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Cheng B, Ma X, Zhou Y, Liu J, Fei X, Pan W, Peng X, Wang W, Chen J. Recent progress in the development of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) modulators: Inhibitors, agonists, and degraders (2009-2024). Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116645. [PMID: 38959730 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) is a critical transcription factor that regulates cellular responses under hypoxic conditions. In situations of insufficient oxygen supply or patients with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) mutations, HIF-2α accumulates and forms a heterodimeric complex with aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT, or HIF-β). This complex further binds to coactivator p300 and interacts with hypoxia response elements (HREs) on the DNA of downstream target genes, regulating the transcription of a variety of genes (e.g. VEGFA, CCND1, CXCR4, SLC2A1, etc) involved in various processes like angiogenesis, mitochondrial metabolism, cell proliferation, and metastasis. Targeting HIF-2α holds great promise for effectively addressing solid tumors associated with aberrant oxygen-sensing pathways and hypoxia mechanisms, offering broad application prospects. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advancements (2009-2024) in HIF-2α modulators such as inhibitors, agonists, and degraders for cancer therapy. Additionally, we discuss in detail the challenges and future directions regarding HIF-2α modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Cheng
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, China; Central Laboratory, Wenzhou Medical University Lishui Hospital, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, 323000, China
| | - Xianshi Ma
- Yangxin County People's Hospital of Hubei Province, Yangxin, Hubei, 435200, China
| | - Yingxing Zhou
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, China
| | - Jin Liu
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, China
| | - Xiaoting Fei
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Cardiology Department, Geriatric Department, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong, 528000, China.
| | - Xiaopeng Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, China.
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Du J, Bai D, Gu C, Zhao J, Zhou C, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Lu N. Sorafenib-mediated cleavage of p62 initiates cellular senescence as a mechanism to evade its anti-hepatocellular carcinoma efficacy. Oncogene 2024:10.1038/s41388-024-03142-w. [PMID: 39232218 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03142-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as one of the most aggressively advancing and lethal malignancies. Sorafenib is presently endorsed as a primary therapy for advanced liver cancer, but its resistance presents a formidable challenge. Previous studies have implicated a connection between post-sorafenib discontinuation rebound and the development of drug resistance, yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we discerned that Sorafenib induced a senescent phenotype in HCC cells and caused a cleavage of ubiquitin-binding protein p62. Mechanistic studies establish that truncated p62 drives cellular senescence by promoting proteasome-dependent degradation of 4EBP1. Furthermore, truncated p62 induced specific ubiquitination of 4EBP1. Crucially, virtual drug screening uncovered that dacinostat inhibited cellular senescence by blocking sorafenib-induced p62 cleavage. In summary, our findings imply that truncated p62 from sorafenib cleavage promotes senescence via 4EBP1 degradation. The prevention of p62 cleavage could emerge as a crucial strategy for impeding the sorafenib-induced cellular senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Du
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongsheng Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Na Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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Chen W, Tan M, Zhang H, Gao T, Ren J, Cheng S, Chen J. Signaling molecules in the microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:146. [PMID: 39207523 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01427-7] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major fatal cancer that is known for its high recurrence and metastasis. An increasing number of studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment is closely related to the metastasis and invasion of HCC. The HCC microenvironment is a complex integrated system composed of cellular components, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and signaling molecules such as chemokines, growth factors, and cytokines, which are generally regarded as crucial molecules that regulate a series of important processes, such as the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Considering the crucial role of signaling molecules, this review aims to elucidate the regulatory effects of chemokines, growth factors, and cytokines on HCC cells in their microenvironment to provide important references for clarifying the development of HCC and exploring effective therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ming Tan
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Tingting Gao
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jihua Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Shengtao Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Juan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Cagnin S, Pontisso P, Martini A. SerpinB3: A Multifaceted Player in Health and Disease-Review and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2579. [PMID: 39061218 PMCID: PMC11274807 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16142579] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
SerpinB3, a member of the serine-protease inhibitor family, has emerged as a crucial player in various physiological and pathological processes. Initially identified as an oncogenic factor in squamous cell carcinomas, SerpinB3's intricate involvement extends from fibrosis progression and cancer to cell protection in acute oxidative stress conditions. This review explores the multifaceted roles of SerpinB3, focusing on its implications in fibrosis, metabolic syndrome, carcinogenesis and immune system impairment. Furthermore, its involvement in tissue protection from oxidative stress and wound healing underscores its potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Recent studies have described the therapeutic potential of targeting SerpinB3 through its upstream regulators, offering novel strategies for cancer treatment development. Overall, this review underscores the importance of further research to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action of SerpinB3 and to exploit its therapeutic potential across various medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35123 Padova, Italy; (S.C.); (A.M.)
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Chen Y, Yu D, Qian H, Shi Y, Tao Z. CD8 + T cell-based cancer immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:394. [PMID: 38685033 PMCID: PMC11057112 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05134-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system in humans is a defense department against both exogenous and endogenous hazards, where CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in opposing pathological threats. Various immunotherapies based on CD8+ T cells have emerged in recent decades, showing their promising results in treating intractable diseases. However, in the fight against the constantly changing and evolving cancers, the formation and function of CD8+ T cells can be challenged by tumors that might train a group of accomplices to resist the T cell killing. As cancer therapy stepped into the era of immunotherapy, understanding the physiological role of CD8+ T cells, studying the machinery of tumor immune escape, and thereby formulating different therapeutic strategies become the imperative missions for clinical and translational researchers to fulfill. After brief basics of CD8+ T cell-based biology is covered, this review delineates the mechanisms of tumor immune escape and discusses different cancer immunotherapy regimens with their own advantages and setbacks, embracing challenges and perspectives in near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Dingning Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
| | - Hui Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
- Zhenjiang Key Laboratory of High Technology Research on Exosomes Foundation and Transformation Application, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Yinghong Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
- Zhenjiang Key Laboratory of High Technology Research on Exosomes Foundation and Transformation Application, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
| | - Zhimin Tao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
- Zhenjiang Key Laboratory of High Technology Research on Exosomes Foundation and Transformation Application, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, China.
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Shafieizadeh Z, Shafieizadeh Z, Davoudi M, Afrisham R, Miao X. Role of Fibrinogen-like Protein 1 in Tumor Recurrence Following Hepatectomy. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:406-415. [PMID: 38638375 PMCID: PMC11022061 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Partial hepatectomy is a first-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Within 2 weeks following partial hepatectomy, specific molecular pathways are activated to promote liver regeneration. Nevertheless, residual microtumors may also exploit these pathways to reappear and metastasize. Therapeutically targeting molecules that are differentially regulated between normal cells and malignancies, such as fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1), appears to be an effective approach. The potential functions of FGL1 in both regenerative and malignant cells are discussed within the ambit of this review. While FGL1 is normally elevated in regenerative hepatocytes, it is normally downregulated in malignant cells. Hepatectomy does indeed upregulate FGL1 by increasing the release of transcription factors that promote FGL1, including HNF-1α and STAT3, and inflammatory effectors, such as TGF-β and IL6. This, in turn, stimulates certain proliferative pathways, including EGFR/Src/ERK. Hepatectomy alters the phase transition of highly differentiated hepatocytes from G0 to G1, thereby transforming susceptible cells into cancerous ones. Activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway by FGL1 allele loss on chromosome 8, a tumor suppressor area, may also cause hepatocellular carcinoma. Interestingly, FGL1 is specifically expressed in the liver via HNF-1α histone acetylase activity, which triggers lipid metabolic reprogramming in malignancies. FGL1 might also be involved in other carcinogenesis processes such as hypoxia, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immunosuppression, and sorafenib-mediated drug resistance. This study highlights a research gap in these disciplines and the necessity for additional research on FGL1 function in the described processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Shafieizadeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Shafieizadeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Davoudi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Afrisham
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Xiaolei Miao
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
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Soliman SHA, Iwanaszko M, Zheng B, Gold S, Howard BC, Das M, Chakrabarty RP, Chandel NS, Shilatifard A. Transcriptional elongation control of hypoxic response. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321502121. [PMID: 38564636 PMCID: PMC11009653 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321502121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The release of paused RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) from promoter-proximal regions is tightly controlled to ensure proper regulation of gene expression. The elongation factor PTEF-b is known to release paused RNAPII via phosphorylation of the RNAPII C-terminal domain by its cyclin-dependent kinase component, CDK9. However, the signal and stress-specific roles of the various RNAPII-associated macromolecular complexes containing PTEF-b/CDK9 are not yet clear. Here, we identify and characterize the CDK9 complex required for transcriptional response to hypoxia. Contrary to previous reports, our data indicate that a CDK9 complex containing BRD4 but not AFF1/4 is essential for this hypoxic stress response. We demonstrate that BRD4 bromodomains (BET) are dispensable for the release of paused RNAPII at hypoxia-activated genes and that BET inhibition by JQ1 is insufficient to impair hypoxic gene response. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the C-terminal region of BRD4 is required for Polymerase-Associated Factor-1 Complex (PAF1C) recruitment to establish an elongation-competent RNAPII complex at hypoxia-responsive genes. PAF1C disruption using a small-molecule inhibitor (iPAF1C) impairs hypoxia-induced, BRD4-mediated RNAPII release. Together, our results provide insight into potentially targetable mechanisms that control the hypoxia-responsive transcriptional elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa Hassan AbdelAziz Soliman
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
| | - Marta Iwanaszko
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
| | - Bin Zheng
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
| | - Sarah Gold
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
| | - Benjamin Charles Howard
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
| | - Madhurima Das
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
| | - Ram Prosad Chakrabarty
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
| | - Navdeep S. Chandel
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
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Ladd AD, Duarte S, Sahin I, Zarrinpar A. Mechanisms of drug resistance in HCC. Hepatology 2024; 79:926-940. [PMID: 36680397 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
HCC comprises ∼80% of primary liver cancer. HCC is the only major cancer for which death rates have not improved over the last 10 years. Most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease when surgical and locoregional treatments are not feasible or effective. Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor targeting cell growth and angiogenesis, was approved for advanced unresectable HCC in 2007. Since then, other multikinase inhibitors have been approved. Lenvatinib was found to be noninferior to sorafenib as a first-line agent. Regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab were shown to prolong survival as second-line agents. Advances in immunotherapy for HCC have also added hope for patients, but their efficacy remains limited. A large proportion of patients with advanced HCC gain no long-term benefit from systemic therapy due to primary and acquired drug resistance, which, combined with its rising incidence, keeps HCC a highly fatal disease. This review summarizes mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to therapy and includes methods for bypassing resistance. It addresses recent advancements in immunotherapy, provides new perspectives on the linkage between drug resistance and molecular etiology of HCC, and evaluates the role of the microbiome in drug resistance. It also discusses alterations in signaling pathways, dysregulation of apoptosis, modulations in the tumor microenvironment, involvement of cancer stem cells, changes in drug metabolism/transport, tumor hypoxia, DNA repair, and the role of microRNAs in drug resistance. Understanding the interplay among these factors will provide guidance on the development of new therapeutic strategies capable of improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D Ladd
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sergio Duarte
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ilyas Sahin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ali Zarrinpar
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Lin J, Guo H, Qin H, Zhang X, Sheng J. Integration of meta-analysis and network pharmacology analysis to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1374988. [PMID: 38560356 PMCID: PMC10978761 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1374988] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: This study will explore the therapeutic value of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) through meta-analysis, combined with network pharmacology analysis. Methods: The results of randomized controlled trials on TCM and HCC were retrieved and summarized from multiple databases. The effective active com-pounds and target genes of the high-frequency TCM were obtained using the TCMSP database, and disease targets of HCC were acquired through the public disease database. The network pharmacology analysis was used to get the core genes and investigate the potential oncogenic molecular mechanism. Results: A total of 14 meta-analysis studies with 1,831 patients suggested that therapy combined TCM is associated with better clinical efficacy and survival prognosis, as well as avoiding many adverse events. A total of 156 compounds, 247 herbal target genes and 36 core genes were identified. The function analysis suggested above genes may participate development in HCC through regulating some pathways, such as HIF-1 pathway and PD-L1 immune-related pathway. Conclusion: TCM, as a novel, safe, and effective multi-mechanism therapy, holds greater value in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Huaijuan Guo
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hanjiao Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xuewen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jiyao Sheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Zhang S, Jia X, Dai H, Zhu X, Song W, Bian S, Wu H, Chen S, Tang Y, Chen J, Jin C, Zhou M, Xie H, Zheng S, Song P. SERPINE2 promotes liver cancer metastasis by inhibiting c-Cbl-mediated EGFR ubiquitination and degradation. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:384-407. [PMID: 38407942 PMCID: PMC10958675 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12527] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is a malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates. Serpin family E member 2 (SERPINE2) has been reported to play a key role in the metastasis of many tumors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of SERPINE2 in liver cancer metastasis. METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA), including DNA methylation and transcriptome sequencing data, was utilized to identify the crucial oncogene associated with DNA methylation and cancer progression in liver cancer. Data from the TCGA and RNA sequencing for 94 pairs of liver cancer tissues were used to explore the correlation between SERPINE2 expression and clinical parameters of patients. DNA methylation sequencing was used to detect the DNA methylation levels in liver cancer tissues and cells. RNA sequencing, cytokine assays, immunoprecipitation (IP) and mass spectrometry (MS) assays, protein stability assays, and ubiquitination assays were performed to explore the regulatory mechanism of SERPINE2 in liver cancer metastasis. Patient-derived xenografts and tumor organoid models were established to determine the role of SERPINE2 in the treatment of liver cancer using sorafenib. RESULTS Based on the public database screening, SERPINE2 was identified as a tumor promoter regulated by DNA methylation. SERPINE2 expression was significantly higher in liver cancer tissues and was associated with the dismal prognosis in patients with liver cancer. SERPINE2 promoted liver cancer metastasis by enhancing cell pseudopodia formation, cell adhesion, cancer-associated fibroblast activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis. IP/MS assays confirmed that SERPINE2 activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream signaling pathways by interacting with EGFR. Mechanistically, SERPINE2 inhibited EGFR ubiquitination and maintained its protein stability by competing with the E3 ubiquitin ligase, c-Cbl. Additionally, EGFR was activated in liver cancer cells after sorafenib treatment, and SERPINE2 knockdown-induced EGFR downregulation significantly enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib against liver cancer. Furthermore, we found that SERPINE2 knockdown also had a sensitizing effect on lenvatinib treatment. CONCLUSIONS SERPINE2 promoted liver cancer metastasis by preventing EGFR degradation via c-Cbl-mediated ubiquitination, suggesting that inhibition of the SERPINE2-EGFR axis may be a potential target for liver cancer treatment.
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Meo C, de Nigris F. Clinical Potential of YY1-Hypoxia Axis for Vascular Normalization and to Improve Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:491. [PMID: 38339244 PMCID: PMC10854702 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030491] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal vasculature in solid tumors causes poor blood perfusion, hypoxia, low pH, and immune evasion. It also shapes the tumor microenvironment and affects response to immunotherapy. The combination of antiangiogenic therapy and immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to normalize vasculature and unlock the full potential of immunotherapy. However, the unpredictable and redundant mechanisms of vascularization and immune suppression triggered by tumor-specific hypoxic microenvironments indicate that such combination therapies need to be further evaluated to improve patient outcomes. Here, we provide an overview of the interplay between tumor angiogenesis and immune modulation and review the function and mechanism of the YY1-HIF axis that regulates the vascular and immune tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of targeting YY1 and other strategies, such as nanocarrier delivery systems and engineered immune cells (CAR-T), to normalize tumor vascularization and re-establish an immune-permissive microenvironment to enhance the efficacy of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Filomena de Nigris
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
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Han JE, Kim J, Cheong JY, Kim SS, Lim SG, Yang MJ, Noh CK, Lee GH, Eun JW, Park B, Cho HJ. The Impact of Statins on the Survival of Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Sorafenib or Lenvatinib. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:249. [PMID: 38254739 PMCID: PMC10813381 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020249] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the survival benefits of coadministering statins and multityrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in Korea (2010-2020) were utilized. Statin use (≥28 cumulative defined daily doses) was analyzed, with 1534 statin users matched to 6136 non-users (1:4 ratio) using propensity scores. Primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Statin use significantly improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.82, p < 0.001) and PFS (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.74-0.84, p < 0.001). Continuous or post-TKI statin users had better OS, while discontinuation after TKI use led to poorer OS. Both lipophilic and hydrophilic statins improved OS and PFS, particularly with ≥730 cumulative defined daily doses. In conclusion, combining statins and TKIs in patients with advanced HCC yielded significant survival benefits, influenced by statin dosage and duration. Continuous statin administration post-TKI treatment is crucial for improving outcomes in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Eun Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Jisu Kim
- Office of Biostatistics, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (B.P.)
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Soon Sun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Sun Gyo Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Min Jae Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Choong-Kyun Noh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Gil Ho Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Jung Woo Eun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Bumhee Park
- Office of Biostatistics, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (B.P.)
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Cho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
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13
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Chen S, Du Y, Guan XY, Yan Q. The current status of tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells in sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1204513. [PMID: 37576900 PMCID: PMC10412930 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1204513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous and aggressive liver cancer that presents limited treatment options. Despite being the standard therapy for advanced HCC, sorafenib frequently encounters resistance, emphasizing the need to uncover the underlying mechanisms and develop effective treatments. This comprehensive review highlights the crucial interplay between the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the context of sorafenib resistance. The tumor microenvironment, encompassing hypoxia, immune cells, stromal cells, and exosomes, exerts a significant impact on HCC progression and therapy response. Hypoxic conditions and immune cell infiltration create an immunosuppressive milieu, shielding tumor cells from immune surveillance and hindering therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the presence of CSCs emerges as a prominent contributor to sorafenib resistance, with CD133+ CSCs implicated in drug resistance and tumor initiation. Moreover, CSCs undergo EMT, a process intimately linked to tumor progression, CSC activation, and further promotion of sorafenib resistance, metastasis, and tumor-initiating capacity. Elucidating the correlation between the tumor microenvironment, CSCs, and sorafenib resistance holds paramount importance in the quest to develop reliable biomarkers capable of predicting therapeutic response. Novel therapeutic strategies must consider the influence of the tumor microenvironment and CSC activation to effectively overcome sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqing Du
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qian Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Kao TW, Bai GH, Wang TL, Shih IM, Chuang CM, Lo CL, Tsai MC, Chiu LY, Lin CC, Shen YA. Novel cancer treatment paradigm targeting hypoxia-induced factor in conjunction with current therapies to overcome resistance. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:171. [PMID: 37460927 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02724-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are established cancer treatment modalities that are widely used due to their demonstrated efficacy against tumors and favorable safety profiles or tolerability. Nevertheless, treatment resistance continues to be one of the most pressing unsolved conundrums in cancer treatment. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are a family of transcription factors that regulate cellular responses to hypoxia by activating genes involved in various adaptations, including erythropoiesis, glucose metabolism, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Despite this critical function, overexpression of HIFs has been observed in numerous cancers, leading to resistance to therapy and disease progression. In recent years, much effort has been poured into developing innovative cancer treatments that target the HIF pathway. Combining HIF inhibitors with current cancer therapies to increase anti-tumor activity and diminish treatment resistance is one strategy for combating therapeutic resistance. This review focuses on how HIF inhibitors could be applied in conjunction with current cancer treatments, including those now being evaluated in clinical trials, to usher in a new era of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Wan Kao
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan
| | - Geng-Hao Bai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, 100225, Taiwan
| | - Tian-Li Wang
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans StreetRoom 306, Baltimore, MD, CRB221231, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ie-Ming Shih
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans StreetRoom 306, Baltimore, MD, CRB221231, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chi-Mu Chuang
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112201, Taiwan
- Department of Midwifery and Women Health Care, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, 112303, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Liang Lo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
- Medical Device Innovation and Translation Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Chen Tsai
- Department of General Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yun Chiu
- Department of General Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 104217, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Chien Lin
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yao-An Shen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan.
- International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan.
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15
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Guerra P, Martini A, Pontisso P, Angeli P. Novel Molecular Targets for Immune Surveillance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3629. [PMID: 37509293 PMCID: PMC10377787 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and aggressive cancer with a high mortality rate. The incidence of HCC is increasing worldwide, and the lack of effective screening programs often results in delayed diagnosis, making it a challenging disease to manage. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for different kinds of cancers, with the potential to stimulate the immune system to target cancer cells. However, the current immunotherapeutic approaches for HCC have shown limited efficacy. Since HCC arises within a complex tumour microenvironment (TME) characterized by the presence of various immune and stromal cell types, the understanding of this interaction is crucial for the identification of effective therapy. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the TME of HCC and the immune cells involved in anti-tumour responses, including the identification of new possible targets for immunotherapy. We illustrate a possible classification of HCC based on the tumour immune infiltration and give evidence about the role of SerpinB3, a serine protease inhibitor involved in the regulation of the immune response in different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Guerra
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology (UIMH), Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Martini
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology (UIMH), Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology (UIMH), Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology (UIMH), Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
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16
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Hsu TW, Su YH, Chen HA, Liao PH, Shen SC, Tsai KY, Wang TH, Chen A, Huang CY, Shibu MA, Wang WY, Shen SC. Galectin-1-mediated MET/AXL signaling enhances sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma by escaping ferroptosis. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:6503-6525. [PMID: 37433225 PMCID: PMC10373977 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib, a small-molecule inhibitor targeting several tyrosine kinase pathways, is the standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, not all patients with HCC respond well to sorafenib, and 30% of patients develop resistance to sorafenib after short-term treatment. Galectin-1 modulates cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and plays a crucial role in HCC progression. However, whether Galectin-1 regulates receptor tyrosine kinases by sensitizing HCC to sorafenib remains unclear. Herein, we established a sorafenib-resistant HCC cell line (Huh-7/SR) and determined that Galectin-1 expression was significantly higher in Huh-7/SR cells than in parent cells. Galectin-1 knockdown reduced sorafenib resistance in Huh-7/SR cells, whereas Galectin-1 overexpression in Huh-7 cells increased sorafenib resistance. Galectin-1 regulated ferroptosis by inhibiting excessive lipid peroxidation, protecting sorafenib-resistant HCC cells from sorafenib-mediated ferroptosis. Galectin-1 expression was positively correlated with poor prognostic outcomes for HCC patients. Galectin-1 overexpression promoted the phosphorylation of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) and MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (MET) signaling, which increased sorafenib resistance. MET and AXL were highly expressed in patients with HCC, and AXL expression was positively correlated with Galectin-1 expression. These findings indicate that Galectin-1 regulates sorafenib resistance in HCC cells through AXL and MET signaling. Consequently, Galectin-1 is a promising therapeutic target for reducing sorafenib resistance and sorafenib-mediated ferroptosis in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Wei Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hao Su
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Digestive Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-An Chen
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Digestive Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hsiang Liao
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Shih Chiang Shen
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Digestive Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Metabolic and Weight Management Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Yen Tsai
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Wang
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Alvin Chen
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Related Disease Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
- Center of General Education, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | | | - Wan-Yu Wang
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Shing-Chuan Shen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- International Master/PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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17
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Saber S, Hasan AM, Mohammed OA, Saleh LA, Hashish AA, Alamri MMS, Al-Ameer AY, Alfaifi J, Senbel A, Aboregela AM, Khalid TBA, Abdel-Reheim MA, Cavalu S. Ganetespib (STA-9090) augments sorafenib efficacy via necroptosis induction in hepatocellular carcinoma: Implications from preclinical data for a novel therapeutic approach. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114918. [PMID: 37216705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, is a first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, but its long-term effectiveness is limited by the emergence of resistance mechanisms. One such mechanism is the reduction of microvessel density and intratumoral hypoxia caused by prolonged sorafenib treatment. Our research has demonstrated that HSP90 plays a critical role in conferring resistance to sorafenib in HepG2 cells under hypoxic conditions and N-Nitrosodiethylamine-exposed mice as well. This occurs through the inhibition of necroptosis on the one hand and the stabilization of HIF-1α on the other hand. To augment the effects of sorafenib, we investigated the use of ganetespib, an HSP90 inhibitor. We found that ganetespib activated necroptosis and destabilized HIF-1α under hypoxia, thus enhancing the effectiveness of sorafenib. Additionally, we discovered that LAMP2 aids in the degradation of MLKL, which is the mediator of necroptosis, through the chaperone-mediated autophagy pathway. Interestingly, we observed a significant negative correlation between LAMP2 and MLKL. These effects resulted in a reduction in the number of surface nodules and liver index, indicating a regression in tumor production rates in mice with HCC. Furthermore, AFP levels decreased. Combining ganetespib with sorafenib showed a synergistic cytotoxic effect and resulted in the accumulation of p62 and inhibition of macroautophagy. These findings suggest that the combined therapy of ganetespib and sorafenib may offer a promising approach for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating necroptosis, inhibiting macroautophagy, and exhibiting a potential antiangiogenic effect. Overall, continued research is critical to establish the full therapeutic potential of this combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt.
| | - Alexandru Madalin Hasan
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania.
| | - Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lobna A Saleh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
| | - Abdullah A Hashish
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia; Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmed Y Al-Ameer
- Department of General Surgery, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaber Alfaifi
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Senbel
- Department of General Surgery, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia; Department of Surgical Oncology, Oncology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516 Egypt
| | | | | | - Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim
- Department of Pharmaceutical sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Aldawadmi 11961, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt.
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania
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18
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Zhou L, Mao LH, Li X, Wang QL, Chen SY, Chen ZJ, Lei J, Liu HT, Liao SQ, Ran T, Li XQ, Zhou ZH, He S. Transcriptional regulation of NDUFA4L2 by NFIB induces sorafenib resistance by decreasing reactive oxygen species in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:793-805. [PMID: 36369883 PMCID: PMC9986074 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is one a first-line therapeutic drugs for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, only 30% of patients benefit from sorafenib due to drug resistance. We and other groups have revealed that nuclear factor I B (NFIB) regulates liver regeneration and carcinogenesis, but its role in drug resistance is poorly known. We found that NFIB was more upregulated in sorafenib-resistant SMMC-7721 cells compared to parental cells. NFIB knockdown not only sensitized drug-resistant cells to sorafenib but also inhibited the proliferation and invasion of these cells. Meanwhile, NFIB promoted the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and facilitated tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Knocking down NFIB synergetically inhibited tumor growth with sorafenib. Mechanically, gene expression profiling and subsequent verification experiments proved that NFIB could bind with the promoter region of a complex I inhibitor NDUFA4L2 and promote its transcription. Transcriptional upregulation of NDUFA4L2 by NFIB could thus inhibit the sorafenib-induced reactive oxygen species accumulation. Finally, we found that NFIB was highly expressed in HCC tissues, and high NFIB expression level was associated with macrovascular invasion, advanced tumor stage, and poor prognosis of HCC patients (n = 156). In summary, we demonstrated that NFIB could transcriptionally upregulate NDUFA4L2 to enhance both intrinsic and acquired sorafenib resistance of HCC cells by reducing reactive oxygen species induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin-Hong Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Sichuan, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing-Liang Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Si-Yuan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi-Ji Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Tao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Si-Qi Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Ran
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi-Hang Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Song He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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19
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Chen Z, Han F, Du Y, Shi H, Zhou W. Hypoxic microenvironment in cancer: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:70. [PMID: 36797231 PMCID: PMC9935926 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01332-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Having a hypoxic microenvironment is a common and salient feature of most solid tumors. Hypoxia has a profound effect on the biological behavior and malignant phenotype of cancer cells, mediates the effects of cancer chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy through complex mechanisms, and is closely associated with poor prognosis in various cancer patients. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that through normalization of the tumor vasculature, nanoparticle carriers and biocarriers can effectively increase the oxygen concentration in the tumor microenvironment, improve drug delivery and the efficacy of radiotherapy. They also increase infiltration of innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune cells to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. Furthermore, drugs targeting key genes associated with hypoxia, including hypoxia tracers, hypoxia-activated prodrugs, and drugs targeting hypoxia-inducible factors and downstream targets, can be used for visualization and quantitative analysis of tumor hypoxia and antitumor activity. However, the relationship between hypoxia and cancer is an area of research that requires further exploration. Here, we investigated the potential factors in the development of hypoxia in cancer, changes in signaling pathways that occur in cancer cells to adapt to hypoxic environments, the mechanisms of hypoxia-induced cancer immune tolerance, chemotherapeutic tolerance, and enhanced radiation tolerance, as well as the insights and applications of hypoxia in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Fangfang Han
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yan Du
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Huaqing Shi
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wence Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China. .,Lanzhou University Sencond Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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20
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Oura K, Morishita A, Hamaya S, Fujita K, Masaki T. The Roles of Epigenetic Regulation and the Tumor Microenvironment in the Mechanism of Resistance to Systemic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2805. [PMID: 36769116 PMCID: PMC9917861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major histologic type with a poor prognosis owing to the difficulty in early detection, the chemotherapy resistance, and the high recurrence rate of the disease. Despite recent advancements in HCC prevention and diagnosis, over 50% of patients are diagnosed at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage B or C. Systemic therapies are recommended for unresectable HCC (uHCC) with major vascular invasion, extrahepatic metastases, or intrahepatic lesions that have a limited response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, but the treatment outcome tends to be unsatisfactory due to acquired drug resistance. Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the resistance to systemic therapies and the appropriate response strategies to solve this issue will contribute to improved outcomes in the multidisciplinary treatment of uHCC. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the mechanisms of resistance to drugs such as sorafenib, regorafenib, and lenvatinib in molecularly targeted therapy, with a focus on epigenetic regulation and the tumor microenvironment and outline the approaches to improve the therapeutic outcome for patients with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Oura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
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21
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Cannito S, Dianzani U, Parola M, Albano E, Sutti S. Inflammatory processes involved in NASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20221271. [PMID: 36691794 PMCID: PMC9874450 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20221271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In the recent years nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a growing cause of HCCs and the incidence of NAFLD-related HCCs is expected to further dramatically increase by the next decade. Chronic inflammation is regarded as the driving force of NAFLD progression and a key factor in hepatic carcinogenesis. Hepatic inflammation in NAFLD results from the persistent stimulation of innate immunity in response to hepatocellular injury and gut dysbiosis as well as by the activation of adaptive immunity. However, the relative roles of innate and adaptive immunity in the processes leading to HCC are still incompletely characterized. This is due to the complex interplay between different liver cell populations, which is also strongly influenced by gut-derived bacterial products, metabolic/nutritional signals. Furthermore, carcinogenic mechanisms in NAFLD/NASH appear to involve the activation of signals mediated by hypoxia inducible factors. This review discusses recent data regarding the contribution of different inflammatory cells to NAFLD-related HCC and their possible impact on patient response to current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Cannito
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Umberto Dianzani
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Maurizio Parola
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuele Albano
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Sutti
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
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22
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Motzer RJ, Schmidinger M, Eto M, Suarez C, Figlin R, Liu Y, Perini R, Zhang Y, Heng DY. LITESPARK-011: belzutifan plus lenvatinib vs cabozantinib in advanced renal cell carcinoma after anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Future Oncol 2023; 19:113-121. [PMID: 36752726 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The first-in-class, small molecule HIF-2α inhibitor, belzutifan, has demonstrated promising antitumor activity in previously treated patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). HIF-2α also regulates VEGF expression and is involved in resistance to anti-VEGF therapy. This study describes the rationale and design for a randomized, phase III study evaluating efficacy and safety of belzutifan plus the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) lenvatinib versus the TKI cabozantinib in patients with advanced RCC progressing after anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in the first- or second-line setting or as adjuvant therapy. Considering the unmet need for effective and tolerable treatment of advanced RCC following immune checkpoint inhibitors, belzutifan plus lenvatinib may have a positive benefit/risk profile. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04586231 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Motzer
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Masatoshi Eto
- Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Cristina Suarez
- Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, 08035, Spain
| | - Robert Figlin
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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23
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Delcuratolo MD, Tucci M, Turco F, Di Stefano RF, Ungaro A, Audisio M, Samuelly A, Brusa F, Audisio A, Di Maio M, Scagliotti GV, Buttigliero C. Therapeutic sequencing in advanced renal cell carcinoma: How to choose considering clinical and biological factors. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 181:103881. [PMID: 36427772 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last fifteen years a better understanding of the biological processes promoting tumour growth and progression led to an impressive revolution in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treatment landscape. Angiogenesis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of RCC. These biological evidences led to targeted therapies interfering with vascular endothelial growth factor and mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. Another big step in the RCC therapeutic landscape was recently made because of the understanding of the interplay between angiogenesis and immune cells. Dual immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and ICIs plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) combinations have been approved considering overall survival benefit compared to targeted therapies as first line treatment. We summarize the activity and the biological rationale of ICIs combinations as mRCC first line therapy. Additionally, we review the clinical and biological criteria useful to guide clinicians in the choice of treatment sequencing focusing on ICIs combinations resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Donatello Delcuratolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
| | - Marcello Tucci
- Medical Oncology Department, Cardinal Massaia Hospital, Asti 14100, Italy.
| | - Fabio Turco
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
| | - Rosario Francesco Di Stefano
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
| | - Antonio Ungaro
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
| | - Marco Audisio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
| | - Alessandro Samuelly
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
| | - Federica Brusa
- Medical Oncology Department, Cardinal Massaia Hospital, Asti 14100, Italy
| | - Alessandro Audisio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Maio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, Via Magellano 1, Turin 10028, Italy
| | - Giorgio Vittorio Scagliotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
| | - Consuelo Buttigliero
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Division of Medical Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
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24
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Zhang J, Hu Z, Horta CA, Yang J. Regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by tumor microenvironmental signals and its implication in cancer therapeutics. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:46-66. [PMID: 36521737 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in various aspects of tumor development, including tumor invasion and metastasis, cancer stemness, and therapy resistance. Diverse stroma cell types along with biochemical and biophysical factors in the tumor microenvironment impinge on the EMT program to impact tumor progression. Here we provide an in-depth review of various tumor microenvironmental signals that regulate EMT in cancer. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of EMT in therapy resistance and highlight new therapeutic approaches targeting the tumor microenvironment to impact EMT and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhimin Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Calista A Horta
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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25
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HDAC6 promotes aggressive development of liver cancer by improving egfr mRNA stability. Neoplasia 2022; 35:100845. [PMID: 36334332 PMCID: PMC9640351 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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26
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Ivan M, Fishel ML, Tudoran OM, Pollok KE, Wu X, Smith PJ. Hypoxia signaling: Challenges and opportunities for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 85:185-195. [PMID: 34628029 PMCID: PMC8986888 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is arguably the first recognized cancer microenvironment hallmark and affects virtually all cellular populations present in tumors. During the past decades the complex adaptive cellular responses to oxygen deprivation have been largely elucidated, raising hope for new anti cancer agents. Despite undeniable preclinical progress, therapeutic targeting of tumor hypoxia is yet to transition from bench to bedside. This review focuses on new pharmacological agents that exploit tumor hypoxia or interfere with hypoxia signaling and discusses strategies to maximize their therapeutic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mircea Ivan
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Melissa L Fishel
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Oana M Tudoran
- The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta", Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - Karen E Pollok
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xue Wu
- Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Paul J Smith
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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27
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Investigation of Anti-Liver Cancer Activity of the Herbal Drug FDY003 Using Network Pharmacology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5765233. [PMID: 36118098 PMCID: PMC9481369 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5765233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Globally, liver cancer (LC) is the sixth-most frequently occurring and the second-most fatal malignancy, responsible for 0.83 million deaths annually. Although the application of herbal drugs in cancer therapies has increased, their anti-LC activity and relevant mechanisms have not been fully studied from a systems perspective. To address these issues, we conducted a system-perspective network pharmacological investigation into the activity and mechanisms underlying the action of the herbal drug. FDY003 reduced the viability of human LC treatment. FDY003 reduced the viability of human LC cells and elevated their chemosensitivity. There were a total of 16 potential bioactive chemical components in FDY003 and they had 91 corresponding targets responsible for the pathological processes in LC. These FDY003 targets were functionally involved in regulating the survival, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of LC cells. Additionally, we found that FDY003 may target key signaling cascades connected to diverse LC pathological mechanisms, namely, PI3K-Akt, focal adhesion, IL-17, FoxO, MAPK, and TNF pathways. Overall, this study contributed to integrative mechanistic insights into the anti-LC potential of FDY003.
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28
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Luo J, Li L, Zhu Z, Chang B, Deng F, Wang D, Lu X, Zuo D, Chen Q, Zhou J. Fucoidan inhibits EGFR redistribution and potentiates sorafenib to overcome sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113602. [PMID: 36029544 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although sorafenib is a standard first-line molecule-targeted drug against advanced HCC, the drug resistance development and adverse side effects usually limit its efficacy. This study investigated the effect of fucoidan on the sorafenib sensitivity of sorafenib-resistant human HCC cell line HepG2-SR established by long-time exposure of HepG2 to sorafenib. We demonstrated fucoidan combined with sorafenib synergistically promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest whereas inhibited cell migration in HepG2-SR cells. This combination treatment effectively suppressed the cellular epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) nuclear distribution and downstream gene transcription. Interestingly, fucoidan bound the cell surface EGFR, dampening EGFR translocation to lipid raft and further nuclear distribution, restoring the sorafenib sensitivity in HepG2-SR cells. Blocking fucoidan-EGFR interaction using EGFR antibody restrained the enhanced anti-tumor effects upon the combined administration. Besides, EGFR knockdown abolished the combination treatment-improved anti-tumor efficacy. This combination also suppressed in vivo xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. Our present study uncovered that fucoidan overcame sorafenib resistance in HCC via its interaction with cell membrane EGFR and further suppression of EGFR redistribution and downstream signaling in sorafenib-resistant cells. Overall, current results suggest that simultaneous treatment of fucoidan and sorafenib might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy against sorafenib-resistant HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialiang Luo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhengyumeng Zhu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Bo Chang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Fan Deng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Daming Zuo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Qingyun Chen
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Proteomics of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
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29
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Tian X, Yan T, Liu F, Liu Q, Zhao J, Xiong H, Jiang S. Link of sorafenib resistance with the tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: Mechanistic insights. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:991052. [PMID: 36071839 PMCID: PMC9441942 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.991052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic properties, is the first-line treatment for patients with late-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the therapeutic effect remains limited due to sorafenib resistance. Only about 30% of HCC patients respond well to the treatment, and the resistance almost inevitably happens within 6 months. Thus, it is critical to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and identify effective approaches to improve the therapeutic outcome. According to recent studies, tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune escape play critical roles in tumor occurrence, metastasis and anti-cancer drug resistance. The relevant mechanisms were focusing on hypoxia, tumor-associated immune-suppressive cells, and immunosuppressive molecules. In this review, we focus on sorafenib resistance and its relationship with liver cancer immune microenvironment, highlighting the importance of breaking sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchen Tian
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tinghao Yan
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qingbin Liu
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Basic Medical School, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Huabao Xiong, ; Shulong Jiang,
| | - Shulong Jiang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Huabao Xiong, ; Shulong Jiang,
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30
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Hou J, He Z, Liu T, Chen D, Wang B, Wen Q, Zheng X. Evolution of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms of Drug Resistance and Novel Opportunities Identified by CRISPR-Cas9 Screening. Front Oncol 2022; 12:755053. [PMID: 35372044 PMCID: PMC8970599 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.755053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapy has revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment due to better therapeutic responses and less systemic toxicity. However, therapeutic resistance is a major challenge in clinical settings that hinders continuous clinical benefits for cancer patients. In this regard, unraveling the mechanisms of drug resistance may identify new druggable genetic alterations for molecularly targeted therapies, thus contributing to improved therapeutic efficacies. The recent rapid development of novel methodologies including CRISPR-Cas9 screening technology and patient-derived models provides powerful tools to dissect the underlying mechanisms of resistance to targeted cancer therapies. In this review, we updated therapeutic targets undergoing preclinical and clinical evaluation for various cancer types. More importantly, we provided comprehensive elaboration of high throughput CRISPR-Cas9 screening in deciphering potential mechanisms of unresponsiveness to molecularly targeted therapies, which will shed light on the discovery of novel opportunities for designing next-generation anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Hou
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zongsheng He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Tian Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Dongfeng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xi Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
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31
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Chang YS, Su CW, Chen SC, Chen YY, Liang YJ, Wu JC. Upregulation of USP22 and ABCC1 during Sorafenib Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Contribute to Development of Resistance. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040634. [PMID: 35203285 PMCID: PMC8870465 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is a small molecule that blocks tumor proliferation by targeting the activity of multi-kinases for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increasing sorafenib resistance following long-term treatment is frequently encountered. Mechanisms underlying sorafenib resistance remain not completely clear. To further understand the mechanism of sorafenib resistance in HCC, we established sorafenib-resistant cell lines by slowly increasing sorafenib concentration in cell culture medium. Upregulation of USP22 and ABCC1 were found in Sorafenib-resistant cells. Sorafenib-resistant cells treated with USP22 siRNA showed significant reduction in endogenous mRNA and protein levels of ABCC1. During sorafenib treatment, upregulation of USP22 increases ABCC1 expression and subsequently contributes to sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a positive correlation between USP22 and ABCC1 expression in tissue samples from sorafenib-resistant patients (Pearson’s correlation = 0.59, p = 0.03). Our findings indicate that upregulation of USP22 and ABCC1 expression during treatment contribute to sorafenib resistance in HCC cells and that USP22 has strong potential as a therapeutic target for overcoming sorafenib resistance in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Sheng Chang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (Y.-S.C.); (S.-C.C.)
| | - Chien-Wei Su
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan;
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - San-Chi Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (Y.-S.C.); (S.-C.C.)
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan;
- Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ying Chen
- Department of Pathology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
| | - Yuh-Jin Liang
- Medical Research Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
| | - Jaw-Ching Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (Y.-S.C.); (S.-C.C.)
- Medical Research Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- Cancer Progression Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-28712121 (ext. 3218)
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32
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Foglia B, Sutti S, Cannito S, Rosso C, Maggiora M, Autelli R, Novo E, Bocca C, Villano G, Ramavath NN, Younes R, Tusa I, Rovida E, Pontisso P, Bugianesi E, Albano E, Parola M. Hepatocyte-Specific Deletion of HIF2α Prevents NASH-Related Liver Carcinogenesis by Decreasing Cancer Cell Proliferation. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:459-482. [PMID: 34655812 PMCID: PMC8688724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are involved in chronic liver disease progression. We previously showed that hepatocyte HIF-2α activation contributed significantly to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progression in experimental animals and human patients. In this study, using an appropriate genetic murine model, we mechanistically investigated the involvement of hepatocyte HIF-2α in experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related carcinogenesis. METHODS The role of HIF-2α was investigated by morphologic, cellular, and molecular biology approaches in the following: (1) mice carrying hepatocyte-specific deletion of HIF-2α (HIF-2α-/- mice) undergoing a NASH-related protocol of hepatocarcinogenesis; (2) HepG2 cells stably transfected to overexpress HIF-2α; and (3) liver specimens from NASH patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS Mice carrying hepatocyte-specific deletion of HIF-2α (hHIF-2α-/-) showed a significant decrease in the volume and number of liver tumors compared with wild-type littermates. These effects did not involve HIF-1α changes and were associated with a decrease of cell proliferation markers proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki67. In both human and rodent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related tumors, HIF-2α levels were strictly associated with hepatocyte production of SerpinB3, a mediator previously shown to stimulate liver cancer cell proliferation through the Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP)/c-Myc pathway. Consistently, we observed positive correlations between the transcripts of HIF-2α, YAP, and c-Myc in individual hepatocellular carcinoma tumor masses, while HIF-2α deletion down-modulated c-Myc and YAP expression without affecting extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and AKT-dependent signaling. In vitro data confirmed that HIF-2α overexpression induced HepG2 cell proliferation through YAP-mediated mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the activation of HIF-2α in hepatocytes has a critical role in liver carcinogenesis during NASH progression, suggesting that HIF-2α-blocking agents may serve as novel putative therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Foglia
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Salvatore Sutti
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University Amedeo Avogadro of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Stefania Cannito
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Rosso
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy; Division of Gastroenterology, San Giovanni Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Marina Maggiora
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Riccardo Autelli
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Erica Novo
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Claudia Bocca
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | | | - Naresh Naik Ramavath
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University Amedeo Avogadro of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Ramy Younes
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy; Division of Gastroenterology, San Giovanni Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Ignazia Tusa
- Unit of Experimental Oncology and Pathology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Unit of Experimental Oncology and Pathology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Bugianesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy; Division of Gastroenterology, San Giovanni Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Emanuele Albano
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University Amedeo Avogadro of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Maurizio Parola
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy.
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Yin R, Liu S. SHARPIN regulates the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by promoting von Hippel-Lindau protein ubiquitination and degradation. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:4100-4111. [PMID: 34339558 PMCID: PMC8486188 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SHANK-associated RH domain interacting protein (SHARPIN) plays an important role in carcinogenesis, as well as inflammation and immunity. Our study explored the effects and underlying mechanisms of SHARPIN in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). By analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we found that upregulated SHARPIN in patients with ccRCC led to a poor prognosis. Semiquantitative immunohistochemical analysis of clinical samples was carried out and the results suggested the positive association between SHARPIN and hypoxia-induced factor-2α (HIF-2α). Von Hippel-Lindau protein (pVHL) is a tumor suppressor that contributes to degrading HIF-2α. Mechanically, SHARPIN promoted the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of pVHL, resulting in the sustained activation of HIF-2α. The α and β domains of pVHL and ubiquitin-like domain of SHARPIN are required for the interaction. The knockdown of SHARPIN effectively inhibited acquired sorafenib resistance in ccRCC cell lines and tumor growth in xenograft models. In conclusion, our work reveals a novel posttranslational regulation of SHARPIN on pVHL, indicating that SHARPIN could be a potential target for ccRCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rusha Yin
- Department of UrologyShandong Provincial HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of UrologyShandong Provincial HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Department of UrologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
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34
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Hirao A, Sato Y, Tanaka H, Nishida K, Tomonari T, Hirata M, Bando M, Kida Y, Tanaka T, Kawaguchi T, Wada H, Taniguchi T, Okamoto K, Miyamoto H, Muguruma N, Tanahashi T, Takayama T. MiR-125b-5p Is Involved in Sorafenib Resistance through Ataxin-1-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194917. [PMID: 34638401 PMCID: PMC8508441 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We analyzed miRNA expression profiles in sorafenib-resistant HCC cell lines (PLC/PRF5-R1/R2) and parental cell lines (PLC/PRF5) to identify the miRNAs responsible for resistance. Drug sensitivity, migration/invasion capabilities, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) properties were analyzed by biochemical methods. The clinical relevance of the target genes to survival in HCC patients were assessed using a public database. Four miRNAs were significantly upregulated in PLC/PRF5-R1/-R2 compared with PLC/PRF5. Among them, miR-125b-5p mimic-transfected PLC/PRF5 cells (PLC/PRF5-miR125b) and showed a significantly higher IC50 for sorafenib compared with controls, while the other miRNA mimics did not. PLC/PRF5-miR125b showed lower E-cadherin and higher Snail and vimentin expression-findings similar to those for PLC/PRF5-R2-which suggests the induction of EMT in those cells. PLC/PRF5-miR125b exhibited significantly higher migration and invasion capabilities and induced sorafenib resistance in an in vivo mouse model. Bioinformatic analysis revealed ataxin-1 as a target gene of miR-125b-5p. PLC/PRF5 cells transfected with ataxin-1 siRNA showed a significantly higher IC50, higher migration/invasion capability, higher cancer stem cell population, and an EMT phenotype. Median overall survival in the low-ataxin-1 patient group was significantly shorter than in the high-ataxin-1 group. In conclusion, miR-125b-5p suppressed ataxin-1 and consequently induced Snail-mediated EMT and stemness, leading to a poor prognosis in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Hirao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Yasushi Sato
- Department of Community Medicine for Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
- Correspondence: (Y.S.); (T.T.); Tel.: +81-88-633-7124 (T.T.); Fax: +81-88-633-9235 (T.T.)
| | - Hironori Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Kensei Nishida
- Department of Pathophysiology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan;
| | - Tetsu Tomonari
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Misato Hirata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Masahiro Bando
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Yoshifumi Kida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Takahiro Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Tomoyuki Kawaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Hironori Wada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Tatsuya Taniguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Koichi Okamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Hiroshi Miyamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Naoki Muguruma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Toshihito Tanahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Tetsuji Takayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (A.H.); (H.T.); (T.T.); (M.H.); (M.B.); (Y.K.); (T.T.); (T.K.); (H.W.); (T.T.); (K.O.); (H.M.); (N.M.); (T.T.)
- Correspondence: (Y.S.); (T.T.); Tel.: +81-88-633-7124 (T.T.); Fax: +81-88-633-9235 (T.T.)
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35
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Guan X, Wu Y, Zhang S, Liu Z, Fan Q, Fang S, Qiao S, Sun F, Liang C. Activation of FcRn Mediates a Primary Resistance Response to Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:709343. [PMID: 34421602 PMCID: PMC8379008 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.709343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is the first-line therapeutic option for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Many patients exhibit a primary resistance (PR) response after initial treatment. In previous studies, compared to acquired resistance, the mechanism of PR is unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the response of patient samples to sorafenib by patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, and the differences at the transcriptome level between the sorafenib PR group and the sorafenib sensitive group were analyzed by single-cell sequencing technology. A specific cell cluster may be differentiated by the liver bud hepatic cells, and the JUN transcription factors in this cell cluster were highly activated. The albumin is secreted by other cell clusters, and the cluster stimulates the FcRn complex receptor to activate the HIF pathway and cell proliferation, resulting in a poor response to sorafenib. These findings are validated by both cell communication analysis and experiments. Thus, the current studies provided a novel approach for the treatment of sorafenib-resistant HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yi Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chongyang Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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36
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USP29-mediated HIF1α stabilization is associated with Sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by upregulating glycolysis. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:52. [PMID: 34272356 PMCID: PMC8285469 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00338-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms underlying evasive resistance in cancer is an unmet medical need to improve the efficacy of current therapies. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), aberrant expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF1α) and increased aerobic glycolysis metabolism are drivers of resistance to therapy with the multi-kinase inhibitor Sorafenib. However, it has remained unknown how HIF1α is activated and how its activity and the subsequent induction of aerobic glycolysis promote Sorafenib resistance in HCC. Here, we report the ubiquitin-specific peptidase USP29 as a new regulator of HIF1α and of aerobic glycolysis during the development of Sorafenib resistance in HCC. In particular, we identified USP29 as a critical deubiquitylase (DUB) of HIF1α, which directly deubiquitylates and stabilizes HIF1α and, thus, promotes its transcriptional activity. Among the transcriptional targets of HIF1α is the gene encoding hexokinase 2 (HK2), a key enzyme of the glycolytic pathway. The absence of USP29, and thus of HIF1α transcriptional activity, reduces the levels of aerobic glycolysis and restores sensitivity to Sorafenib in Sorafenib-resistant HCC cells in vitro and in xenograft transplantation mouse models in vivo. Notably, the absence of USP29 and high HK2 expression levels correlate with the response of HCC patients to Sorafenib therapy. Together, the data demonstrate that, as a DUB of HIF1α, USP29 promotes Sorafenib resistance in HCC cells, in parts by upregulating glycolysis, thereby opening new avenues for therapeutically targeting Sorafenib-resistant HCC in patients.
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37
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Zeng Z, Lu Q, Liu Y, Zhao J, Zhang Q, Hu L, Shi Z, Tu Y, Xiao Z, Xu Q, Huang D. Effect of the Hypoxia Inducible Factor on Sorafenib Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:641522. [PMID: 34307125 PMCID: PMC8292964 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.641522] [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: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is the first-line drug for treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mechanistically, it suppresses tumor angiogenesis, cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis. Although sorafenib effectively prolongs median survival rates of patients with advanced HCC, its efficacy is limited by drug resistance in some patients. In HCC, this resistance is attributed to multiple complex mechanisms. Previous clinical data has shown that HIFs expression is a predictor of poor prognosis, with further evidence demonstrating that a combination of sorafenib and HIFs-targeted therapy or HIFs inhibitors can overcome HCC sorafenib resistance. Here, we describe the molecular mechanism underlying sorafenib resistance in HCC patients, and highlight the impact of hypoxia microenvironment on sorafenib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zeng
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiliang Lu
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Junjun Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China.,Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Linjun Hu
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhan Shi
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Tu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zunqiang Xiao
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiuran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
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38
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Fornari F, Giovannini C, Piscaglia F, Gramantieri L. Elucidating the Molecular Basis of Sorafenib Resistance in HCC: Current Findings and Future Directions. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:741-757. [PMID: 34239844 PMCID: PMC8260177 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s285726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Sorafenib is the first multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for HCC and it has represented the standard of care for advanced HCC for almost 10 years, offering a survival benefit when compared to placebo. However, this benefit is limited, showing rare objective responses and a disease control rate approaching 50–60%, with most patients experiencing disease progression at 6 months. These scant results dictate the urgent need for strategies to overcome both primary and acquired resistance. Herein we report several mechanisms supporting resistance to sorafenib in HCC patients, including activation of oncogenic pathways. Among these, the AKT/mTOR pathway plays a crucial role being at the crossroad of multiple driving events. Autophagy, multidrug-resistant phenotype, hypoxia-related mechanisms and endoplasmic reticulum stress are gaining more and more relevance as crucial events driving the response to anticancer drugs, including sorafenib. Several HCC-specific miRNAs take part to the regulation of these cellular processes. Remarkably, molecularly targeted strategies able to overcome resistance in these settings have also been reported. So far, the vast majority of data has been derived from laboratory studies, which means the need for an extensive validation. Indeed, most of the possible drug associations displaying promising effects in improving sorafenib efficacy herein described derive from preclinical explorations. Notably, data obtained in animal models can be inconsistent with regard to the human disease for efficacy, safety, side effects, best formulation and pharmacokinetics. However, they represent the necessary preliminary step to improve the management of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fornari
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, St. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Catia Giovannini
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, St. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gramantieri
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Zheng S, Ni J, Li Y, Lu M, Yao Y, Guo H, Jiao M, Jin T, Zhang H, Yuan A, Wang Z, Yang Y, Chen Z, Wu H, Hu W. 2-Methoxyestradiol synergizes with Erlotinib to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma by disrupting the PLAGL2-EGFR-HIF-1/2α signaling loop. Pharmacol Res 2021; 169:105685. [PMID: 34022398 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Erlotinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor has been introduced into cancer chemotherapy. However, the therapeutic effects of erlotinib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain vaguely understood. Our previous study found that a hypoxia-mediated PLAGL2-EGFR-HIF-1/2α signaling loop in HCC decreased response to erlotinib. The current study has demonstrated that the combination of erlotinib and 2ME2 exerted synergistic antitumor effects against HCC. Further investigation showed that erlotinib increased the expression level of EGFR, HIF-2α, and PLAGL2, which contributes to the insensitivity of hypoxic HCC cells to erlotinib. The simultaneous exposure to 2ME2 effectively inhibited the expression level of EGFR, HIF-2α, and PLAGL2 that was induced by erlotinib. This contributes to the synergistic effect of the two therapeutic agents. Furthermore, the combination of erlotinib and 2ME2 induced apoptosis and inhibited the stemness of hypoxic HCC cells. Our findings potentially explain the mechanism of HCC insensitivity to erlotinib and provide a new strategy of combining EGFR and HIF1/2α inhibitors for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufang Zheng
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Experimental Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiaping Ni
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ying Li
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Mingying Lu
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yuchen Yao
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Haixin Guo
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Meng Jiao
- College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Experimental Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tianle Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Experimental Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haoying Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Experimental Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ansheng Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Experimental Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Experimental Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Hongxi Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Experimental Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Weiwei Hu
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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Chen YJ, Wu JY, Deng YY, Wu Y, Wang XQ, Li ASM, Wong LY, Fu XQ, Yu ZL, Liang C. Ginsenoside Rg3 in combination with artesunate overcomes sorafenib resistance in hepatoma cell and mouse models. J Ginseng Res 2021; 46:418-425. [PMID: 35600776 PMCID: PMC9120623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sorafenib is effective in treating hepatoma, but most patients develop resistance to it. STAT3 signaling has been implicated in sorafenib resistance. Artesunate (ART) and 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) have anti-hepatoma effects and can inhibit STAT3 signaling in cancer cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Rg3 in combination with ART (Rg3-plus-ART) in overcoming sorafenib resistance, and to examine the involvement of STAT3 signaling in these effects. Methods Sorafenib-resistant HepG2 cells (HepG2-SR) were used to evaluate the in vitro anti-hepatoma effects of Rg3-plus-ART. A HepG2-SR hepatoma-bearing BALB/c-nu/nu mouse model was used to assess the in vivo anti-hepatoma effects of Rg3-plus-ART. CCK-8 assays and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining were used to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Immunoblotting was employed to examine protein levels. ROS generation was examined by measuring DCF-DA fluorescence. Results Rg3-plus-ART synergistically reduced viability of, and evoked apoptosis in HepG2-SR cells, and suppressed HepG2-SR tumor growth in mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that Rg3-plus-ART inhibited activation/phosphorylation of Src and STAT3 in HepG2-SR cultures and tumors. The combination also decreased the STAT3 nuclear level and induced ROS production in HepG2-SR cultures. Furthermore, over-activation of STAT3 or removal of ROS diminished the anti-proliferative effects of Rg3-plus-ART, and removal of ROS diminished Rg3-plus-ART's inhibitory effects on STAT3 activation in HepG2-SR cells. Conclusions Rg3-plus-ART overcomes sorafenib resistance in experimental models, and inhibition of Src/STAT3 signaling and modulation of ROS/STAT3 signaling contribute to the underlying mechanisms. This study provides a pharmacological basis for developing Rg3-plus-ART into a novel modality for treating sorafenib-resistant hepatoma.
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Shrestha R, Bridle KR, Cao L, Crawford DHG, Jayachandran A. Dual Targeting of Sorafenib-Resistant HCC-Derived Cancer Stem Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:2150-2172. [PMID: 34208001 PMCID: PMC8293268 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28030200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib, an oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been the first-line therapy for the treatment of patients with advanced HCC, providing a survival benefit of only three months in approximately 30% of patients. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare tumour subpopulation with self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, and have been implicated in tumour growth, recurrence and drug resistance. The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to the generation and maintenance of the CSC population, resulting in immune evasion and therapy resistance in several cancers, including HCC. The aim of this study is to target the chemoresistant CSC population in HCC by assessing the effectiveness of a combination treatment approach with Sorafenib, an EMT inhibitor and an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). A stem-cell-conditioned serum-free medium was utilised to enrich the CSC population from the human HCC cell lines Hep3B, PLC/PRF/5 and HepG2. The anchorage independent spheres were characterised for CSC features. The human HCC-derived spheres were assessed for EMT status and expression of immune checkpoint molecules. The effect of combination treatment with SB431542, an EMT inhibitor, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of programmed cell death protein ligand-1 (PD-L1) or CD73 along with Sorafenib on human HCC-derived CSCs was examined with cell viability and apoptosis assays. The three-dimensional spheres enriched from human HCC cell lines demonstrated CSC-like features. The human HCC-derived CSCs also exhibited the EMT phenotype along with the upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules. The combined treatment with SB431542 and siRNA-mediated PD-L1 or CD73 knockdown effectively enhanced the cytotoxicity of Sorafenib against the CSC population compared to Sorafenib alone, as evidenced by the reduced size and proliferation of spheres. Furthermore, the combination treatment of Sorafenib with SB431542 and PD-L1 or CD73 siRNA resulted in an increased proportion of an apoptotic population, as evidenced by flow cytometry analysis. In conclusion, the combined targeting of EMT and immune checkpoint molecules with Sorafenib can effectively target the CSC tumour subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Shrestha
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia; (R.S.); (K.R.B.); (L.C.); (D.H.G.C.)
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia
| | - Kim R. Bridle
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia; (R.S.); (K.R.B.); (L.C.); (D.H.G.C.)
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia
| | - Lu Cao
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia; (R.S.); (K.R.B.); (L.C.); (D.H.G.C.)
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia
| | - Darrell H. G. Crawford
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia; (R.S.); (K.R.B.); (L.C.); (D.H.G.C.)
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia
| | - Aparna Jayachandran
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia; (R.S.); (K.R.B.); (L.C.); (D.H.G.C.)
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-4-2424-8058
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Ding ZN, Dong ZR, Chen ZQ, Yang YF, Yan LJ, Li HC, Liu KX, Yao CY, Yan YC, Yang CC, Li T. Effects of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and hypoxia-inducible factor-2α overexpression on hepatocellular carcinoma survival: A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:1487-1496. [PMID: 33393670 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) has been implicated in the clinical prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the results remain controversial. We aim to investigate the association of HIF-1α and HIF-2α overexpression with the prognosis and clinicopathological features of HCC. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until June 20, 2020. Meta-analysis was conducted to generate combined HRs with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI were also derived by fixed or random effect model. RESULTS Twenty-two studies involving 3238 patients were included. Combined data suggested that overexpression of HIF-1α in HCC was not only correlated with poorer OS [HR = 1.75 (95% CI: 1.53-2.00)] and DFS [HR = 1.64 (95% CI: 1.34-2.00)] but was also positively associated with vascular invasion [OR = 1.83 (95% CI: 1.36-2.48)], tumor size [OR = 1.36 (95% CI: 1.12-1.66)], and tumor number [1.74 (95% CI: 1.34-2.25)]. In contrast, HIF-2α overexpression was not associated with the prognosis and clinicopathological features of HCC. CONCLUSION Our data provided compelling evidence of a worse prognosis of HCC in HIF-1α overexpression patients but not HIF-2α overexpression ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Niu Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhao-Ru Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ya-Fei Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lun-Jie Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hai-Chao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kai-Xuan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng-Yu Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yu-Chuan Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chun-Cheng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Combined Inhibition of TGF-β1-Induced EMT and PD-L1 Silencing Re-Sensitizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Sorafenib Treatment. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10091889. [PMID: 33925488 PMCID: PMC8123871 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary hepatic malignancy. HCC is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. The oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sorafenib is the standard first-line therapy in patients with advanced unresectable HCC. Despite the significant survival benefit in HCC patients post treatment with Sorafenib, many patients had progressive disease as a result of acquiring drug resistance. Circumventing resistance to Sorafenib by exploring and targeting possible molecular mechanisms and pathways is an area of active investigation worldwide. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process allowing epithelial cells to assume mesenchymal traits. HCC tumour cells undergo EMT to become immune evasive and develop resistance to Sorafenib treatment. Immune checkpoint molecules control immune escape in many tumours, including HCC. The aim of this study is to investigate whether combined inhibition of EMT and immune checkpoints can re-sensitise HCC to Sorafenib treatment. Post treatment with Sorafenib, HCC cells PLC/PRF/5 and Hep3B were monitored for induction of EMT and immune checkpoint molecules using quantitative reverse transcriptase (qRT)- PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, and motility assays. The effect of combination treatment with SB431542, a specific inhibitor of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β receptor kinase, and siRNA mediated knockdown of programmed cell death protein ligand-1 (PD-L1) on Sorafenib resistance was examined using a cell viability assay. We found that three days of Sorafenib treatment activated EMT with overexpression of TGF-β1 in both HCC cell lines. Following Sorafenib exposure, increase in the expression of PD-L1 and other immune checkpoints was observed. SB431542 blocked the TGF-β1-mediated EMT in HCC cells and also repressed PD-L1 expression. Likewise, knockdown of PD-L1 inhibited EMT. Moreover, the sensitivity of HCC cells to Sorafenib was enhanced by combining a blockade of EMT with SB431542 and knockdown of PD-L1 expression. Sorafenib-induced motility was attenuated with the combined treatment of SB431542 and PD-L1 knockdown. Our findings indicate that treatment with Sorafenib induces EMT and expression of immune checkpoint molecules, which contributes to Sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. Thus, the combination treatment strategy of inhibiting EMT and immune checkpoint molecules can re-sensitise HCC cells to Sorafenib.
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Interplay of autophagy and cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:3695-3717. [PMID: 33893928 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06334-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. The most common type of liver cancers is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autophagy is the cellular digestion of harmful components by sequestering the waste products into autophagosomes followed by lysosomal degradation for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The impairment of autophagy is highly associated with the development and progression of HCC although autophagy may be involved in tumour-suppressing cellular events. In regards to its protecting role, autophagy also shelters the cells from anoikis- a programmed cell death in anchorage-dependent cells detached from the surrounding extracellular matrix which facilitates metastasis in HCC. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) have the ability for self-renewal and differentiation and are associated with the development and progression of HCC by regulating stemness, resistance and angiogenesis. Interestingly, autophagy is also known to regulate normal stem cells by promoting cellular survival and differentiation and maintaining cellular homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the basal autophagic mechanisms and double-faceted roles of autophagy as both tumour suppressor and tumour promoter in HCC, as well as its association with and contribution to self-renewal and differentiation of LCSCs.
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Li W, Liu K, Chen Y, Zhu M, Li M. Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Drug Resistance. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1126-1142. [PMID: 32729413 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999200729151247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of primary liver cancer and a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide because of its high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Surgical resection is currently the major treatment measure for patients in the early and middle stages of the disease. Because due to late diagnosis, most patients already miss the opportunity for surgery upon disease confirmation, conservative chemotherapy (drug treatment) remains an important method of comprehensive treatment for patients with middle- and late-stage liver cancer. However, multidrug resistance (MDR) in patients with HCC severely reduces the treatment effect and is an important obstacle to chemotherapeutic success. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC. The serum expression levels of AFP in many patients with HCC are increased, and a persistently increased AFP level is a risk factor for HCC progression. Many studies have indicated that AFP functions as an immune suppressor, and AFP can promote malignant transformation during HCC development and might be involved in the process of MDR in patients with liver cancer. This review describes drug resistance mechanisms during HCC drug treatment and reviews the relationship between the mechanism of AFP in HCC development and progression and HCC drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
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Hypoxia-Induced Cancer Cell Responses Driving Radioresistance of Hypoxic Tumors: Approaches to Targeting and Radiosensitizing. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051102. [PMID: 33806538 PMCID: PMC7961562 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Some regions of aggressive malignancies experience hypoxia due to inadequate blood supply. Cancer cells adapting to hypoxic conditions somehow become more resistant to radiation exposure and this decreases the efficacy of radiotherapy toward hypoxic tumors. The present review article helps clarify two intriguing points: why hypoxia-adapted cancer cells turn out radioresistant and how they can be rendered more radiosensitive. The critical molecular targets associated with intratumoral hypoxia and various approaches are here discussed which may be used for sensitizing hypoxic tumors to radiotherapy. Abstract Within aggressive malignancies, there usually are the “hypoxic zones”—poorly vascularized regions where tumor cells undergo oxygen deficiency through inadequate blood supply. Besides, hypoxia may arise in tumors as a result of antiangiogenic therapy or transarterial embolization. Adapting to hypoxia, tumor cells acquire a hypoxia-resistant phenotype with the characteristic alterations in signaling, gene expression and metabolism. Both the lack of oxygen by itself and the hypoxia-responsive phenotypic modulations render tumor cells more radioresistant, so that hypoxic tumors are a serious challenge for radiotherapy. An understanding of causes of the radioresistance of hypoxic tumors would help to develop novel ways for overcoming this challenge. Molecular targets for and various approaches to radiosensitizing hypoxic tumors are considered in the present review. It is here analyzed how the hypoxia-induced cellular responses involving hypoxia-inducible factor-1, heat shock transcription factor 1, heat shock proteins, glucose-regulated proteins, epigenetic regulators, autophagy, energy metabolism reprogramming, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and exosome generation contribute to the radioresistance of hypoxic tumors or may be inhibited for attenuating this radioresistance. The pretreatments with a multitarget inhibition of the cancer cell adaptation to hypoxia seem to be a promising approach to sensitizing hypoxic carcinomas, gliomas, lymphomas, sarcomas to radiotherapy and, also, liver tumors to radioembolization.
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Li D, Wang T, Sun FF, Feng JQ, Peng JJ, Li H, Wang C, Wang D, Liu Y, Bai YD, Shi ML, Zhang T. MicroRNA-375 represses tumor angiogenesis and reverses resistance to sorafenib in hepatocarcinoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2021; 28:126-140. [PMID: 32616906 PMCID: PMC7886652 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-020-0191-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib was originally identified as an inhibitor of multiple oncogenic kinases and remains the first-line systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play critical roles in the initiation, progression, and drug resistance of HCC. In this study, we aimed to identify sorafenib-induced miRNAs and demonstrate their regulatory roles. First, we identified that the expression of the tumor-suppressive miRNA miR-375 was significantly induced in hepatoma cells treated with sorafenib, and miR-375 could exert its antiangiogenic effect partially via platelet-derived growth factor C (PDGFC) inhibition. Then, we demonstrated that sorafenib inhibited PDGFC expression by inducing the expression of miR-375 and a transcription factor, achaete-scute homolog-1 (ASH1), mediated the induction of miR-375 by sorafeinb administration in hepatoma cells. Finally, we verified that the expression of miR-375 was reduced in sorafenib-resistant cells and that the restoration of miR-375 could resensitize sorafenib-resistant cells to sorafenib partially by the degradation of astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1). In conclusion, our data demonstrate that miR-375 is a critical determinant of HCC angiogenesis and sorafenib tolerance, revealing a novel miRNA-mediated mechanism underlying sorafenib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Fei-Fan Sun
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jian-Qiong Feng
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jing-Jing Peng
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Pathology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yu-Di Bai
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Mao-Lin Shi
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan Province, China.
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Stabilization of snail maintains the sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 699:108754. [PMID: 33450239 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.108754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is one of the major challenges for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with sorafenib. Our present study found that sorafenib resistant (SR) HCC cells showed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics with the downregulation of epithelial marker and upregulation of mesenchymal makers. The expression of Snail, a core factor of EMT, was increased in HCC/SR cells, while knockdown of Snail can restore sorafenib sensitivity and EMT potential of HCC/SR cells. Further, the upregulation of protein stability was responsible for the upregulation of Snail in HCC/SR cells. ATM and CSN2, which can stabilize Snail protein, were increased in HCC/SR cells. Knockdown of ATM and CSN2 can suppress the expression of Snail and increase sorafenib sensitivity of HCC/SR cells. It indicated that targeted inhibition of Snail might be helpful to overcome sorafenib resistance of HCC patients.
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Silencing KIF14 reverses acquired resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:22975-23003. [PMID: 33203790 PMCID: PMC7746348 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104028] [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: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
For nearly a decade, sorafenib has served as a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but it displays only limited efficacy against advanced drug-resistant HCC. Regorafenib, the first second-line drug approved for treatment after sorafenib failure, can reverse resistance to sorafenib. We used bioinformatics methods to identify genes whose expression was differentially induced by sorafenib and regorafenib in HCC. We identified KIF14 as an oncogene involved in the acquired resistance to sorafenib in HCC and investigated its potential as a target for reversing this resistance. Sustained exposure of resistant HCC cells to sorafenib activated the AKT pathway, which in turn upregulated KIF14 expression by increasing expression of the transcription factor ETS1. Silencing KIF14 reversed the acquired resistance to sorafenib by inhibiting AKT activation and downregulating ETS1 expression by blocking the AKT-ETS1-KIF14 positive feedback loop. Moreover, injection of siKIF14 with sorafenib suppressed growth of sorafenib-resistant HCC tumors in mice. These results demonstrate that targeting KIF14 could be an effective means of reversing sorafenib failure or strengthening sorafenib's antitumor effects.
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Vishnoi K, Viswakarma N, Rana A, Rana B. Transcription Factors in Cancer Development and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020. [PMID: 32824207 DOI: 10.339/cancers12082296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multi-step process and requires constitutive expression/activation of transcription factors (TFs) for growth and survival. Many of the TFs reported so far are critical for carcinogenesis. These include pro-inflammatory TFs, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-controlling TFs, pluripotency TFs upregulated in cancer stem-like cells, and the nuclear receptors (NRs). Some of those, including HIFs, Myc, ETS-1, and β-catenin, are multifunctional and may regulate multiple other TFs involved in various pro-oncogenic events, including proliferation, survival, metabolism, invasion, and metastasis. High expression of some TFs is also correlated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance, constituting a significant challenge in cancer treatment. Considering the pivotal role of TFs in cancer, there is an urgent need to develop strategies targeting them. Targeting TFs, in combination with other chemotherapeutics, could emerge as a better strategy to target cancer. So far, targeting NRs have shown promising results in improving survival. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the TFs that play a central role in cancer progression, which could be potential therapeutic candidates for developing specific inhibitors. Here, we also discuss the efforts made to target some of those TFs, including NRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Vishnoi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Navin Viswakarma
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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