNA), Clínica Universidad de Navarra and Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Celia Martínez-Sánchez
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Zanatto
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Sererols-Viñas
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Cantallops-Vilà
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Affo
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Coll
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Thillen
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laurent Dubuquoy
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Matías A Avila
- Hepatology Program, Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación de Navarra (IdisNA), Clínica Universidad de Navarra and Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josepmaria Argemi
- Hepatology Program, Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación de Navarra (IdisNA), Clínica Universidad de Navarra and Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arantza Lamas Paz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yulia A Nevzorova
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Cubero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Juan José Lozano
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Ginès
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philippe Mathurin
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Pau Sancho-Bru
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Aguilar-Bravo B, Ariño S, Blaya D, Pose E, Martinez García de la Torre RA, Latasa MU, Martínez-Sánchez C, Zanatto L, Sererols-Viñas L, Cantallops P, Affo S, Coll M, Thillen X, Dubuquoy L, Avila MA, Argemi JM, Paz AL, Nevzorova YA, Cubero J, Bataller R, Lozano JJ, Ginès P, Mathurin P, Sancho-Bru P. Hepatocyte Dedifferentiation Profiling In Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Identifies CXCR4 As A Driver Of Cell Reprogramming. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.04.535566. [PMID: 37066245 PMCID: PMC10104068 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.04.535566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aims Loss of hepatocyte identity is associated with impaired liver function in alcohol-related hepatitis (AH). In this context, hepatocyte dedifferentiation gives rise to cells with a hepatobiliary (HB) phenotype expressing biliary and hepatocytes markers and showing immature features. However, the mechanisms and the impact of hepatocyte dedifferentiation in liver disease are poorly understood. Methods HB cells and ductular reaction (DR) cells were quantified and microdissected from liver biopsies from patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Hepatocyte- specific overexpression or deletion of CXCR4, and CXCR4 pharmacological inhibition were assessed in mouse liver injury. Patient-derived and mouse organoids were generated to assess plasticity. Results Here we show that HB and DR cells are increased in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and AH, but only HB cells correlate with poor liver function and patients' outcome. Transcriptomic profiling of HB cells revealed the expression of biliary-specific genes and a mild reduction of hepatocyte metabolism. Functional analysis identified pathways involved in hepatocyte reprogramming, inflammation, stemness and cancer gene programs. CXCR4 pathway was highly enriched in HB cells, and correlated with disease severity and hepatocyte dedifferentiation. In vitro , CXCR4 was associated with biliary phenotype and loss of hepatocyte features. Liver overexpression of CXCR4 in chronic liver injury decreased hepatocyte specific gene expression profile and promoted liver injury. CXCR4 deletion or its pharmacological inhibition ameliorated hepatocyte dedifferentiation and reduced DR and fibrosis progression. Conclusions This study shows the association of hepatocyte dedifferentiation with disease progression and poor outcome in AH. Moreover, the transcriptomic profiling of HB cells revealed CXCR4 as a new driver of hepatocyte-to-biliary reprogramming and as a potential therapeutic target to halt hepatocyte dedifferentiation in AH. Lay summary Here we describe that hepatocyte dedifferentiation is associated with disease severity and a reduced synthetic capacity of the liver. Moreover, we identify the CXCR4 pathway as a driver of hepatocyte dedifferentiation and as a therapeutic target in alcohol-related hepatitis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Luteolin inhibits the TGF-β signaling pathway to overcome bortezomib resistance in multiple myeloma. Cancer Lett 2023; 554:216019. [PMID: 36442773 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.216019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable condition and the second most common hematological malignancy. Over the past few years, there has been progress in the treatment of MM, but most patients still relapse. Multiple myeloma stem-like cells (MMSCs) are believed to be the main reason for drug resistance and eventual relapse. Currently, there are not enough therapeutic agents that have been identified for eradication of MMSCs, and thus, identification of the same may alleviate the issue of relapse in patients. In the present study, we showed that luteolin (LUT), a natural compound obtained from different plants, such as vegetables, medicinal herbs, and fruits, effectively inhibits the proliferation of MM cells and overcomes bortezomib (BTZ) resistance in them in vitro and in vivo, mainly by decreasing the proportion of ALDH1+ cells. Furthermore, RNA sequencing after LUT treatment of MM cell lines and an MM xenograft mouse model revealed that the effects of the compound are mediated through inhibition of transforming growth factor-β signaling. Similarly, we found that LUT also significantly reduced the proportion of ALDH1+ cells in primary CD138+ plasma cells. In addition, LUT could overcome the BTZ treatment-induced increase in the proportion of ALDH1+ cells, and the combination of LUT and BTZ had a synergistic effect against myeloma cells. Collectively, our findings suggested that LUT is a promising agent that manifests MMSCs to overcome BTZ resistance, alone or in combination with BTZ, and thus, is a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of MM.
Collapse
|
9
|
Salvianolic acid B exerts an anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect by regulating the Hippo/YAP pathway and promoting pSmad3L to pSmad3C simultaneously. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 939:175423. [PMID: 36509132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175423] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is a component obtained from Salvia miltiorrhiza and is empirically used for liver diseases. The TGF-β/Smad and Hippo/YAP pathways may interact with each other in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previously, we found that Sal B mediates the TGF-β/Smad pathway in mice and delays liver fibrosis-carcinoma progression by promoting the conversion of pSmad3L to pSmad3C, but the effect of Sal B on the Hippo/YAP pathway has not been determined. Therefore, we used a DEN/CCl4/C2H5OH-induced liver cancer model in mice to analyze liver index and tumor incidence, detect AST and ALT serological markers, observe liver pathology and the number of Ki67-positive cells to evaluate the anti-HCC effect of Sal B in vivo. We used a TGF-β1-induced HepG2 cell model, and applied an MST1/2 inhibitor, XMU-MP-1, to detect the changes in pSmad3C/pSmad3L signaling induced by MST1/2 inhibition. Sal B significantly inhibited tumorigenesis in DEN/CCl4/C2H5OH-induced mice in vivo, and suppressed the growth of HepG2 cells by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Here, our study also validated the role of Sal B in reversing XMU-MP-1-induced proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells in vitro. Most importantly, we elucidated for the first time the potential mechanism of Sal B against HCC via the Hippo/YAP pathway, which may be specifically related to upregulation of MST1 and inhibition of its downstream effector protein YAP. In conclusion, these findings indicate that Sal B possesses anti- HCC effects both in vivo and in vitro by regulating the Hippo/YAP pathway and promoting pSmad3L to pSmad3C synchronously.
Collapse
|
10
|
Jeng KS, Chang CF, Sheen IS, Jeng CJ, Wang CH. Cellular and Molecular Biology of Cancer Stem Cells of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1417. [PMID: 36674932 PMCID: PMC9861908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death globally. The cancer stem cells (CSCs) of HCC are responsible for tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, recurrence, chemoresistance, target therapy resistance and radioresistance. The reported main surface markers used to identify liver CSCs include epithelial cell adhesion/activating molecule (EpCAM), cluster differentiation 90 (CD90), CD44 and CD133. The main molecular signaling pathways include the Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factors-β (TGF-β), sonic hedgehog (SHH), PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Notch. Patients with EpCAM-positive alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-positive HCC are usually young but have advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages. CD90-positive HCCs are usually poorly differentiated with worse prognosis. Those with CD44-positive HCC cells develop early metastases. Those with CD133 expression have a higher recurrence rate and a shorter overall survival. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway triggers angiogenesis, tumor infiltration and metastasis through the enhancement of angiogenic factors. All CD133+ liver CSCs, CD133+/EpCAM+ liver CSCs and CD44+ liver CSCs contribute to sorafenib resistance. SHH signaling could protect HCC cells against ionizing radiation in an autocrine manner. Reducing the CSC population of HCC is crucial for the improvement of the therapy of advanced HCC. However, targeting CSCs of HCC is still challenging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan
| | - I-Shyang Sheen
- Department of Hepato Gastroenterology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Postgraduate of Institute of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsuan Wang
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jiang L, Wang X, Ma F, Wang X, Shi M, Yan Q, Liu M, Chen J, Shi C, Guan XY. PITX2C increases the stemness features of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by up-regulating key developmental factors in liver progenitor. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:211. [PMID: 35765089 PMCID: PMC9238105 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02424-z] [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: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Tumor cells exhibited phenotypic and molecular characteristics similar to their lineage progenitor cells. Liver developmental signaling pathways are showed to be associated with HCC development and oncogenesis. The similarities of expression profiling between liver progenitors (LPs) and HCC suggest that understanding the molecular mechanism during liver development could provide insights into HCC.
Methods
To profile the dynamic gene expression during liver development, cells from an in vitro liver differentiation model and two paired hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples were analyzed using deep RNA sequencing. The expression levels of selected genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Moreover, the role of a key transcription factor, pituitary homeobox 2 (PITX2), was characterized via in vitro and vivo functional assays. Furthermore, molecular mechanism studies were performed to unveil how PITX2C regulate the key developmental factors in LPs, thereby increasing the stemness of HCC.
Results
PITX2 was found to exhibit a similar expression pattern to specific markers of LPs. PITX2 consists of three isoforms (PITX2A/B/C). The expression of PITX2 is associated with tumor size and overall survival rate, whereas only PITX2C expression is associated with AFP and differentiation in clinical patients. PITX2A/B/C has distinct functions in HCC tumorigenicity. PITX2C promotes HCC metastasis, self-renewal and chemoresistance. Molecular mechanism studies showed that PITX2C could up-regulate RALYL which could enhance HCC stemness via the TGF-β pathway. Furthermore, ChIP assays confirmed the role of PITX2C in regulating key developmental factors in LP.
Conclusion
PITX2C is a newly discovered transcription factor involved in hepatic differentiation and could increase HCC stemness by upregulating key transcriptional factors related to liver development.
Collapse
|
12
|
Duan X, Luo M, Li J, Shen Z, Xie K. Overcoming therapeutic resistance to platinum-based drugs by targeting Epithelial–Mesenchymal transition. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1008027. [PMID: 36313710 PMCID: PMC9614084 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1008027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Platinum-based drugs (PBDs), including cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, have been widely used in clinical practice as mainstay treatments for various types of cancer. Although there is firm evidence of notable achievements with PBDs in the management of cancers, the acquisition of resistance to these agents is still a major challenge to efforts at cure. The introduction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) concept, a critical process during embryonic morphogenesis and carcinoma progression, has offered a mechanistic explanation for the phenotypic switch of cancer cells upon PBD exposure. Accumulating evidence has suggested that carcinoma cells can enter a resistant state via induction of the EMT. In this review, we discussed the underlying mechanism of PBD-induced EMT and the current understanding of its role in cancer drug resistance, with emphasis on how this novel knowledge can be exploited to overcome PBD resistance via EMT-targeted compounds, especially those under clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xirui Duan
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Maochao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhisen Shen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Ke Xie, ; Zhisen Shen,
| | - Ke Xie
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ke Xie, ; Zhisen Shen,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Han B, Fang T, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Gao J, Xue Y. Association of the TGFβ gene family with microenvironmental features of gastric cancer and prediction of response to immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:920599. [PMID: 36119489 PMCID: PMC9478444 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.920599] [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: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the complex tumor microenvironment, TGFβ is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in regulating cellular processes such as cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. TGFβ defines three subtypes (TGFβ1, TGFβ2, and TGFβ3), of which TGFβ is highly expressed in many cancers, especially those showing high dissemination potential. In addition, increased expression of TGFβ in multiple cancers is usually positively correlated with epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and coordinated with the expression of genes driving EMT-related genes. TGFβ signaling in the tumor microenvironment inhibits the antitumor function of multiple immune cell populations, including T cells and natural killer cells, and the resulting immunosuppression severely limits the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immunotherapeutic approaches. As a major pathway to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy effects, the role of TGFβ signaling inhibitors have been evaluated in many clinical trials. However, the potential functions and mechanisms of TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 in gastric cancer progression and tumor immunology are unclear. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 and gastric cancer microenvironmental features, including immune cell infiltration, EMT, hypoxia, mutation, immunotherapy and drug treatment, based on HMUCH sequencing data (GSE184336) and public databases. We also validated the protein expression levels of TGFβ in gastric cancer tissues as well as the role of TGFβ factor in cytology experiments. This report reveals the important role of the TGFβ gene family in gastric cancer and provides possible relationships and potential mechanisms of TGFβ in gastric cancer.
Collapse
|
14
|
Revisiting Epithelial Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137437. [PMID: 35806442 PMCID: PMC9267463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137437] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin of cancer remains one of the most important enigmas in modern biology. This paper presents a hypothesis for the origin of carcinomas in which cellular aging and inflammation enable the recovery of cellular plasticity, which may ultimately result in cancer. The hypothesis describes carcinogenesis as the result of the dedifferentiation undergone by epithelial cells in hyperplasia due to replicative senescence towards a mesenchymal cell state with potentially cancerous behavior. In support of this hypothesis, the molecular, cellular, and histopathological evidence was critically reviewed and reinterpreted when necessary to postulate a plausible generic series of mechanisms for the origin and progression of carcinomas. In addition, the implications of this theoretical framework for the current strategies of cancer treatment are discussed considering recent evidence of the molecular events underlying the epigenetic switches involved in the resistance of breast carcinomas. The hypothesis also proposes an epigenetic landscape for their progression and a potential mechanism for restraining the degree of dedifferentiation and malignant behavior. In addition, the manuscript revisits the gradual degeneration of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to propose an integrative generalized mechanistic explanation for the involution and carcinogenesis of tissues associated with aging. The presented hypothesis might serve to understand and structure new findings into a more encompassing view of the genesis of degenerative diseases and may inspire novel approaches for their study and therapy.
Collapse
|
15
|
Bhavani GS, Palanisamy A. SNAIL driven by a feed forward loop motif promotes TGF βinduced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2022; 8. [PMID: 35700712 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ac7896] [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: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) plays an important role in tissue regeneration, embryonic development, and cancer metastasis. Several signaling pathways are known to regulate EMT, among which the modulation of TGFβ(Transforming Growth Factor-β) induced EMT is crucial in several cancer types. Several mathematical models were built to explore the role of core regulatory circuit of ZEB/miR-200, SNAIL/miR-34 double negative feedback loops in modulating TGFβinduced EMT. Different emergent behavior including tristability, irreversible switching, existence of hybrid EMT states were inferred though these models. Some studies have explored the role of TGFβreceptor activation, SMADs nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and complex formation. Recent experiments have revealed that MDM2 along with SMAD complex regulates SNAIL expression driven EMT. Encouraged by this, in the present study we developed a mathematical model for p53/MDM2 dependent TGFβinduced EMT regulation. Inclusion of p53 brings in an additional mechanistic perspective in exploring the EM transition. The network formulated comprises a C1FFL moderating SNAIL expression involving MDM2 and SMAD complex, which functions as a noise filter and persistent detector. The C1FFL was also observed to operate as a coincidence detector driving the SNAIL dependent downstream signaling into phenotypic switching decision. Systems modelling and analysis of the devised network, displayed interesting dynamic behavior, systems response to various inputs stimulus, providing a better understanding of p53/MDM2 dependent TGF-βinduced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition.
Collapse
|
16
|
Prohaptoglobin inhibits the transforming growth factor-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in vitro by increasing Smad1/5 activation and suppressing the Smad2/3 signaling pathway in SK-Hep1 liver cancer cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266409. [PMID: 35580109 PMCID: PMC9113573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266409] [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: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is an important inducer of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in various cancers. Our previous study demonstrated that prohaptoglobin (proHp) stimulates Smad1/5 activation via ALK1, a TGF-β type I receptor, in endothelial cells, suggesting that proHp plays a role in TGF-β signaling. However, the function of proHp in cellular events downstream of Smads remains unclear. The current study investigated the effects of proHp on TGF-β-mediated Smad-dependent EMT induction and cell invasion in vitro using proHp-overexpressing SK-Hep1 liver cancer cells. The results of Western blotting, quantitative real-time RT-PCR, and immunocytochemistry indicated that proHp downregulated expression of mesenchymal marker and EMT regulator such as N-cadherin, vimentin, and twist, and upregulated expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. Compared with control cells, proHp-overexpressing cells exhibited high levels of ALK1/2/3 receptors and markedly increased Smad1/5 phosphorylation. Interestingly, proHp attenuated TGF-β-induced expression of mesenchymal markers and Smad2/3 phosphorylation. It also significantly suppressed cell invasion and migration. Knockdown of Smad1/5 abolished the inhibitory effects of proHp on TGF-β-stimulated Smad2/3 phosphorylation and mesenchymal marker expression. These findings indicate that proHp suppresses the TGF-β-induced EMT and cell invasion in vitro by enhancing Smad1/5 activation via ALK1/2/3 receptors and thus suppressing the Smad2/3 signaling pathway in SK-Hep1 cells. This study suggests that proHp may prevent a de-differentiation of hepatic cells and induce a cell differentiation by regulating the Smad signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
17
|
Du S, Sun L, Wang Y, Zhu W, Gao J, Pei W, Zhang Y. ADAM12 is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in liver cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6634. [PMID: 35459884 PMCID: PMC9033838 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10608-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disintegrin and metalloproteinase 12 (ADAM12) is thought to trigger the occurrence and development of numerous tumours, including colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancers. On the basis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets, in this study, the relationship between ADAM12 gene expression and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the prognostic value of this relationship, and the potential mechanisms influencing HCC development were evaluated. The results showed that the ADAM12 gene was significantly and highly expressed in liver cancer tissue. The high expression of the ADAM12 gene in liver cancer tissue significantly and positively correlated with T stage, pathological stage, and residual tumour. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses revealed that ADAM12 gene expression is an independent risk factor influencing the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. Pathway analyses of ADAM12 in HCC revealed ADAM12-correlated signalling pathways, and the expression level of ADAM12 was associated with immune cell infiltration. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the expression level of ADAM12 in Huh-7 and Hep3B cells was significantly higher than that in other HCC cells. ShRNA transfection experiments confirmed that the expression levels of TGF-β and Notch pathway-related proteins were significantly decreased. An EdU cell proliferation assay showed that a low level of ADAM12 gene expression significantly inhibited the proliferative activity of HCC cells. Cell cycle experiments showed that low ADAM12 expression blocked the G1/S phase transition. Overall, this research revealed that high ADAM12 gene expression implies a poor prognosis for patients with primary liver cancer. In addition, it is a potential indicator for the diagnosis of liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuangqiu Du
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules Research, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Linlin Sun
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules Research, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules Research, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Wenhao Zhu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules Research, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Jialin Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Wenjun Pei
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules Research, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China.
| | - Yao Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules Research, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
The Bright and the Dark Side of TGF-β Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanisms, Dysregulation, and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040940. [PMID: 35205692 PMCID: PMC8870127 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling is a preeminent regulator of diverse cellular and physiological processes. Frequent dysregulation of TGF-β signaling has been implicated in cancer. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, the autocrine and paracrine effects of TGF-β have paradoxical implications. While acting as a potent tumor suppressor pathway in the early stages of malignancy, TGF-β diverts to a promoter of tumor progression in the late stages, reflecting its bright and dark natures, respectively. Within this context, targeting TGF-β represents a promising therapeutic option for HCC treatment. We discuss here the molecular properties of TGF-β signaling in HCC, attempting to provide an overview of its effects on tumor cells and the stroma. We also seek to evaluate the dysregulation mechanisms that mediate the functional switch of TGF-β from a tumor suppressor to a pro-tumorigenic signal. Finally, we reconcile its biphasic nature with the therapeutic implications. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with genetic and nongenetic aberrations that impact multiple genes and pathways, including the frequently dysregulated transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. The regulatory cytokine TGF-β and its signaling effectors govern a broad spectrum of spatiotemporally regulated molecular and cellular responses, yet paradoxically have dual and opposing roles in HCC progression. In the early stages of tumorigenesis, TGF-β signaling enforces profound tumor-suppressive effects, primarily by inducing cell cycle arrest, cellular senescence, autophagy, and apoptosis. However, as the tumor advances in malignant progression, TGF-β functionally switches to a pro-tumorigenic signal, eliciting aggressive tumor traits, such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and immune evasion of cancer cells. On this account, the inhibition of TGF-β signaling is recognized as a promising therapeutic strategy for advanced HCC. In this review, we evaluate the functions and mechanisms of TGF-β signaling and relate its complex and pleiotropic biology to HCC pathophysiology, attempting to provide a detailed perspective on the molecular determinants underlying its functional diversion. We also address the therapeutic implications of the dichotomous nature of TGF-β signaling and highlight the rationale for targeting this pathway for HCC treatment, alone or in combination with other agents.
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen Z, Xiang L, Li L, Ou H, Fang Y, Xu Y, Liu Q, Hu Z, Huang Y, Li X, Yang D. TGF-β1 induced deficiency of linc00261 promotes epithelial–mesenchymal-transition and stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma via modulating SMAD3. J Transl Med 2022; 20:75. [PMID: 35123494 PMCID: PMC8818189 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03276-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the metastasis and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A kinds of lncRNAs were found to be involved in regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) or stem-like traits in human cancers, however, the molecular mechanism and signaling pathways targeting EMT and stemness remains largely unknown. Previously, we found that linc00261 was down-regulated in HCC and associated with multiple worse clinical pathological parameters and poor prognosis. Here, we show that linc00261 was down-regulated in TGF-β1 stimulated cells, and forced expression of linc00261 attenuated EMT and stem-like traits in HCC. Linc00261 also inhibited the tumor sphere forming in vitro and decreased the tumorigenicity in vivo. Furthermore, we revealed that linc00261 suppressed the expression and phosphorylation of SMAD3 (p-SMAD3), which could be core transcriptional modulator in TGF-β1 signaling mediated EMT and the acquisition of stemness traits. A negative correlation between linc00261 and p-SMAD3 was determined in HCC samples. Conclusion: Our study revealed that linc00261 suppressed EMT and stem-like traits in HCC cells by inhibiting TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling.
Collapse
|
20
|
Zaidi S, Gough NR, Mishra L. Mechanisms and clinical significance of TGF-β in hepatocellular cancer progression. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:227-248. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
21
|
Li CH, Hsu TI, Chang YC, Chan MH, Lu PJ, Hsiao M. Stationed or Relocating: The Seesawing EMT/MET Determinants from Embryonic Development to Cancer Metastasis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091265. [PMID: 34572451 PMCID: PMC8472300 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial and mesenchymal transition mechanisms continue to occur during the cell cycle and throughout human development from the embryo stage to death. In embryo development, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can be divided into three essential steps. First, endoderm, mesoderm, and neural crest cells form, then the cells are subdivided, and finally, cardiac valve formation occurs. After the embryonic period, the human body will be subjected to ongoing mechanical stress or injury. The formation of a wound requires EMT to recruit fibroblasts to generate granulation tissues, repair the wound and re-create an intact skin barrier. However, once cells transform into a malignant tumor, the tumor cells acquire the characteristic of immortality. Local cell growth with no growth inhibition creates a solid tumor. If the tumor cannot obtain enough nutrition in situ, the tumor cells will undergo EMT and invade the basal membrane of nearby blood vessels. The tumor cells are transported through the bloodstream to secondary sites and then begin to form colonies and undergo reverse EMT, the so-called "mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET)." This dynamic change involves cell morphology, environmental conditions, and external stimuli. Therefore, in this manuscript, the similarities and differences between EMT and MET will be dissected from embryonic development to the stage of cancer metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Hsiu Li
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (T.-I.H.); (M.-H.C.)
| | - Tai-I Hsu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (T.-I.H.); (M.-H.C.)
| | - Yu-Chan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Hsien Chan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (T.-I.H.); (M.-H.C.)
| | - Pei-Jung Lu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Clinical Medicine Research Center, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (P.-J.L.); (M.H.)
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (T.-I.H.); (M.-H.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (P.-J.L.); (M.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chung JYF, Chan MKK, Tang PCT, Chan ASW, Chung JSY, Meng XM, To KF, Lan HY, Leung KT, Tang PMK. AANG: A natural compound formula for overcoming multidrug resistance via synergistic rebalancing the TGF-β/Smad signalling in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:9805-9813. [PMID: 34514726 PMCID: PMC8505848 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are high in heterogeneity and versatility, which can easily adapt to the external stresses via both primary and secondary resistance. Targeting of tumour microenvironment (TME) is a new approach and an ideal therapeutic strategy especially for the multidrug resistant cancer. Recently, we invented AANG, a natural compound formula containing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) derived Smad3 inhibitor Naringenin (NG) and Smad7 activator Asiatic Acid (AA), for rebalancing TGF‐β/Smad signalling in the TME, and its implication on the multidrug resistance is still unexplored. Here, we observed that an equilibrium shift of the Smad signalling in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which was dramatically enhanced in the recurrent cases showing p‐glycoprotein overexpression. We optimized the formula ratio and dosage of AANG that effectively inhibit the proliferation of our unique human multidrug resistant subclone R‐HepG2. Mechanistically, we found that AANG not only inhibits Smad3 at post‐transcriptional level, but also upregulates Smad7 at transcriptional level in a synergistic manner in vitro. More importantly, AANG markedly suppressed the growth and p‐glycoprotein expression of R‐HepG2 xenografts in vivo. Thus, AANG may represent a novel and safe TCM‐derived natural compound formula for overcoming HCC with p‐glycoprotein‐mediated multidrug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Yat-Fai Chung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Max Kam-Kwan Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Philip Chiu-Tsun Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Alex Siu-Wing Chan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Justin Shing-Yin Chung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kam-Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gough NR, Xiang X, Mishra L. TGF-β Signaling in Liver, Pancreas, and Gastrointestinal Diseases and Cancer. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:434-452.e15. [PMID: 33940008 PMCID: PMC8841117 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic alterations affecting transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling are exceptionally common in diseases and cancers of the gastrointestinal system. As a regulator of tissue renewal, TGF-β signaling and the downstream SMAD-dependent transcriptional events play complex roles in the transition from a noncancerous disease state to cancer in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas. Furthermore, this pathway also regulates the stromal cells and the immune system, which may contribute to evasion of the tumors from immune-mediated elimination. Here, we review the involvement of the TGF-β pathway mediated by the transcriptional regulators SMADs in disease progression to cancer in the digestive system. The review integrates human genomic studies with animal models that provide clues toward understanding and managing the complexity of the pathway in disease and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy R. Gough
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research & Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York
| | - Xiyan Xiang
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research & Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York
| | - Lopa Mishra
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research & Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York; Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lv D, Chen L, Du L, Zhou L, Tang H. Emerging Regulatory Mechanisms Involved in Liver Cancer Stem Cell Properties in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:691410. [PMID: 34368140 PMCID: PMC8339910 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.691410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that HCC is driven by a population of cells called liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). LCSCs have been proposed to contribute to malignant HCC progression, including promoting tumor occurrence and growth, mediating tumor metastasis, and treatment resistance, but the regulatory mechanism of LCSCs in HCC remains unclear. Understanding the signaling pathways responsible for LCSC maintenance and survival may provide opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Here, we review the current literature about the origin of LCSCs and the niche composition, describe the current evidence of signaling pathways that mediate LCSC stemness, then highlight several mechanisms that modulate LCSC properties in HCC progression, and finally, summarize the new developments in therapeutic strategies targeting LCSCs markers and regulatory pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duoduo Lv
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liyu Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyao Du
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyun Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
The TGF-β Pathway: A Pharmacological Target in Hepatocellular Carcinoma? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133248. [PMID: 34209646 PMCID: PMC8268320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily members are essential for tissue homeostasis and consequently, dysregulation of their signaling pathways contributes to the development of human diseases. In the liver, TGF-β signaling participates in all the stages of disease progression from initial liver injury to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During liver carcinogenesis, TGF-β plays a dual role on the malignant cell, behaving as a suppressor factor at early stages, but contributing to later tumor progression once cells escape from its cytostatic effects. Moreover, TGF-β can modulate the response of the cells forming the tumor microenvironment that may also contribute to HCC progression, and drive immune evasion of cancer cells. Thus, targeting the TGF-β pathway may constitute an effective therapeutic option for HCC treatment. However, it is crucial to identify biomarkers that allow to predict the response of the tumors and appropriately select the patients that could benefit from TGF-β inhibitory therapies. Here we review the functions of TGF-β on HCC malignant and tumor microenvironment cells, and the current strategies targeting TGF-β signaling for cancer therapy. We also summarize the clinical impact of TGF-β inhibitors in HCC patients and provide a perspective on its future use alone or in combinatorial strategies for HCC treatment.
Collapse
|
26
|
Soukupova J, Malfettone A, Bertran E, Hernández-Alvarez MI, Peñuelas-Haro I, Dituri F, Giannelli G, Zorzano A, Fabregat I. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) Induced by TGF-β in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Reprograms Lipid Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115543. [PMID: 34073989 PMCID: PMC8197297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β plays a dual role in liver carcinogenesis. At early stages, it inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis. However, TGF-β expression is high in advanced stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cells become resistant to TGF-β induced suppressor effects, responding to this cytokine undergoing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which contributes to cell migration and invasion. Metabolic reprogramming has been established as a key hallmark of cancer. However, to consider metabolism as a therapeutic target in HCC, it is necessary to obtain a better understanding of how reprogramming occurs, which are the factors that regulate it, and how to identify the situation in a patient. Accordingly, in this work we aimed to analyze whether a process of full EMT induced by TGF-β in HCC cells induces metabolic reprogramming. (2) Methods: In vitro analysis in HCC cell lines, metabolomics and transcriptomics. (3) Results: Our findings indicate a differential metabolic switch in response to TGF-β when the HCC cells undergo a full EMT, which would favor lipolysis, increased transport and utilization of free fatty acids (FFA), decreased aerobic glycolysis and an increase in mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. (4) Conclusions: EMT induced by TGF-β in HCC cells reprograms lipid metabolism to facilitate the utilization of FFA and the entry of acetyl-CoA into the TCA cycle, to sustain the elevated requirements of energy linked to this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Soukupova
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology (Oncobell) Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (J.S.); (A.M.); (E.B.); (I.P.-H.)
| | - Andrea Malfettone
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology (Oncobell) Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (J.S.); (A.M.); (E.B.); (I.P.-H.)
| | - Esther Bertran
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology (Oncobell) Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (J.S.); (A.M.); (E.B.); (I.P.-H.)
- CIBER Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Isabel Hernández-Alvarez
- CIBER Diabetes and Metabolic Associated Diseases (CIBERdem), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.I.H.-A.); (A.Z.)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine Department, Universitat de Barcelona–UB, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Peñuelas-Haro
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology (Oncobell) Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (J.S.); (A.M.); (E.B.); (I.P.-H.)
- CIBER Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. De Bellis” Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (F.D.); (G.G.)
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. De Bellis” Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (F.D.); (G.G.)
| | - Antonio Zorzano
- CIBER Diabetes and Metabolic Associated Diseases (CIBERdem), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.I.H.-A.); (A.Z.)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine Department, Universitat de Barcelona–UB, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicina (IRB Barcelona), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology (Oncobell) Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (J.S.); (A.M.); (E.B.); (I.P.-H.)
- CIBER Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Jia L, Li J, Li P, Liu D, Li J, Shen J, Zhu B, Ma C, Zhao T, Lan R, Dang L, Li W, Sun S. Site-specific glycoproteomic analysis revealing increased core-fucosylation on FOLR1 enhances folate uptake capacity of HCC cells to promote EMT. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:6905-6921. [PMID: 34093861 PMCID: PMC8171077 DOI: 10.7150/thno.56882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been recognized as an important step toward high invasion and metastasis of many cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while the mechanism for EMT promotion is still ambiguous. Methods: The dynamic alterations of site-specific glycosylation during HGF/TGF-β1-induced EMT process of three HCC cell lines were systematically investigated using precision glycoproteomic methods. The possible roles of EMT-related glycoproteins and site-specific glycans were further confirmed by various molecular biological approaches. Results: Using mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomic methods, we totally identified 2306 unique intact glycopeptides from SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cell lines, and found that core-fucosylated glycans were accounted for the largest proportion of complex N-glycans. Through quantification analysis of intact glycopeptides, we found that the majority of core-fucosylated intact glycopeptides from folate receptor α (FOLR1) were up-regulated in the three HGF-treated cell lines. Similarly, core-fucosylation of FOLR1 were up-regulated in SMMC-7721 and Hep3B cells with TGF-β1 treatment. Using molecular approaches, we further demonstrated that FUT8 was a driver for HGF/TGF-β1-induced EMT. The silencing of FUT8 reduced core-fucosylation and partially blocked the progress of HGF-induced EMT. Finally, we confirmed that the level of core-fucosylation on FOLR1 especially at the glycosite Asn-201 positively regulated the cellular uptake capacity of folates, and enhanced uptake of folates could promote the EMT of HCC cells. Conclusions: Based on the results, we proposed a potential pathway for HGF or TGF-β1-induced EMT of HCC cells: HGF or TGF-β1 treatment of HCC cells can increase the expression of glycosyltransferase FUT8 to up-regulate the core-fucosylation of N-glycans on glycoproteins including the FOLR1; core-fucosylation on FOLR1 can then enhance the folate uptake capacity to finally promote the EMT progress of HCC cells.
Collapse
|
28
|
MicroRNA-34a Promotes EMT and Liver Fibrosis in Primary Biliary Cholangitis by Regulating TGF- β1/smad Pathway. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:6890423. [PMID: 33977112 PMCID: PMC8087466 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6890423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune cholestatic liver disease. We found microRNA-34a (miR-34a), as the downstream gene of p53, was overexpressed in some of fibrogenic diseases. In this study, we sought to explore whether miR-34a plays a role in the fibrosis of PBC. Methods The peripheral blood of PBC patients and controls was collected to analyze the level of miR-34a. Human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (HIBEC) were cultured. The expression of miR-34a was regulated by miR-34a mimics and inhibitor. The biomarkers of epithelium-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibrogenesis, inflammation, and transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1/smad pathway were analyzed. Results We found that miR-34a was overexpressed in the peripheral blood in PBC patients. In vitro, overexpressed miR-34a increased the EMT and fibrogenesis activity of HIBEC. Transforming growth factor-beta type 1 receptor (TβR1), TGF-β1, and p-smad2/3 were upregulated by miR-34a. Inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and IL-17 were also upregulated. Finally, we showed that miR-34a promoted EMT and liver fibrosis in PBC by targeting the TGF-β1/smad pathway antagonist transforming growth factor-beta-induced factor homeobox 2 (TGIF2). Conclusions Our findings show that miR-34a plays an important role in the EMT and fibrosis of PBC through the TGF-β1/smad pathway by targeting TGIF2. This study suggests that miR-34a may be a new marker of fibrogenesis in PBC. Inhibition of miR-34a may be a promising strategy in treating PBC and improving the prognosis of the disease.
Collapse
|
29
|
Wei L, Dong Y, Sun Y, Mei X, Ma X, Shi J, Yang Q, Ji Y, Zhang Z, Sun H, Sun X, Song S. Anticancer property of Hemp Bioactive Peptides in Hep3B liver cancer cells through Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. Food Sci Nutr 2021; 9:1833-1841. [PMID: 33841802 PMCID: PMC8020916 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.1976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Foodborne protein hydrolysates exhibit biological activity that may be therapeutic in a number of human disease settings. Hemp peptides (HP) generated by controlled hydrolysis of hemp proteins have a number of health benefits and are of pharmaceutical value. In the present study, we produce small molecular weight HP from hemp seed and investigate its anticancer properties in Hep3B human liver cancer cells. We demonstrate that HP treatment increased apoptosis, reduced cell viability, and reduced cell migration in Hep3B human liver cancer cells without affecting the normal liver cell line L02. We correlate these phenotypes with increased cellular ROS levels, upregulation of cleaved caspase 3 and Bad, and downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2. HP treatment led to increased Akt and GSK-3β phosphorylation, with subsequent downregulation of β-catenin, suggesting β-catenin signaling modulation as a critical mechanism by which HP exhibits anticancer properties. Our findings suggest HP are of potential therapeutic interest for liver cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lian‐Hui Wei
- Daqing Branch of the Heilongjiang Academy of SciencesDaqingChina
| | - Yan Dong
- Daqing Branch of the Heilongjiang Academy of SciencesDaqingChina
| | - Yu‐Feng Sun
- Daqing Branch of the Heilongjiang Academy of SciencesDaqingChina
| | - Xue‐Song Mei
- Daqing Branch of the Heilongjiang Academy of SciencesDaqingChina
| | - Xue‐Song Ma
- Daqing Branch of the Heilongjiang Academy of SciencesDaqingChina
| | - Jie Shi
- Daqing Branch of the Heilongjiang Academy of SciencesDaqingChina
| | - Qing‐li Yang
- Daqing Branch of the Heilongjiang Academy of SciencesDaqingChina
| | - Yan‐Ru Ji
- Daqing Branch of the Heilongjiang Academy of SciencesDaqingChina
| | - Zheng‐Hai Zhang
- Daqing Branch of the Heilongjiang Academy of SciencesDaqingChina
| | - Hu‐Nan Sun
- College of Life Science and TechnologyHeilongjiang Bayi Agricultural UniversityDaqingChina
| | - Xing‐Rong Sun
- Daqing Branch of the Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesDaqingChina
| | - Shu‐Min Song
- Daqing Branch of the Heilongjiang Academy of SciencesDaqingChina
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Trajectory modeling of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition reveals galectin-3 as a mediator in pulmonary fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:327. [PMID: 33771973 PMCID: PMC7998015 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03603-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an important source of fibrotic cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, how endothelial cells (ECs) are activated and how EndMT impact IPF remain largely elusive. Here, we use unsupervised pseudotemporal analysis to recognize the heterogeneity of ECs and reconstruct EndMT trajectory of bleomycin (BLM)-treated Tie2creER/+;Rosa26tdTomato/+ IPF mice. Genes like C3ar1 and Lgals3 (protein name galectin-3) are highly correlated with the transitional pseudotime, whose expression is gradually upregulated during the fate switch of ECs from quiescence to activation in fibrosis. Inhibition of galectin-3 via siRNA or protein antagonists in mice could alleviate the pathogenesis of IPF and the transition of ECs. With the stimulation of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) by recombinant proteins and/or siRNAs for galectin-3 in vitro, β-catenin/GSK3β signaling and its upstream regulator AKT are perturbed, which indicates they mediate the EndMT progress. These results suggest that EndMT is essential to IPF process and provide potential therapeutic targets for vascular remodeling.
Collapse
|
31
|
Fatty Acids and a High-Fat Diet Induce Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Activating TGFβ and β-Catenin in Liver Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031272. [PMID: 33525359 PMCID: PMC7865431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is defined as the accumulation of excessive fat in the liver in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption or any secondary cause. Although the disease generally remains asymptomatic, chronic liver inflammation leads to fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and even to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fibrosis results from epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which leads to dedifferentiation of epithelial cells into cells with a mesenchymal-like phenotype. During EMT, epithelial cells with high expression of E-cadherin, influenced by growth factors, cytokines, and inflammatory processes, undergo morphological changes via enhanced expression of, e.g., vimentin, fibronectin, and N-cadherin. An inducer of EMT and, consequently, of fibrosis development is transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), a pleiotropic cytokine associated with the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the understanding of the molecular events that direct the development of steatosis into steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis remains incomplete. Our study revealed that both prolonged exposure of hepatocarcinoma cells to fatty acids in vitro and high-fat diet in mice (20 weeks) result in inflammation. Prolonged treatment with fatty acids increased the levels of TGFβ, MMP9, and β-catenin, important EMT inducers. Moreover, the livers of mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited features of liver fibrosis with increased TGFβ and IL-1 levels. Increased expression of IL-1 correlated with a decrease in monocyte chemoattractant protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1), a negative regulator of the inflammatory response that regulates the stability of proinflammatory transcripts encoding IL-1. Our study showed that a high-fat diet induced EMT by increasing the levels of EMT-activating transcription factors, including Zeb1, Zeb2, and Snail and changed the protein profile to a profile characteristic of the mesenchymal phenotype.
Collapse
|
32
|
Tsuchiya H, Shiota G. Clinical and Biological Implications of Cancer Stem Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Yonago Acta Med 2021; 64:1-11. [PMID: 33642898 DOI: 10.33160/yam.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with poor prognosis, and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recently, the development of therapeutic drugs via novel mechanisms of action, involving molecular-targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors, has progressed in the field of HCC. However, the recurrence rate remains high, and further improvement of the prognosis of patients with HCC is urgently needed. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a promising target for further development of novel anti-cancer drugs because they are reportedly involved in tumor initiation, maintenance, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapies. Although several studies have already been conducted, the functions and roles of CSCs in the development and progression of tumors remain to be elucidated. In this review article, we will clarify the fundamental knowledge of CSCs necessary for the understanding of CSCs and will outline so-far identified markers specific to liver CSCs and the pathological and therapeutic implications of CSCs in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Tsuchiya
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Goshi Shiota
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Shrestha R, Bridle KR, Crawford DHG, Jayachandran A. Immune checkpoint molecules are regulated by transforming growth factor (TGF)- β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:2466-2479. [PMID: 34104078 PMCID: PMC8176170 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.54239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer with a high mortality rate. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confers cancer cells with immune evasive ability by modulating the expression of immune checkpoints in many cancers. Thus, the aim of our study is to examine the interplay between EMT and immune checkpoint molecules in HCC. A reversible EMT model was utilised with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 as an EMT inducer for HCC cell lines Hep3B and PLC/PRF/5. HCC cells were treated with TGF-β1 for 72 h and the EMT status and immune checkpoint expression were examined. In addition, the migratory ability of HCC cells were examined using wound healing and transwell migration assays in the reversible EMT model. siRNA-mediated knockdown of immune checkpoint molecule, B7-H3, was further utilised to validate the association between TGF-β1-mediated EMT and immune checkpoint expression in HCC. In addition, a web-based platform, SurvExpress, was utilised to evaluate the association between expression of TGF-β1 in combination with immune checkpoint molecules and overall survival in HCC patients. We observed induction of EMT upon treatment of HCC cells with TGF-β1 revealed by reduced expression of epithelial markers along with increased expression of mesenchymal markers. Withdrawal of TGF-β1 reversed the process of EMT with elevated expression of epithelial markers and reduced expression of mesenchymal markers. TGF-β1 treatment elevated the migratory potential of HCC cells which was reversed following reversal assay. Notably, during TGF-β1-induced EMT, there was upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules PD-L1 and B7-H3. However, the reversal of EMT decreased the expression of PD-L1 and B7-H3. In addition, TGF-β1 driven EMT was reversed following knockdown of B7-H3 in both HCC cells further validating the interplay between TGF-β1-mediated EMT and immune checkpoint expression in HCC. Furthermore, the coordinate expression of TGF-β1 with PD-L1 (p=0.01487) and B7-H3 (p=0.009687) was correlated with poor overall survival in 422 HCC patients. Our study has demonstrated a close association between TGF-β1-mediated EMT and regulation of immune checkpoints in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Shrestha
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kim R Bridle
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Darrell H G Crawford
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aparna Jayachandran
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dituri F, Scialpi R, Schmidt TA, Frusciante M, Mancarella S, Lupo LG, Villa E, Giannelli G. Proteoglycan-4 is correlated with longer survival in HCC patients and enhances sorafenib and regorafenib effectiveness via CD44 in vitro. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:984. [PMID: 33199679 PMCID: PMC7669886 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib and regorafenib administration is among the preferential approaches to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but does not provide satisfactory benefits. Intensive crosstalk occurring between cancer cells and other multiple non-cancerous cell subsets present in the surrounding microenvironment is assumed to affect tumor progression. This interplay is mediated by a number of soluble and structural extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins enriching the stromal milieu. Here we assess the HCC tumor expression of the ECM protein proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) and its potential pharmacologic activity either alone, or in combination with sorafenib and regorafenib. PRG4 mRNA levels resulted strongly correlated with increased survival rate of HCC patients (p = 0.000) in a prospective study involving 78 HCC subjects. We next showed that transforming growth factor beta stimulates PRG4 expression and secretion by primary human HCC cancer-associated fibroblasts, non-invasive HCC cell lines, and ex vivo specimens. By functional tests we found that recombinant human PRG4 (rhPRG4) impairs HCC cell migration. More importantly, the treatment of HCC cells expressing CD44 (the main PRG4 receptor) with rhPRG4 dramatically enhances the growth-limiting capacity of sorafenib and regorafenib, whereas not significantly affecting cell proliferation per se. Conversely, rhPRG4 only poorly potentiates drug effectiveness on low CD44-expressing or stably CD44-silenced HCC cells. Overall, these data suggest that the physiologically-produced compound PRG4 may function as a novel tumor-suppressive agent by strengthening sorafenib and regorafenib effects in the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis" Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Scialpi
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis" Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Tannin A Schmidt
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Connecticut Health Centre, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Martina Frusciante
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis" Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis" Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Luigi Giovanni Lupo
- University of Bari, Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Policlinico - piazza Giulio Cesare 14, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Erica Villa
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis" Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Qi YJ, Jiao YL, Chen P, Kong JY, Gu BL, Liu K, Feng DD, Zhu YF, Ruan HJ, Lan ZJ, Liu QW, Mi YJ, Guo XQ, Wang M, Liang GF, Lamont RJ, Wang H, Zhou FY, Feng XS, Gao SG. Porphyromonas gingivalis promotes progression of esophageal squamous cell cancer via TGFβ-dependent Smad/YAP/TAZ signaling. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000825. [PMID: 32886690 PMCID: PMC7498034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial dysbiosis in the upper digestive tract is linked to an increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Overabundance of Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with shorter survival of ESCC patients. We investigated the molecular mechanisms driving aggressive progression of ESCC by P. gingivalis. Intracellular invasion of P. gingivalis potentiated proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis abilities of ESCC cells via transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)-dependent Drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic homologs (Smads)/Yes-associated protein (YAP)/Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) activation. Smads/YAP/TAZ/TEA domain transcription factor1 (TEAD1) complex formation was essential to initiate downstream target gene expression, inducing an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness features. Furthermore, P. gingivalis augmented secretion and bioactivity of TGFβ through glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) up-regulation. Accordingly, disruption of either the GARP/TGFβ axis or its activated Smads/YAP/TAZ complex abrogated the tumor-promoting role of P. gingivalis. P. gingivalis signature genes based on its activated effector molecules can efficiently distinguish ESCC patients into low- and high-risk groups. Targeting P. gingivalis or its activated effectors may provide novel insights into clinical management of ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jun Qi
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (SGG); (YJQ)
| | - Ye-Lin Jiao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - Pan Chen
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Yu Kong
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - Bian-Li Gu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - Ke Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - Dan-Dan Feng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - Ya-Fei Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - Hao-Jie Ruan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Jun Lan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - Qi-Wei Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - You-Jia Mi
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - Xiang-Qian Guo
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Medical College of Henan University, Kaifeng, P. R. China
| | - Ming Wang
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Gao-Feng Liang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - Richard J. Lamont
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Huizhi Wang
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Fu-You Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Anyang Tumor Hospital, Anyang, China
| | - Xiao-Shan Feng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
| | - She-Gan Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (SGG); (YJQ)
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Chen J, Cao J, Wang P, He X. NT5DC2 is a novel prognostic marker in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:70. [PMID: 32863903 PMCID: PMC7436888 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Reliable biomarkers for the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rare, and novel biomarkers are required for the appropriate management of HCC. 5′-Nucleotidase domain containing 2 (NT5DC2) acts as an oncogene in various tumors, but its functions as a biomarker have not been confirmed. Therefore, the present study aimed to resolve these functions by analyzing the prognostic value of NT5DC2 in patients with HCC. A tissue microarray (TMA) was prepared and NT5DC2 expression was measured via IHC staining in TMA dots. The liver cancer (LIHC) cohort in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was enrolled as a secondary cohort. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and Cox regression models were used for assessment of the prognostic value of NT5DC2. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed in TCGA LIHC cohort. A total of 134 patients with HCC were retrospectively enrolled in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital cohort and clinical data were collected. A total of 359 patients with HCC in TCGA were enrolled as TCGA cohort. NT5DC2 was used as an indicator of overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) in multiple cohorts. In the multivariate Cox regression model, NT5DC2 upregulation was an independent prognostic factor of OS in both cohorts. GSEA indicated the enrichment of a series of survival- and metastasis-related gene-sets, such as LEE_LIVER_CANCER_SURVIVAL_UP and LIAO_METASTASIS. Collectively, it was suggested that NT5DC2 upregulation was associated with poor OS and RFS in HCC, and was a potential predictive marker for HCC stratification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiemin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhong Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Penghui Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong He
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hanafy NAN, Fabregat I, Leporatti S, El Kemary M. Encapsulating TGF-β1 Inhibitory Peptides P17 and P144 as a Promising Strategy to Facilitate Their Dissolution and to Improve Their Functionalization. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E421. [PMID: 32370293 PMCID: PMC7284799 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12050421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ1) is considered as a master regulator for many intracellular signaling pathways, including proliferation, differentiation and death, both in health and disease. It further represents an oncogenic factor in advanced tumors allowing cancer cells to be more invasive and prone to move into the metastatic process. This finding has received great attention for discovering new therapeutic molecules against the TGFβ1 pathway. Among many TGFβ1 inhibitors, peptides (P17 and P144) were designed to block the TGFβ1 pathway. However, their therapeutic applications have limited use, due to lack of selection for their targets and their possible recognition by the immune system and further due to their potential cytotoxicity on healthy cells. Besides that, P144 is a highly hydrophobic molecule with less dissolution even in organic solution. Here, we aimed to overcome the dissolution of P144, as well as design nano-delivery strategies to protect normal cells, to increase cellular penetration and to raise the targeted therapy of both P17 and P144. Peptides were encapsulated in moieties of polymer hybrid protein. Their assembly was investigated by TEM, microplate spectrum analysis and fluorescence microscopy. SMAD phosphorylation was analyzed by Western blot as a hallmark of their biological efficiency. The results showed that the encapsulation of P17 and P144 might improve their potential therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nemany A. N. Hanafy
- Nanomedicine Department, Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt;
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), University of Barcelona (UB) and CIBEREHD, Gran Via de l’Hospitalet, 199, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Stefano Leporatti
- CNR NANOTEC-Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Maged El Kemary
- Nanomedicine Department, Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt;
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Tsui YM, Chan LK, Ng IOL. Cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and translational potential. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:1428-1440. [PMID: 32231294 PMCID: PMC7217836 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0823-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stemness, referring to the stem-cell-like phenotype of cancer cells, has been recognised to play important roles in different aspects of hepatocarcinogenesis. A number of well-established cell-surface markers already exist for liver cancer stem cells, with potential new markers of liver cancer stem cells being identified. Both genetic and epigenetic factors that affect various signalling pathways are known to contribute to cancer stemness. In addition, the tumour microenvironment—both physical and cellular—is known to play an important role in regulating cancer stemness, and the potential interaction between cancer stem cells and their microenvironment has provided insight into the regulation of the tumour-initiating ability as well as the cellular plasticity of liver CSCs. Potential specific therapeutic targeting of liver cancer stemness is also discussed. With increased knowledge, effective druggable targets might be identified, with the aim of improving treatment outcome by reducing chemoresistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lo-Kong Chan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong. .,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wu Y, Zhang J, Zhang X, Zhou H, Liu G, Li Q. Cancer Stem Cells: A Potential Breakthrough in HCC-Targeted Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:198. [PMID: 32210805 PMCID: PMC7068598 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of cells with stem cell characteristics that produce both cancerous and non-tumorigenic cells in tumor tissues. The literature reports that CSCs are closely related to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and promote the malignant features of HCC such as high invasion, drug resistance, easy recurrence, easy metastasis, and poor prognosis. This review discusses the origin, molecular, and biological features, functions, and applications of CSCs in HCC in recent years; the goal is to clarify the importance of CSCs in treatment and explore their potential value in HCC-targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jigang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Heming Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaolin Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
He Y, Xiao M, Fu H, Chen L, Qi L, Liu D, Guo P, Chen L, Luo Y, Xiao H, Zhang N, Guo H. cPLA2α reversibly regulates different subsets of cancer stem cells transformation in cervical cancer. Stem Cells 2020; 38:487-503. [PMID: 32100928 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer stem cells (CCSCs) are considered major causes of chemoresistance/radioresistance and metastasis. Although several cell surface antigens have been identified in CCSCs, these markers vary among tumors because of CSC heterogeneity. However, whether these markers specifically distinguish CCSCs with different functions is unclear. Here, we demonstrated that CCSCs exist in two biologically distinct phenotypes characterized by different levels of cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) expression. Overexpression of cPLA2α results in a CD44+ CD24- phenotype associated with mesenchymal traits, including increased invasive and migration abilities, whereas CCSCs with cPLA2α downregulation express CD133 and show quiescent epithelial characteristics. In addition, cPLA2α regulates the reversible transition between mesenchymal and epithelial CCSC states through PKCζ, an atypical protein kinase C, which governs cancer cell state changes and the maintenance of various embryonic stem cell characteristics, further inhibiting β-catenin-E-cadherin interaction in membrane and promoting β-catenin translocation into the nucleus to affect the transcriptional regulation of stemness signals. We propose that reversible transitions between mesenchymal and epithelial CCSC states regulated by cPLA2α are necessary for cervical cancer metastasis and recurrence. Thus, cPLA2α might be an attractive therapeutic target for eradicating different states of CCSCs to eliminate tumors more effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao He
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Manyu Xiao
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Fu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Tianjin Cancer Prevention and Treatment, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lisha Qi
- The Key Laboratory of Tianjin Cancer Prevention and Treatment, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongming Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Tianjin Cancer Prevention and Treatment, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Piao Guo
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Liwei Chen
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiting Xiao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,The Center for Translational Cancer Research, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Guo
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Liu H, Liao W, Fan L, Zheng Z, Liu D, Zhang QW, Yang A, Liu F. Ethanol extract of Ophiorrhiza pumila suppresses liver cancer cell proliferation and migration. Chin Med 2020; 15:11. [PMID: 32021647 PMCID: PMC6995237 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-0291-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ophiorrhiza pumila, belonging to the genus Ophiorrhiza (Rubiaceae), is distributed throughout tropical and subtropical Asia. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of ethanol extract of O. pumila (OPE) on HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, and explored the related mechanism. Methods OPE was prepared by percolation with 95% ethanol and its main compounds were analyzed by HPLC-MS2. The anti-proliferation effect of OPE was evaluated by the CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were detected by flow cytometry. Migration and invasion abilities were detected by Transwell migration/invasion assays. The expression of correlated proteins was determined using western blotting. Results A total of 5 tentative compounds were identified from OPE, including pumiloside, deoxypumiloside, camptothecin, aknadinine, and β-stigmasterol. OPE displayed strong cytostatic effects on HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells. OPE induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, increased apoptosis, and augmented ROS production in these cell lines. In addition, OPE possessed a significant inhibition on cell migration and invasion by reduction of MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression. Moreover, OPE significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of p65. Conclusions Our data showed that OPE suppresses liver cancer cell proliferation and migration, which is possibly involved with the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- 1Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Stomatology and Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanqin Liao
- 1Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Stomatology and Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixia Fan
- 1Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Stomatology and Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoguang Zheng
- 1Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Stomatology and Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dahai Liu
- 1Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Stomatology and Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Wen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao Sar, People's Republic of China
| | - Anping Yang
- 1Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Stomatology and Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Liu
- 1Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Stomatology and Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wang M, Yao R, Wang Y. Silencing of IL13RA2 promotes partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma via ERK signaling pathway activation. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 10:229-236. [PMID: 31823484 PMCID: PMC6996351 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lack of insight into the mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis has hindered the development of curative treatments. Overexpression of interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13RA2) has been reported to contribute to invasion and metastasis in several tumors. However, the role of IL13RA2 in HCC remains to be characterized. In this study, we identified that low expression of IL13RA2 is associated with poor survival of patients with HCC, and demonstrated that IL13RA2 knockdown endows HCC cells with invasive potential. Mechanistically, silencing of IL13RA2 promotes partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition via increasing extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in HCC. Collectively, our results suggest that IL13RA2 may have potential as a prognostic biomarker for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongrong Yao
- Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Caballero-Díaz D, Bertran E, Peñuelas-Haro I, Moreno-Càceres J, Malfettone A, López-Luque J, Addante A, Herrera B, Sánchez A, Alay A, Solé X, Serrano T, Ramos E, Fabregat I. Clathrin switches transforming growth factor-β role to pro-tumorigenic in liver cancer. J Hepatol 2020; 72:125-134. [PMID: 31562907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Upon ligand binding, tyrosine kinase receptors, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), are recruited into clathrin-coated pits for internalization by endocytosis, which is relevant for signalling and/or receptor degradation. In liver cells, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induces both pro- and anti-apoptotic signals; the latter are mediated by the EGFR pathway. Since EGFR mainly traffics via clathrin-coated vesicles, we aimed to analyse the potential role of clathrin in TGF-β-induced signalling in liver cells and its relevance in liver cancer. METHODS Real-Time PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to analyse clathrin heavy-chain expression in human (CLTC) and mice (Cltc) liver tumours. Transient knockdown (siRNA) or overexpression of CLTC were used to analyse its role on TGF-β and EGFR signalling in vitro. Bioinformatic analysis was used to determine the effect of CLTC and TGFB1 expression on prognosis and overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RESULTS Clathrin expression increased during liver tumorigenesis in humans and mice. CLTC knockdown cells responded to TGF-β phosphorylating SMADs (canonical signalling) but showed impairment in the anti-apoptotic signals (EGFR transactivation). Experiments of loss or gain of function in HCC cells reveal an essential role for clathrin in inhibiting TGF-β-induced apoptosis and upregulation of its pro-apoptotic target NOX4. Autocrine TGF-β signalling in invasive HCC cells upregulates CLTC expression, switching its role to pro-tumorigenic. A positive correlation between TGFB1 and CLTC was found in HCC cells and patients. Patients expressing high levels of TGFB1 and CLTC had a worse prognosis and lower overall survival. CONCLUSIONS This work describes a novel role for clathrin in liver tumorigenesis, favouring non-canonical pro-tumorigenic TGF-β pathways. CLTC expression in human HCC samples could help select patients that would benefit from TGF-β-targeted therapy. LAY SUMMARY Clathrin heavy-chain expression increases during liver tumorigenesis in humans (CLTC) and mice (Cltc), altering the cellular response to TGF-β in favour of anti-apoptotic/pro-tumorigenic signals. A positive correlation between TGFB1 and CLTC was found in HCC cells and patients. Patients expressing high levels of TGFB1 and CLTC had a worse prognosis and lower overall survival. CLTC expression in HCC human samples could help select patients that would benefit from therapies targeting TGF-β.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Caballero-Díaz
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Esther Bertran
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Peñuelas-Haro
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Moreno-Càceres
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Malfettone
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit López-Luque
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annalisa Addante
- Dept. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Dept. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Dept. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ania Alay
- Oncology Data Analytics Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08908, Spain
| | - Xavier Solé
- Oncology Data Analytics Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08908, Spain
| | - Teresa Serrano
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; Pathological Anatomy Service, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emilio Ramos
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Surgery, Liver Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Liu C, Han B, Xin J, Yang C. LncRNA-AWPPH activates TGF-β1 in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:4719-4725. [PMID: 31611981 PMCID: PMC6781781 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA associated with poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (lncRNA-AWPPH) is a newly discovered lncRNA that has important functions in the pathogenesis of several malignancies. However, its role in the development of colorectal adenocarcinoma is unknown. The current study therefore investigated the function of AWPPH in colorectal adenocarcinoma. A total of 86 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma and 56 healthy controls were included. Tumor tissues and adjacent healthy tissues were collected from patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma, and blood was collected from both patients and healthy controls. Expression of AWPPH in tissues and blood was detected by the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum AWPPH for colorectal adenocarcinoma. All patients were followed up for 5 years, and survival curve analysis was performed to investigate the association between serum level of AWPPH and patients' survival. The effects of AWPPH overexpression and silencing in colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines were investigated. Effects on cell proliferation and viability were detected by the cell counting kit-8 and MTT assays, respectively. Effects on transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) expression were determined by western blotting. AWPPH was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues compared with adjacent healthy tissues. AWPPH expression levels in blood increased in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma compared with healthy controls, suggesting that AWPPH may be a sensitive and accurate diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for colorectal adenocarcinoma. AWPPH overexpression in colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines promoted cell proliferation and increased cell viability, while AWPPH silencing resulted in opposite effects. AWPPH overexpression promoted and silencing inhibited TGF-β1 expression. Therefore, lncRNA-AWPPH promoted colorectal adenocarcinoma by promoting tumor growth, increasing tumor cell viability and activating the TGF-β1 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengcong Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun Xin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
López-Luque J, Bertran E, Crosas-Molist E, Maiques O, Malfettone A, Caja L, Serrano T, Ramos E, Sanz-Moreno V, Fabregat I. Downregulation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in hepatocellular carcinoma facilitates Transforming Growth Factor-β-induced epithelial to amoeboid transition. Cancer Lett 2019; 464:15-24. [PMID: 31465839 PMCID: PMC6853171 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) are key regulators of hepatocarcinogenesis. Targeting EGFR was proposed as a promising therapy; however, poor success was obtained in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) clinical trials. Here, we describe how EGFR is frequently downregulated in HCC patients while TGF-β is upregulated. Using 2D/3D cellular models, we show that after EGFR loss, TGF-β is more efficient in its pro-migratory and invasive effects, inducing epithelial to amoeboid transition. EGFR knock-down promotes loss of cell-cell and cell-to-matrix adhesion, favouring TGF-β-induced actomyosin contractility and acquisition of an amoeboid migratory phenotype. Moreover, TGF-β upregulates RHOC and CDC42 after EGFR silencing, promoting Myosin II in amoeboid cells. Importantly, low EGFR combined with high TGFB1 or RHOC/CDC42 levels confer poor patient prognosis. In conclusion, this work reveals a new tumour suppressor function for EGFR counteracting TGF-β-mediated epithelial to amoeboid transitions in HCC, supporting a rational for targeting the TGF-β pathway in patients with low EGFR expression. Our work also highlights the relevance of epithelial to amoeboid transition in human tumours and the need to better target this process in the clinic. EGFR expression is low and heterogeneous in a great percentage of HCC patients. EGFR loss in HCC cells facilitates TGF-β pro-migratory and invasive functions. EGFR silenced HCC cells respond to TGF-β inducing epithelial-amoeboid transition. TGF-β upregulates RHOC and CDC42 and actomyosin contractility in EGFR silenced cells. Low EGFR combined with high TGFB1 or RHOC/CDC42 levels confer poor HCC prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judit López-Luque
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Esther Bertran
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Eva Crosas-Molist
- Barts Cancer Institute- a Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Oscar Maiques
- Barts Cancer Institute- a Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Andrea Malfettone
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laia Caja
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Teresa Serrano
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Pathological Anatomy Service, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Emilio Ramos
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Surgery, Liver Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Victoria Sanz-Moreno
- Barts Cancer Institute- a Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Papoutsoglou P, Louis C, Coulouarn C. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGFβ) Signaling Pathway in Cholangiocarcinoma. Cells 2019; 8:cells8090960. [PMID: 31450767 PMCID: PMC6770250 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma is a deadly cancer worldwide, associated with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Although cholangiocarcinoma accounts for less than 15% of liver primary cancer, its silent nature restricts early diagnosis and prevents efficient treatment. Therefore, it is of clinical relevance to better understand the molecular basis of cholangiocarcinoma, including the signaling pathways that contribute to tumor onset and progression. In this review, we discuss the genetic, molecular, and environmental factors that promote cholangiocarcinoma, emphasizing the role of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway in the progression of this cancer. We provide an overview of the physiological functions of TGFβ signaling in preserving liver homeostasis and describe how advanced cholangiocarcinoma benefits from the tumor-promoting effects of TGFβ. Moreover, we report the importance of noncoding RNAs as effector molecules downstream of TGFβ during cholangiocarcinoma progression, and conclude by highlighting the need for identifying novel and clinically relevant biomarkers for a better management of patients with cholangiocarcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Papoutsoglou
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, Inra, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer), UMR_S 1241, 35033 Rennes, France
| | - Corentin Louis
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, Inra, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer), UMR_S 1241, 35033 Rennes, France
| | - Cédric Coulouarn
- Inserm, Univ Rennes, Inra, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer), UMR_S 1241, 35033 Rennes, France.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang L, Wang FS. Clinical immunology and immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: current progress and challenges. Hepatol Int 2019; 13:521-533. [PMID: 31352593 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-019-09967-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
At the time of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis, patients are most often at an advanced stage; however, the current treatment regimens remain unsatisfactory. Thus, novel and more powerful therapeutic approaches for advanced HCC are urgently required. Exacerbation of immunotolerant signals and/or escaping immunosurveillance leads to the development of HCC, which appears to be a rational reason to use immunotherapy to restore anticancer immunity. Several novel immunotherapeutic methods, including the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, new types of immune cell adoption [e.g., chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T), TCR gene-modified T cells and stem cells], and microRNAs have been used in clinical trials for the treatment of HCC. However, some crucial issues remain to be addressed for such novel immunotherapy techniques. Finally, immunotherapy is now standing on the threshold of great advances in the fight against HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Wang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, 100 Western 4th Ring Road, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, 100 Western 4th Ring Road, Beijing, 100039, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Almalé L, García-Álvaro M, Martínez-Palacián A, García-Bravo M, Lazcanoiturburu N, Addante A, Roncero C, Sanz J, de la O López M, Bragado P, Mikulits W, Factor VM, Thorgeirsson SS, Casal JI, Segovia JC, Rial E, Fabregat I, Herrera B, Sánchez A. c-Met Signaling Is Essential for Mouse Adult Liver Progenitor Cells Expansion After Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Regulates Cell Phenotypic Switch. Stem Cells 2019; 37:1108-1118. [PMID: 31108004 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Adult hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs)/oval cells are bipotential progenitors that participate in liver repair responses upon chronic injury. Recent findings highlight HPCs plasticity and importance of the HPCs niche signals to determine their fate during the regenerative process, favoring either fibrogenesis or damage resolution. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are among the key signals involved in liver regeneration and as component of HPCs niche regulates HPCs biology. Here, we characterize the TGF-β-triggered epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) response in oval cells, its effects on cell fate in vivo, and the regulatory effect of the HGF/c-Met signaling. Our data show that chronic treatment with TGF-β triggers a partial EMT in oval cells based on coexpression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers. The phenotypic and functional profiling indicates that TGF-β-induced EMT is not associated with stemness but rather represents a step forward along hepatic lineage. This phenotypic transition confers advantageous traits to HPCs including survival, migratory/invasive and metabolic benefit, overall enhancing the regenerative potential of oval cells upon transplantation into a carbon tetrachloride-damaged liver. We further uncover a key contribution of the HGF/c-Met pathway to modulate the TGF-β-mediated EMT response. It allows oval cells expansion after EMT by controlling oxidative stress and apoptosis, likely via Twist regulation, and it counterbalances EMT by maintaining epithelial properties. Our work provides evidence that a coordinated and balanced action of TGF-β and HGF are critical for achievement of the optimal regenerative potential of HPCs, opening new therapeutic perspectives. Stem Cells 2019;37:1108-1118.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Almalé
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - María García-Álvaro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adoración Martínez-Palacián
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - María García-Bravo
- Cell Differentiation and Cytometry Unit, Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Advanced Therapies Mixed Unit, CIEMAT/IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Lazcanoiturburu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Annalisa Addante
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cesáreo Roncero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Sanz
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - María de la O López
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Bragado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Valentina M Factor
- Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Snorri S Thorgeirsson
- Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - J Ignacio Casal
- Department of Functional Proteomics, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José-Carlos Segovia
- Cell Differentiation and Cytometry Unit, Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies Division, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Advanced Therapies Mixed Unit, CIEMAT/IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Rial
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
LXRα limits TGFβ-dependent hepatocellular carcinoma associated fibroblast differentiation. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:36. [PMID: 31097694 PMCID: PMC6522550 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0140-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is deposited in the extracellular space of diverse tissues. Resident fibroblasts respond to TGFβ and undergo myofibroblastic differentiation during tissue wound healing and cancer progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) communicate with tumor cells during cancer progression, under the guidance of TGFβ signaling. We report that agonist-activated liver X receptors (LXR) limit the expression of key components of myofibroblast differentiation, including the α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) gene in liver cancer cells. CAFs derived from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) express high αSMA and low LXRα levels, whereas hepatocarcinoma cells exhibit an inverse expression pattern. All hepatoma cells analyzed responded to the LXRα agonist T0901317 by inducing fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression. On the other hand, T0901317 antagonized TGFβ-induced fibroblastic marker responses, such as fibronectin and calponin, in a subset of hepatoma cells and all CAFs analyzed. Mechanistically, LXRα antagonized TGFβ signaling at the transcriptional level. Smad3 and LXRα were recruited to adjacent DNA motifs of the ACTA2 promoter. Upon cloning the human ACTA2 promoter, we confirmed its transcriptional induction by TGFβ stimulation, and LXRα overexpression repressed the promoter activity. Hepatosphere formation by HCC cells was enhanced upon co-culturing with CAFs. T0901317 suppressed the positive effects exerted on hepatosphere growth by CAFs. Taken together, the data suggest that LXRα agonists limit TGFβ-dependent CAF differentiation, potentially limiting primary HCC growth.
Collapse
|
50
|
Tang RZ, Gu SS, Chen XT, He LJ, Wang KP, Liu XQ. Immobilized Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 in a Stiffness-Tunable Artificial Extracellular Matrix Enhances Mechanotransduction in the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:14660-14671. [PMID: 30973698 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b03572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer progression is regulated by multiple factors of extracellular matrix (ECM). Understanding how cancer cells integrate multiple signaling pathways to achieve specific behaviors remains a challenge because of the lack of appropriate models to copresent and modulate ECM properties. Here we proposed a strategy to build a thin biomaterial matrix by poly(l-lysine) and hyaluronan as an artificial stiffness-tunable ECM. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) was used as a biochemical cue to present in an immobilized and spatially controlled manner, with a high loading efficiency of 90%. Either soft matrix with immobilized TGF-β1 (i-TGF) or bare stiff matrix could only promote HCC cells to form the epithelial phenotype, whereas stiff matrix with i-TGF was the only condition to induce the mesenchymal phenotype. Further investigation revealed that i-TGF increased the specific TGF-β1 receptor (TβRI) expression to activate PI3K pathway. i-TGF-TβRI interactions also promoted HCC cell adhesion to enlarge contact area for stiffness sensing, resulting in the raising expression of the mechano-sensor (β1 integrin). Mechanotransduction would then be enhanced by the β1 integrin/vinculin/p-FAK pathway, leading to a noble PI3K activation. Using our model, a novel mechanism was discovered to elucidate regulation of cell fates by coupling mechanotransduction and biochemical signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Li-Jie He
- Graphitene Ltd. , Flixborough , North Lincolnshire DN15 8SJ , United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|